A text by Norman Kietzmann
"Innovation" is a tricky word. It is usually used to declare something normal to be extraordinary. In the case of the 50Steel "Almax", the circumstances are different. Because "innovation" is almost an understatement for what Sanlorenzo has launched with this 50-metre yacht. What is it all about? Firstly, there is the fuel cell that supplies the steel-aluminium displacement vessel with electricity. The shipyard has committed to making its fleet CO2-neutral by 2030. It is now taking a decisive step with this system, which was developed in cooperation with Siemens Energy. The idea: biomethanol is converted into hydrogen to generate electricity. Although CO2 is also emitted in the process, it is the same amount that the plants used to produce methanol have previously absorbed from the atmosphere.
The fuel cell replaces the generator for the hotel load
The reason for the material transformation: hydrogen is highly explosive in gaseous form. To transport it in its liquid state, it must be cooled to a temperature of -253 °C or highly compressed, which requires the use of large tanks. Methanol, on the other hand, is easy and safe to handle. "We can generate up to 100 kilowatts with this solution, covering 85 per cent of the hotel load without having to store hydrogen directly on board," says Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO of Sanlorenzo.
To avoid turning his customers into guinea pigs, he himself takes on the role of the first owner of "Almax". The name is a portmanteau of Perotti's nickname Max and the first name of his wife, Alessia Cozzi. The second innovation is in the floor plans. Contrary to the classic cake principle with decks that lie on top of each other like horizontal layers, Martina and Bernardo Zuccon rethought the internal logic for the 50Steel.
No hierarchy on board the "Almax"
In earlier models such as Sanlorenzo's SP110, the siblings from Rome already made the spatial structure flow. Now they have taken the split-level idea even further, thanks to an invention from the shipyard's engineering department. The engine room, which previously extended over two levels, has been reconfigured: not vertically, but horizontally, so that it is located on one level below the lower deck.
Hidden Engine Room (HER) is the name of the system patented by Sanlorenzo, which is nothing less than a revolution in interior design. The space previously occupied by engines can now be used as another living room, the so-called Ocean Lounge. It connects the beach club with the spacious dining area, which is adjoined by four guest cabins, a steam bath and a fitness room. From the dining area with a ceiling height of 3.70 metres, a staircase leads up to the second living area. "There is no hierarchy between the individual zones here, but a flowing transition. I like the term 'ecosystem' because it describes a living space. This yacht is full of areas that are interconnected," says Bernardo Zuccon.
Smooth transition between public and private areas
The Hidden Engine Room creates more than just additional space. It improves the routing for guests on board. "If you want to go to the beach club for a swim, you normally have to take a staircase from your cabin to the main deck and then descend another staircase at the stern. Here you leave your cabin, walk up five steps and take a dip," explains the designer. The shorter distances reinforce the social component. "On many yachts, the problem is that you can't see where your friends are. So you ask the crew or pick up the phone. None of that exists here," says Massimo Perotti.
The 50-metre yacht has nine levels, four at the bow and five at the stern. They interlock like two offset combs. The horizontal order is overcome. "The appeal of this course lies in the dualism between the public and private dimensions," says Bernardo Zuccon. His aim is to create a visual separation between how the yacht is perceived from the outside and how it is constructed on the inside. He found inspiration for this in the work of Viennese architect Adolf Loos. He is the inventor of the "Raumplan": a division of storeys that is not realised with rigid, opaque walls, but with the help of different height levels that are raised or lowered by a few steps. "The special nature of these rooms can only be perceived from the inside. From the outside, the illusion is created that everything is normal," says Bernardo Zuccon.
Innovation is not flaunted, but woven in with understatement. The interior of "Almax" was designed by Piero Lissoni, Art Director of Sanlorenzo since 2018. For him, the sensuality of the materials is paramount. "This time, we didn't use marble or other stone in the bathrooms, but handmade ceramic tiles in various colours," says the Milanese architect and designer. He also combines woods whose natural surfaces correspond with the warm nuances of the tiles. He pays particular attention to the stairs, which have long since become one of his trademarks. The transition from the Ocean Lounge to the dining room and living area on the main deck is made of glass, stainless steel and carbon fibre. "A high-tech staircase dominated by right angles. The spiral staircase opposite is completely different: It is made of wood and looks as gentle as a violin," says the designer with conviction.
"Almax": Inside, modernity meets Far Eastern motifs
A translucent glass ceiling follows the height of the dining room and looks like a stylised wave. Lissoni quotes the Art Deco style. But there is another reference: a large, customised marble table grows out of the floor of the upper deck like a mushroom. Behind it rises a translucent rear wall, reminiscent of paper walls in traditional Japan. In the owner's cabin on the main deck, a screen with depictions of cranes catches the eye. "To be honest: I hate televisions. I usually use magic mirrors, but here we have used an old Japanese screen from the 19th century," says Piero Lissoni.
The beach club opens onto the sea on three sides. Fold-out wings and a lowerable bathing platform extend the open space to an impressive 150 square metres. Here, too, the focus is on the interplay between public and private areas. The rear bathing platform can be folded in parallel to the side areas - not only to keep the sun loungers out of sight, but above all to keep the pool in the centre out of sight. A striking detail can be seen at the front at the level of the main deck: Diagonal slits are set into the flanks of the foredeck, reminiscent of the gills of a shark. The reference is apt, as this is also about air circulation for the space in which methanol is converted into hydrogen to generate energy. "Methanol is largely odourless. So if there is a leak, you don't notice it straight away. We have therefore installed an additional safety element to minimise the risk," says Massimo Perotti.
A clear path to the future
The open area, which extends across the entire width of the yacht, is also used as a garage for a seven-metre dinghy, two jet skis and other water toys. The fuel cell system saves up to 30 per cent of CO2 emissions, for which Sanlorenzo has received Lloyd's Register approval and a three-star rating from the SEA Index. This measures the CO2 emissions of yachts over 25 metres in length. The MAN main engines of "Almax" run on diesel, although green methanol is also to be used here. "That will be available quite quickly in Miami, Rotterdam or Genoa. But what about on a small island in Greece?" asks Massimo Perotti. The first engines that can burn both diesel and methanol are due to come onto the market in 2026. "The next step will be to only refuel with biomethanol once access is guaranteed everywhere," says the Sanlorenzo boss. It is a clear path to the future.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 50 m length
- Waterline: 46,73 m
- Width: 9,40 m
- Depth: 2.96 m tall
- Tonnage: 499 Gross Tons
- Material: Steel, aluminium
- Motors: 2 x MAN D2862-LE489
- Engine power: 2 x 1066 kW
- Speed (max.): 16 kn
- Speed (travelling): 12.5 kn
- Range @ 12.5 kn: 4000 nm
- Generators: 2 x Kohler 118 kW
- Fuel cell: Siemens Energy, 100 kW
- Fuel: 55 000 l
- Water: 9826 l Guests / Crew: 10 / 9
- Exterior design: Zuccon International Project
- Interior design: Lissoni & Partners
- Class: Lloyd's Register
- Shipyard: Sanlorenzo, 2024
- Charter: Equinoxe Yachts
