first 35 sailboat

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Bénéteau First 35 review: from the archive

• Chris Beeson
• April 13, 2021

Is it possible to combine smouldering looks, startling pace and cruising comfort without compromise? Chris Beeson gets behind the wheel of the Bénéteau First 35 in France to find out

Is it possible to combine smouldering looks, startling pace and cruising comfort without compromise? Credit: Graham Snook Credit: Graham Snook

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

The Bénéteau First range has been making waves in the cruiser racer market. But does their latest offering, the Bénéteau First 35 deliver all that has been promised?

The Sydney-Hobart Race 2009 was touted as a battle between three 100ft supermaxis, Alfa Romeo , Wild Oats XI and ICAP Leopard .

Barring disaster, line honours for the 628-mile classic was in the bag for one of them but these carbon colossi were so expensively refined, so awesomely powerful and so expertly crewed that overall victory on corrected time was surely a formality.

When the spray settled, the overall winner was Two True , a Bénéteau First 40 fresh out of the box with only a suit of sails and a bowsprit for refinement.

After collecting his silverware, owner Andrew Saies, an orthopaedic surgeon from South Australia, spent a few days cruising around Tasmania with his family on the way home.

A genuine cruiser-racer, then – and Bénéteau’s Eric Ingouf, head of development for the First range, says the Bénéteau First 35 is better than the 40. We arranged a 24-hour test.

Before arriving in St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Bénéteau’s base in the Vendée , on France’s Atlantic coast, we had sailed the First 45 and First 40.

Based on those experiences we expected stylish, spacious accommodation, eye-melting good looks and face-peeling speed.

We also expected Bénéteau’s usual user-friendliness: you shouldn’t need to be Russell Coutts to get a decent turn of speed out of her.

Performance

Where’s Russell Coutts when you need him? We motored out of St-Gilles and into the hazy veil of high pressure that was smothering the Bay of Biscay into breathlessness.

The last time I left here, bound for Tortola 21 years ago, it was into the foam-flecked teeth of a Force 6 – a break in the weather after a two-week gale. How times change.

We leant on the throttle, weaved through the forest of bamboo flagstaffs marking fishing pots and headed for Ile d’Yeu, 15 miles west.

It used to be a base for the Vendée’s fishermen but it’s now speckled with picturesque holiday cottages. It would provide a suitably gallic background for Yachting Monthly ‘s photographer Graham Snook’s shoot.

Great views forward and an excellent feel at the wheel, though there’s no backrest. Photo: Graham Snook.

After lunch, a patchy 6-8 knot south-southwesterly crept in. We weighed anchor and raised full main and jib – part of a North Sails 3DL4 wardrobe that cost a startling £22,000.

We soon settled into a groove around 26-28° to the apparent wind, startlingly close for the light conditions, making 4.9-6.1 knots.

With her non-overlapping jib the Bénéteau First 35 glided through tacks, losing barely a knot before powering up.

With the wind softening we cracked off on starboard tack and eased onto a deep fetch at 60-70° to the apparent wind, making 3.4-4.5 knots in 4-6 knots of true wind.

She needs a windlass and a permanently fitted bow roller.

Twenty minutes later we hoisted the masthead spinnaker, still at 70° apparent, and slipped along at 5-6.5 knots.

Later, still high of our course back to St-Gilles in the soft conditions, an extra knot or two of breeze allowed us to drop down to 90-100° apparent and we made 4.9-5.7 knots in 7-8 knots of true wind.

We tried to keep the big kite flying at 150° but we made just 3.4-3.7 knots, with 6-7 knots of true wind over the quarter.

Living below on the Bénéteau First 35

The Bénéteau First 35’s companionway is over 2ft wide, so it’s easy to hump sails and bags up and down. Two sturdy, stainless steel grabrails flank the three lipped, non-slip steps below.

Galley and chart table fiddles and the solidly fitted saloon grabrails make her safer below in a seaway.

The L-shaped chart table provides a vast work space and plenty of stowage, but we don’t like the folding stool. Photo: Graham Snook

A saloon that’s secure at sea doesn’t have to be pokey. By extending into the volume aft, Bénéteau has made the Bénéteau First 35 saloon the same size, bulkhead to bulkhead, as the First 40, with the same size settees.

Headroom is at least 6ft 1in throughout and having shrouds and lowers outboard means there are no tie rods intruding into the saloon.

Lee cloths would turn the 6ft 4in settees into good seaberths and there’s some stowage in three bottom-hinged lockers outboard.

Light and ventilation comes through the saloon hatch and six opening portlights.

The obvious downside is the lack of stowage. There’s none below the saloon seating – that space is taken up by water tankage. Every effort has been made to keep weight in the Bénéteau First 35 as low and as close to the centreline as possible.

This includes a well below the sole at the bottom of the companionway to stow the anchor and chain while on passage.

The saloon table is a clever piece of engineering. From a two-leaved table for four, pull a toggle and it folds down into a convivial coffee table.

The calorifier is in the base of the table and, by undoing a couple of handbolts, both table and calorifier hinge to port to provide access to keelbolts.

The effect of the double doors is like knocking a wall through, it’s big, bright and airy. The clever two-way table houses the calorifier, too. Photo: Graham Snook

The double cabin door in the forward bulkhead is practical, making access to the forecabin easy on either tack, and it really opens up the saloon, hugely increasing the sense of space. It’s a remarkably effective design decision.

In the L-shaped navigation station there’s a folding stool. There’s loads of stowage below the table, in a deep recess inboard and in a lid locker just forward. Instrument space outboard is good, too.

Ventilation and light in the galley are very good, but stowage is a bit haphazard. There’s only one sink, a bit too large for use offshore, no splashback panel and most of the worktop is taken up by the lid of the 100-litre Vitrifrigo fridge.

You’d certainly need a galley strap on port tack, though you could brace feet against the companionway steps.

The heads’ white GRP liner means it’s easily maintained and the light from two opening hatches is bounced around by the mirrors on the lockers.

The prominent studs in the deckhead look a little industrial, but are part of her low weight and easy maintenance ethos.

There’s no wet locker, just two hooks and a bracket for the showerhead. Most seacocks are accessible but the shower drain and flushing inlet ones are behind a panel in the bottom of the cockpit locker, so will inevitably be obstructed by cruising gear.

