Read indepth magazine
Project Zero: The Yacht That Doesn’t Need Fuel
In the Netherlands, a project is coming together that could redefine what the superyacht world expects from technology, sustainability, and design. PROJECT ZERO, referred to as SY ZERO, represents the first sailing superyacht to eliminate fossil fuels entirely from its operation. Spanning close to 70 metres, SY ZERO is the culmination of over 60,000 hours of research and innovation, led by Vripack Yacht Design and Vitters Shipyard. This yacht moves beyond conventional boundaries by using only wind, solar, and thermal energy for both propulsion and onboard systems.
A key distinction for SY ZERO is its open-access approach. Through FoundationZero.org, the team is sharing technical details, system data, and design insights with the entire industry. The emphasis is not on exclusivity, but on encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable yacht technologies.
SY ZERO's power system stores five megawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to 88 Tesla vehicles, providing the practical independence expected of a modern superyacht, all sourced from clean energy. Underway, hydro-generating thrusters convert water movement into electricity, while solar panels and a wind turbine collect and supplement power needs, removing the reliance on diesel or any conventional generators.
From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognise is coming,' says Louis Hamming from Vitters. 'It’s a privilege to help bring that future into reality.'
With launch expected at the end of 2025, SY ZERO's aim is straightforward: to offer proof that luxury and responsible innovation can work hand-in-hand. This is about delivering a real-world alternative that any designer or owner can access, use, and build upon.
"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."
"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."
Marnix Hoekstra, Co-Creative Director, Vripack