United Kingdom

Archipelago Expedition Yachts

UK-based yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Archipelago Expedition Yachts (Company)">Archipelago Yachts</a> has been awarded funding from the UK Department for Transport (DfT), which will enable them to progress with work on a methanol-powered low carbon emission leisure vessel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300189/image/large-f5eb0ca44a1980051471a793dbc1b510.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300189">Following a four-stage process, the British boat builder was one of six businesses chosen as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration, Round 4 (CMDC4) Competition. Delivered by Innovate UK, CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme.The £206 million initiative is focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector. “We are thrilled to be awarded this funding, which is going to make a huge impact for the future of the maritime industry in terms of sustainability,” commented Dr Stephen Weatherley, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Archipelago Expedition Yachts (Company)">Archipelago Yachts</a>.“The funding will be used to create a methanol demonstrator vessel, powered by clean bio-methanol, creating a low carbon emission leisure vessel. Since founding <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Archipelago Expedition Yachts (Company)">Archipelago</a>, clean maritime solutions have always been a huge focus for the company and this grant is allowing us to honour that, which is amazing.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300191/image/large-beeb86c1afa83b8c8a59b04d20fd5a6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300191">Archipelago was up against 20 other applications in the competition, of which 17 were assessed with 11 chosen for final interviews and six approved for funding. Archipelago Yachts applied for funding in partnership with Chartwell Marine, Boat Electrics and Electronics (BEE) and Engineered Marine Systems (EMS).The funding will be used for the creation of the first vessel in the range, the Archipelago 47. Measuring 14.32-metres, the Archipelago 47 was designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Archipelago Expedition Yachts (Company)">Archipelago</a> and Chartwell with collaborators BEE and EMS.The design boasts a revolutionary parallel hybrid system, combining the clean energy derived from a pair of methanol reformers and hydrogen fuel cells. She will be demonstrated in the UK for a one-month period during March 2025.The largest vessel in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7519" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Archipelago Expedition Yachts (Company)">Archipelago</a> range is the 24-metre Archipelago 80, which is based on an award-winning hull form. The 80 offers the ability to travel huge distances, in comfort, and through all conditions, with a top speed of 30 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300190/image/large-be96dd7bd3b8eae29df60b792a8f75a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300190">

Archipelago Yachts awarded funding for methanol-powered leisure vessel

Archipelago Yachts has been awarded funding from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) for a methanol-powered low carbon emission leisure vessel.