The aft cabin has two opening ports so ventilation is good but it’s a little dark. An extra cockpit hatch further aft would help. The double berth is 6ft 6in long, averages 5ft wide and the plastic fuel tank is under the berth, on the centreline.

There’s a fiddled shelf and a hanging locker but no shelved locker.

The forecabin gets more light and is better ventilated with a big hatch and two hull ports. Again, there are two hanging lockers but no shelved locker.

The berth is 6ft wide at the head, but narrows to less than 2ft at the foot.

There’s a large space below the berth, with transducer access, but the bonded liner is part of the limbered bilge so it could get wet.

Design of the Bénéteau First 35

The Bénéteau First 35 is a very pretty yacht to our eyes. The ‘eyelids’ on the coachroof windows soften her appearance and keep the rain out.

Below decks there’s plenty of light and space, a neutral colour palette, clean lines and clever design. With some reservations about the galley, she’ll be fine at sea, too.

Statistically, she’s no demon in terms of power. Her sail area/displacement ratio, 23.65, is a shade higher than the Arcona 340 , 23.2, which is fast but fabulously well behaved. That’s some way above the Najad 355 , at 19.2, and in a different league to the Océanis 34 , at 17.5. The Elan 340 pitches in at 24.9 and the Dehler 34RS at 25.1, so the First is not extreme.

The performance orientation is mirrored in the displacement/length ratio, an index of speed potential.

The Bénéteau First 35 measures 189 but the Arcona, at 159, is going to slip through the water better, though she displaces 4,800kg versus 5,500kg for the First and 6,200kg for the Najad.

For reference, the Océanis measures 194, and she’s lively, against 205 for the Bavaria 34, and both displace 5,700kg.

Ballast ratio, together with draught, provides an index of stiffness – important for shorthanded sailing.

The Bénéteau First 35 rates at 30.3 against 36.2 for the Dehler, 39.6 for the Arcona and 40 for the Najad, the stiffest by comparison.

The Océanis and Bavaria are in the mid-20s so, while not the stiffest, the First certainly has scope for a cruising couple.

Construction of the Bénéteau First 35

The hull is solid laminate with polyester resin, stiffened by two full- length girders in the liner moulding bonded to the hull and two more either side of the keel between the liner’s anti-grounding crossbeams.

The deck is a combination of solid laminate, foam and balsa core, again injected with polyester resin.

Bulkheads are glassed in at the hull and bonded at the bottom. Hull and deck are glued and screwed together.

The standard keel is a cast iron T-shape but there is an L-shaped shallow draught option, also cast iron.

The rudder stock is laminate injected with polyester resin and sleeved in stainless steel.

The Bénéteau First 35 has a simple, effective fractional sloop rig. The keel-stepped aluminium mast has two sets of sweptback spreaders and a non- overlapping jib for easy tacking.

It’s quite powerful but the deck gear seems well able to cope.

This is the performance rig, the same height as the standard but with rod rigging instead of wire, and spinnaker gear fitted.

There’s also a racing rig, again the same height but carbon fibre.

Deck layout of the Bénéteau First 35

Her hybrid cockpit is big enough for the racing boys’ elbows to fly but secure enough for cruising.

The forward section has benches with space for two either side, a good backrest forward and a footbrace block on the cockpit sole.

A huge, rubber-sealed cockpit locker takes up the starboard quarter.

Aft of the seating is the cockpit- wide traveller, just ahead of the huge 5ft 3in wheel. You can squeeze around it, but it’s easier to hop onto the coaming.

A sole panel immediately behind the wheel lifts to reveal the steering quadrant, great for maintenance or repair.

Aft is a large lazarette, intended for a liferaft, to starboard the engine controls and shore power socket, to port the single bottle gas locker, shower and manual bilge pump.

The aft beam removes to make the cockpit a giant bathing platform.

With all sail controls led aft and well specified deck gear, she’s easily managed. The helmsman has mainsheet, backstay and traveller to hand. Photo: Graham Snook

Views forward from the wheel are excellent, footblocks are good and the helmsman has backstay and traveller to hand, as well as winches for the German mainsheet system.

There are sidedeck mainsheet clutches so mainsheet winches can be used as secondaries.

On the coachroof there are recessed grabrails running forward to the mast, decent wooden toerails and easy passage inside the shrouds on the moulded non-slip deck.

Our test boat had no jib furler and, as the forestay is right on the stem, you couldn’t fit a recessed one.

A removable bow roller bolts through the stainless steel plate at the base of the forestay.

We stopped for lunch beneath Le Phare de la Pointe des Corbeaux on Ile d’Yeu’s eastern tip, where Farr’s long, lean lined design was picture perfect. Photo: Graham Snook

There’s a fair lead to a cleat on a platform beneath the anchor locker lid, and space to fit a low-profile windlass.

Having watched Eric haul himself to near-hernia while weighing anchor, I’d want one.

There are a couple of niggles with the deck layout: when deep off the wind the mainsheet chafes the cockpit coaming gelcoat.

Trimming the traveller and backstay had already worn marks in the gelcoat above the camcleats.

Under power

The 29hp Yanmar diesel drives a two-blade Flex-o-fold prop via a saildrive.

At 2,000rpm she makes 5.4 knots and at 2,800rpm boatspeed rises to 7 knots.

Flat out she makes 7.8 knots at 3,500rpm, which is high revs, so perhaps she could do with a three-bladed prop.

Going ahead she turns in a boat length and astern in just 1.5 boat lengths.

The big wheel means controlling her in astern is a cinch.

Maintenance access to most engine systems is good, behind the side-hinged, gas-strutted companionway steps, a panel in the aft cabin and hatch in the heads.

The hardest thing to reach is the oil filter, another panel outside the heads would fix that.

YM’s 100-point results for the Bénéteau First 35

Performance – 10/10

With feeble puffs and no payload it wasn’t the sternest test, but there are plenty of yachts that would have struggled. In light airs she clocked up very respectable speeds – upwind at 6 knots in 7 knots true – so while it might not have been as fulfilling as a 20-mile blast reach in a Force 6, we can’t fault her performance.

At the helm – 9/19

Despite the light air and the size of the wheel, she generated wonderful feedback upwind – she ‘talks’ very clearly to the helmsman. You’d need crew for the jib but the helmsman has the mainsheet within reach. She loses a point because there’s nothing for the helmsman to lean on.

