Powering into a Sustainable Future

Like us at Simpson Marine, all of our brands are adding a major focus on sustainability to their operations and are developing and delivering yachts that have a lighter footprint. We are particularly proud to see some of them leading the way with forward-thinking innovations and technologies centred around sustainability.

How yachts are powered and propelled is one way to have significant impact, and there has been a huge amount of research and development in this field in recent years with a number of exciting initiatives around alternative energies. Sanlorenzo has championed sustainability as a key element of its “Road to 2030” strategy and has made several alliances in the world of propulsion and energy, partnering with Siemens Energy, Rolls-Royce and MTU. At the recent Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, Sanlorenzo announced an agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop a methanol propulsion system, with a prototype to be installed on a Sanlorenzo build due for delivery in 2026. The agreement is with the brand’s business unit Power Systems and its product and solution brand MTU for the installation of the systems. This announcement comes hot on the heels of a partnership between Sanlorenzo and Siemens Energy announced in early 2022, which will see the brands collaborate on the integration of fuel cells powered by hydrogen from methanol to produce energy on board yachts ranging from 24 to 80 metres. It will be fascinating to watch the development of this new technology and its usage on yachts.

Like its parent brand Sanlorenzo, Bluegame also has sustainability in its DNA. The yard has worked hard to keep this focus at the forefront of the construction and the design process. The yard’s new BGM75 model is a fantastic example of a yacht with a lighter impact – with reduced fuel consumption, a highly efficient hull form and lightweight construction materials, and use of solar panels, this is a yacht of the future. Bluegame is also working to design and build the hydrogen-powered chase boat for the American Magic team at the next America’s Cup. This will provide a valuable test programme for of these new and exciting technologies, and the BGM65HH (hydrogen-hybrid) model, to be launched in 2025, is the first Bluegame model that will accommodate this cutting-edge technology.

The entire Beneteau Group, including the Beneteau and Lagoon brands, is implementing sustainable production processes throughout their operations. The Group has developed five main pillars aiming to minimise their effects on the environment. These objectives include reducing the consumption of water and raw materials, which has already decreased by 20% in the past few years; reducing energy consumption by improving site strategy efficiency; reducing polluting emissions and limiting the impacts of transportation; ensuring effective control over waste generation; and cutting down food waste. Many of the latest Lagoon models, such as the Lagoon 51, which is fully autonomous (except for air conditioning), thanks to the XXL solar panels on the roof providing more than 3,400 watts of power, are a tangible demonstration of the way these pillars are being applied to everything the brand does and this is an excellent indication of things to come.

Fairline has also expressed its commitment to becoming more environmentally friendly, and is investing in hybrid technology, with all new designs capable of being fitted with lithium-battery technology and hybrid-propulsion systems. Depending on the size of the yacht, Fairline also abides by regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Aquila Power Catamarans are also backing new technologies – one example of this is the introduction of a foil system on their Aquila 36 model, which has reduced fuel consumption by an impressive 50% and increased cruising speed and stability. They also offer extensive solar panel options for their yachts, and hybrid engines are under development for new builds, one example of which is the new flagship coming to Asia, Aquila 70.

There is much activity to celebrate and inspire – we are truly powering into the future, and we are excited to see even more developments and positive changes for the better. You can read more detail about the sustainable activity of individual yards in the feature stories throughout the rest of the magazine. Keep sailing sustainably!