Sanlorenzo outlines sustainability agreements with Siemens Energy

alt="Sanlorenzo outlines sustainability agreements with Siemens Energy"/>

Sanlorenzo has signed an agreement with Siemens Energy for the exclusive development of integrating fuel cell technology for the 24-80m yachting sector, along with contracts for diesel-electric and hybrid systems. The agreements will enable the creation of new technologies aimed at significantly reducing the impact of yacht usage on the marine ecosystem.

Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo, said: “We are very proud to have signed these agreements with Siemens Energy, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. By sharing our experience and resources, we will be able to best meet the challenges of sustainability by pioneering the development of a new generation of technologies that will mark a major shift in the yachting industry.”

The collaboration on including methanol fuel-cell systems for generating electricity on board will allow a vessel to generate electricity when the engines and generators are off, so extending the time spent at anchor and manoeuvring without consuming diesel.

The project aims to create a ‘net-zero GHG emission’ system compatible with the limited space available on board and with use in a marine environment. The first prototype will be installed on a 50m Sanlorenzo hybrid superyacht scheduled to launch in early 2024 for delivery later that year.

The separate agreements focusing on new-generation diesel-electric and hybrid-propulsion systems are intended for application on yacht models over 50m and below 50m respectively. Both systems aim to reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption, and will be integrated with the latest generation of lithium batteries and hotel utility management systems.

Siemens will evolve the diesel-electric technology already used on megayachts in terms of energy efficiency, and will improve hybrid propulsion technology in terms of size, costs and ease of use. The first signed order in the diesel-electric agreement covers the application on three Sanlorenzo superyachts from 50-70m, while the first signed order for hybrid-propulsion will be implemented on the new SD90S model scheduled to launch in 2022.

For both the diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion systems, it will also be possible to integrate electrical generation via fuel-cell technology in the future.

Ermanno Delogu, Country Business Unit Head at Siemens Energy, said: “Together with our partner Sanlorenzo, we support our customers on their way to a more sustainable future. We have the know-how and innovative technologies. Together we turn ideas into reality and aim to play a leading role in the yachting sector.”