04 October 2024
A new brand, GX Superyachts, was introduced at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024. The new line comprises aluminium superyachts ranging from 24 to 56-metres, with a focus on integrating hybrid propulsion and solar panels to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent.
GX Superyachts is the brainchild of the team behind Slovenia’s Greenline Yachts, a company known for producing hybrid yachts up to 58-feet over the past 15 years. The firm says its aim with the GX range is to apply this knowledge to the superyacht sector, offering custom yachts that combine efficient propulsion systems with high-end design.
The line-up features models designed by Marco Casali and offers options for either a Coupé or raised pilothouse (RPH) flybridge. The first model, a 42-metre yacht, is currently in construction.
“Our journey started with Greenline Yachts, where we pioneered the world’s first serial production hybrid yacht over 10 metres back in 2008,” says Vladimir Zinchenko, the shipyard’s owner.
Zinchenko continues: “With more than 1,000 yachts delivered globally, Greenline has been at the forefront of innovation in the boating industry. Throughout that time, we have tried to further our vision of responsible yachting—from sourcing raw materials right through to the operation of the yacht itself.”
Andrea Armas has been appointed as a consultant to the board of directors. Armas, a naval architect and marine engineer, brings 28 years of experience in yacht building supervision and serving as an owner’s representative for international shipyards.
“I am backing GX Superyachts because I admire their ambition and vision. My goal is to help the team translate their decade-long experience in hybrid recreational boat building into the highly regulated superyacht sector.”
The concept for GX Superyachts began at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2018 when Greenline’s 9.99m electric yacht attracted the attention of Prince Albert II of Monaco. This sparked the idea to expand Greenline’s expertise into the superyacht market, which culminated in the launch of the GX brand.
“Each yacht in our GX Superyacht range is equipped with our innovative hybrid propulsion system allowing for both efficient electric cruising and powerful diesel performance when needed,” says chief commercial officer Luca Raumland.
“At 6 knots in electric mode, these yachts can achieve an incredible range of up to 100 nautical miles. In diesel mode, they can cross the Atlantic at 12 knots, with a maximum range of 11,571 nautical miles at 6 knots.”
GX Superyachts say their vessels are designed to emit less than 40 percent of the carbon emissions compared to conventional yachts.
In addition to hybrid propulsion, the yachts feature solar arrays and large lithium battery banks, allowing the yachts to remain at anchor for up to 48 hours with full hotel systems, including air conditioning, running on battery power without the need for generators.
The first GX42 is already under construction, with the keel laying ceremony held on 1 June 2024. The build process is progressing, with more than 50 percent of the hull welded. Delivery is scheduled for summer 2026, and construction of these aluminium yachts is being carried out by SES Yachts in Tuzla, Turkey.
“There’s no better time to launch this project than now as we mark the 50th anniversary of our activity,” says Elif Yıldırım, managing partner of SES.
“We embrace custom and semi-custom projects, and the new GX Superyachts range plays perfectly to the skills we have in-house. What’s more, we understand and share the principles behind the brand, being a family-owned business ourselves and just as concerned about sustainability. Collaboration on the first model has been very smooth, and we are looking forward to building more yachts with GX.”
The exterior design of the GX Superyachts line is led by Marco Casali of Too Design, featuring a low-profile superstructure combined with generous interior spaces.
Two design variants are offered: the Coupé, which features a roof of solar panels that can slide open to reveal a sun deck with a jacuzzi and bar, and the RPH version, which has a large flybridge and a volume of 353 gross tonnes. Both models include a beach club with fold-down wings and a hydraulic platform.
“Our studio has long worked with Greenline Yachts, so we understood exactly what the new GX Superyachts brief required,” says Casali.
“I am proud of the way we have reinterpreted the timeless looks of the smaller yachts to give soul and purpose to the lines of the new superyachts.
“And it is a real pleasure to be responsible for both the exterior and the interior, which results in a really harmonious finish. The challenge around sustainability is particularly close to my heart.”
Francesco Rogantin of Names Studio designed the underwater hull for GX Superyachts, focusing on maximising stability and speed potential.
“It felt like a very natural partnership with GX Superyachts, who knew exactly what they wanted: a hyper-efficient and stable displacement hull,” says Rogantin.
“The challenge was to analyse the different operational scenarios and ensure that the hull and appendages performed to their best for each one. We deployed a powerful suite of tools to achieve this.”