Rahul Somvanshi
Spanish yacht builder Cosmopolitan Yachts has unveiled its largest and most ambitious vessel to date – the Cosmopolitan 125. This 124.67 foot (38-metre) catamaran represents a bold step forward in sustainable luxury yachting, featuring a hybrid solar-electric propulsion system that aims to minimise environmental impact without compromising on performance or amenities.
Founded in 2021 by Christian Braun and Iván Salas Jefferson, Barcelona-based Cosmopolitan Yachts has quickly established itself as a pioneer in eco-friendly multihull design. The Cosmopolitan 125 joins the company’s existing lineup of four models ranging from 70 to 111 feet, all constructed with aluminium hulls and utilising electric propulsion systems.
The new flagship vessel boasts an impressive interior volume of 500 gross tons, providing 600 square metres of area. This expansive layout accommodates four VIP guest cabins, an owner’s suite with a private terrace, three crew cabins, and a separate captain’s cabin. The guest quarters are distributed across the lower and main decks, while the owner has the option to position their suite on either the main deck or bridge deck.
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Crew facilities, including quarters, mess, galley, and laundry, are located on the lower deck to ensure efficient operation and service. The main deck houses a spacious living room complete with entertainment options, while the upper deck features an expansive dining area and bar. A second bar and fully-equipped gym can be found on the lower deck, catering to guests’ leisure and fitness needs.
One of the Cosmopolitan 125’s standout features is its innovative beach club. This stern area incorporates expandable terraces that open directly over the water, effectively transforming the aft section into what the company describes as “a private waterfront resort.” This versatile space offers direct sea access for swimming and water sports, as well as ample room for sunbathing and socialising.
While Cosmopolitan Yachts has not disclosed the full technical specifications of the vessel’s propulsion system, they have confirmed that the Cosmopolitan 125 can maintain a cruising speed of 10 knots while operating in zero-emission mode. This performance is achieved through a combination of solar power and electric drives, though the exact capacity of the solar array and battery storage system remains undisclosed.
The catamaran’s exterior design showcases clean, modern lines that not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its overall efficiency. Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the rooftop, harnessing renewable energy to power the yacht’s systems and propulsion. The use of lightweight aluminium for the hull and superstructure further improves the vessel’s performance and fuel efficiency.
Cosmopolitan Yachts emphasises their commitment to sustainable luxury throughout the yacht’s design and construction. Beyond the hybrid propulsion system, the company claims to have incorporated innovative, eco-friendly materials and cutting-edge green technologies throughout the vessel. However, specific details regarding these materials and technologies have not been provided.
The launch of the Cosmopolitan 125 comes at a time of growing interest in sustainable yachting solutions. As per FairField Market Research noted, “The global electric boats & ships market will rise at a significant pace of about 11% CAGR during the period of assessment 2023 – 2030, reaching a market value of around US$10.87 Bn by the end of 2030.”This trend is driven by increasing environmental awareness among yacht owners and stricter emissions regulations in many coastal regions.
While the Cosmopolitan 125 represents a significant step forward in eco-friendly yacht design, it enters a competitive market. Other notable players in the sustainable luxury yacht sector include Silent Yachts, which offers fully solar-electric catamarans up to 80 feet in length, and Sunreef Yachts, whose Eco line includes hybrid catamarans ranging from 50 to 100 feet.
As the yachting industry continues to evolve, vessels like the Cosmopolitan 125 face both opportunities and challenges. The integration of new technologies and sustainable materials often comes with a higher initial cost, which can be a barrier for some potential buyers. Additionally, the long-term durability and performance of these innovative systems in the harsh marine environment remain to be proven over time.
Despite these challenges, the Cosmopolitan 125 demonstrates the potential for luxury yachting to embrace more sustainable practices without sacrificing comfort or capability. As battery technology continues to advance and solar panel efficiency improves, it’s likely that we’ll see even more impressive eco-friendly yacht designs in the coming years.
For now, the Cosmopolitan 125 stands as a testament to what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets luxury yacht design. As the vessel prepares to make its debut on the high seas, all eyes will be on its performance, both in terms of its eco-friendly credentials and its ability to deliver the level of comfort and luxury that discerning yacht owners expect.
