Charter Yacht Electrification: The Amazing Benefits and State of the Industry Today

The trend toward electrifying yachts is accelerating and will bring huge benefits to charterers, including lower cost, less pollution, and quieter cruising

If you’ve been around boats, you know the sound and smell of diesel engines. They are almost synonymous with yachting. But while diesel engines and generators are currently the norm, electification is beginning to change the yachting industry for the benefit of us all.

Electrification is no longer a niche idea. From hybrid propulsion systems to fully electric yachts, nearly all yacht manufacturers are actively developing electrified yachts. This is in response to dramatic technology and cost improvements and the acknowledgement that electification will bring huge benefits to yachting: lower cost, less pollution, reduced noise and vibration, and more torque when needed. And, importantly, you can now cruise quietly and avoid hearing the roar of generators all night if you want air conditioning!

The Sunreef ECO 80

What Is Yacht Electrification?

Yacht electrification refers to electric propulsion and onboard energy systems (including solar panels and battery packs) that ultimately will replace traditional diesel engines and generators. This can take several forms:

Hybrid yachts use diesel generators to drive electric propulsion motors, often complemented by solar panels and battery storage. This setup allows for fully emissions-free operation within battery range, while still offering the extended cruising capability of a traditional diesel yacht. Electric motors also deliver instant torque, improving maneuverability, particularly at low speeds and in tight marinas.
Fully-electric yachts, powered entirely by batteries, solar, and wind. Technically, some fully electric yachts can cruise forever without using a drop of diesel.
Electric onboard systems, such as air conditioning, hair dryers, and other onboard electronics that are powered by batteries and renewable sources, as opposed to diesel generators

All of these reduce fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and operating costs while improving the onboard experience.

One of the most immediate benefits of electric propulsion is silence.

Electric motors provide:

Near-noiseless cruising
Reduced vibration
A more peaceful onboard environment

Guests notice the difference instantly, as they can speak normally and hear nature while cruising. It also provides benefits at anchor, where generator noise has long been a key issue aboard traditional yachts. You can again hear the gentle sound of water lapping against the boat while sleeping in your cool cabin!

The Current Status of Yacht Electrification

While electrification is advancing quickly, the industry is still in its early stages. Market Reports World reports that in 2024, about 18% of newly chartered yachts were electric or hybrid-powered, up from 11% in 2022. While we don’t have data yet for 2025, our visits to yacht shows, such as the Monaco Yacht Show, make it clear that the industry is moving quickly in this direction, for all of the benefits mentioned above.

At present, most electric yachts are hybrids. This reflects the reality of current battery limitations, especially for long-range cruising. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, however, and solid-state batteries are just around the corner and expected to be in mass production in 2027. These batteries will double the range of electric yachts, improve charging time, and greatly reduce the risk of fire. Look for many more electric yachts when solid-state batteries are plentiful.

Fully Electric Yachts Are Available NOW

Boatbookings features several all-electric charter yachts, including SILENT DREAM and 100% from the industry-leading Silent Yachts line. Sunreef Yachts, renowned for its luxury sailing and power catamarans, has launched its innovative ECO series, which can cruise without diesel thanks to solar panels seamlessly built into much of the yacht’s exterior, paired with electric motors and large battery storage. Voyage Yachting also offers fully electrified catamarans, including the sleek Voyage Electric 480.

Soel Yachts also offers an all-electric power catamaran, and superyacht leaders, including Benetti Group and Lurssen, offer hybrid propulsion options that provide fully-electric operation when needed. Electrification is impacting all types of yachts, and new options are arising, including hydrofoils, that cruise with incredible smoothness. Please see our selection of electric yachts available for charter here.

What This Means for Yacht Charter Clients

For charter guests, electrification brings a new kind of luxury:

Cleaner, quieter cruising
Silent nights at anchor
A modern, forward-thinking yachting experience
Lower fuel costs

As more hybrid and electric yachts enter our charter fleet, sustainability will become an increasingly visible part of luxury charters.

Think Electric for your next charter!

Boatbookings is proud to be a leader in sustainable yachting since our founding in 2006! We have a wide variety of electrified yachts available for charter, and we will be happy to recommend the right one for your next charter. Please contact us to find the electric yacht that’s right for your needs.

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Dev

The Sunreef Eco – The Greenest Luxury Charter Catamaran Yet?

The stunning, sustainable and green Sunreef E Supercat — The stunning Sunreef E Supercat

At Boatbookings, we are continually striving to get more of our charter guests on greener crewed catamaran charters – because many guests are finding that luxury with less impact on the earth is the best type of luxury. We partner closely with pioneering sustainable boatbuilding companies such as Sunreef. to assure that we can find you the greenest alternatives.

