Superyacht without fossil fuels

Yachting | 2026

“Zero“ is the first superyacht of her size to run entirely without fossil fuels – the result of over 60,000 hours of research and development. Now nearing completion, this groundbreaking sailing yacht is a joint project by Vripack Yacht Design and Vitters Shipyard. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, “Zero“ marks a major step forward in sustainable yacht design, seven years after the concept was born. Her mission: to match – and even surpass – conventional standards of performance and comfort, powered solely by renewable energy.

“Zero“ combines wind, solar, and thermal energy for propulsion. At the core is a five-megawatt-hour battery system – roughly equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Energy is generated through multiple sources: hydrogenerating thrusters harvest power from water flow while sailing, 100 square metres of hybrid solar panels capture sunlight, and an onboard wind turbine converts offshore winds into electricity.

But the innovation does not stop with propulsion. Every onboard system – from lighting and hotel load to utilities – runs on electricity
and is managed by an advanced software platform. Beyond her sustainable operations, “Zero“ will also serve as a floating research platform, supporting studies on renewable marine technologies and ocean sustainability. All data and findings will be shared openly via FoundationZero.org.

Daten werden zugänglich

Die technische Innovation geht jedoch über die reine Energieversorgung hinaus. Alle Systeme an Bord – von der Beleuchtung über die Hotel-Last bis hin zu den Versorgungseinrichtungen – sind vollständig elektrisch und werden über ein komplexes Softwaresystem gesteuert. Die „Zero“ soll zudem als Forschungsplattform auf See dienen und Studien zu erneuerbaren Meerestechnologien sowie zur Nachhaltigkeit der Ozeane unterstützen. Die im Rahmen des Projekts gewonnenen technischen Erkenntnisse und Daten sollen über FoundationZero.org frei zugänglich gemacht werden.

In addition to private use and occasional charters, “Zero“ offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. Her interiors feature eco-conscious materials, including pine bark leather and sustainably processed marble with a soft, leather-like finish.