The world's most eco-focused yachts

An early adopter of the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III emissions regulations, Artefact features solar panels and a wastewater recycling system, as well as a large battery storage system, which means the yacht can at times operate completely independently of internal combustion engines. Although  Artefact is a sizeable yacht measuring 80 metres with a volume of 2,999 GT, the yacht is incredibly silent, extensively soundproofed and equipped with custom six-bladed propellers that minimum noise pollution and vibrations while at sea. Part of what contributes to the yacht's quiet cruising is its hybrid diesel-electric system that integrates lithium batteries and which the builder, ABB, says saves 30% of energy and emissions.

Royal Huisman's 43.5 metre ketch Juliet was relaunched last year following a hybrid conversion that lasted two years. The upgrade saw the Ron Holland-designed yacht fitted with hybrid propulsion and power generation systems, allowing its owners to sail in silent operation with zero emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

The 84 metre White Rabbit is the largest trimaran in the world, a fact that makes her efficiency all the more commendable. Compared to similar-sized steel monohull yachts, White Rabbit requires 40 per cent less power to hit top speeds of up to 18 knots with her hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. The 2940GT all-aluminium tri-hull is also notably quiet through the waves; in the lower deck master cabin her builder Echo Yachts recorded sound levels of just 40db when the yacht was underway at 13 knots.

The 49.5 metre explorer yacht Falco Moscata boasts a number of accolades for her design. Among others, this Perini Navi superyacht was honoured with a RINA Green Plus Award upon its launch in 2010. Designed by Vitruvius and naval architect Philippe Briand, the yacht features an all-aluminium hull with a uniquely styled bow that slices through the waves with ease and enhances fuel efficiency by up to 30%. 

Not only can this 39.3 metre superyacht run on 15 per cent biodiesel, but every aspect of Safira's interior also comes from reclaimed, recycled or remnant materials – all without sacrificing luxury. The Newcastle-built explorer, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, has been largely constructed using an eco-friendly product made in The Netherlands known as Esthec. Used as a replacement for interior woodwork and teak decking, it also helps provide sound insulation to the five cabins in her lower decks. 

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