Archipelago Yachts, in collaboration with Chartwell Marine, has unveiled the design for its groundbreaking zero-carbon leisure vessel, the Archipelago zero.63.

The company aims to set a new benchmark for sustainability in the leisure marine industry with the zero.63, which boasts a revolutionary parallel hybrid propulsion system.

This system seamlessly combines the clean energy derived from a pair of methanol reformers and hydrogen fuel cells — and allows the vessel to cruise silently at speeds of up to 10 knots.

For high-speed performance, the design includes a direct-injection methanol engine, enabling the boat to reach a top speed of 22 knots.

One of the most remarkable features of this vessel is its substantial 10,000-litre methanol tank, providing an expected range of around 2,500 nautical miles — making it a highly versatile and long-range option for adventure-seekers.

Built from low-impact aluminium, the Archipelago zero.63 can comfortably accommodate eight passengers in four luxurious cabins, all equipped with ensuite facilities and ensuring a premium yet eco-conscious cruising experience.

To ensure the safety and integrity of the zero.63, extensive assessments were conducted in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register, assuring the highest standards in design and construction.

The project also aligns with Innovate UK’s “Transport Vision 2050”, which aims to incorporate methanol as a viable marine fuel, targeting approximately 25 per cent usage by 2050. Chartwell Marine has secured an Innovate UK Smart Grant to support its dedication to advancing sustainable marine technology.

An overview of the Archipelago zero.63’s hybrid methanol propulsion system

With the design phase now complete, Archipelago Yachts and Chartwell Marine are primed to build and unveil the Methanol Pathfinder UK, a one-of-a-kind demonstrator vessel that will showcase the potential of methanol as a marine fuel and lead the way towards a greener future for the marine industry.

The Methanol Pathfinder UK will serve as a platform for proof of concept, inspiring confidence among manufacturers and innovators in the marine sector. It promises to be cost-effective to build, making it an attractive proposition for banks and funders.

Moreover, its hydrodynamic design — reminiscent of crew and fast ferry transport vessels — opens up opportunities for commercial exploitation and deployment worldwide.

Dr Stephen Weatherley, founder and managing director of Archipelago Yachts said: “Our vessel design uses methanol-to-hydrogen reforming technology to power a modern and attractive, silent, zero-carbon 63-foot leisure vessel. The yacht will be state of the art for zero-carbon technology, built from low-impact aluminium, using recycled materials wherever possible.

“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.”

Andy Page, managing director of Chartwell Marine added: “Utilising methanol as a feedstock for onboard propulsion and hotel loads is a real alternative to using diesel. 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.

“Using a parallel-hybrid propulsion system allows owners to operate the yacht silently using electric propulsion, as well as methanol combustion for high-speed operation.”

The partners hope that the zero.63 will empower other maritime organisations to embrace methanol-powered craft and ultimately reshape the future of marine travel, setting the course for a greener and more sustainable industry.

For more information, visit the Archipelago Yachts website.

Finnish marine tech firm Wärtsilä has been contracted to power what are being touted as the world’s first methanol-fuelled hybrid RoRo vessels currently being built for service across the Irish Sea.

The company will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion system for two new hybrid RoRo vessels being built in China for Stena RoRo. As previously reported on Afloat.ie, these NewMax ferries will service the company’s expanding Belfast-Heysham freight route.

Each vessel will be equipped with two Wärtsilä 32M multi-fuel engines capable now of operating on methanol fuel. Wärtsilä will also supply the methanol engine auxiliary equipment, the gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers (CPP), three bow thrusters, the NACOS navigation system, three Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines and the hybrid electric system consisting of shore power, batteries, shaft generators, converters, transformers as well as the energy management system making it all work together.

Each vessel will also benefit from the Wärtsilä ‘Hybrid Solution’, optimising the fuel consumption today and allowing for future full green operation. The vessels will also be equipped with Wärtsilä’s shore-power solution enabling carbon-free operations when the vessels are in port.

Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion system for the two new hybrid RoRo vessels | Credit: Wärtsilä Corporation

“These vessels are a further development of our previous cargo ship concepts where the focus on sustainability and future-proofing with multi-fuel combustion engines are prioritised,” says Per Westling, managing director of Stena RoRo. “With the help of Wärtsilä’s advanced technology, we intend to have the greenest Ro-Ro vessels on the market.”

Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä’s marine power business added: “We are proud to be supporting these innovative hybrid vessels with our methanol-fuelled engines and electrification systems. Both Stena RoRo and Wärtsilä share the same commitment to decarbonising shipping operations, and these vessels represent a further step in this direction by being the first methanol hybrid ships in their class. Not only will the emissions be minimised, but they will also have the most efficient energy utilisation during operations.”

The 147m-long ships will have 2,800 lane metre capacity and will be able to accommodate a total of 37 passengers and crew. They are scheduled for delivery in June and November 2025. The Wärtsilä equipment will be delivered to the yard in 2024.