Boatbookings has been supporting sustainable chartering for more than twenty years, and the dream is finally becoming a reality. A handful of innovative yacht builders are pushing the boundaries of electrification, solar energy, and onboard battery storage, and we regularly highlight these developments on our blog.
No manufacturer has pushed the technology more than Sunreef Yachts, who offer their ECO range of catamarans designed to rethink how yachts generate and use energy. Rather than relying primarily on diesel engines, the Sunreef Eco Series combines large solar arrays, electric propulsion, and high-capacity battery systems to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
In practical terms, this means you can charter with very little fuel consumption, even while running air conditioning and cruising under power.
Here are the key sustainability features that make Sunreef Eco catamarans stand out.
Solar Power Built Into the Yacht
One of the most distinctive features of the Eco line is the “solar skin” (see picture above). While many charter yachts now add solar panels to their roofs to cut down on the use of the generator, Sunreef integrates thin photovoltaic panels directly into the yacht’s structure.
These panels are embedded into virtually all of the external boat surfaces, making it one large floating solar panel. On larger models, the solar coverage can exceed 200 square meters, allowing the yacht to generate a meaningful amount of electricity throughout the day. This reduces the need to run diesel generators for onboard systems such as air conditioning, refrigeration, lighting, and electronics.
For charter guests, this also means much quieter anchorages, fewer engine hours, and lower cost.
Electric Propulsion Instead of Traditional Engines
Most traditional yachts rely on diesel engines for propulsion and generators for electricity. Sunreef Eco models replace this system with electric propulsion powered by large battery banks.
This provides:
- dramatically reduced fuel consumption
- almost silent operation
- far less vibration
- reduced emissions
Electric motors also provide immediate torque and very smooth maneuvering, which is particularly helpful when docking large catamarans.
Large Battery Systems Store Renewable Energy
The biggest impediment to fully solar yachts is, of course, energy use at night when the sun isn’t shining. The obvious answer to this is batteries, but until recently, battery packs large enough to power a large yacht have been prohibitively expensive or heavy. Battery costs have declined by 95% in the past 15 years, finally making all of this feasible. Sunreef Eco catamarans include large lithium battery banks, capable of storing hundreds of kilowatt-hours of electricity. In certain conditions, the yacht can operate for long periods without running a generator at all.
More Sustainable Materials and Design
Sunreef has also begun addressing the materials used in yacht construction and interiors. Initiatives include:
- Alternative decking materials that reduce reliance on traditional teak
- Recycled or responsibly sourced interior materials
- Energy-efficient lighting and onboard systems
None of this makes the yacht look less luxurious. If anything, the interiors feel warmer and more contemporary than many traditional builds.
Sustainability, in this case, does not mean sacrificing comfort.
The Benefits for Charter Guests
Even if sustainability is not a primary driver of your charter yacht choice, the features above create several practical benefits:
- Quieter anchorages with fewer generator hours
- Lower emissions cruising in sensitive marine environments
- Greater energy independence when exploring remote areas
- A more modern onboard experience
Book a sustainable charter!
Please contact us if you are interested in chartering a Sunreef Eco Series yacht, or any of our other sustainable choices!