Deck layout – 7/10

She has a fine working cockpit, which is great because her owners will be performance cruisers, but even they will drop the hook some time so she needs a more substantial bow roller. The short cockpit, which also lacks a table, isn’t ideal for relaxing at anchor. Several lines chafe against the gelcoat, including the mainsheet when sailing offwind.

Sailplan – 9/10

Bénéteau has produced a really well-judged sailplan. Her sail area/displacement ratio is towards the exciting end of the spectrum but it’s not extreme and the sails are very easy to handle, with good-sized winches and effective purchase systems. All she needs, like the Sydney-Hobart winner, is a bowsprit from which to fly a gennaker.

Design & construction – 8/10

She has smouldering good looks and plenty of pace. Down below she’s light, comfortable, spacious, well ventilated and clever expect to see other builders copy the double forecabin doors. However, the cast iron keel is a cost compromise and we’re not entirely comfortable with a composite rudder stock.

Maintenance – 9/10

Engine access is very good, oil filter aside, and most seacocks are easily accessible. Maintaining or replacing deck gear is easy because all the securing bolts are visible in the deckhead. The calorifier is comparatively easy to get at too, as are the keelbolts. Smooth surfaces mean she’ll be easy to keep clean.

Chart table – 8/10

We like the professional feel of the L-shape, but apart from stowage beneath, what use is the fiddle-free surface outboard? The canting seat position has been improved but we’re still not fans – space saver it may be, but comfortable it is not. That aside, the nav station is a good size and the stowage is fantastic.

Galley – 6/10

Light and ventilation are exemplary but other than the facing lockers outboard, stowage is limited. Aft of the stove are three drawers 6in square and 16in deep – how much cling film do we need? The lid of the big fridge is all the worktop space there is and we’d much rather see a double sink than a single big one.

Heads – 8/10

The heads is easy to clean, well ventilated and bright. Bracing and stowage are pretty good too and there’s a bracket for the shower head. On the downside there’s no wet locker, just two hooks. Another mark is lost for the seacock access, which involves rummaging blind through a hatch into the cockpit locker.

Living below – 8/10

The First 35 has a very clean-looking interior, with tidy lines. The cabin is easily maintained but has enough solid grabrails to keep you safe under way. Stowage is the biggest gripe but she does have just enough space for four people on a week’s cruise. The forecabin is the better of the two sleeping cabins.

Total score – 82

In winds so light that most yachts would be rattling along spluttering diesel fumes, she’s a silent gossamer glider. It’s remarkable to design and build a yacht with this sort of pace, that looks this good and yet is still capable of comfortable family cruising. The First 34.7 and 36, both of which she replaces, set a high bar and this yacht sails clear over it. If you’re a couple who enjoy performance cruising, there’s a lot of competition, but the combination of Farr and Bénéteau looks hard to beat. Just ask an Aussie supermaxi owner.

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Beneteau First 35

• By Bill Springer
• Updated: July 28, 2010

The Beneteau First 35 evolved logically from its predecessor, the First 36.7, and as you might’ve guessed, it’s cut from the same cloth as the First 40. All three boats are designed and built to provide superior performance, comfortable accommodations, and to be raced (either handicapped or as a one-design). Like the 40, the 35 is part of the next generation of Beneteau’s performance-oriented First line, and I put it through its paces on a recent press trip in ideal test conditions: flat water and 14 knots of breeze.

When I took the helm, the large wheel returned silky-smooth feedback, the seating was comfortable, visibility was excellent, and the boat tracked like a train. The boat carried speed through the tacks nicely and accelerated like a raceboat. Trimming the 108-percent blade jib was a snap. We tacked through 75 degrees and boat speed hovered in the 6.5- to 7-knot range. I wasn’t really surprised by this kind of performance, since our test boat was equipped with the optional carbon-fiber mast (the standard rig is aluminum), North 3DL sails, and a deep bulb keel. The cool thing I found during our test sail was that the boat strikes the delicate balance of providing much-better-than-your-average-cruising-boat performance without being as twitchy as a full-bore raceboat.

Then we set the symmetric spinnaker. Yes, it’s a raceboat sail, and it took a bit more coordination and line pulling to get flying than if we’d simply tacked a cruising spinnaker in a sock onto the bow, but it wasn’t that hard to set, and we took off like a rocket. Our wake sizzled from the stern as we headed for home on a broad reach. Boat speed jumped to the 8-knot range, and the helm was just as responsive as it was on the upwind legs. My only complaint was that the mouth of the harbor came up pretty quick. I could’ve happily cruised for a couple of more hours or, better yet, a whole weekend before returning to the marina.

We carried the sails as long as we could before firing up the engine well inside the harbor. The easily driven hull motored at about 7 knots, and engine noise was noticeable without being intrusive. Maneuvering under power was predictable, and backing into our tight slip was easy.

It’s appropriate that we went sailing before I had a chance to check out the accommodations. It was by no means spartan down below, but the fact is, there’s only so much interior volume to play with in a 35-foot, performance-oriented hull. That said, it has all the elements-forward-facing nav station, small galley and head, good-size saloon, and two private cabins-that you’ll want on a coastal cruise.

The light-colored varnished woodwork is both warm and modern. Two large opening hatches and several opening ports provide good light and ventilation. The saloon seats are comfortable and long enough to be good sea berths. There’s room for six around the settee table. It’s also cleverly hinged so it can easily pivot up for dinner and down to be out of the way on race day. Both cabins have small hanging lockers, and like many boats in this size range, the berth in the forward cabin is a bit tight at the feet but has better headroom than the aft berth, which is bigger but situated under the cockpit.

The First 35 is a worthy addition to Beneteau’s First range that has big sisters in the 50- and 45-foot size, as well. It’s simultaneously forgiving and rewarding to sail, the interior is both stylish and functional, and it does what it’s designed to do; it’s well suited to both cruising and racing.

