Vripack Yacht Design and Vitters Shipyard have announced that SY Zero—the world’s first sailing superyacht designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels—is approaching completion. The nearly 70-meter vessel is expected to launch by the end of 2025, marking a groundbreaking moment in sustainable yacht innovation after over 60,000 hours of research and development.
Developed by Vripack, Vitters, and Dykstra Naval Architects—alongside a team of non-marine experts—SY Zero introduces first-of-its-kind solutions to eliminate fossil fuel dependency while retaining the luxury and performance of a traditional superyacht. Powered solely by wind, solar, and thermal energy, the yacht is engineered to inspire a new standard in naval design.
All technical data, systems, and findings from the project will be made publicly available through FoundationZero.org, enabling designers, engineers, and researchers to benefit from open-source access to the yacht’s innovations and encouraging widespread adoption of its sustainable technologies.
Onboard systems—including propulsion, lighting, hotel load, and utilities—are fully electric and powered by a five megawatt-hour battery bank, equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. The yacht achieves total energy independence with no reliance on diesel or traditional generators. Under sail, hydro-generating thrusters recover energy from water flow. Meanwhile, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar panel array—with 60% efficiency—captures both light and heat, supplemented by a wind turbine that harnesses offshore airflow.
“This project has always been about showing what’s possible,” says Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director of Vripack. “We wanted to prove that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation. Our focus wasn’t just viability—it was about creating a real-world model for others to learn from.”
Construction is being led by Vitters, the Dutch yard known for high-performance custom sailing yachts. “From the beginning, this project has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all see coming,” says Louis Hamming of Vitters. “It’s a privilege to help shape that future.”
Zero accommodates up to 12 guests in an interior defined by sustainable materials and refined craftsmanship. Leather made from pineskin and leathered marble—celebrated for its natural imperfections—demonstrate the commitment to eco-conscious design. Each cabin draws inspiration from a global destination, featuring custom artwork created by local artisans.
Following Zero’s technical launch, her masts will be stepped and systems activated before sea trials begin. These trials will test not only the yacht’s cutting-edge technologies but also the sophisticated software managing her performance. Delivery is expected in 2026—seven years after the initial concept was born.
“The project isn’t about showcasing our abilities or even just the yacht,” says Eduard van Benthem, Executive Director at Foundation Zero. “It’s about showing there’s a better way—and inviting others to join us in sharing and evolving that knowledge.”
SY Zero will be available for private use and select charter, allowing guests to experience her groundbreaking systems firsthand. She will also serve as a platform for ocean research, supporting studies in renewable marine technology and sustainability.
For more information: vripack.com, vitters.com
