Xenta control system supports Sanlorenzo 50Steel Almax
Almax 50Steel. Image courtesy of Guillaume Plisson.
Almax, the first Sanlorenzo 50Steel, was delivered in July 2024 to its owner and Sanlorenzo executive chairman, Massimo Perotti.
The 49.9m superyacht features several technical systems intended to expand the possibilities of sustainable navigation, including a modular Reformer Fuel Cell system that operates using hydrogen generated from green methanol. This system supplies energy to the onboard hotel system with zero emissions. The patented Sanlorenzo HER (Hidden Engine Room) system also repositions technical spaces to optimise internal volumes and engine room placement.
The yacht features an X-Power system by Xenta to manage the hybrid propulsion system, which was developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy and Sanlorenzo. Xenta, a technology brand of Quick Group that specialises in integrated control systems, says it created the control platform to enhance manoeuvrability and operational management.
The propulsion system includes three navigation modes: diesel-mechanical, diesel-electric and full-electric.
“With the 50Steel prototype, Sanlorenzo has chosen Xenta as a partner for the integration of the control system for its innovative hybrid propulsion system,” Sanlorenzo says in a media release.
“The operational versatility of the 50Steel is ensured by the different configurations available, from traditional operation with diesel engines to the silent ‘zero emission mode’ powered by electric motors via batteries. Xenta has developed a unique system that integrates propulsion, power generation, and manoeuvring into a single intuitive, ergonomic, and compact solution. During the development phase, flexibility, quick adaptation, and the ability to collaborate with the various partners involved made Xenta the ideal partner. The result is a highly reliable system that fully reflects Sanlorenzo’s innovative and sustainable vision.”
Xenta’s platform manages all propulsion modes and supports hybrid operation where internal combustion engines can drive the electric motors. In this configuration, the reversible electric machines can also be used to generate energy for onboard services, reducing demand on AC generators.
“We are proud to be co-protagonists of such a challenging project that aligns with one of the core values of our group: sustainability,” says Lorenzo Mongiardo, chief innovation officer of Quick Group. “This type of Xenta system is fully adaptable to diesel-electric coupling configurations, whether in ‘line’ or in ‘parallel’, thanks to the direct management of engagement clutches and engine RPM synchronisation, offering maximum customisation. Moreover, we guarantee high safety standards with redundant systems for diesel propulsion.”
Late last year, Sanlorenzo unveiled plans to produce the first green methanol bi-fuel superyacht by 2027. The yard’s LIFE MYSTIC (Methanol for Yachting Sustainable energy Transition applied to Internal Combustion engines) project is due to begin on 1 June 2025.