Beneteau first 35 LOA 35′ 7″ (10.85 m.) LWL 35′ 0″ (10.67 m.) Beam 12′ 0″ (3.66 m.) Draft (deep/shoal) 7′ 3″/5′ 11″ (2.21/1.80 m.) Sail Area (100%) 670 sq. ft. ( 62.25 sq. m) Ballast (dp./shoal) 3,682/4,431 lb. (1,670/2,010 kg.) Displacement 12,125 lb. (5,500 kg.) Ballast/D (deep) .37 D/L (std.) 126 SA/D (100%) 20.3 Water 53 gal. (201 l.) Fuel 20 gal. (76 l.) Holding 20 gal. (76 l.) Mast Height 56′ 7″ (17.26 m.) Engine 29-hp. Yanmar Designer Farr Yacht Design Sailaway Price $225,000 Beneteau USA

(843) 629-5300

To read more Cruising World reviews of Beneteau sailboats, click here . To visit Beneteau America’s website, click here .

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 31 - 40 ft , beneteau , keelboat , monohull , racer / cruiser , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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Technical specifications - First 35

Technical features.

• Length HT : 36ft (10.85m)
• Max. width : 12ft (3.64m)
• Weight : 6.060 tons
• Draft : 8ft (2.30m)
• Max. sleeping capacity : 4
• Number of cabins : 2
• Bathrooms : 1
• Water capacity : 200L

Standard motorisation

• Engine Power : 29hp
• Fuel capacity : 75L

Standard canopy

• Mainsail area : 136sqft (41.47m2)
• Genoa/jib area : 102sqft (31.00m2)

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• Sailboat Guide

Beneteau First 35S7

Beneteau First 35S7 is a 34 ′ 6 ″ / 10.5 m monohull sailboat designed by Philippe Stark and Berret-Racoupeau and built by Beneteau between 1993 and 1995.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Also sold as FIRST 35.7. Shallow draft wing keel: 5.0’/1.52m. Std. iron torpedo: 6.06’/1.85m Deep keel (lead): 9.40’/1.95m Relatively rare model. With a different deck it became the FIRST 36S7 (BENETEAU).

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First 35 - Berret Deep draft

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 15th March 2020

First 35 - Berret's main features

First 35 - berret's main dimensions, first 35 - berret's rig and sails, first 35 - berret's performances, first 35 - berret's auxiliary engine, first 35 - berret's accommodations and layout.

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• BENETEAU Manuals
• Owner's manual

BENETEAU FIRST 35 Owner's Manual

• page of 124 Go / 124

Table of Contents

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• 1 Welcome Aboard
• 2 Table of Contents
• 3 General Specifications
• 7 Steering System
• 8 Rigging and Sails
• 10 Water and Sewage Water
• 11 E Lectrical Equipment
• 13 Launching
• 14 Winter Storage
• Download this manual

Related Manuals for BENETEAU FIRST 35

Summary of Contents for BENETEAU FIRST 35

• Page 1 FIRST 35 Owner's Manual Code: 091962...

Page 3: Welcome Aboard

• Page 5 If your boat is equipped with a liferaft, carefully read the instructions. The boat The BENETEAU shipyards may not be held responsible for any alterations must have on board all the proper safety equipment (lifejackets, buoys, harness, flares, which they have not approved.
• Page 6 Introduction Name plate: The different warnings used throughout this guide are broken down as follows. A part of the data is shown on the builder's plate fixed to the boat. The explanation of these data is given in the appropriate chapters of this manual. ANGE R Identification of vessel: Idicates the existence of a serious inherent danger with a high risk of death...
• Page 7 Introduction HISTORY OF UPDATE S • Index A....................... 08/2009...

Page 9: Table Of Contents

Page 11: general specifications.

• Page 12 E ngine earth Max ....................160 kg Battery capacity - E ngine..................70A Battery capacity - Service..................110A The sails are the main propulsion means of the FIRST 35. Battery capacity - additional...................110A N OTE : The capacities indicated are maximum (including options).
• Page 13 Upto and including 4 C - "Near to the coast" Upto and including 6 Upto and including 2 Upto and including 4 Upto and including 0,3 D - "In sheltered waters" The FIRST 35 model conforms to the directive 2003/44/CE...
• Page 14 E ngine type Serial number E ngine key number CHANTIERS BENETEAU S.A. - Z.I. des Mares - BP 66 - 85270 St - Hilaire - de - Riez - FRANCE - Tèl. + 33 (0)2 51 60 50 10 http://www.beneteau.com...

Page 15: Safety

• Page 16 AFE TY QUIPME NT RE F Designation Position of swimming ladder (means of coming back onboard) Location of liferaft locker (not supplied) Storage locker for liferaft (Reference 2) Swimming ladder (means of coming back onboard) (Reference 1) Locker closed Locker open Safety...
• Page 17 Safety E NE RAL INF ORMATION ARNING DANGE RS -Before you sail, list the compulsory safety The major hazards concern: equipment. - The gas system. -Don't exceed the number of persons indicated in the chapter 'Specifications'. - The electrical system. -The total weight of the persons and equipment - Manoeuvring the vessel and the sails.
• Page 18 AS SYSTE M PE RATION RE F Designation Drain - Gas cylinder locker Gas cylinder locker Regulator valve Cooker - Oven Supply valve - Gas Open valve Closed valve N OTE : Same position for the other layouts. Supply valve Gas Gas cylinder locker Acces - A diagram enables it to be found easily Valve...
• Page 19 Safety CHE MA E RSION UROPE RE F Designation Regulator valve Gas cylinder Drain Connection kit gas bottle Rubber washers Pictogram Connection kit gas copper PVC girdled sleeve Gas appliance connection kit...
• Page 20 CHE MA E RSION RE F Designation Regulator valve 12V Gas cylinder Drain Stuffing box PVC girdled sleeve E lectromagnetic valve for gas 12V Pipe Propane Plastic Safety...
• Page 21 Safety E COMME NDATONS FOR GAS ARNING Type of cylinder: butane, service pressure 10 kg/cm or according to current standards of your country). Close the valves on the system and on the cylinder when the appliances are not used. Close the valves before you change -Don't use a solution containing ammonia.
• Page 22 E mergency evacuation and location of extinguishers E mergency exits in case of fire - Companionway Position of portable extinguishers (not supplied) - Cockpit locker - Aft cabin closet - Saloon bench seats Safety...
• Page 23 Safety Regularly check and replace the rubber tubings that link the cylinder to one end of the circuit and the stove to the other one, depending on the norms and regulations in force in your country. ARNING Pay particular attention to keep in good condition the screw thread of the cylinder on which the regulator is. Check the condition -Keep an extinguisher handy in case the fire of the regulator every year and change it if necessary.
• Page 24 Position of fuel valve and engine compartment extinguisher aperture E xtinguisher hole located under the companionway step - (Reference 2) Supply valve F uel A diagram enables it to be found easily (Reference 1) Safety...
• Page 25 E xtinguisher, per unit, minimum capacity 5A/34B. cooker or heater is in use. -Do not use gas lamps in the vessel. For the FIRST 35: 15A/102B(equivalent 3 extinguishers of this minimum capacity). -Do not alter the vessel systems (electrical, gas or fuel).
• Page 26 Use of the manual bilge pump Lay out of Operation Safety...
• Page 27 Safety ILGE PUMP SYSTE M ARNING ROCE DURE TO F OLLOW IN CASE OF WATE R LE AKAGE -The bilge pump system is not designed to - Switch on power to the electric bilge pumps. provide buoyancy to the boat in case of - If necessary activate the manual pump.
• Page 28 Acces to sector Safety...
• Page 29 Safety ME RGE NCY TILLE R IE CE OF ADVICE The emergency tiller is in an aft locker and shall be easy to get to. E COMME NDATION To operate the tiller: -The emergency tiller is designed only to sail at a reduced speed in case of a wheel failure.

