World's first "fossil-fuel free" yacht nears completion at Vitters

Dutch studio Vripack, together with Dutch yard Vitters, have announced that the 69-metre Zero is entering the final stages of construction at Zwartsluis, the Netherlands. Previously known as Project Zero, the "fossil-fuel free" vessel is expected to hit the water by the end of 2025.

Zero is set to be a landmark in sustainability-focused yachting, with the ability to harvest wind, thermal and solar energy to power the yacht and its amenities. The project aims to showcase how it is possible to eliminate fossil fuel dependency, with all system data, technical insights and key systems designs to be made freely available through the FoundationZero.org platform. This will provide designers, engineers, and researchers with open access to technical advancements, with the aim of encouraging others to utilise the sustainable technologies.

"This project has always been about showing what’s possible," said Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director of Vripack. "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."

The details of this "visionary" design were first announced at BOAT International's Superyacht Design Festival by Hoekstra, on behalf of sustainable marine organisation Foundation Zero. The Foundation Zero mission was developed by a group of investors and a team of physicists together with the naval architects of the Dykstra studio. 

Vripack's co-creative director explained that the proposed sail plan generates power equivalent to 1.5 megawatts —  approximately the same amount of energy generated by a common modern wind turbine of 70 metres in diameter. A hydro-generator is then used to convert kinetic energy into electricity, which will power a large part of the yacht.

The solar panels will be carefully integrated into the yacht's awning and the deckhouse without compromising the aesthetics of the yacht. They will also be able to electronically pivot in order to capture the most sun. 

To achieve zero-emission cruising, Hoekstra said that Vripack had to completely rethink the design of the yacht: "It is not about improving what we had, it’s all about cutting-edge innovation." The yacht will have no engine room – "not even in a secret compartment disguised as a 'range extender'" – meaning that classification systems will have to be newly developed for Zero to comply with them.

In addition to private use and select charter, Zero will serve as a platform for scientific research at sea, supporting studies on renewable marine technologies and ocean sustainability.

BOAT International received an exclusive look inside the revolutionary build in June 2024.

According to BOATPro, Vitters has two other superyachts under construction – Project 3095 and Project Dreamer.