With the launch of its 50Steel in May, Italy’s Sanlorenzo achieved a new milestone in its innovative march toward carbon neutrality. The launch, witnessed by more than 700 invited guests, was part of the builder’s 2024 Élite Days, an exclusive event dedicated to its yacht owners. The new yacht was to be delivered in July and is the first equipped with a Green Methanol Reformer Fuel Cell system, capable of powering the onboard hotel systems with zero emissions.

In addition to its Green Methanol Reformer Fuel Cell system, the 50Steel will introduce another innovation to the market: the HER (Hidden Engine Room) system, a concept that allows for the maximization 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. 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,” said 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.”

The Methanol Fuel Cell System

50Steel is the world’s first superyacht to accommodate the modular Reformer Fuel Cell system. The system was developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy and is capable of transforming methanol into hydrogen and then into electrical energy to power all the yacht’s hotel systems without storing hydrogen on board. The system 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 percent of the typical usage time of a superyacht, with zero emissions.

The HER (Hidden Engine Room) System

The HER system, patented by Sanlorenzo, allows for new ways of interpreting space while keeping the product under 500 tons of displacement and enables a redesigned layout of the engine room. 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 allows for the exploitation of new spaces in the lower deck area, where an additional lounge, the ocean Lounge, comes to life, directly connected on one side with the large aft beach club equipped with a pool, and on the other with the guest area, where cabins are accompanied by a GYM area and a SPA area.

Unprecedented Volumes and Elegant Spaces

The 50Steel spans five staggered decks, which create spacious areas and reduces partitions and barriers. This new internal architecture is imperceptible from the external profile, which maintains a clean and essential line, thanks to the design by Zuccon International Project studio. Ascending five steps from the Ocean Lounge, you reach the main deck and the heart of the yacht, consists of a spacious and sophisticated salon that epitomizes the essence of the onboard experience.

The stairs, designed to let light in, 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 takes on a new dimension: 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. The 50Steel accommodates four guest cabins and one for the owner, as well as two pools, respectively on the aft beach club and 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 beach club, with its three open terraces, becomes, when anchored, a 150-square-meter 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 the 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, Lissoni 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.

For more information: sanlorenzoyacht.com

TECHNICAL DATA

Overall length: 49.99m
Maximum beam: 9.4m
Design draft: 2.96m
Gross tonnage: 499 (approx.)
Hull: Steel
Superstructure: Aluminum
Guest accomodation: 10
Crew accomodation: 9
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 liters