Page 31: Hull

• Page 32 Carreening Wetted area : 27.5 m² Hull...
• Page 33 Hull AINTE NANCE OF THE RE CAUTION The materials and equipments of your boat have been selected because of their high quality and performance and ease of maintenance. However you shall carry out a minimum maintenance in order to protect your boat from outside attacks (salt, sun, electrolysis ...).

Page 35: Deck

• Page 36 Navigation - Deck Layout A. Mooring cleats (Lifeline (fastened on mooring cleats or on chainplates)) B. Towing: - at the bow, to be towed - at the stern, to tow C. Swimming ladder (means of coming back onboard) D. Mount Flag E.
• Page 37 Deck TABILITY Breaking waves represent a serious danger for stability and for taking in water. Close the companionway doors and hatches in ANGE R heavy seas. During sailing keep all the portholes, windows and doors closed. -Wear your life jacket. - The stability is reduced when you add weight in the upper parts.
• Page 38 Closure Hatch cover Mechanism open/ close rear beam Access to companionway Position navigation panel Position panel to reach the descent ANGE R -The institution must necessarily locked in the gas mixture navigation. Deck...
• Page 39 Deck OWING RE CAUTION OWING BOAT -Before anchoring check the depth of water, the - Tow another boat at a reduced speed and as smoothly as you can. power of the current and the nature of the sea - Pay particular attention when you throw or catch the towing rope (it may foul on the propeller). bed.
• Page 40 Anchoring without windlass with windlass 1 Bow fitting 5 Windlass 12V 1000 W - Chain rim 10mm 2 Mooring locker 6 Handle 3 Cleats for mooring line 7 Clench 4 Handle position (The handle is used to disengage the chain rim brake and to 8 Remote control haul in the anchor manually in the case of electrical breakdown) Battery switches to be turned on - Starboard aft cabin...
• Page 41 - Release the windlass brake using the handle located in the chain locker so as to allow the chain lifter to turn freely and to release the anchor from the stem fitting -The FIRST 35 must not sail with a CQR anchor - Re-engage the brake and let the anchor hang until the mooring position is reached.
• Page 43 Deck AINTE NANCE OF THE E CK Preferably wash your boat on shore. RE CAUTION Use as few cleaning agents as possible. -Consult the harbourmaster's office to find out Don't use solvents or aggressive detergent agents (Refer to chapter 3 "Hull"). the conditions of use for water and air facilities for cleaning your vessel.

Page 45: Steering System

• Page 46 Steering Gear Steering system...
• Page 47 Steering system Detail B Detail C Detail D...
• Page 48 RE F Designation Rudder Rudder stock Upper fret - mm diameter Lower fret - mm diameter Balance bush Lower bearing - mm diameter Rudder port tube Steering cable bellow seal Upper bearing - mm diameter Balance bush Sector Sector stopper Steering wheel column Steering wheel Stock arm...
• Page 49 Steering system TE E RING E AR ARNING AINTE NANCE - Regularly check: -Refer to chapter 2 "Safety"for use of the •The tension in the steering cables. emergency tiller. •The tightness of the steering system components. - Don't tighten the steering cables excessively. IE CE OF ADVICE - Lubricate all the elements.
• Page 50 E MOVAL SSE MBLY - Remove the rear cover (mark 1) using - Position the steering wheel in the a Allen spanner to unscrew the centre between the legs and put on the retaining bolts (mark 2). rear cover (mark 1) by screwing up the retaining bolts (mark 2).

