Sanlorenzo Launches 50Steel – The Only Superyacht To Use A Green Methanol Fuel System For Onboard Energy

During the 2024 Élite Days, Sanlorenzo unveiled the 50Steel, marking a radical and significant step toward carbon neutrality. This launch introduces the world’s first superyacht equipped with a Green Methanol Reformer Fuel Cell system, capable of powering onboard hotel systems with zero emissions.

The 50Steel, which will be delivered in July 2024,  also debuts the innovative HER (Hidden Engine Room) system, which maximizes space to create an additional living area, redefining traditional yacht layouts.

“With the launch of the 50Steel, Sanlorenzo celebrates a fundamental milestone in its history, in the spirit of innovation and sustainability. The new line of superyachts embodies the pioneering spirit and passion for challenges that have always guided us in the design and construction of our fleet”, declares Cav. Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group. “I believe what sets us apart is the ability to drive industry innovation, embracing cutting-edge solutions not only in design, always elegant and comfortable, but also in the field of technology and sustainability, to achieve the ambitious goals of reducing our environmental footprint.”

Technological Innovation and Sustainability

Green Methanol Fuel Cell System : In collaboration with Siemens Energy, the 50Steel’s modular Reformer Fuel Cell transforms green methanol into hydrogen and subsequently into electrical energy, eliminating the need to store hydrogen onboard. This system can generate up to 100kW of power, significantly reducing diesel fuel consumption and emissions during anchor periods. This new system, which is completely carbon neutral, with significantly increase time spent at anchor without fuel consumption, covering about 90% of the typical usage time of a superyacht with zero emissions.

HER System (Hidden Engine Room) : Sanlorenzo’s patented HER system reinterprets space, distributing technical areas horizontally to free up additional living space in the lower deck. From the usual two levels occupied, now there is a horizontal development of the propulsion systems and a new distribution of the technical area in the under lower deck. This redesign introduces the Ocean Lounge, seamlessly connected to the aft Beach Club and guest areas, including a gym and spa.

Unprecedented Volumes and Elegant Spaces

Spanning five staggered decks, the 50Steel offers expansive, barrier-free areas while maintaining a clean, essential exterior profile designed by Zuccon International Project studio. This new and disruptive internal architecture is imperceptible from the external profile, which maintains a clean and essential line, in Sanlorenzo style, thanks to the innovative design by Zuccon International Project studio.

Ascending five steps from the Ocean Lounge, you reach the main deck and the heart of 50Steel, consisting of a spacious and sophisticated salon, that epitomizes the essence of the onboard experience. The stairs, designed to let light through, run through the interior of the boat connecting different areas, from the area dedicated to the gym and spa on the lower deck, to the second salon on the upper deck.

In the middle is the dining room which, thanks to layout opportunities, takes on a new dimension on the 50Steel: clear heights vary from 2.1 meters up to 3.35 meters. The alteration of the traditional distribution system of spaces has allowed for the optimization of every corner of the boat: 50Steel accommodates four guest cabins and one for the owner, as well as two pools respectively on the aft Beach Club and on the sun deck.

The connection between the different areas is also enhanced externally: the three upper levels are connected via a system of stairs, with maximum level differences of one and a half meters, which do not affect the profile of the boat. Remaining consistent with the principle of maximizing onboard comfort that characterizes Sanlorenzo yachts, the aft Beach Club, with its three open terraces, becomes, when anchored, a 150 sqm beach on the sea.

The synergy among the various spaces is also achieved thanks to the project by Piero Lissoni, the signature behind the interior design of this first unit. Reinventing classic past styles in a contemporary key, Sanlorenzo’s Art director has created spaces imbued with sophistication conferred by elements such as coffered ceilings and dark wood walls. For this complex and challenging project, Piero Lissoni has employed 3D technology for the first time, allowing the technical model developed by Sanlorenzo to be overlaid with the architectural model, ensuring optimal control over every detail.

TECHNICAL DATA

Overall length: 49.99m
Maximum beam: 9.40m
Design draft: 2.96m
Gross tonnage: 499 GT approx.
Hull: Steel
Superstructure: Aluminum
Guest accomodation: 10 people
Crew accomodation: 9 people
Engines: MAN D2862-LE489 1066 kW (1450 PS) @ 2100 RPM
Generators: 1 x 118 kW
Maximum speed (approx) (*): 16 knots
Cruising speed (approx) (*): 12,5 knots
Economical speed (approx) (*): 11 knots
Autonomy at economical speed (approx): 4,000 nm
Fuel capacity: 55,000 lt