Sanlorenzo, MAN Engines partner on bi-fuel yacht project

At the 2025 Düsseldorf (Germany) International Boat Show, known as boot Düsseldorf, Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo presented a project for the development of a bi-fuel green methanol propulsion system in partnership with MAN Engines. The system will be installed on the shipyard’s new 50 X-Space superyacht and will reportedly enable a reduction in navigation emissions by up to 70%.

The bi-fuel green methanol propulsion system will be installed on Sanlorenzo’s 50 X-Space superyacht. (Photo: Sanlorenzo)

The bi-fuel propulsion system is part of the LIFE MYSTIC project. Sanlorenzo joined this initiative in collaboration with Ranieri Tonissi, one of MAN’s development partners, for the engines, and Nanni Industries for the generators.

Coordinated by the shipyard, the project was launched in June 2024, will last 54 months, and involves a total investment of over 4.8 million euros, with 60% of the funding covered by EU grants under the ‘Circular Economy and Quality of Life’ funding line of the LIFE program.

LIFE MYSTIC aims to install two high-speed, four-stroke MAN diesel engines and two four-stroke diesel generators from Nanni Industries aboard a yacht that has been adapted to operate on a green methanol/diesel bi-fuel combination. The goal is to test the engines and generators for yachts powered by a mix of diesel and methanol, with the following expected results:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: 150 t/y CO2eq
• Reduction in fossil fuel primary energy consumption: 700 MWh/y
• Reduction in air quality contamination: 630 kg/y

Sanlorenzo will be responsible for adapting the yacht’s design by reconfiguring the diesel fuel tanks to accommodate methanol and integrating the new distribution system, completing the bi-fuel conversion of the entire vessel.

“Innovation has always been one of Sanlorenzo’s core values, and once again, we confirm our role as pioneers in introducing cutting-edge technological solutions,” said Cav. Massimo Perotti, executive chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group. “In this sense, the 50 X-Space project will set a new benchmark for sustainability in yachting, benefiting not only the sector but beyond.”

The 50 X-Space is scheduled for launch in 2027.