The innovation of bio-methanol for boating in Sardinia

On the occasion of the Sardinia Boat Show, the talk “Techno Green: technological innovation for the protection of the marine ecosystem” was held at the Marina di Porto Rotondo, a moment dedicated to the ecological transition in the boating sector and to the integration between industry, research, and institutions with respect for the environment.

The focus was on an innovative project capable of transforming organic waste, including that generated by boating activities, into clean fuel for superyachts. Promoted by Cipnes Gallura and funded through PNRR resources, the anaerobic biodigestion plant currently under construction will process over 40,000 tonnes of waste per year to produce biogas, which will then be converted into bio-methanol thanks to the collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. The fuel will be used by Sanlorenzo S.p.A., a global leader in luxury yachting, which has already launched the first methanol fuel cell yacht and plans to produce bi-fuel models starting from 2027. This is the first project of its kind and scale worldwide.

The event brought together representatives from the political, academic, industrial, and environmental sectors. The discussion was moderated by TG5 journalist Roberta Floris, while some contributions were delivered remotely. In order, the speakers included: Jacopo Morrone, President of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into illegal activities related to the waste cycle and other environmental and agri-food crimes; Flavio Manenti, Full Professor of Chemical Plants “Giulio Natta” at the Politecnico di Milano and Delegate of the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security in the Technical Advisory Committee on biofuels; Paolo Bertetti, Chief Innovation Officer at Sanlorenzo Yachts; Aldo Carta, General Director of Cipnes Gallura; Settimo Nizzi, Mayor of Olbia; Emanuele Cani, Regional Councillor for Industry of the Regione Sardegna; Gianluca D’Agostino, Maritime Director of Northern Sardinia; Laura D’Aprile, Head of the Department for Ecological Transition and Green Investments at the Ministry for the Environment; Simone Morelli, Confindustria Nautica; Giacomo Bedeschi, Director of La Nuova Sardegna.

The project represents a European model of circular economy applied to the sea: an integrated supply chain that brings together territory, research, and industry to transform an environmental issue into a sustainable energy resource. A day described as “historic” for Italian boating and for Sardinia, which is positioning itself as the first Mediterranean hub for alternative fuels dedicated to the boating sector.