After seven years of development and three years of construction, the Vitters shipyard in the Netherlands has launched ‘Zero’. The 68.91-metre-long vessel is set to enter service without fossil fuels The entire energy supply is based on renewable sources. There is no combustion-engine-based emergency generator or range extender on board. The project began in 2019 as a concept study. Vripack was responsible for the exterior and interior design, whilst Dykstra Naval Architects handled the hull form and sail plan.
The aluminium hull was built from 2023 onwards at Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok. The hull was then transported by barge to the Vitters shipyard in Zwartsluis. There, the fitting-out and interior work were carried out with the support of various suppliers. On 6 July 2026, ‘Zero’ left the hangar. Another barge took her to Harlingen for the technical launch. There, the Carbo-Link masts were fitted in the Panamax dimensions provided.
‘Zero’ energy systems in detail
The imposing ketch is fitted with a 250-kilowatt hydro-generation system. Whilst sailing, generators beneath the hull generate electricity from the ship’s movement through the water. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels on deck provide additional electricity and heat. The so-called ‘breathing’ masts incorporate further technical components for energy generation. A microgrid distributes the energy throughout the ship.
The battery capacity is 5.2 megawatt-hours, with a weight of 28 tonnes. Special control software manages energy storage and distribution. The system is designed to supply the yacht with power even in calm conditions. Test voyages will reveal how long the batteries last without recharging. The “Zero” designers have prioritised efficiency in all areas.
Hull and sail plan
The displacement is 456 tonnes, and the internal volume is 494 gross tonnes. The beam measures 11.11 metres, and a lifting keel allows draughts of between 4.22 and 8.4 metres. The sail area is 1,912 square metres when sailing close-hauled, although the ketch rig reduces the height of the mainmast to 62.5 metres. This allows the ‘Zero’ to pass through the Panama Canal.
The hull is painted in Palma Blue. The decks are fitted with Tesumo, a teak substitute. The design of the “Zero” is inspired by classic sailing yachts with long overhangs, combined with contemporary details such as modern Dorade vents.
open-source approach
All technical solutions are provided via the non-profit platform Foundationº published. The website provides access to research data, software code and system diagrams. Other shipyards and developers can use and further develop the technologies. Foundationº is documenting the project but has no ownership stake in the ship.
Data from the trial runs is continuously fed into the platform. Anyone interested can sign up for a newsletter. In addition to maritime projects, the platform also covers urban and rural renewable energy projects. Open access is intended to accelerate innovation across the entire sector.
trial phase
Following the launch, an intensive phase of sea trials will begin. A wide range of systems must be validated under real-world conditions. Initial measurement data on energy generation and consumption are collected, and the hydrogeneration system is tested at various speeds and in different sea states. The photovoltaic system must also prove its performance under changing weather conditions.
The energy management system undergoes various load scenarios, and the batteries are tested for charge cycles and capacity. The control software must optimise the balance between generation, storage and consumption. Only after this phase can it be assessed whether the concept is viable.
Technical Specifications for ‘Zero’
- Length overall: 68.91 m
- Width: 11.11 m
- Minimum draught: 4.22 m
- Maximum draught: 8.4 m
- Displacement: 456 t
- Interior volume: 494 Gross Tons
- Mast height: 62.5 metres (Panamax)
- Sail area when sailing close-hauled: 1,912 square metres
- Fuselage material: aluminium
- Battery capacity: 5.2 MWh
- Battery weight: 28 t
- Hydrogenation: 250 kW
- Design: Dykstra Naval Architects
- Design: Vripack Yacht Design
- Shipyard: Vitters Shipyard, Zwartsluis
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV
