Sanlorenzo to deliver first 50Steel in 2024

Sanlorenzo has announced that its 50-metre superyacht, currently under construction in La Spezia, is expected to be delivered in summer 2024. The Italian shipyard used the opportunity of the Cannes Yachting Festival to reveal more details about the in-build superyacht from the Steel range, including the first initial renderings.

The 50Steel will harness a methanol fuel cell system which will "allow the vessel to generate electricity for on-board hotel services, with engines and generators switched off" which will improve the yacht's eco-footprint while at anchor by around 90 per cent, according to the yard.  Speaking at the event, Sanlorenzo CEO Massimo Perotti said: "We have to show the world there is a way to go yachting in a sustainable way."

The fuel cell system has been developed by Siemens Energy while the yacht's exterior has been designed by Zuccon International Project. Piero Lissoni was responsible for the interior concept.

The sub-500 GT new build will also be fitted with a patented technology solution called the Hidden Engine Room (HER), which aims to challenge the conventional layout of the propulsion system to free up more useable space for the owner. Sanlorenzo has said the lower deck technical area will seem to "disappear" and will produce "volumes and heights never seen before", according to Perotti. He noted that the new arrangement had been "extremely difficult" to implement and explained the importance of designing and building prototype yachts before bringing them to the market.

On the 50Steel, a "revolutionary" layout has created a 120-square-metre water-level "Ocean Lounge" beach club with glass flooring and unfolding sea terraces on all three sides. A gym and spa area directly aft leads through to the guest accommodation and the unconventional layout will continue on the main deck, with a split-level design that was first seen on the SP110 and allows for impressive head heights between 2.1 metres and 3.3 metres.

The next step in the shipyard's "Road to 2030" is to ramp up the power output of the fuel cells so the technology can be used partially to power the engines – set to launch in 2026 – followed by a fully fuel-cell powered, net-zero model in 2027.

Sanlorenzo also used the event to discuss its other projects, including those of sister brand Bluegame. As well as presenting its first catamaran project, the BGM75, Bluegame also provided a sneak peek at a new foiling edition multihull called the BGF45.

Elsewhere, the group said it was completing due diligence on its acquisition of Simpson Marine in spite of delays and announced it was pressing ahead with its dedicated "Sanlorenzo Charter Fleet", but was conscious of not "disturbing" the established charter space.