Yachting Art Magazine

Life Mystic - the green methanol bi-fuel superyacht from Sanlorenzo, Nanni Industries and Ranieri Tonissi

Yesterday, as part of Boot 2025 in Düsseldorf, Sanlorenzo, Nanni Industries and Ranieri Tonissi organised a very interesting conference on the Life Mystic project. The LIFE MYSTIC project (Methanol for Yachting Sustainable Energy Transition applied to Internal Combustion engines) is a collaborative initiative between Sanlorenzo, Nanni Industries and Ranieri Tonissi, aimed at developing the first bi-fuel superyacht running on green methanol by 2027.

Life Mystic - the green methanol bi-fuel superyacht from Sanlorenzo, Nanni Industries and Ranieri Tonissi

The Member States of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have decided to adopt the IMO's 2023 strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Under this strategy, greenhouse gas neutrality in the maritime sector is to be achieved by 2050, rather than by 2100 as originally planned.

In light of these neutrality targets, the yachting industry is actively seeking environmentally-friendly solutions. This is the background to the Life Mystic project, a collaboration between Sanlorenzo, Nanni and Ranieri Tonissi, which aims to introduce innovative technologies to gradually reduce carbon emissions from yachts.

Life Mystic: a project that imagines the future of sustainable yachting

Officially launched on 1 June 2024, this 54-month project will involve a total investment of more than €4.8 million, 60% of which is being financed by European funds as part of the LIFE programme, dedicated to the circular economy and quality of life.

The main objective of LIFE MYSTIC is to test engines and generators for superyachts powered by a combination of diesel and methanol, with significant expectations in terms of reduced environmental impact, including:

  • A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 150 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year.
  • A reduction in primary fossil energy consumption of 700 MWh per year.
  • A reduction in air quality contamination of 30 kg per year.

This approach is intended to inspire all players in the industry, who will sooner or later have to commit to the energy transition.

Innovative techniques with double injection

The Life Mystic project is distinguished by the introduction of a dual injection system that enables Nanni engines to switch from methanol to diesel. This flexibility enables a gradual transition to methanol, reducing the risks associated with supply. Inspired by existing methanol tank and distribution systems on professional vessels such as the STENA GERMANICA, the Nanni team designed this system to optimise energy efficiency while maintaining performance comparable to traditional engines, now intended for pleasure craft.

The design of a conversion kit for dual-fuel engines involves a meticulous engineering process to ensure the efficient and reliable combustion of two different fuels in a single engine, while guaranteeing a smooth transition to diesel-only operation at all times, making these engines a perfect solution for a market in transition. The design takes into account the following elements

  • Methanol distribution in the engine;
  • The methanol injection system to precisely control injection into the intake ports of each cylinder at the right time and in the right quantity;
  • The alignment of the existing diesel injection system with the addition of fuel to the mixture;
  • The ignition system: Diesel/methanol engines will use compression ignition provided by both fuels (diesel and methanol, respectively), with diesel acting as the pilot fuel.

Life Mystic's dual injection system allows up to 80% methanol to be added to the mixture. When the methanol tank is empty, the engine automatically switches back to diesel without interruption, ensuring continuous cruising. Inspired by the principle of ethanol boxes for cars, this system includes a second injection circuit specifically for methanol, integrated into the cylinder head for optimum vaporisation. The more efficient the injection jet, the cleaner the combustion, thus reducing pollution levels.

Sanlorenzo will modernise the design of the superyacht by converting two tanks from traditional diesel to methanol, in compliance with current regulations.

Methanol: a promising alternative for reducing emissions

Methanol, known for its ecological properties, represents a viable alternative to marine diesel.

As a clean fuel, methanol emits fewer greenhouse gases and particulates, while sulphur is completely eliminated. It is also safer, as it biodegrades easily in the event of a spill. With a potentially renewable production cycle, methanol could enable yachts to operate more sustainably while maintaining high performance.

Already available in over 100 ports worldwide, methanol, when produced from renewable energy sources, becomes a carbon-neutral fuel, supporting a strategy of net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

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