Page 51: Rigging And Sails

• Page 52 Rigging Cruising DW L Rigging and Sails...
• Page 53 Rigging and Sails RE F Standing rigging Quantity Diameter (mm) / Length (mm) Lower shroud 07 / 5190 Upper shroud 08 / 13990 Switch 06 / 9890 Forestay 08 / 14430 Backstay 07 / 14450...
• Page 54 Rigging Racing - carbon Rigging and Sails...
• Page 55 Rigging and Sails RE F Standing rigging Quantity Diameter / Length (mm) ANGE R Lower shroud Dash 10 / 5190 -To hoist a crew member up to the top of the Upper shroud Dash 10 / 13990 mast, make a bowline with the halyard directly on the bosun's chair ring Switch Dash 8 / 9890...
• Page 56 Backstay system RE F Designation Single frame pulley Single pulley - Diameter 75 Single pulley - Diameter 57 Pulley - triple (carbon) Single pulley (carbon) Safety (Backstay) Tiered tackle - Backstay Tiered tackle - Backstay Tiered tackle - Backstay Palan of backstays SHACKLE Rigging and Sails...
• Page 57 Rigging and Sails RIGGING DIAGRAM (All versions) RE F Designation Kicking strap Genoa furler line Spinnaker halyard - To port Main halyard Reef Mainsail foot Jib sheet inhaulers Jib sheet inhaulers Reef Genoa halyard Spinnaker halyard - To starboard Boom lift Kicking strap RE F Designation...
• Page 58 System - Mast foot To port To starboard RE F Designation RE F Designation Spinnaker halyard - To port Genoa halyard Main halyard Kicking strap Kicker tackle - Spinnaker Reef Genoa furler line Spinnaker halyard - To starboard Kicking strap Spinnaker lift Mainsail foot Kicker tackle - Spinnaker...
• Page 59 Rigging and Sails UNNING RIGGING ARNING AINTE NANCE -Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to Lightly grease the sheave pins. Change any distorted or dented sheave. Inspect the pins of the sheaves at the top of the mast remove the winches and put them back. once a year.
• Page 60 Mainsail sheet circuit RE F Designation Number Swivel single pulley Single pulley Main sheet Traveller - Mainsail Single pulley carbon Single pulley carbon Double blocks carbon Mainsail traveller pass rope Rigging and Sails...
• Page 61 Rigging and Sails Genoa sheet circuit RE F Designation Number Jib sheet inhaulers - Detail Single pulley carbon Genoa furler line Genoa sheet Back and forth Genoa traveller (Forward) Back and forth Genoa traveller (Aft) Jib sheet inhaulers Single pulley carbon...
• Page 62 Boom downhaul circuit RE F Designation Single pulley - Diameter 57 Single pulley carbon Kicking strap Double blocks carbon Pig tail - Kicking strap Pig tail - Kicking strap Pig tail - Kicking strap Rigging and Sails...
• Page 63 Rigging and Sails URLING GE NOA ITTING IE CE OF ADVICE - Secure the head and halyard to the swivel. Secure the tack to the drum and sheets. E COMME NDATION - Insert the bolt rope into the hole and hoist it and take care that you do not tear it. -When you are not sailing, slacken the genoa - Have the halyard taut enough but hoist less taut than a sail on a normal stay.
• Page 64 Symmetric spi (optional extra) RE F Designation Swivel single pulley - Diameter 57 Swivel single pulley - Diameter 75 Boom lift Snap shackle Spinnaker boom downhaul Spinnaker guy Single pulley - Diameter 57 Spinnaker barber Single pulley - Diameter 40 Spinnaker sheet Rigging and Sails...
• Page 65 Rigging and Sails AILS IE CE OF ADVICE How long a sail lasts mainly depends on its regular maintenance. E COMME NDATION When sailing, trim the sails properly in accordance with the stresses in order to reduce the harmful strains on the fabric. -At the end of the sailing season, and if possible Avoid tears and wear: Use protective items against chafing on the the accessories with rough surfaces (protective items for before winter, leave your sails to a specialist to...
• Page 66 Rigging and Sails LE ANING AND MAINTE NANCE Rinse the sails with fresh water from time to time and dry quickly in order to avoid mildew. Avoid drying the sails to windward when on the mast (when the sails lift, the seams are worn, the sails may be torn by the rigging). AULING DOWN THE STANDARD MAINSAIL To haul down the mainsail: - Head into the eye of the wind.

Page 67: Fittings

• Page 68 NTRODUCTION F ittings Fittings...
• Page 69 Fittings NTE RIOR MAINTE NANCE IE CE OF ADVICE E COMME NDATION NSIDE - Take advantage of the fine weather to take the settee and berth cushions out. -Preferably wash your boat on shore. -Use as few cleaning agents as possible. - Put the cushions vertically if you leave the boat for long.
• Page 70 Headquarters chartwork Access to companionway ANGE R Must be secured while sailing. Cooler locking system Side lockers opening/ closing system Side portholes ANGE R Must be secured while sailing. Fittings...
• Page 71 Fittings 100% POLYE STE R RALON JACQUARD If you cannot remove the fabric: - Clean with the vacuum cleaner. - Clean with synthetic foam (please refer to the product instructions). If you can remove the fabric: - Hand wash with an ordinary washing powder at 30° C. In both cases, dry cleaning is possible.

Page 73: Water And Sewage Water

• Page 74 Water tank - To port Lay out of - F iller cap Gauge on electrical panel Refer to the instructions for use Water tank- To starboard Water and sewage water...
• Page 75 Water and sewage water ATE R TANKS ARNING PE RATION -Tanks nominal load capacity cannot be fully In order to prevent any handling mistakes, never fill the water and fuel tanks at the same time. used based due to trim and boat loading. A 20% During filling, avoid handling contaminants near the fillers.
• Page 76 Plumbing board Located under the port-side heel bearer RE F Designation E lectric bilge pump Water unit Water filter E xpansion chamber Tank taps Water heater 220V 25l Lay out of: Under Saloon table 1. 220 V socket 2. Thermostat - Mixer tap 3.
• Page 77 Water and sewage water ATE R SYSTE M ISTRIBUTION RE CAUTION SE OF THE WASHBASINS AND SHOWE RS -Never operate the water system equipment when the valve is closed or the tank is empty - Close the valves and turn off the taps after use. (the electrical equipment may be damaged).
• Page 79 Water and sewage water ATE R SYSTE M RAINAGE IE CE OF ADVICE E COMME NDATION PE RATION -Regularly check the valves and thru-hull fittings Waste water from the sink, washbasins and heads is drained off by thru-hull fittings with ball valves (the valve is closed when for proper operation and watertightness.
• Page 80 Thru-hull fitting closed Thru-hull fitting open Galley draining Sink (Under the sink) F ridge (Before the sink) Hand spray evacuation valve Draining pump for shower Washbasin draining - Washroom Shower tray draining Water and sewage water...
• Page 81 Water and sewage water E WAGE IE CE OF ADVICE E COMME NDATION SE OF THE MARINE HE ADS -When you are in a marina, use the club-house Before you use the heads, check that the water intake valve and draining valve are open. sanitary facilities (if there are).
• Page 82 Black water circuits - Schematic diagram Deck or sea evacuation Deck only evacuation 1. WC 2. Seawater inlet 1. Deck filler - Suction and Rinsing 4. Sewage tank 2. Tank vent hole 5. Closing cap 3. Drainage to sea 6. Vent hole 7.
• Page 83 Water and sewage water SE OF MARINE S FITTE D WITH BLACK WATE R TANK ARNING Open the water intake valve (valve handle parallel to the pipe). In the case of a direct discharge into the sea: Open the draining valve. -Tanks nominal load capacity cannot be fully In case you store the waste waters in the tank: Make sure the draining valve is closed (valve handle perpendicular to the pipe).

