ZEN Yachts, the manufacturer of groundbreaking solar-electric catamarans also known as Zero Emission Nautic Ltd., has closed its €5.5 million Series A funding round subscribed solely by Ocean Zero LLC. The funding will help get the ZEN50 to market, the ocean-going solar-electric yacht boasting unlimited range and class-leading performance thanks to its lightweight carbon fiber structure and a computer-operated Wingsail from French-based startup AYRO.

The Ocean Zero fund is led by Managing Partner Chris Anderson, Curator of the TED Conferences, and the TED Countdown initiative, and Operating Partner Stephen Petranek, formerly of The Washington Post Magazine, Discover, and Breakthrough Technology Alert. The fund seeks to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis by investing in innovative new companies that can make a breakthrough difference in decarbonizing transportation on the world’s oceans, rivers, and seas. Ocean Zero was the lead investor in AYRO’s Series A raise last year, and it has supported other marine innovators like Candela, Flux Marine, and Batene.

“Ocean Zero seeks visionaries who have a realistic shot at making a significant leap in scale and impact to change the overall emissions of CO2 and other pollutants incurred by sea shipping, ferries, and recreational boats,” said Petranek. “Decarbonizing sea transport and recreational boating no longer require a leap in imaginative engineering and science. It’s possible right now.”

According to Petranek, boats produce more atmospheric CO2 each year than all the airlines worldwide.

“This is a massive problem that has solutions that can be adopted immediately,” he said. “We need innovative companies like ZEN Yachts to lead us into the new world of boat electrification.”

The support from Ocean Zero is a significant milestone for ZEN, which was founded in 2021 by CEO Julien Mélot after years of research.

“We are honored to have received the trust and support of and to be part of the amazing ecosystem of seven other disruptive start-ups the fund has invested in,” said Naval Architect and ZEN50 Designer Mélot. “ZEN50 is the first high-performance luxury catamaran yacht able to operate continuously, day and night, without a single drop of fossil fuel onboard. She is completely self-sufficient, relying only on sustainable sources of energy.”

The first four ZEN50 production slots have been reserved by customers that, according to ZEN, are concerned with their carbon footprint and that value a yacht that can operate all the time without fossil fuel.

The carbon vinyl ester composite hulls will be manufactured by an industrial composites partner in Spain with an extensive track record in aerospace, aeronautics, and complex infrastructure composite projects. Yacht outfitting and finishing will be done by staff in ZEN’s assembly yards.

The ZEN50 is 15.7 m (51.5 ft) long with a maximum beam of 8.4 m (27.5 ft) with a light displacement of 17 t. The boat has a passenger capacity of 12 and berths for 14. It has a draft (design) including a keel of 1.3 m (4.3 ft) and an air draft of 5.3 m for the solar roof, 7.3 m for the flybridge, and 15.3 m for the AYRO OceanWings32 Wingsail.

Solar roof peak power is 17 kWp. Energy storage is by a main 160-kW·h LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery pack, with a 5-kW·h LFP backup battery pack.

Hybrid propulsion is by two 50-kW (nominal) electric motors and the 32-m² AYRO wind propulsion hybrid system. The Wingsails are designed for most vessel types, new build or retrofit, with easy and quick integration, and have double the performance of conventional sails. They are automated, so do not require the skills traditionally needed to sail. Sensors on the Wingsails measure the wind, a computer analyses the data, and motors adjust the angle of attack and camber.

“We are delighted to be involved in this breakthrough project of the innovative automated and zero-emission catamaran,” said Marc Van Peteghem, Co-founder and President of AYRO, and Yacht Designer and Owner of VPLP Design. “This confirms the performance and relevance of the Oceanwings for yachting applications as well as for innovative and carbon-free commercial vessels.”

Based on a VPLP performance study, the maximum speed on e-motors is 10 kn, adding in Wingsails takes it to over 14 kn. Continuous cruising speed on solar power is 4.5-5 kn, 6-9 kn adding in wind power. Daytime cruising speed is 8-10 kn. The range over 24 h is more than 180 nm.

After closing the Series A funding round and with the first hulls under construction, ZEN intends to debut at the International Multihull Show in April at La Grande Motte in France, followed by the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, then shows in Barcelona and Fort Lauderdale in October. The first ZEN Community Days in June at its Barcelona headquarters will give enthusiasts and customers an opportunity to meet the team and visit the lab where they can learn about high-tech solutions for decarbonizing boating, from ultra-lightweight construction to cutting-edge energy management and propulsion systems.

“This is a one-of-a-kind event where all eco-yachting enthusiasts and curious sailors alike will be welcomed at our headquarters,” said Mélot. “We’ll demonstrate the energy and propulsion system of the ZEN50, as well as details such as the yacht’s ultra-lightweight interior.”