Project Zero: Vripack reveals the design story behind the world’s first all-electric 70-metre sailing superyacht 

Nearly a decade after visionary owners first conceived the idea of building the world’s first all-electric superyacht, 70-metre Project Zero is nearing its technical launch at Vitters shipyard in the Netherlands. Dutch design studio Vripack, responsible for the yacht’s interior, exterior and technical design in collaboration with Dykstra Naval Architects, can now share further details on this generation defining project. 

Based in Sneek in the Netherlands, Vripack is renowned for its holistic approach to design. Project Zero presented a challenge like no other as the first superyacht to be built around energy generation rather than consumption. “It all began with the technology, but we knew she also had to be beautiful,” says Marnix Hoekstra, Vripack’s co-creative director. 

Sustainable innovations 

Sustainability sits at the core of Project Zero, with the owners requiring the ability to sail in comfort for up to two weeks powered solely by renewable energy. Fossil fuels have been eliminated, there is no traditional engine on board, and replaced with regenerative systems, including uniquely designed turbine propellers for hydro-generation. 

Global expertise was brought together to refine the yacht’s performance, including input from Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup team, who helped shape the hull for optimal hydro generation speed. The result is a distinctive curved profile that, according to advanced simulation modelling, delivers a 2.5% increase in speed, giving an increase of 8% electric power generation. 

Across the deck, the biminis that shade the outdoor living areas are integrated with 100 square metres of solar panels that generate both electricity and heat, powering everything from onboard systems to climate control. This energy is managed through a central onboard “mission control” system, allowing the yacht to operate entirely on its own renewable power. 

Design aesthetic 

The design process brought together old and new, combining artisanal expertise and centuries-old craftsmanship with 3D-printed elements, AI-assisted artistry and a full VR mock-up of the yacht. The challenge was to ensure that even though Zero is driven by physics and data, that the yacht would still look timeless and beautiful. To achieve this Vripack approached every element of the design from scratch but still delivered on the owner’s wish for a classic sailing yacht lines. 

“As a designer, it is exciting to be able to say there is still more to explore here,” says Hoekstra. “On a design level, Zero is special because nothing like this has been done before.” 

The yacht is defined by long double-ended overhangs, twin towering masts and a low, fluid superstructure. Every detail is bespoke, from matte-finished custom deck hardware to a metal transom hand-painted in a wood effect. Even the passerelle to board the yacht is reimagined, doubling as a private swim ladder for the owner, engineered to swivel, rotate flat and remain slip-proof when wet. 

Holistic approach 

For Hoekstra, each element had to fulfil three core principles: serve its intended purpose, integrate seamlessly into the overall design, and stand on its own as something undeniably beautiful. 

This ethos is reinforced by Vripack’s unifying design language, where all elements begin or end in a full radius. It runs through the joinery, windows and furniture, and is visible in the curved glass of the caramel-hued Brazilian FSC-certified teak superstructure, which appears to grow from the decking. The same approach continues in the interior, with hand-carved double-curved oak corners and gently cambered ceiling light fittings. 

“Each element connects seamlessly to the next and the beauty of our work lies in these connections,” explains Hoekstra. “They’re what give Zero her sense of calm and cohesion. It’s not overdesigned; every detail simply answers to the same rhythm.” 

Natural interiors The interior is inspired by nature, polished finishes are replaced with natural textures and materials have been selected for the tactility. These include a multi-hued fire onyx coffee table, finished to give a subtle leather-like surface, alongside custom furniture crafted from reclaimed bark using scented ‘pine skin’. Locally sourced materials, such as smoked European oak, are used throughout. 

Traditionally blemishes and faults are banished from yacht interiors, but on Zero, knots, cracks and grain variations and celebrated. Slabs of “leathered” stone are used throughout the ensuites, complete with visible cut lines. 

“The owners, who love the outdoors, wanted nature to truly resonate throughout the yacht,” says Hoekstra. “We had to let the carpenters know it was imperative that the veneers really show the natural grain of the wood.” 

As well as the aesthetic benefits this approach also allowed them to make significant saving on material waste. They were able to use 70% of the oak veneer, in comparison to the 30% used on a typical yacht build. 

Client centric design 

Vripack invested significant amounts of time in ensuring they fully understood the owners’ requirements. “We visited the owners’ homes and listened carefully to their needs to better interpret what they wanted from this design and that was elegance, comfort and independence,” explains Hoekstra. 

The outdoor modular furniture in the main cockpit is one example of this. “The dining area on their previous yacht took a lot of time for the crew to set up, so we designed loveseats and tables on castors that lock together quickly and efficiently, giving them an outdoor space that functions both as lounge seating or as a formal dining arrangement for four, eight or 12 guests. We included electric cockpit windows that operate at the push of a button, so if a squall comes in, the owners can quickly seal off the area themselves without having to call for crew.” 

Other elements have been refined to ensure life on board is comfortable. These include increased storage across guest and crew areas, integrated grab rails for stability, and surface cut-outs designed to secure custom-fitted trays when the yacht is healing [tilting] while sailing. 

The main saloon features a dining table that converts into a work and craft space for the owners who love to puzzle. Space saved by removing a full-beam engine room has been repurposed into a concealed crew passageway, allowing for discreet service throughout the yacht. 

Inspired accommodation 

Guest accommodation comprises of a master’s suite and four guest cabins. Each of the guest cabins are inspired by locations significant to the owner, including Italy and French Polynesia, with bespoke commissioned art pieces. 

The owner’s suite is arranged around the mizzen mast, which is wrapped in a custom artwork by American sculptor Sienna Martz, and connects directly to a private study designed for ‘working from yacht’ during extended time onboard. 

“This project proved to be the perfect storm for Vripack and our integrated design philosophy,” says Hoekstra. “The owners entrusted us with a lot of freedom and respect for the choices we made, and the result is a beautiful and capable yacht designed as a single continuous object, not a collection of parts. And therein lies the win.”