Page 85: E Lectrical Equipment

• Page 86 Schematic diagram 12V 220 Volts / 50Hz E lectrical equipment...
• Page 87 E lectrical equipment E NE RAL INFORMATION ARNING LE CTRICAL PANE L -Handle the batteries with care (Please refer to The electrical switchboard does not require any routine maintenance . In case an electric appliance is not energized, check: the manufacturer's instructions. - The main power supply (batteries, battery switches).
• Page 88 E lectrical panel RE F Designation FUSE Charger 10 A (220 V) / 15 A (110 V) Water heater 10 A 110-220V AC socket 10 A Voltmeter Water gauge Fuel oil gauge Socket 12 V Interior lighting 10 A Mooring light 10 A Navigation light 10 A...
• Page 89 E lectrical equipment Relay board Starboard aft cabin 12V 25A 9 $ 1. Relay box - E ngine compartment ventilator 2. Relay box - Auto pilot 3. FUSE - Auto pilot...
• Page 90 Plate 12V circuit breakers - Back of electrical panel RE F Designation Interior lighting Interior lighting Shower pump 12 V socket VHF - Hifi Available Available Available Available E lectrical equipment...
• Page 91 E lectrical equipment Circuit breakers are resettable. Press the tab manually on black back on the road circuit (see photo) Breaker disarmed Armed breaker...
• Page 92 ATTE RIE S ARNING Battery charging is achieved through the alternator coupled to the engine or through use of the 220 V shore charger. Keep the batteries charged enough (essential to ensure them a correct service life). -Never work on a live electric fitting. Make the most of time alongside to use the 220 V shore charger so as to start out sailing with fully charged batteries.
• Page 93 E lectrical equipment ATTE RY SE T E ngine 70A Service: 110A Starboard aft cabin + Battery charger - 40A Spare battery 110A Starboard aft cabin ATTE RY ISOLATION SWITCH SE T Lay out of: Starboard aft cabin A. Battery switch of negative terminal B.
• Page 94 HORE POWE R SOCKE T Decompounded switch 40A - Breaker 32A - Shore power socket 220V - 30A Back of electrical panel Cockpit locker E lectrical equipment...
• Page 95 E lectrical equipment , 110-220 V LE CTRICAL CIRCUIT ANGE R E NE RAL RE COMME NDATIONS - Never let the end of the boat/shore supply cable Certain vessels are equipped (as either standard or optional features depending on the model)with a 110 V or 230 V circuit. hang in the water: - The result may be an electric field liable to hurt or The following measures are recommended in order to avoid the danger of electrical shock and fire:...
• Page 96 Schematic diagram 220V 220 Volts / 50Hz 220 Volts / 50Hz 220 Volts / 50Hz E lectrical equipment...
• Page 97 E lectrical equipment QUIPME NT IE CE OF ADVICE E COMME NDATION E NE RAL INTRODUCTION -Place the protective covers on the repeaters (As far as possible) use electric appliances with double insulation or with three conductors (Neutral-Live wire-Ground). when unused for long periods. -When sailing store the protective covers inside LE CTRONICS the boat to avoid losing them.
• Page 98 E lectronics - Transducer location View interior View Outside E lectrical equipment...
• Page 99 E lectrical equipment LE CTRONICS IE CE OF ADVICE E COMME NDATION E AD LINE S -For best results, remove any metal compass. The log and depth sounder sensors are located under the forward cabin floor. Keep the log sensor cowl close to the instrument -Do not store material close to the calculator and so as to be able to intervene in complete safety.

Page 101: E Ngine

• Page 102 F uel tank F uel filler Gauge - E lectrical panel Refer to the instructions for use E ngine...
• Page 103 E ngine 10 10 E NE RAL INFORMATION ANGE R YPE OF MOTORISATION Your vessel is fitted with an in-board diesel engine. -Stop the engine and refrain from smoking Transmission type is Sail-drive. during fuel tank filling. RE CAUTIONS OF USE OPE RATING ADVICE General point RE CAUTION...
• Page 104 E NGINE FITTING E ngine...
• Page 105 E ngine 10 10...
• Page 106 E ngine...
• Page 107 E ngine 10 10 RE F Designation Sleeve Filler cap Outlet Hot air extraction Diesel tank - 75 litres Fuel supply valve Water trap Battery switch E xpansion chamber Anti-siphonage item Sail-drive engine E ngine compartment ventilator - 12V Battery - 12 70A V Sea water filter Fuel filter Fresh air inlet 1...
• Page 108 Main elements of the engine RE F Designation E ngine oil filler hole - E ngine housings Water trap Seawater intake valve Diesel oil decanter valve Ventilator 12V Anti-siphonage item Sea water filter E xpansion chamber E ngine oil gauge Battery for engine 70A E ngine...
• Page 109 E ngine 10 10 NGINE F UE L VALVE AND SE A WATE R INTAKE F uel oil valve for engine (Reference 1) E ngine water valve: On the sail-drive (Reference 2)
• Page 110 E ngine IE CE OF ADVICE These instructions give detailed explanations on proper operation of the engine. E COMME NDATION - Refill before the fuel tanks have almost run dry (the fuel system may be stopped for lack of fuel). -Get used to checking immediately after starting - Make sure you have enough fuel before sailing.
• Page 111 E ngine 10 10 F uel filter ANGE R The engine running problems may have different origins, among which dirty fuel. The injection pump may wear out if there is water in the system. -Never obstruct access to the fuel valve. The water results either from the condensation resulting from an insufficiently filled tank, or from a filler cap either not closed properly or with a damaged seal.
• Page 112 E ngine control Propeller detail RE F Designation RE F Designation Flush adapter for engine control mechanism Base E ngine panel Anode Folding blade propellor E ngine...
• Page 113 E ngine 10 10 The instrument panel has all the testing functions of the engine and it does not require any special precaution (refer to engine leaflet). IE CE OF ADVICE E COMME NDATION Check the clutch and accelerator cables (lubricate the end fittings and forks). -When the engine is running, avoid making noise ISIBILITY FROM THE STE E RING STATION and chops near the other users.
• Page 114 AVIGATION E MINDE R OF SOME ADVICE IE CE OF ADVICE Stability E COMME NDATION During sailing keep all the portholes, windows and doors closed. -Have the whole driving and steering systems - The stability is reduced when you add weight in the upper parts. checked and maintained by a professional.

