The ZEN50, designed and manufactured by ZEN Yachts, has been recognized with the prestigious Gussies Award 2023 in the category of Electric Boats in production phase for vessels over 8 meters.

MEL Composites is proud to have participated in this project as the main supplier of composite materials and technical partner in the development of the manufacturing process.

The ZEN50 is an oceanic catamaran catamaran, powered by solar and wind energy, representing a new generation of high-performance sustainable vessels.

Thanks to the use of advanced composite materials, the ZEN50 can maintain cruising speeds of between 6 and 10 knots without the need for fuel on board, combining energy efficiency, autonomy, and structural performance.

Technical contribution from MEL Composites

For the construction of the ZEN50, MEL Composites supplies:

• High-performance vinylester resins
• Structural carbon fibers
• Custom machined Corecell cores

The teams from MEL and ZEN Yachts worked together on critical aspects of the project, including:

• Mechanical testing of laminates
• Development of custom CNC kits
• Definition of the infusion process
• Optimization of structural weight
• Continuous technical support at the shipyard

During manufacturing, MEL Composites technicians supervised the infusion strategy and provided direct assistance to the production team.

The combination of resin infusion expertise, advanced material selection, and specialized technical support allowed for rigorous control of the structural weight of the ZEN50, ensuring compliance with its performance and sustainability goals.

‘’Winning the Gussies Award 2023 is a fantastic recognition of the technology and engineering behind the ZEN50. We are delighted to work with MEL Composites to achieve high-quality construction and contribute to the future of zero-emission eco yachts.”

Julien Mélot
CEO, ZEN Yachts