
Superyachts are symbols of lavish excess, but more owners are thinking about the planet and how to make their vessels more eco-friendly. Here's a snapshot of the latest green yachts.

Eco-friendly: Oceanco's Black Pearl is the world's largest sailing superyacht at 106.7 meters (350 feet) and is said to be able to cross the Atlantic without using fossil fuel.

Smart energy: The yacht features a hybrid propulsion system which can generate its own electricity from its spinning propellers while sailing. It also has a high-tech waste heat recovery system, while solar sails are also in the pipeline.

Innovative ideas: Black Pearl won "Best Naval Architecture for Sailing Yachts" in the 2019 Boat International Design & Innovation Awards.

Hybrid future: The giant Sailing Yacht A -- technically a sail-assisted motor yacht -- also uses hybrid fuel techniques.

Seafaring life: Sailing Yacht A has an elevator on its 100-meter-tall masts, allowing guests to travel to the top and admire the sea views.

Explorer vessel: Another superyacht trend is the move towards "explorer" yachts -- they're state-of-the-art, but also able to contribute towards ocean research projects and venture into wilder areas. Pictured here is a design for upcoming superyacht REV Ocean. The largest superyacht currently under construction is projected to measure 182.6 meters.

Ocean exploration: "It's one thing to sail on top of the ocean but there's so much technology available now that lets you get underneath the water and explore the oceans in a completely unique way," REV Ocean's communication manager, Lawrence Hislop, tells CNN Travel.

Another Oceanco project, the 105m Esquel is a diesel-electric vessel designed to explore remote locations.

Still in the concept phase, the Esquel will be capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles in a single journey. "Toys" on board will include snowmobiles, a helicopter and a submarine, say Oceanco.