Lurssen Reveals Fuel Cell-Powered Superyacht is Being Developed

German superyacht yard Lurssen has announced it is working on a zero-emission superyacht that offers massive advances in sustainability

Lürssen used its recent Lürssen Live show to unveil its next groundbreaking concept: the first yacht with fuel cell technology. Recognized as one of the leading builders of the world’s biggest yachts, this innovation will further solidify Lürssen’s industry-leading position.

The yacht is being built for an owner who “loves technology and new developments”, and is set to be delivered in 2025.

The process uses a power plant that converts methanol into hydrogen, which is then used in fuel cells to generate electricity. The yard says fuel cells have very little maintenance, offer high levels of efficiency and their only byproduct is water vapor.

Lurssen’s managing partner Peter Lurssen explained that they had been working on the concept since 2012 and that the benefits for the new Owner are multiple. The zero-emissions setup will allow them to spend more than 15 nights at anchor or travel more than 1,000nm without releasing any harmful pollution.

Peter Lurssen sees the news as a huge step forward for the industry, saying: “I think it’s a clear signal that owners who already invest substantial amounts in building yachts are willing to invest that extra bit of money to go and dare say make that quantum leap of furthering propulsion technology and power technology on a yacht and this will be a game-changer especially since it has a lot of practical use."

AQUA yacht concept on water
Yacht concept AQUA also uses fuel cells in its propulsion system. © Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

The 112m (367.4ft) yacht concept AQUA which was unveiled by Sinot Yacht Architecture at the 2019 Monaco Yacht show also utilizes fuel cells in its propulsion system. However it is powered by liquid hydrogen, whereas Lurssen’s yacht converts methanol into hydrogen, giving it an advantage as methanol is much easier to handle and store than liquid hydrogen.

Lurssen has broken ground in recent years for the size and scale of its yachts, being responsible for four of the six largest yachts currently on the water. If you would like to explore its range of luxury vessels you can view all Lurssen yachts for sale.

Alternatively for a wider choice you can browse all new and pre-owned superyachts for sale.