Sustainability At Sea
Sustainability has become a hot topic in the yachting world, with many superyachts developing innovative solutions to help reduce their environmental footprint. Superyacht CO2 emissions and their impact on the ocean has been well documented over the years, so it is very refreshing to read how the industry is now taking significant steps to reduce its impact on the environment and contribute towards sustainable business practices.
Many charter companies that provide exclusive charter cruises to various destinations, especially the distant and hard to reach ones are starting to change their protocols. As a result, there has been a rise in the use of sustainable ships that do not inflict as much harm to the environment.
Instead of trying to implement corrective measures, the industry is aiming to stop the harm from happening in the first place. As a result, the superyacht industry is becoming eco-conscious and are claiming to be doing everything in their power to provide eco-friendly cruises to clients on board eco-friendly superyachts.
How is the superyacht industry evolving to try and reduce environmental impact ?
Many shipyards have started incorporating modern technological innovations in their builds. Utilising harmless materials to build yachts that do not pollute the marine environment. They also use non-toxic paint, advanced water balanced management systems, innovative bilge water separation systems, or modern waste treatment systems. All these technologies are set to become an integral part of ecological mega yachts.
Other companies are also using science and technology to turn the superyacht industry into a more environmental-friendly sector.
A Dutch yacht design studio and a German company Nephi Technology are designing a vessel that emits no exhaust gases. They want to revolutionize yacht design by giving it the ability to split CO2 into carbon and oxygen, which is what nature does. To achieve such a desirable effect, it is likely that the yacht will have large onboard gardens with trees, shrubs, and grass, and special technologies that would purify the air.
The Ferretti Group has built a plant in Italy that adds solar panels to vessels, allowing them to generate their own electricity. This cuts down the electricity that is used for cooling, heating, and power facilities by up to 79 percent. The company has also been using recyclable materials to build superyachts.
Other luxury yachts are embracing scientists at sea, and explorer roles to achieve more sustainable practises. Superyacht, Ragnar is a cruise vessel that provides exclusive traveling experiences to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Tropics, and other parts of the world. It is also a scientific ship equipped with the latest technology, allowing scientists to conduct various research and find effective solutions to fight global warming, water, and air pollution, and preserve biodiversity.
The superyacht industry is starting to work with various scientific institutions and research centres working on conservation and environmental protection. Providing equipment for scientists, utilising green technology, reducing emissions in new builds and existing vessels, to aid ocean conservation.
A great example is the Nekton Foundation scientific missions and research for the protection of the ocean. Priavo work in partnership with Nekton – providing risk management throughout their expeditions to keep scientists, media and crew safe. This ranges from high-risk area transits, piracy drills and crew training to mini sub safety drills, navigating local support and managing key stakeholders. Throughout each mission world renowned scientists undertake ground-breaking research across the ocean. One mission alone included 75 submersible dives, 300 scientific deployments with 1,200 biological Samples taken and new species discovered! Nektons 2019 mission was a ‘First of its Kind’ deep ocean live broadcast to over 127 countries. In total 26 million meters squared of seabed were mapped, providing intelligence and data for global conservation efforts.
To learn about how you can support future missions please click here ‘Yachts for Science’.