Page 115: Launching

• Page 116 OSITION OF HOISTING CRADLE AND STRAPS Launching...
• Page 117 AUNCHING RE COMME NDATIONS ARNING A lot of skill and care is required to commission your BENETEAU boat. The proper working of all your boat equipments in the future results from the quality of the commissioning operations. -Do not stay on board or under the boat during In order to remain completely under guarantee in the case of any failure of parts or materials the first launching and the first trials of hoisting.
• Page 118 Launching 11 11 F TE R LAUNCHING - Check the sounder and speedometer fittings for tightness if need be. - Open the valves and make sure that they are tight with the hull and relevant hose. Before starting the engine, refer to chapter 10 "E ngine". TE PPING THE MAST Please contact your dealer.

Page 119: Winter Storage

• Page 121 Winter Storage 12 12 AYING UP - Take ashore all the ship's log, the ropes that are not used for mooring, the galley equipment, supplies, clothes, the safety equipment, batteries, the gas cylinder. - Mark again the safety equipment, check the expiration dates, have the liferaft overhauled. - Take advantage of this laying up to draw up a complete inventory of the equipment.
• Page 123 Winter Storage 12 12 E ngine The engine winterization shall be carried out by a professional. Depending on the boat location, afloat or ashore, winterization is different. Here are a few major tasks to carry out: Afloat - Drain the cooling system and fill it with antifreeze. - Shut off the battery switches, grease the terminals and check the battery voltage.
• Page 124 Personal notes Dealer stamp The present document is not contractual and since we constantly desire to improve our models, we reserve the right to modify them without notice. Code: 091962...

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The new Beneteau First 30: Effortless joy of planing for everyone

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Introducing the Exciting New Planing Cruiser, the First 30

This innovative model promises to give all sailors the thrill of planing while delivering top-level performance. 

Updating a Legacy

The First 30 follows in the footsteps of the popular model launched in 1977 , which shaped the history of BENETEAU. The brand worked with Seascape for this new version, assembling a team of world-class designers and engineers: Samuel Manuard for the naval architecture and Lorenzo Argento for the design. This bold new project demonstrates BENETEAU’s commitment to innovation and is particularly meaningful as the brand celebrates its 140th anniversary . 

Performance and Comfort: Safe, Smooth Sailing

The First 30 is 10.33 metres long and has a displacement of 3,150 kg, meaning that even small crews can enjoy quick easy planing . 

Planing is that magical moment when, at full speed, your yacht’s hull lifts and is in limited contact with the water, minimising friction and creating a smooth, gliding sensation. You feel the thrill of the boat accelerating, and every manoeuvre is smoother and more responsive. It is this adrenalin rush that promises unique unforgettable moments at sea!  A clear cockpit and simple rigging make navigation fun and intuitive, even at high speeds. Additional options for racers optimise performance. Designed for effortless sailing, the First 30 is perfect for cruising and for racing. By choosing the layout – cruising or racing – it can be perfectly matched to the needs of each skipper. The cruising version features large winches and ergonomic controls to simplify handling, while the racing version includes a mainsail traveller for more accurate trimming.

A Practical, User-Friendly Interior for Worry-Free Cruising

Below deck, the boat has a capacity of 4 people divided between two cabins. The First 30 is the perfect boat for cruising with family or friends. Cruising is truly enjoyable, with a comfortable saloon, fully-fitted galley and smart storage spaces. 

With the Premium Pack option, you have additional features and the interior is more stylish with top-quality upholstery, extra lounge backrests, a chopping board, choice of colours and materials, and mood lighting.

With the new First 30 , BENETEAU once again proves its ability to push back the boundaries of innovation while remaining true to its heritage. Designed to become a true benchmark, the First 30 will make its world premiere at the Düsseldorf 2025 boat show.

Sign up now for our newsletter, so you do not miss out on the upcoming launch.

Published on 10.09.2024

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The ammonia-powered "Fortescue Green Pioneer" pictured in the Port of Singapore in March 2024. Photo courtesy Fortescue

World’s First Ammonia-Powered Vessel Sets Sail in Singapore

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Australian mining company Fortescue has marked the world’s first use of ammonia as a marine fuel in the Port of Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering port.

The groundbreaking vessel, Fortescue Green Pioneer , was loaded with liquid ammonia from the Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island for a seven-week fuel trial in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

Ammonia, a chemical compound created by combining nitrogen from the air with hydrogen, is traditionally used in agriculture and industry. Its potential as a carrier for hydrogen and as a marine fuel can support the energy transition in maritime operations.

The Fortescue Green Pioneer was converted to use ammonia and diesel in 2022 at Fortescue’s land-based testing facility in Perth, Western Australia. After successful land-based testing, two of the vessel’s four engines were converted to use ammonia and diesel for powering the ship, while the remaining two engines will use conventional fuels when necessary.

To ensure the vessel’s operations in Singapore, a series of workshops were organized to identify potential risks during fuel transfer and engine trials. Training sessions and safety drills were conducted to ensure operational readiness. The seven-week fuel trial was monitored by an Emergency Operations Centre. During the trial, the Fortescue Green Pioneer’s ammonia storage systems, associated piping, retrofitted engines, and seaworthiness were rigorously tested.

The vessel used five cubic meters of liquid ammonia supplied by Vopak for the fuel trial, with a second tranche of three tonnes of liquid ammonia to be loaded for further tests and trials in the coming weeks.

The Fortescue Green Pioneer’ s fuel systems and engine conversion received class approval from DNV through a technology qualification process. Both DNV and MPA worked closely with Fortescue for the technical assessment of the vessel and the approval process of the vessel’s ammonia safety systems and design. The vessel has also received the “Gas Fueled Ammonia” notation from classification society DNV and flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) for using ammonia and diesel as marine fuel.

The successful trial marks a significant milestone for the world’s leading bunkering hub and highlights Singapore’s multi-fuel bunkering capability following the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation in Singapore in July 2023.

The vessel was previously showcased at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and associated meetings (COP28/CMP18/CMA5) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in December 2023. Guests on board included world leaders, industry captains, and members of international organisations.

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