At the Blue Innovation Dock during the boot Düsseldorf boat show (18-26 January 2025), Sanlorenzo presented its innovative new project for the creation of the first bi-fuel green methanol propulsion system. Developed in partnership with MAN, this groundbreaking system will be installed on the Italian shipyard’s new 50 X-Space and will enable a reduction in navigation emissions by up to 70%.
The project is part of Sanlorenzo’s ‘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 revolutionising the entire yachting sector,” stated Cav. Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group.
“Today, the choice in favour 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.”
Mikael Lindner, Head of MAN Engines, commented: “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.”
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 4.8million 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.
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.
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.
Sanlorenzo Yachts UK has been honoured with the Best Luxury Yacht Broker – UK 2024 award by Luxuri Magazine.
The Luxuri Awards are a prestigious celebration of excellence across a range of industries that define modern luxury. The awards pay tribute to companies, brands and individuals who have made innovative strides, set new standards, and achieved exceptional success in their respective sectors.
From emerging innovators to established icons, the Luxuri Awards pay homage to those who lead with vision and inspire with quality.
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this distinguished accolade,” says Nick Hatfield, Managing Director of Sanlorenzo Yachts UK.
“Receiving this mark of distinction is testament to the team’s hard work, expert knowledge and impeccable customer service, as well as the quality, innovative design and elegance of the Sanlorenzo and Bluegame yachts themselves.”
To find out more about the Sanlorenzo and Buegame brands or sell your current yacht, the expert team at Sanlorenzo Yachts UK is always available via [email protected] or +44 (0) 2380 450 001.
Sanlorenzo has launched the new flagship of its Yacht Business Unit – the SD132.
Measuring 40.7-metres in length, the SD132 is the largest composite-built yacht ever crafted by the shipyard, and the largest in the historic semi-displacement line of the brand.
The SD132 continues the legacy of the previous models in the SD line (SD92, SD126, SD112, SD96, SD118, and SD90) while refining and innovating its key features.
“We are thrilled with the launch of the SD132 project, which embodies the perfect combination of significant size, innovative design, and timeless elegance, in true Sanlorenzo style,” says Tommaso Vincenzi, President of Sanlorenzo’s Yacht Business Unit.
“The exceptional market response has been confirmed by the five contracts already signed before the launch, demonstrating the great success and appreciation this yacht is receiving among owners. Every detail of the SD132 reflects the dedication and passion of our team, which has once again sought to challenge traditional limits related to onboard space and volume, achieving a remarkable result.”
Extraordinary volumes and a direct connection with the marine environment
With the SD132, Sanlorenzo has combined significant dimensions with unprecedented volumes – its 420 gross tons make the yacht unique among models of this size, in part owing to the innovative use of space, which has become a distinctive feature.
One of the project’s strengths is the innovative configuration of the expansive beach area, with its seamless connection to the aft cockpit. Once rotated and opened, the lateral terraces offer guests large walkable surfaces of 70-square-metres and free the cockpit from any visual obstacles, transforming it into an open terrace that allows guests to fully connect with the sea.
In addition to the expansive volumes and spaces, and the revolutionary configuration of the beach area, the SD132 also stands out for its vast 85-square-metre space on the fly deck. The forward living area features a crystal-clear mini pool equipped with a sunbathing system, connecting the forward section to the main deck.
The side garage with transverse launching capability, which can accommodate a tender up to 6.25-metres long and is typically found on larger yachts, offers extensive possibilities for custom layouts. This space, located in the forward area, is complemented by an additional hangar designed to house toys or a rescue boat.
An asymmetric design for unprecedented interior spaces
The exterior design, created by Zuccon International Project, is characterised by a sense of absolute balance and gives a unique visual harmony to the application of the asymmetry concept, of which Sanlorenzo is the creator and pioneer in the yachting world. On this yacht, the main deck walkway is positioned on the left side, while the upper deck walkway is on the right, balancing the weight distribution and optimising the volumes.
Thanks to this configuration, onboard spaces are optimised, seamlessly connecting the decks and facilitating vertical circulation, thus maximising the use of interior volumes. The yacht features four guest cabins on the lower deck, which also includes the crew area with a dinette and laundry facilities. A spacious owner’s suite, measuring 55-square-metres, is located in the forward section of the main deck. The main deck also features a large salon with expansive windows, complemented by a second salon located on the upper deck.
The collaboration between Sanlorenzo and Zuccon International Project, which also extends to the interior design of the first SD132 unit, has resulted in a project that celebrates uniqueness and places the owner at the centre, delivering a yacht that reflects and enhances their needs in every detail.
“The interiors reflect the stylistic journey undertaken by the Studio, aimed at enhancing a sense of naturalness and establishing a sensory connection between the owner and the yacht,” comments Bernardo Zuccon – Zuccon International Project.
“A material mood board and earth-inspired colours create authentic, balanced, and welcoming environments. The exteriors also demonstrate a commitment to research: innovative layout solutions and technological flexibility seamlessly integrate the yacht with the surrounding nature, emphasising the liveability of the spaces.”
The first unit of the SD132 offers spaces and a stylistic language inspired by the colours of the earth and nature itself, aiming to create a more authentic onboard experience: the interiors are defined by a focus on materiality, featuring soft tones and textures that emphasise sensory engagement for a tactile experience. Every interior space adheres to this philosophy, from the stone-like cement finish to the bathroom furnishings and the owner’s suite, where a combination of dark and light woods was chosen. The same approach was applied to fabric selection, enhancing the spaces with a warm and distinctive feel, while also ensuring sustainability in the choice of materials.
The result is an exceptionally sturdy yacht, in line with Sanlorenzo’s tradition of semi-displacement vessels, designed to ensure extended range capabilities for reaching even the most remote destinations. This new yacht, in particular, offers a range of 3,200 miles, making it well-suited for transoceanic navigation.
Technical Data
Length overall: 40.7-metres
Maximum beam: 8.47-metres
Gross tonnage: 420 GT
Guest accommodation: 10 people
Crew accommodation: 8 people
Engine power: 2 x MAN V12 – 1650 HP; 2 x CAT C32 – 1622 HP
Maximum speed (approx.): 17-knots
Range at economical speed (approx.): 3.200 NM