The innovative Sunreef Eco

Sunreef showcases a bold vision for sustainability in their Sunreef Eco line of catamarans. One of our favorites and most popular is the E Supercat, Sunreef 60 now available for charter in the Virgin Islands in Winter and Sardinia in Summer. So, what innovations make them greener (and essentially silent!)?

Solar Energy combined with battery storage and electric propulsion

Firstly, Sunreef is at the forefront of electric energy with its all-electric Sunreef Eco models. The models generate renewable energy through a combination of electric propulsion, battery storage, and solar energy while utilizing smart energy management throughout the catamarans. This offers the most relaxing charter onboard with silent, vibration, and fume-free cruising, as well as less maintenance required and huge fuel-saving benefits. Imagine not having to pay for fuel for your charter!

Sunreed Eco 60 integrated Solar Panels — Sunreed Eco 60 “Solar Skin” integrated Solar Panels (photo courtesy of Sunreef)

New Composite Solar Technology

Powered by renewable energy, the Sunreef Eco models also feature an advanced solar skin system that consists of ultralight solar cells. It is the world’s first composite integrated solar panel system. So while sunbathing on the deck of your crewed catamaran, the boat is also soaking up the rays for cleaner and greener catamaran energy to power your trip.

Naturally-sourced, recyclable materials

Sunreef provides access to a wide selection of ethically-sourced and eco-responsible materials. The decor uses these greener materials without any compromise on luxury. Both the exterior and interior materials are sourced ethically, including sustainable decking solutions such as their fully-recyclable alternative to traditional teak. For their sailing catamarans, they also ensure the sails are fully-recyclable. Each model showcases not only greener choices but maintains that luxurious element of a crewed charter for your ultimate comfort.

We love Sunreef’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, and we already feature a range of Sunreef crewed catamarans for greener chartering. Many more are coming – watch this space! For more information on chartering a crewed Sunreef catamaran this year, please get in touch with the unequaled and sustainability-obsessed Boatbookings team.

Posted on May 16, 2023 by admin

Catamaran Charters: Comfortable, Efficient, and Green

Improve your green yacht charter credentials and get ready for the summer season by choosing one of Boatbookings’ many catamarans.

With the approaching summer season, Boatbookings discusses why chartering a catamaran is better for the health of our oceans and picks out some favourite, more sustainable options.

Catamarans continue to become increasingly popular choices for yacht charters. It is no wonder why – a catamaran provides so many benefits.

Whether it be crewed or bareboat, power or sail, you can enjoy their voluminous open-plan living and comfortable accommodation areas, their increased stability, and smoother cruising to that of a monohull.

Recent years have seen the multihull charter market evolving with its offerings, and most importantly, they highlight a significant move toward a greener and low-carbon agenda. We take a look at the ways they are better for our oceans.

Improved efficiency

The efficient hull design of a catamaran drastically reduces its resistance through the water, improving fuel efficiency. Boasting lighter hulls, they also have a lower displacement than monohulls. Power catamarans have a lower overall fuel burn and a steadier rise in speed while sailing catamarans can combine this advantage with nature’s wind power.

Fewer emissions

With overall reduced fuel consumption, there will be fewer emissions into our atmosphere; therefore, a catamaran will boast a lower carbon footprint. The benefit of a sailing catamaran is the overall fuel reduction, lessening emissions even more so than a power catamaran. Our emissions calculator can determine the exact footprint of any charter yacht.

Reduced impact

Another characteristic of a catamaran is its shallow draft, resulting in less impact on marine life while enabling more choices for better anchorages. With more out of the water, they have less disruption of the area’s marine ecology and the added benefit of less vibration and, therefore, noise. Their drafts also make them popular for specific cruising itineraries, such as the Bahamas and the BVIs.

Renewable opportunities

The wider beam of a catamaran provides more space for renewable energy alternatives. Their exterior can be outfitted with solar panels, perfect for soaking up the Caribbean and Pacific sunshine while also enabling the yacht to operate on less power from the generators and engines. There are also plenty of catamarans that run off electric power, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

Choose a greener catamaran today

Catamarans are part of a fast-growing segment of the charter industry. One that, thanks to innovative technology, is ever-evolving and improving its sustainability credentials.

Today there is a vast selection of eco-friendly catamarans that run on wind, solar, batteries and electric motors. As well as these greener technologies, many catamaran builders, such as Sunreef, implement a holistic sustainability process, using naturally-sourced materials throughout the build.

Boatbookings offers some of the best, greener catamaran options available for charter:

Sunreef, E Supercat 60:

This crewed Sunreef sailing catamaran, with nearly zero carbon emissions, boasts electric motors and rechargeable batteries while sailing; her eco-electric propulsion enables six hours of electric cruising.

Silent 64:

This Silent 64 power catamaran results in cleaner, electric cruising with zero emissions.

