Last week, the 69-metre zero-emissions yacht Zero emerged from the construction hall at Vitters Shipyard in Zwartsluis, the Netherlands. It was subsequently transported by barge to Harlingen where the yacht was launched on 9 July.
After seven years of hard work from the project’s core partners – Vripack, Dykstra Naval Architects, and Vitters Shipyard – the shipyard is one step closer to realising a yacht that operates entirely on harvested renewable energy.
This highly innovative project has no combustion engines. It is the first all-electric vessel of its size and comfort level to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
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Masts and sea trials
Now, the Panamax-height masts, built by Carbo-Link at their German facility, will be stepped on the vessel. This will be followed by an extensive sea trial programme where its innovative systems will be tested, refined, and validated.
These include its advanced energy harvesting systems — specifically 100-m2 of hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels and a hydrogeneration system capable of capturing up to 250 kW — and its energy storage and management systems, all of which are breaking new ground in the maritime sector.
Zero
The yacht features classically-inspired lines with long overhangs to give it a distinct and elegant aesthetic. It has a ketch rig, an air draught of 62.5 metres, and is equipped with a lifting keel.
‘The build of Zero is unlike any other build we have ever undertaken. Not only are we constructing a yacht, but we are constructing a vision for the future,’ said Bas Peute, Sales and Marketing Manager at Vitters Shipyard when the project was announced.
Project Zero is both a yacht and a development platform. It will continue to serve as proof of concept for renewable energy technology, innovative systems, and energy-efficient yacht design and operation.
Picture (top): Superyacht Zero coming out of Vitters’ construction hall in Zwartsluis (photo by Tom van Oossanen).
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