Today at the Blue Innovation Dock at Boot Düsseldorf, a press conference was held titled “Innovation and Sustainability: Sanlorenzo and MAN partner to develop the first yacht with a bi-fuel engine”. During the event, Sanlorenzo presented the innovative project, developed in partnership with MAN, for the creation of the first bi-fuel green methanol propulsion system. This groundbreaking system will be installed on the new 50 X-Space and will enable a reduction in navigation emissions by up to 70%.
The project is part of the “Road to 2030” strategy, reaffirming the company’s pioneering role in technological innovation aimed at reducing environmental impact and positioning sustainability as a strategic lever for business growth. This ambitious path anticipates and exceeds global and European regulatory standards, with the goal of developing the first carbon-neutral yacht by the end of the decade, supported by strategic partnerships with international players.
“We are proud to present today, alongside a major global player like MAN, an ambitious project that we are confident will contribute to revolutionizing the entire yachting sector,” stated Cav. Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group. “Today, the choice in favor of sustainable mobility and yachting is not optional. Now more than ever, the industry and infrastructure services have the critical role of promoting the most sustainable development of the sector possible, leveraging the collaboration of all stakeholders involved. Innovation has always been one of Sanlorenzo’s core values, and once again, we confirm our role as pioneers in introducing cutting-edge technological solutions. In this sense, the 50 X-Space project will set a new benchmark for sustainability in yachting, benefiting not only the sector but beyond.”
“At MAN Engines, we are committed to simplifying our customers’ business through leading sustainable solutions. The use of alternative fuels, hybrid and battery technologies is a central part of our green transformation. We are pleased to be able to contribute further to the reduction of CO2 emissions in this project with the methanol bi-fuel drive in cooperation with Sanlorenzo and our other partners. “, said Mikael Lindner, Head of MAN Engines.
In 2024, Sanlorenzo made significant strides toward sustainability with the launch of two groundbreaking models: the 50Steel, the world’s first yacht equipped with a green methanol Fuel Cell system capable of converting methanol into hydrogen and then into electricity to power onboard hotellerie systems through a fully carbon-neutral process; and the BGH-HSV (Hydrogen Support Vessel) by Bluegame, the first chase boat powered exclusively by hydrogen, achieving zero emissions. This vessel can reach speeds of 50 knots with a range of 180 miles and was designed to support two challenger teams in the most recent edition of the America’s Cup.
Methanol: A Key Choice for the Future of Yachting
The decision to use methanol for bi-fuel engine propulsion stems from the fact that this fuel is one of the most promising alternatives for the future of maritime transport: it is liquid at ambient temperature, biodegradable, and safe to handle. It does not require dedicated infrastructure, only the adaptation of existing facilities, and is already available in over 100 ports globally. Additionally, if produced from renewable sources (so-called “green methanol”), it is a zero-emission fuel, in line with net-zero goals. Furthermore, the number of vessels with methanol engines and “green corridors” for its use is steadily increasing, especially in Northern Europe, where green methanol is available for passenger ships.
Although recreational boating represents only 0.22% of greenhouse gas emissions within the entire maritime sector, Sanlorenzo has made sustainability a strategic priority, surpassing the targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union. With the launch of the 50 X-Space, scheduled for 2027, which will enable a 70% reduction in navigation emissions, Sanlorenzo will significantly exceed not only the IMO’s 70% reduction target for 2040 but also the more ambitious 55% target set by the EU’s Fit for 55 agenda for 2030.
The LIFE MYSTIC Project
The bi-fuel propulsion system to be installed on the 50 X-Space is part of the LIFE MYSTIC project, promoted and co-financed by the European Union. The shipyard has joined this initiative in collaboration with Ranieri Tonissi, one of MAN’s development partners for the engines, and Nanni Industries for the generators. Coordinated by Sanlorenzo, the project was launched in June 2024, will last 54 months, and involves a total investment of over 4.8 million euros, with 60% of the funding covered by EU grants under the “Circular Economy and Quality of Life” funding line of the LIFE program.
LIFE MYSTIC aims to install two high-speed, four-stroke MAN diesel engines and two four-stroke diesel generators from Nanni Industries aboard a yacht—adapted to operate on a green methanol/diesel bi-fuel combination. The goal is to test the engines and generators for yachts powered by a mix of diesel and methanol, with significant expected results:
– Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: 150 t/y CO2eq
– Reduction in fossil fuel primary energy consumption: 700 MWh/y
– Reduction in air quality contamination: 630 kg/y
Sanlorenzo will be responsible for adapting the yacht’s design by reconfiguring the diesel fuel tanks to accommodate methanol and integrating the new distribution system, completing the bi-fuel conversion of the entire vessel. Due to its complexity, LIFE MYSTIC represents a significant step forward in the sustainability journey of the yachting sector and will bring benefits to the entire maritime industry, promoting technological development and strengthening the alternative fuel distribution chain.