The 70-meter sailing superyacht SY Zero, the world’s first designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels, is approaching the final stages of construction, with an expected launch by the end of 2025. The project, a collaboration between Vripack Yacht Design, Vitters Shipyard, and Dykstra Naval Architects, represents a significant step in sustainable yacht development, backed by over 60,000 hours of research and innovation.
SY Zero is engineered to rely solely on wind, solar, and thermal energy while maintaining the performance and luxury standards of a traditional superyacht. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating fossil fuel dependency in high-end yachting. All technical data, system designs, and research findings will be made publicly available through FoundationZero.org, providing open access to sustainable maritime innovations for designers, engineers, and researchers.
The yacht’s energy system is entirely electric, powered by a five-megawatt-hour battery storage system—equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Renewable energy is harvested through multiple methods: hydro-generating thrusters capture energy from water flow while under sail, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar panel array converts both light and heat at 60% efficiency, and a wind turbine supplements power generation using offshore airflow.
Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack, stated: “This project has always been about showing what’s possible. We wanted to demonstrate that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation. The project has been driven by data, testing, and a long-term commitment to sustainable naval design. Our goal wasn’t just to prove that a fossil-free superyacht is viable—it was to create a real-world model others can learn from.”
Vitters Shipyard, known for high-performance sailing yachts, led the construction. Louis Hamming from Vitters commented: “From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognize is coming. It’s a privilege to help bring that future into reality.”
The interior accommodates up to 12 guests, featuring sustainable materials such as pine-based leather and leathered marble, which retains natural imperfections. Each cabin draws inspiration from a global destination, with bespoke artworks crafted by local artisans.
Following its technical launch, SY Zero will undergo extensive sea trials to test its advanced systems, including proprietary software managing onboard operations. Delivery is expected in 2026, seven years after the project’s inception.
Eduard van Benthem, Executive Director at Foundation Zero, emphasized the broader mission: “The project isn’t about showing how good we are, nor even specifically about the yacht itself. We are really trying to showcase how we can do things better and inspire others to join us on the journey, to learn together and to share the knowledge, which is the fundamental aim of Foundation Zero in all its projects.”
Beyond private use and limited charter opportunities, SY Zero will serve as a research platform for marine renewable energy and ocean sustainability studies, furthering its role in advancing eco-conscious yachting.
Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners.
Credits: Vripack
The 76.6-meter motor yacht Boadicea is now available for charter through Northrop & Johnson, with Mediterranean itineraries this summer followed by Caribbean and Bahamas deployments this winter. The 1999-built Amels flagship, designed by Terence Disdale, carries a weekly rate of EUR725,000 plus expenses.Recent refits have maintained Boadicea's competitive position in the charter market, including installation of a 12-seat cinema theater and exterior repainting. The yacht offers 2,191 GT of interior volume across five decks served by an elevator and spiral staircase.Accommodations include nine staterooms for 18 guests, featuring two master suites - one on the upper deck with private terrace and dual bathrooms, another forward on the main deck. Common areas comprise a walnut-paneled main salon, upper deck lounge with Roche Bobois furnishings, and multiple entertainment spaces.Outdoor amenities includes sundeck with 6-meter counter-current pool, bridge deck wellness area with gym and spa facilities, expanded beach club with inflatable sea pool platform, 13-meter Pirelli chase tender plus extensive toy selection.The yacht's recent updates preserve Disdale's original design while incorporating modern charter requirements. Boadicea remains one of the largest vessels available for private charter, offering rare volume in the 70+ meter segment.Northrop & Johnson will manage bookings for the 2024/2025 charter seasons, with the vessel currently positioned in the Mediterranean. The Amels-built superyacht joins the brokerage's portfolio of large-tonnage charter options.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 12, 2025
Feadship has delivered the 71.76-meter superyacht Stella M to her owner on 5 August 2025. Built at the Dutch yard and designed by Studio De Voogt, the vessel features five decks and a layout intended for multi-generational use.The yacht is equipped with a next-generation diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to reduce noise and vibration while supporting cleaner cruising. According to Feadship, sea trials confirmed notably low noise and vibration levels.The project was carried out in collaboration with Burgess, representing the owner throughout the build, and Hugo-Morgan Harris acting as technical representative.“Every detail was shaped by a shared ambition to create something exceptional,” said Maarten Janssen, Feadship Sales Director. “Her advanced diesel-electric propulsion system has resulted in remarkably low noise and vibration levels.”Burgess Senior Partner Richard Lambert commented: “Her Dutch pedigree coupled with complete collaboration between all parties resulted in a vessel that meets the owner’s forward-thinking vision.”Stella M is set to begin her first Mediterranean season following delivery.Credits: Feadship
August 11, 2025
Oceanco has launched the 111-meter diesel-electric yacht Leviathan, previously known as Project Y722, at its facility in the Netherlands. The vessel features naval architecture by Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architects, exterior design by Oceanco, and interiors by Mark Berryman Design.Commissioned by an experienced owner, Leviathan was developed with a focus on operational efficiency and crew wellbeing. According to Oceanco, crew members were involved in the design process to provide practical input. The yacht incorporates durable, low-maintenance materials such as honed stone, natural wool carpets, composite capping rails and decks, and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads, replacing more maintenance-intensive elements like teak decks and polished wooden handrails. These choices are intended to reduce routine upkeep and allow crew to focus on guest services and operational tasks.The project involved collaboration between the owner, technical representatives from YTMC, and management company Y.CO. More than 2,000 people contributed to the build, and their names are engraved on a glass panel in the main staircase.Leviathan is designed to accommodate a variety of uses, including hospitality and scientific work. She has a beam of 17.8 metres and is scheduled to begin sea trials in the coming weeks. Further details on her capabilities are expected to be released later.Credits: Oceanico
August 11, 2025
Search operations are ongoing for Mazu Yachts co-founder Halit Yukay following a collision between his yacht and a cargo vessel in the Sea of Marmara.Yukay, 43, was travelling from Yalova to the Greek island of Mykonos when the incident occurred. His family reported him missing on Monday, 4 August. The wreckage of his yacht, Graywolf, was later found off the coast of Marmara Island. Rescue teams, including divers, have been working in the area since, but no trace of Yukay has yet been found."The privacy of Mr. Yukay’s family and Mazu Yachts’ team members remains a priority during this time," the company said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for the thoughts, prayers, and support extended to us. Verified updates will be shared through our official channels as they become available."Yukay co-founded Mazu Yachts in 2011, initially focusing on chase boats before expanding into the semi-custom yacht sector. The yard’s portfolio includes models such as the 24.9-metre Mazu 82 and the 40.2-metre flagship 132 DS. Its 28.5-metre Waterlily was a finalist at the 2024 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards."Halit is a friend and a constant source of inspiration and bold ideas," said Nicola Pomi, head of Volvo Penta’s yacht division. "Today, while we hope and wait, we hold on to his spirit. We are closely following the ongoing search and rescue efforts, and our thoughts are with Halit, his family, and the Mazu team."Credits: Coast Guard Command (Turkey)
August 11, 2025
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025