Lagoon 420:

This bareboat Lagoon 420 catamaran offers low fuel consumption and minimal emissions through her two electric motors and power by two sets of six batteries.

Fountaine Pajot, Aura 51:

This Fountaine Pajot 51 bareboat catamaran offers maximum space, that doubles up to provide renewable energy through its integrated solar panels.

With our oceans facing increasing environmental pressures, considering your next choice when chartering is more important than ever. Not only do catamarans offer a range of benefits, but they are also better for our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team about your next, greener summer charter and our range of available catamarans.

Posted on April 28, 2023 by admin

Top Three new Eco-Friendly Yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show 2022

The highly anticipated Monaco Yacht Show is here! Held between the 28th September and 1st October, the exclusive event is where top manufacturers showcase the latest superyachts to clients and the industry.

Boatbookings visits the show each year to discover the newest designs, technologies, and yachting trends, and to personally view the top yachts and crews in the superyacht industry. We have selected the top 3 superyachts we are most excited to see this year, each one demonstrating the future of superyachts!

80 Sunreef Power

Built with long cruising distances in mind, the 80 Sunreef Power bridges the gap between ultimate comfort and seaworthiness. With its smooth and steady cruising, the 80 Sunreef Power glides through the water at 18 knots. Boasting expansive living spaces, perfect for sunning and relaxation, the 80 Sunreef Power is fully customisable and able to accommodate up to 12 guests.

A main feature of the yacht has to be the impressive master suite, spacious with a king bed, vast ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The light and modern interior compliments the luxury feel throughout the yacht, including the impeccably styled VIP suite and large double cabins. The large flybridge offers enough room for a spa pool and generous social spaces. The 80 Sunreef Power effortlessly delivers comfort and luxury.

80 Sunreef Eco

The 80 Sunreef Eco is making waves in the industry as a truly impressive eco-responsible super yacht that is pioneering the move towards responsible luxury sailing. Guests can enjoy fully-electric silent cruising thanks to the custom-built solar panels and green gadgetry onboard. The 80 Sunreef eco aims ‘to create and promote a new philosophy of responsible yachting’. Her striking and stylish interior impresses the eye, and her expansive decks provide beautiful uninterrupted views. The 80 Sunreef eco really is the perfect charter yacht for green, luxury cruising.

Silent Vision F82

This hybrid catamaran is driving positive change with its solar panels on the extended flybridge and state-of-the-art batteries. Guests can enjoy a noiseless experience and zero emissions when anchored or docked in a marina. Her new design dedicates vast spaces for socialising on the forward deck. A bright interior contrasts the striking dark exterior with impressive, stylish guest rooms in the form of one large master suite, and 3 ensuite guest cabins, providing an ultimate feeling of comfort and luxury living. For those looking to enjoy stunning views in style and comfort the Silent Vision F82 is sure to provide just that.

Our team attends the Monaco Yacht Show every year and we always look forward to experiencing the newest innovations in the yachting market, and sharing our recommendations for your own luxury yacht charter.

Pages: 1 2

Posted on September 27, 2022 by admin

Electric Yachts are coming – and Boatbookings is offering them for charter!

The news is full of stories about the accelerating transition to electric vehicles, but until now, the boating/yachting world has been literally 100% mired in diesel-based propulsion (outside of wind, of course!). This is finally beginning to change! We’re seeing innovative developments in electric sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts of all types. This is driven by advancements in battery technology, solar, and massive demand from buyers and charterers for yachts that are more ecologically sound.

The best electric yachts available for charter today!

Sunreef Yachts has announced an entire “Eco” range of catamarans (sail and power) that have solar panels embedded in the hull, top, and mast, Voyage Yachts offers the first fully electric charter catamaran in the Virgin Islands, the Voyage 480 Electric. New electric tenders and dinghies are being announced daily. And we’re even seeing large motor yachts that are going totally electric, such as the 58-foot Greenline yacht pictured above. Imagine cruising on a motor yacht with little or no engine vibrations!

Besides being better for the environment, electric boats are quieter, offer better acceleration, and are easier/cheaper to maintain. They are also less “stinky”. Virtually every marina is well-equipped with ample electric outlets, making charging infrastructure less of an issue than it is for cars. And many new yachts rarely need to be charged at all if there is ample sun – their solar panels charge the batteries instead.

We’ve compiled our worldwide knowledge on the advances in electric boating on our “Electric yacht and e-boat revolution” page, updated regularly to give you all you need to know in one place.

For charters, we have a listing of electric charter yachts that will help you find the right one for you. Yachts such as the Sunreef E Supercat. If you are interested in “green” chartering, please contact us and we will find the most ecologically conscious yacht and crew available that fits your needs. We’re looking forward to the day when yachting doesn’t involve diesel fumes, vibrating boats, loud generators, and oily waters in marinas!

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Tom Virden