Feadship has achieved a major milestone on its roadmap towards carbon neutrality. The Dutch-based shipbuilder has received approval-in-principle from Lloyds Registry for an ‘agnostic’ fuel system. 
In 2021, Feadship unveiled the 81.75-metre superyacht concept, Pure as the culmination of technologically and ecologically-forward innovations. The concept was developed by designers Jan Schaffers and Tanno Weeda and in close collaboration with De Voogt Naval Architects.
Read: Feadship’s latest ‘Future Concept’: The 82m hybrid Pure
Pure was conceived from the outset to be fully future-compatible in terms of likely developments over the next decade in propulsion and efficiency. The technology and thinking that lies at the heart of Pure is now a significant step closer to becoming reality, and represents the second stage of Feadship’s roadmap to building a carbon-neutral superyacht by 2030.
The fully integrated system that will support the next generation of Feadship yachts is able to store both non-fossil paraffinic fuels (eg. HVO, SAF and e-diesel) and alcoholic fuels, such as bio, e-methanol and methanol at full capacity. Production of these alternative fuels is being rapidly scaled up worldwide.
“The crucial next step is that we need a flexible or agnostic fuel system, meaning it has to work with the fuels of today but also those of tomorrow, as we’re not yet talking of just fuel cells for propulsion purposes,” says Giedo Loeff, head of R&D at Feadship.
The flexible system will allow owners to maximise the use of these fuels as they become increasingly available in the near future. Feadship continues to research these with key partners to integrate dual- and single-fuel engines and fuel cell solutions into its new-build projects, as well as for refits and conversions. These will be assessed using the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) tool for insight into overall efficiency, fuel consumption, shore power use and annual emissions.
“Our announcement is significant because as of now Feadship plans to build yachts with tanks and systems that are certified for a whole array of non-fossil fuels,” says Giedo Loeff. “Besides meeting the growing desire of our clients for carbon neutrality, it will help to minimise the environmental impact of our yachts wherever they may cruise in the world.”
Fuel storage systems are an integral part in the structure of a vessel and the introduction of alcoholic fuel, as well as diesel requires a different design/layout. This change will be a vital step forward for Feadship’s journey towards net-zero carbon. The company hopes to integrate fuel cell technology by the end of this decade.