Sanlorenzo has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards carbon neutrality with the launch of the first unit of its 50Steel – the world’s first superyacht with a Green Methanol Reformer Fuel Cell system, capable of powering the onboard hotel systems with zero emissions.
The 50Steel will also introduce another innovation to the market in the shape of the HER (Hidden Engine Room) system. This is a revolutionary new onboard concept that has allowed for the maximisation of space to create an additional living area, modifying the traditional layout of the boat.
“With the launch of the 50Steel, Sanlorenzo celebrates a fundamental milestone in its history, in the spirit of innovation and sustainability,” says Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group. “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.
“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.”
The Green Methanol Fuel Cell System
The 50Steel’s modular Reformer – Fuel Cell system, developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, is capable of transforming green methanol into hydrogen and then into electrical energy to power all the yacht’s hotel systems without storing hydrogen on board.
This revolutionary solution will allow the ship to generate electrical energy up to a maximum of 100kW, with propulsion engines and diesel generators turned off: the system, completely carbon-neutral, significantly increases the time spent at anchor without diesel fuel consumption, covering about 90% of the typical usage time of a superyacht with zero emissions.
The HER System (Hidden Engine Room)
Patented by Sanlorenzo, the HER system allows for new ways of interpreting space while keeping the yachtunder 500 tons of displacement and enables a redesigned layout of the engine room.
Horizontal development of the propulsion systems and new distribution of the technical area in the under lower deck has allowed for the exploitation of new spaces in the lower deck area. This includes an additional lounge, the Ocean Lounge, which is directly connected on one side with the large aft Beach Club equipped with a pool, and on the other side with the guest area, where cabins are complemented by a gym and a spa area.
Unprecedented volumes and elegant spaces in perfect Sanlorenzo style, the 50Steel spans over five staggered decks, creating spacious areas and reducing partitions and barriers. This new anddisruptive internal architecture is imperceptible from the external profile, which maintains a clean and essential line thanks to the innovative design by Zuccon International Project studio.
Ascending five steps from the Ocean Lounge, the main deck and the heart of 50Steel is reached, consisting of a spacious and sophisticated salon, that epitomizes the essence of the onboard experience.
Designed to let light enter, the stairs 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, the dining room takes on a new dimension on the 50Steel: with ceiling heights varying from 2.1-metres up to 3.35-metres.
The alteration of the traditional layout has allowed for the optimisation of every corner of the boat, with the 50Steel accommodating four guest cabins and one for the owner, as well as two pools on the aft Beach Club and on the sun deck respectively.
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 metres, which do not affect the profile of the boat.
Remaining consistent with the principle of maximising onboard comfort that characterises Sanlorenzo yachts, the aft Beach Club, with its three open terraces, becomes, when anchored, a 150 sqm beach on the sea.
Piero Lissoni is the genius behind the interior design of this first unit, 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: Aluminium
Guest accommodation: 10 people
Crew accommodation: 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
