Photo: Archipelago Yachts
As the world is gearing toward an emission-free future, the leisure marine industry is looking for low-carbon alternatives to diesel in order to make vessels more environmentally friendly. Methanol is one of the biofuels that can help the yachting industry, and society in general, meet its environmental and economic goals.
British naval architecture company Chartwell Marine has come up with a groundbreaking solution - a methanol propulsion system that stands as a beacon of hope for a climate-neutral future.
They enlisted the help of Hampshire-based Archipelago Expedition Yachts to implement their innovative solution into a new yacht, and the shipbuilder has just revealed the finished design for a zero-carbon catamaran, billed as the first leisure vessel on the market to run exclusively on methanol.
Baptized Archipelago zero.63, the breakthrough catamaran is designed to set "a new benchmark for sustainability in the leisure marine industry" and boasts an innovative parallel hybrid propulsion system that will run on clean energy derived from a set of methanol reformers and hydrogen fuel cells.
Methanol is now seen as a future-proof fuel for marine use. It is a readily available and safe alternative to diesel and can help kick-start the reduction of carbon emissions from the maritime industry.
According to Chartwell's naval architects, the system developed for the zero.63 is "simple, robust, and manageable in terms of weight and geometry without significant compromise to the vessel aesthetic, interior or function."
Archipelago zero.63's green credentials are not limited to its propulsion system, though, as it is also built with environmentally friendly aluminum materials, which further minimize its ecological footprint.
The watercraft measures 63 feet (19.2 meters) in length and is equipped with a large methanol tank that holds 10,000 liters (2,642 gallons) of biofuel and is estimated to offer a range of around 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 km). This makes it a zero-carbon footprint long-range leisure vessel that would be a suitable choice for yachtsmen interested in extended long-distance expeditions.
"The yacht will be state of the art for zero-carbon technology, built from low-impact aluminum, using recycled materials wherever possible," explained Stephen Weatherley, the founder of Archipelago Yachts. "There are plenty of electric leisure vessels in the market which can travel short distances quickly or long distances slowly, but none can perform in high sea states, cross oceans, and be zero-carbon all at the same time."
Moreover, the catamaran combines the sleek silhouette of offshore wind farm catamarans and the comforts of leisure yachts, and the designers say it offers a high level of luxury. Accommodation is offered for up to eight guests across four spacious cabins, each equipped with private ensuite amenities.
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Thanks to its revolutionary propulsion technology, which integrates a direct-injection methanol engine, the yacht can attain a top speed of 22 knots. It can also sail quietly at up to 10 knots.
To ensure the highest standards in design and construction, Archipelago Yachts and Chartwell Marine have conducted extensive assessments in partnership with Lloyd's Register. Now that the design phase has concluded, the duo has announced plans for a unique demonstration vessel named Methanol Pathfinder UK that will illustrate the potential of methanol as a marine fuel.
They enlisted the help of Hampshire-based Archipelago Expedition Yachts to implement their innovative solution into a new yacht, and the shipbuilder has just revealed the finished design for a zero-carbon catamaran, billed as the first leisure vessel on the market to run exclusively on methanol.
Baptized Archipelago zero.63, the breakthrough catamaran is designed to set "a new benchmark for sustainability in the leisure marine industry" and boasts an innovative parallel hybrid propulsion system that will run on clean energy derived from a set of methanol reformers and hydrogen fuel cells.
Methanol is now seen as a future-proof fuel for marine use. It is a readily available and safe alternative to diesel and can help kick-start the reduction of carbon emissions from the maritime industry.
According to Chartwell's naval architects, the system developed for the zero.63 is "simple, robust, and manageable in terms of weight and geometry without significant compromise to the vessel aesthetic, interior or function."
Archipelago zero.63's green credentials are not limited to its propulsion system, though, as it is also built with environmentally friendly aluminum materials, which further minimize its ecological footprint.
The watercraft measures 63 feet (19.2 meters) in length and is equipped with a large methanol tank that holds 10,000 liters (2,642 gallons) of biofuel and is estimated to offer a range of around 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 km). This makes it a zero-carbon footprint long-range leisure vessel that would be a suitable choice for yachtsmen interested in extended long-distance expeditions.
"The yacht will be state of the art for zero-carbon technology, built from low-impact aluminum, using recycled materials wherever possible," explained Stephen Weatherley, the founder of Archipelago Yachts. "There are plenty of electric leisure vessels in the market which can travel short distances quickly or long distances slowly, but none can perform in high sea states, cross oceans, and be zero-carbon all at the same time."
Moreover, the catamaran combines the sleek silhouette of offshore wind farm catamarans and the comforts of leisure yachts, and the designers say it offers a high level of luxury. Accommodation is offered for up to eight guests across four spacious cabins, each equipped with private ensuite amenities.
?
Thanks to its revolutionary propulsion technology, which integrates a direct-injection methanol engine, the yacht can attain a top speed of 22 knots. It can also sail quietly at up to 10 knots.
To ensure the highest standards in design and construction, Archipelago Yachts and Chartwell Marine have conducted extensive assessments in partnership with Lloyd's Register. Now that the design phase has concluded, the duo has announced plans for a unique demonstration vessel named Methanol Pathfinder UK that will illustrate the potential of methanol as a marine fuel.
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