“This is a pioneering situation – I didn’t want the responsibility of selling it,” he told Superyacht Life, noting that the first time they loaded the methanol tank on board, they had to do so by hand, using 20-litre cans to refill it until it reached 8,000 litres.
Risk goes hand in hand with innovative technology, and Sanlorenzo’s modular reformer fuel-cell system, developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, is exactly that. It transforms biomethanol (green methanol) into hydrogen and then into clean electrical energy to power the yacht’s hotel systems, mitigating the need to store hydrogen on board. This allows Almax to generate up to 100 kilowatts of electrical energy with both the engines and diesel generators turned off, significantly increasing the time spent at anchor without diesel fuel consumption.
The idea to use hydrogen was prompted by the discovery that Siemens was building submarines using fuel-cell technology for the German and Italian navies. In 2021, Sanlorenzo signed a four-year exclusivity deal with Siemens Energy, and the path to Almax was laid. Alongside emissions savings – 90 percent of the cruising time is carbon neutral, according to Stefania Delmiglio, Head of Communications at Sanlorenzo – a significant advantage of the optional reformer system is the huge amount of space it saves. In place of a two-level conventional propulsion system, the reformer neatly fits on one level, the tank deck (under the lower deck) giving rise to Sanlorenzo’s aptly named Hidden Engine Room.
“It means the owners gain around 40 square metres of interior space, which has been used to create airy, flexible guest areas with an original layout,” says Delmiglio. The interiors by Sanlorenzo’s Art Director Piero Lissoni were developed using 3D technology – another first for the Italian shipyard – and are spread across five staggered decks comprising nine interior levels where partitions and barriers are kept to a minimum. The spaces feature dark wood walls and coffered ceilings – some reaching lofty heights of 3.35 metres – and are linked by a series of open stairs designed to let light through and enhance guests’ sense of connectivity.
The lower deck is where Almax’s signature ocean lounge resides, comprising two sumptuous sofas, each facing views out to sea, and a central coffee table. An eye-catching picture window directly connects the interior to a sprawling exterior beach club that feels more akin to a floating island, complete with a pool, oversized sunpads and easy access to the water. At anchor, the beach club extends to an impressive 150 square metres with its three sea terraces folded out.
“The massive beach club has been an absolute hit with clients, as have the luminous interiors and interconnected floating decks,” says Ewa Stachurska, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific.
“Almax resonates with younger buyers who love extraordinary products and experiences and are intrigued with the project and its technological advancements.”
Forward of the ocean lounge are five steps leading down to the gym, spa with hammam, and guest cabins, including two VIPs, and two doubles that can be configured as twins, each with a pullman berth. The guest ensuites feature brightly hued floor tiles, fluted glass doors and built-in desk/vanity areas with light oak cabinetry.
Five steps up from the ocean lounge lead to the main deck where guests are welcomed into a spacious and sophisticated formal dining room. A red marble dining table sits at the heart of the space, complemented by a fluted marble drinks bar and a glossy maroon side cabinet. Subtle light panelling throws a luminous glow, creating a cosy transition from day through to night.
The main saloon aft, which is reached by five more steps, feels like a floating mezzanine. Dark oak is used across the walls and ceiling, offset by a large aqua tufted rug and cream linen sofas. As with all the interior guest spaces, furniture is kept to a minimum, allowing views through large full-height windows to take centre stage.
