46 YACHTS & YACHTING
PROJECT ZERO:
VRIPACK REVEALS THE DESIGN STORY BEHIND THE WORLD’ S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC 70-METRE SAILING SUPERYACHT
of solar panels that generate both electricity and heat, powering everything from onboard systems to climate control. This energy is managed through a central onboard“ mission control” system, allowing the yacht to operate entirely on its own renewable power.
Nearly a decade after visionary owners first conceived the idea of building the world’ s first all-electric superyacht, 70-metre Project Zero is nearing its technical launch at Vitters shipyard in the Netherlands.
Dutch design studio Vripack, responsible for the yacht’ s interior, exterior and technical design in collaboration with Dykstra Naval Architects, can now share further details on this generation defining project.
Based in Sneek in the Netherlands, Vripack is renowned for its holistic approach to design. Project Zero presented a challenge like no other as the first superyacht to be built around energy generation rather than consumption.“ It all began with the technology, but we knew she also had to be beautiful,” says Marnix Hoekstra, Vripack’ s cocreative director.
Sustainable innovations Sustainability sits at the core of Project Zero, with the owners requiring the ability to sail in comfort for up to two weeks powered solely by renewable energy. Fossil fuels have been eliminated, there is no traditional engine on board, and replaced with regenerative systems, including uniquely designed turbine propellers for hydro-generation.
Global expertise was brought together to refine the yacht’ s performance, including input from Emirates Team New Zealand’ s America’ s Cup team, who helped shape the hull for optimal hydro generation speed. The result is a distinctive curved profile that, according to advanced simulation modelling, delivers a 2.5 % increase in speed, giving an increase of 8 % electric power generation. Across the deck, the biminis that shade the outdoor living areas are integrated with 100 square metres
Design aesthetic The design process brought together old and new, combining artisanal expertise and centuriesold craftsmanship with 3D-printed elements, AI-assisted artistry and a full VR mock-up of the yacht. The challenge was to ensure that even though Zero is driven by physics and data, that the yacht would still look timeless and beautiful. To achieve this Vripack approached every element of the design from scratch but still delivered on the owner’ s wish for a classic sailing yacht lines.“ As a designer, it is exciting to be able to say there is still more to explore here,” says Hoekstra.“ On a design level, Zero is special because nothing like this has been done before.” The yacht is defined by long double-ended overhangs, twin towering masts and a low, fluid superstructure. Every detail is bespoke, from mattefinished custom deck hardware to a metal transom hand-painted in a wood effect. Even the passerelle to board the yacht is reimagined, doubling as a private swim ladder for the owner, engineered to swivel, rotate flat and remain slip-proof when wet.
Holistic approach For Hoekstra, each element had to fulfil three core principles: serve its intended purpose, integrate seamlessly into the overall design, and stand on its own as something undeniably beautiful.
THE ART OF LUXURY ISSUE 77 2026