—by Julia Zaltzman
From the world’s largest sportfisher to the first zero-emission superyacht, 2024 looks set to be a watershed for maritime design. Here, we preview some of the prestige vessels making a splash in the coming months.
01 Project Zero by Vripack
Does a single sailing superyacht have the power to transform an entire industry? Meet Project Zero, a 62m classic sailer and the world’s first fossil fuel-free superyacht where guest comfort is high and environmental impact low. The work of Dutch design studio Vripack, Zero is ecological in both consumption and production, harnessing three forms of alternative energy: hydro, solar and wind. Arriving in 2025, the Zero is equipped with advanced lithium-ion batteries that are calculated at five megawatt hours and can store 6720 kWh (equivalent to 88 Tesla cars). Secondary energy-generation kit includes wind turbines in the rig, marine-grade solar panels that electronically pivot to capture the most sun, and two power kites to harness wind power. The large high-performance sails are also a draw for regatta regulars. If ever there was a yacht that could change the status quo, Zero is it.
02 Almax by Sanlorenzo
First came battery, then came hydrogen, now methanol is stepping into the spotlight as the green marine fuel du jour. Built for Sanlorenzo CEO Massimo Perotti but also available to order for delivery in 2027, the striking 50m Almax is the first hull in the Italian yard’s 50Steel series. Setting a new benchmark in ecoconscious cruising, the Almax is the world’s first yacht equipped with biomethanol cells to power onboard systems such as aircon and lighting, meaning you can sit at anchor completely emissionfree. With exteriors by Zuccon International Project and interiors by prominent architect Piero Lissoni, the five-decked beauty increases the amount of living space typically found on a yacht of this size by relegating the engine room to the tank deck. In fact, it frees up enough space to add an ‘ocean lounge’ on the lower deck together with a gym, spa and guest accommodation. There is also a main deck salon and dining room with 3.5m-high coffered ceilings, two pools and a vast beach club with three fold-out sea terraces.
03 Special One by Vripack
The largest sportfisher on record was delivered by renowned Dutch builder Royal Huisman in June. With Netherlands-based studio Vripack taking responsibility for the naval architecture, exterior and interior design, the 52m all-aluminium motor yacht combines the silhouette of a typical American fisher with a long flaring bow, high bulwarks to displace approaching waves and a six-decked tuna tower. Much like the fish its owner is intent on catching, Special One is a behemoth of the seas. The low and uncluttered aft cockpit is where the action takes place, while four large decks give spectators a front-row seat. Equipped with live bait wells, rod holders, freezers, tuna tubes and the best fighting chair on the market, there’s also a bait and tackle room forward of the cockpit. A cinema screen on the foredeck with studio-quality speakers enhances the celebratory postcatch atmosphere, and laser-powered lighting ensures every element shines bright after sunset.
04 Project 821 by Feadship
Project 821 has been five years in the making, and for good reason. The 118m custom build is the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, taking the combustion-free technology of electric cars to the water. Though Bill Gates is footing the bill for this supercharged innovation, the Microsoft co-founder has listed it for sale prior to delivery. Dutch yard Feadship partnered with Edmiston and Lloyd’s Register to develop appropriately scaled equipment, with two Norwegian ferries due to enter service next year using the system pioneered for this more compact and luxurious watercraft. That’s no easy feat when storing 4 tonnes of compressed liquid hydrogen below deck at -253ÅãC requires a cryogenic storage tank 10 times the size of a traditional fuel tank. Then there are the fuel cells and vent stacks for escaping water vapour that add an extra 4m to the already 100m-plus vessel, which sees it edge out Mark Zuckerberg’s recently delivered Launchpad as the largest motor yacht launched in the Netherlands. Project 821 also features the most efficient heat recovery system yet developed, powering everything from the pool, jacuzzi and steam room to the bathroom floors. Interiors sport a mix of textured leathers, marble, rattan and smoked eucalypt panelling. The owners’ deck includes two ensuite bedrooms, a gym, two offices and a living room, not to mention a secret staircase lined with bookshelves.
05 Seawolf X by Rossinavi
This yacht’s name is more than apt, for it is an AI-enabled hybrid-electric wolf wrapped in superyacht clothing. Italian builder Rossinavi’s first catamaran comprises a sports car-esque exterior by Fulvio de Simoni Yacht Design and nature-inspired interiors by New York-based Meyer Davis Studio. Even during transatlantic crossings the newly delivered 43m vessel can cruise in electric mode for 80 per cent of the time, thanks in part to the onboard artificial intelligence system providing real-time suggestions for energy efficiency. The outdoor living areas include a convivial cockpit centred around a pool, an expansive sundeck and the ultimate bow area with a second hidden pool and home theatre.