Lean & Green: The Sanlorenzo 50Steel Is Boating’s New Benchmark

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in Volume III of B.H. Magazine. For access to future issues, subscribe here.

Presented during the 2024 Élite Days – an exclusive event for Sanlorenzo yacht owners – the trailblazing 50Steel is the first in the world to feature a green methanol reformer fuel cell system. This advanced technology powers onboard hotel systems with zero emissions, cementing the Italian shipyard’s commitment to a greener future for yachting.

The 50Steel isn’t just a vessel; it’s a statement of technological ingenuity, and a pioneer in the superyacht category. Developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, the innovative system converts green methanol into hydrogen, which is then transformed into electrical energy, eliminating the need to store hydrogen onboard. The result? Up to 100kW of clean power, meaning 90 per cent of the yacht’s typical operational time can now be emission-free, providing an environmentally friendly way to anchor, without diesel engines or generators.

The 50Steel reinterprets onboard space, maximising interior volume and adding living areas without exceeding 500 gross tons of displacement. It achieves this with Sanlorenzo’s patented Hidden Engine Room (HER) system, which reconfigures the typical two-level engine room, horizontally across a single level, freeing up significant space on the lower deck.

This redesigned layout not only provides room for the Ocean Lounge but also enhances the connection between internal and external areas. The Beach Club, with its three terraces, transforms into an expansive, seaside oasis when anchored, measuring approximately 150 square metres, addressing client demands for extravagant entertainment spaces.

Inside, the 50Steel reflects a careful balance between practicality and refined aesthetics. Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the yacht’s layout prioritises open spaces and unobstructed flow.

A staggered five-deck structure minimises partitions, creating a sense of openness while maintaining Sanlorenzo’s clean external profile.

The main salon on the principal deck serves as a centrepiece, with its light-filled interiors offering a welcoming and understated atmosphere.

A standout feature of the yacht is its staircase, designed to allow natural light to permeate through its structure, connecting key spaces across the decks. From the gym and spa on the lower level to a second salon on the upper deck, the staircase provides continuity throughout the vessel. The formal dining area benefits from a layout that includes ceiling heights that swell from 2.1 to 3.35 metres, offering a sense of spaciousness rarely found on vessels of this size.

Piero Lissoni’s interior design reflects a contemporary interpretation of classical elements, using coffered ceilings and dark timber finishes to create a sense of serene sophistication. For this project, 3D technology was employed to merge Sanlorenzo’s technical models with architectural plans, ensuring that every detail was carefully executed. The result is a cohesive design that harmonises aesthetic appeal with functionality.

By launching the 50Steel, Sanlorenzo has signalled a deliberate shift in how yachts can integrate sustainability and spatial innovation. By combining cutting-edge, green technology and thoughtful, fluid design, Sanlorenzo is setting a new course for the yachting industry.

The Specs:

• Overall length: 49.99m
• Maximum beam: 9.40m
• Gross tonnage: 499 GT approx
• Guest accommodation: 10 people
• Crew accommodation: 9 people
• Maximum speed: 16 knots
• Cruising speed: 12.5 knots
• Economical speed: 11 knots
• Range: 4,000 nm
• Fuel capacity: 55,000 lt
• Price: €38,250,000

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