The landmark agreement, finalized during the Monaco Yacht Show between Xplorer Yachts’ Paul Madden and Norse Shipyard’s Mustafa Süngü, sets a delivery date for late 2027. Once complete, the vessel will become the flagship of Xplorer’s new Wind Voyage series, a range of wind-powered explorers spanning 80 to 120 meters.
A New Chapter for Sustainable Exploration
Project MG is billed as the world’s first wind-assisted hybrid expedition yacht. Built to rigid commercial standards, the yacht will combine VPLP’s high-performance naval architecture with a sustainability-focused platform shaped around the owner’s lifestyle. Central to the design are four OceanWings sails, developed by VPLP and already proven aboard the 121-meter rocket transport vessel Canopée. That ship has cut fuel burn by nearly 4,000 gallons per day on transatlantic voyages, highlighting the technology’s potential for superyachting.
We are leading the way for a new generation of yacht owners to use wind propulsion in a powerful way to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility..."
Xplorer Yachts
According to Xplorer Yachts, wind propulsion will reduce Project MG’s reliance on fossil fuels by 30 to 50 percent, a saving “unmatched by hydrogen, biodiesel, or methanol.” Solar panels and hydrogeneration beneath the hull will allow for zero-emission sailing, with the added benefit of minimal underwater noise pollution.
Onboard Project MG: Design and Lifestyle Features
While detailed layouts remain under development, Project MG has been conceived for extended family cruising. Early design notes of the superyacht include a commercial-grade helipad with hangar facilities, a large beach club, and accommodations tailored to global liveaboard use.
Paul Madden of Xplorer Yachts described the project as “a greener, more cost-effective, and future-proof approach to global exploration,” adding that it signals “a new generation of yacht owners using wind propulsion in a powerful way to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.”
The motor yacht will be capable of cruising at up to 12 knots under sail alone, with hybrid diesel-electric engines increasing top speed to 15 knots. Her design also targets a transoceanic range of 8,000 nautical miles, supplemented by effectively unlimited “sail miles.” This combination positions the yacht for long-range, low-impact exploration in remote waters.
A Technical Partnership
Norse Shipyard was selected for its engineering expertise and track record in complex new builds. VPLP’s involvement underscores the yacht’s technical ambitions, drawing on decades of experience designing racing multihulls and pioneering wind-powered commercial vessels.
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