Meccano Engineering awarded RINA AiP Certificate for methanol yacht project Orca 65

Meccano Engineering has been awarded an Approval in Principle Certificate by RINA for its 65-metre explorer yacht project, Orca 65. Presented during this year's Monaco Yacht Show, Orca 65's eco-minded design includes a diesel-methanol propulsion system.

Orca 65's organic, curved design is modelled after the eponymous marine mammal, particularly the dorsal-like radar fin. Ice-classed, it is based on the 2019 project Orca which was initially developed with traditional propulsion by Meccano Engineering.

“For this unique and nature-inspired concept, it came naturally for us to develop an alternative eco-friendly propulsion system,” explained Stefano Reggente, president and managing director at Meccano Engineering. “After extensive research on fuel alternatives, we have focused on e-methanol, considering it as one of the most promising and feasible alternatives with a clear potential pathway towards a future carbon-neutral supply.”

Orca 65 will be equipped with a MAN 175D methanol-ready engine in 2026. The yacht has the same "guest area surface" and interior volume as the original 1300GT Orca, a similar range and a slightly downsized tender and toys garage. At least 30% of operations will be powered by methanol.

“We thank RINA and its team not only for this important recognition but also for their active support and collaboration,” concluded Reggente. “We hope the awarding of the Approval in Principle will be just the beginning for us, with the aim of developing the project starting from the concept and taking on-board Rina’s valuable comments.”