Sustainability Takes Shape
Grand Soleil Yachts unveils Blue, a vessel that redefines the concepts of naval design and construction, placing sustainability at the forefront of its development.
Measuring 10 meters in length, the Blue is the result of a complex collaboration between Cantiere del Pardo, naval architect Matteo Polli, Nauta Design, and NL Comp, a company specialized in eco-friendly materials. The goal was to create a vessel that not only minimizes environmental impact during use but is also fully recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. The main innovation lies in the choice of materials.
The shipyard has moved away from traditional thermosetting resins, which are difficult to recycle, opting for thermoplastic resins that allow for easy separation of glass and carbon fibers for proper disposal. This approach, known as "Design for disassembly," enables the disassembly and reuse of every single component, significantly reducing waste.
The propulsion is entirely electric, featuring a 6 kW motor and an 8 kW LiFePO4 lithium battery system that, rechargeable in just over 7 hours, provides a range of 30 miles at approximately 5 knots. There is also the option to double the storage capacity without increasing recharging times thanks to a special charger.
A system of approximately 340 kW Solbian solar panels integrated into the cabin provides additional power by transferring excess energy to the dedicated onboard services bank. Attention has also been given to the sails, with One-Sails developing thermoplastic membrane sails that are fully recyclable, replacing traditional adhesives and resins with a hot fusion process.
While sailing, the movement of the E-Propulsion pod propeller also allows for hydrogeneration through a system that recharges the batteries using water flow, delivering 250 W at speeds of around 6 knots.
The Blue can accommodate up to four people, offering comfort and performance. Every design choice reflects a principle: to create a vessel that is not just a means of navigation but a tangible example of how the nautical industry can evolve in harmony with the environment.
The project, co-financed by the Emilia-Romagna Region, represents a turning point. It is not an experiment but a model that actively contributes to the ecological transition in the nautical sector, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can coexist without compromising performance and elegance. The world premiere presentation is scheduled for Boot Düsseldorf.
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