The Future of Eco-Friendly Superyachts

Solar-Powered Yachts

Much like the solar panels you may see on the roof of a house or lined in a sunny field, solar-powered yachts use photovoltaic panels to capture energy from the sunlight. This is then stored in large batteries onboard and later discharged to power electric propulsion motors. Space has typically been a constraining factor for this technology. Still, the likes of Silent Yachts have shown this can be addressed by positioning the panels on top of the fly and exterior deck.

Hydrogen Yachts

Rather than storing energy in batteries, hydrogen-powered yachts carry liquid hydrogen in cryogenic tanks at -253°C. It is then fed into fuel cells where it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity – the only by-product is water vapour, so no carbon dioxide is emitted. Hydrogen yachts face similar issues with regards to space, namely that it requires 8-10x more room than diesel for the equivalent energy; however, Feadship’s Breakthrough, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell vessel, hopes to overcome this with the construction of a dedicated cryogenic storage room.

Methanol Yachts

Methanol is currently getting a significant amount of attention as one of the maritime industry’s most promising sustainable fuels thanks to Rolls-Royce’s work in Germany. It demonstrated that by redesigning the combustion process (methanol doesn’t spontaneously ignite as diesel does), the engine can run smoothly. As green methanol produces fewer pollutants than fossil fuels, is biodegradable as well as easy to store, it presents a compelling case for shipyards looking to cut emissions.

Hybrid Yachts

For some time, hybrid yachts have been viewed as the transitional bridge between conventional diesel propulsion and zero-emission alternatives. Systems from organisations like e-Motion Hybrid show just how effective this can be. Owners can spend 95 per cent of their time on board running entirely on electric power generated through onshore charging and batteries charged while cruising using the diesel engine. Should circumstances necessitate it, captains can switch back to diesel power at the mere push of a button.

Electric Yachts

While strides have been made with smaller models, the fully electric superyacht is still yet to be achieved. The size and weight of the battery on board increase the amount of energy required to power it and range anxiety remains a real obstacle. Concepts like the 220-foot Silenzio have shown what a fossil fuel-free superyacht of this size could look like, but for now, fully electric propulsion remains best suited to smaller yachts and catamarans.