A few shipyards are installing hydrogen fuel cells and methanol fuel cells to dramatically reduce emissions from superyachts. Still others are filling their clients’ tanks with biofuel before they take delivery. Sanlorenzo has taken a different approach in conjunction with the engine company MAN. Together, they’ve developed a bi-fuel propulsion system that will debut on the Sanlorenzo 50 X-Space yacht series.
The X-Space range blends explorer and more traditional cruiser (a.k.a. naveta) styling and spaces. Currently, Sanlorenzo is redesigning the 50 X-Space yacht to accommodate the different setup, which also impacts tankage. Specifically, two high-speed, four-stroke MAN diesel engines and two four-stroke Nanni diesel gensets will be aboard. They’re altered to run on a mix of green methanol and diesel. (Green methanol is methanol that results from renewable processes and without harmful emissions.) Green methanol will be responsible for 70 percent of propulsion and hotel loads, while diesel fuel will handle the remainder. Therefore, the traditional diesel fuel tankage capacity will be much lower as well.
Both Sanlorenzo and MAN anticipate strong results from the Sanlorenzo 50 X-Space yacht’s bi-fuel system. For example, they expect a reduction in emissions up to 70 percent while the yacht is underway. Greenhouse gas emissions should be lower by the equivalent of 150 tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, they believe it will result in about 1,389 pounds (630 kilograms) fewer air contaminants.
Generally, methanol is gaining ground in yachting, and across the maritime sector, for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s liquid at ambient temperature. Secondly, it’s already available globally in more than 100 ports. Particularly applicable to green methanol, Northern Europe is developing a Green Corridor. This interconnected route will support regularly traveling vessels by providing carbon-neutral fuels for bunkering.
Sanlorenzo and MAN have been working toward this goal since last summer. The two are part of a European Union initiative that provides grant money to reduce emissions. Furthermore, Sanlorenzo says the yacht’s 70-percent emissions reduction will exceed both the European Union’s and the IMO’s targets well in advance. The EU wants to reduce emissions by 55 percent by 2030, while the IMO is striving for a 70-perent reduction by 2040.
The first Sanlorenzo 50 X-Space yacht is set for launch in 2027. Although this is the first dual-fuel project for the shipyard, she isn’t its first alternative-fuel launch. The 50 Steel that just debuted last year features a methanol fuel-cell system for handling the hotel loads. Its sister company Bluegame, meanwhile, designed and built two chase boats for America’s Cup teams during last year’s race that run entirely on hydrogen. Each reportedly can top out at 50 knots and enjoy a range of 180 miles.
There’ s no word yet on whether the new propulsion system will extend to the rest of the X-Space range. The range includes models like the 44 X-Space, to which the yacht La La Land belongs. However, Massimo Perotti, executive chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group (which also owns the boatbuilding brand Bluegame), sees the development making a significant difference. In fact, he calls it “an ambitious project that we are confident will contribute to revolutionizing the entire yachting sector.”
“The use of alternative fuels, hybrid, and battery technologies is a central part of our green transformation,” adds Mikael Lindner, head of MAN Engines. “We are pleased to be able to contribute further to the reduction of CO2 emissions in this project.”
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