New Greenline 42 builds on decades of electric hybrid yacht experience

April 22, 2026 Jeff Butler 0 Comments Greenline

It is safe to say that no company has more experience in designing and building an electric hybrid yacht than Greenline, who launched their first – the Greenline 33 – in 2008. Since then they have delivered more than 1,000 yachts in a line-up that now includes 9 models from 39 to 59 feet.

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One of the most popular and enduring has been the Greenline 40, launched in 2011. Fifteen years later, in response to a changing market, they have introduced the new Greenline 42 that combines the most popular aspects of the 40 with many of the innovative and forward thinking features of the Greenline 45 that debuted in 2021.

“Greenline Yachts believes that fantastic design has no shelf-life, so we don’t seek to constantly update or replace our models,” said Greenline CEO Vladimir Zinchenko. “When we do introduce a new boat, it is therefore no light decision. You can be sure that the new Greenline 42 has absorbed every inch of our know-how and will provide a reference in the market for decades to come. Timeless, long-lived design is a key part of our Responsible Yachting commitment.”

‘Superdisplacement’ hulls for electric hybrid yachts

A key part of that commitment and philosophy is their “superdisplacement” hulls that have proven their capability over the years of providing efficiency at both lower and higher speeds, which is particularly important for electric and hybrid boats.

Read: 100% electric Greenline 40 with mCrate propulsion

Like all boats in the Greenline range, the 42 is available as an electric hybrid. In this case the system is made up of 2 x 250hp diesel motors coupled with two 23kW electric motors. The electric motors are generally used for lower speeds in and around harbours or along coastal and inland waters. They offer a range of about 20 nautical miles at five knots (37 km at 9.5 kph, 23 mi at 6 mph). The hybrid model can be outfitted with up to 77 kiloWatt hours of lithium battery capacity.

While adding 2 feet (less than a metre) of length to the Greenline 40 doesn’t seem like much, it makes a big difference to the 42 in a few ways, thanks to a naval architecture rethink by Micad, and interior and exterior by famed designer Marco Casali.

One of the most important developments was analyzing the superdisplacement hulls of the 40 and 45 to optimize the hydrodynamics for the 42 and achieve a higher max speed (30 kts / 55 kph / 34 mph) and lower energy consumption at all speeds.

Another adaptation means that the solar roof of the 42 can hold 10 panels – the same as the larger 45. They deliver over 4kW in good conditions, contributing to range under electric propulsion and is enough to run power all onboard appliances on solar energy when the boat is at anchor.

‘All of the space is open air’

Casali has designed yachts of every size and propulsion, including a 42m (140 ft) hybrid model unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show last year. Speaking about the Greenline 42, he told me “You have to think in a different way when doing an electric or hybrid boat and consider the people who will be the owners.”

“They are people who are paying attention to sustainability, but also, this boat is not a show off boat. It is a boat that people will be living on for longer times. So we want to improve life on board. They want to be in a wonderful bay at night enjoying the air and quiet – without the smell of petrol and having to run a generator to charge their phone.”

Having worked with Greenline on other projects, including the Greenline 45 and 58 Fly, Casali and his team aimed to reinvigorate rather than reinvent the classic lines and practical luxury the company is known for.

For the 42 he and his studio designed the exterior and three interior styles. “The Greenline 42 was an exciting challenge for us” he says. “We wanted to follow the huge success of the other models by adding even more comfort on board and a more modern shape respecting our timeless lines.”

“In the cockpit, we used all of the sliding windows to create the idea that during a nice day, all of the space is open air. We also enlarged the cockpit, and for the galley and the sofa area we worked to connect it to the sea, which is quite different from the other models. And on the lower layout we succeeded in adding the option for a second head – a nice addition for a family.”

Greenline’s ‘most customizable model ever’

One of the dominant themes of the 42 is customization. In fact the yard says it is their “most customizable model ever”. There are two cockpit layouts, and the aft area can be configured as a large alfresco dining area or spacious lounging deck with dining inside.

There is also a huge variety of options for cabins, storage space, toilets, electrical appliances and furniture. The idea is that owners can design their yacht as it suits them for coastal cruising, long-distance sailing or weekending.

Aside from the hull efficiency, hybrid propulsion and solar panels, Greenline also pays attention to sustainability in its construction processes and every aspect of its business.

The high-tech foam sandwich used to strengthen the hull comes from recycled PET plastic. Lay-up is through vacuum infusion to ensure very precise material use with little waste. Leftover foam is reused by a neighbouring company to produce home insulation. Any offcuts of wood from the interior fit-out are collected and pressed into heating pellets.

The Electric Marina contact for free assessment

Among other initiatives, every Greenline yacht is delivered with biodegradable green yacht wash and the company publishes a yearly Responsible Yachting Report that provides a transparent overview of environmental performance, commitment to energy efficiency and efforts to uphold responsibility in protecting marine ecosystems.

“Our customers have always wanted to immerse themselves in the natural world, enjoying special moments with friends and family on the water while valuing ecological responsibility and a lower environmental impact” said Zinchenko. “The Greenline 42 is a valued addition to our family of hybrid yachts, and we are sure her features will be appreciated for many years to come.”

Greenline website Marco Casali Design website