A few months after Sunreef Yachts revealed it was developing a fuel-cell version of its 80 Eco, the first is now under construction. The shipyard has another name for her, too: the Sunreef Zero Cat.
The sailing catamaran follows in the footsteps of the Sunreef 80 Eco sailing superyacht, which saw hull number one launch last year. The “Eco” in that series name refers to propulsion coming from electric motors. It also refers to solar panels. Poland-based Sunreef developed and patented the photovoltaic system itself, too. The system features solar cells integrated into the hull and superstructure, along with the mast and the hardtop. Despite each panel being less than 1 millimeter thick, they reportedly remain strong and flexible. The peak power output from the photovoltaic system (feeding a battery bank) is further reportedly on par with what traditional diesel gensets provide aboard similar-size megayachts. Therefore, the sailing yacht’s hotel load is supported by cleaner energy.
The Sunreef 80 Eco Hydrogen/Sunreef Zero Cat yacht has a battery bank as well, still fed by the integrated solar cells. However, the photovoltaic system and batteries will help produce hydrogen. In turn, the hydrogen will power the air conditioning and other creature comforts along with the electric engines. Sunreef’s own research and development team created this setup.
Although no further details on the hydrogen fuel cells are available, Sunreef Yachts joins a growing list of superyacht shipyards employing fuel cells. Lürssen became the first to announce a project, in 2021. Since then, Baglietto and Feadship have announced contracts with the technology, too.
Sunreef hasn’t released details on the general arrangement, either. Regardless, the series upon which the Sunreef 80 Eco Hydrogen/Sunreef Zero Cat yacht is based is semi-custom. It offers up to five staterooms with a variety of open-plan configurations for the main deck.
“The Sunreef 80 Eco Hydrogen delivers a message of respect and responsibility,” Francis Lapp, Sunreef Yachts’ CEO and founder. “She appeals to all those who like to look into the future.”
Sunreef Yachts sunreef-yachts.com
More About the Sunreef 80 Eco Hydrogen/Sunreef Zero Cat Yacht
LOA: 78’3” (23.87 meters)
Beam: 37’8” (11.53 meters)
Draft: not available
Guests: 10 in 5 staterooms
Total sail area: 2,153 square feet (200 square meters)
Engines: 160-kW electric motors
Range: not available
Builder: Sunreef Yachts
Stylist: Sunreef Yachts
Naval Architect: Sunreef Yachts
Interior Designer: Sunreef Yachts
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