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Hull Vane

Hull Vane

About the product:

The Hull Vane® is a patented submerged stern wing designed to reduce a displacement or semi-displacement ship’s resistance and motion in waves. Combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Hull Vane team in-depth knowledge of hydrodynamics, they can customise and optimise the design of the Hull Vane® to achieve the highest level of performance.

Improved environmental impact:

The Water Revolution Foundation LCA study following ISO 14040 and 14044 confirms that yachts equipped with the innovative submerged wing Hull Vane present a lower environmental impact when compared with the same yacht that does not have the submerged wing; in other words it possesses the Business As Usual (BAU) Hull Vane’s innovative solution demonstrates a 14-15% reduction across all environmental impact categories in comparison to the BAU.

LCA Summary
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Ecopoint

Ecopoint

The Ecopoint encompasses more dimensions of a sustainability assessment, representing the total potential environmental load of a product or solution: it is a cumulative, more holistic value that includes the impacts on human health, the ecosystem and resource diversity. This index is an aggregated result of the 10 previous indicators discussed until now, which in essence are non-comparable. The Ecopoint therefore allows us to group them in three different categories of damage: (1) Human Health, (2) Ecosystem quality and (3) Resources. This way, obtaining a single score representing the total environmental impacts during the product's life cycle is possible. Human Health and Ecosystem Impact The ecopoint index factors in the impact on human health and ecosystems, how a product's life cycle may affect human well-being including health risks related to exposure to pollutants, and how it may impact ecosystems, including biodiversity and habitat disruption. This takes into account the diversity and availability of natural resources, as well as the potential depletion of non-renewable resources and the consequences for future generations. The Ecopoint is a measure that combines four important factors to assess a product's environmental impact:
  • Characterization Factors (CA): These are like scores that show how harmful a substance or emission can be for the environment.
  • Damage Assessment Factors (DA): They include different types of harm, like global warming or air pollution.
  • Normalization Factor (NO): This gives you a way to compare the impact to an average or reference value.
  • Weighing Factor (WE): This helps decide how much importance to give to each type of harm.
The ecopoint index is essentially a form of multi-criteria assessment that allows decision-makers to weigh different environmental and sustainability factors. It acknowledges that environmental issues are interconnected, and a single value can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs and impacts associated with a product.
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Photochemical Oxidation

Photochemical Oxidation

On Earth, pollution mixed with heat and sunlight creates a concentration of Ozone (O3 gaz) in the atmosphere (stratosphere + troposphere). This gaseous element, when released in the stratosphere, acts like sunscreen for all living organisms, shielding the Earth’s surface from most of the sun’s UV light (unless it creates depletion in the atmospheric layer, see here for Ozone Depletion Potential). However, when this concentration remains at ground level in the troposphere, it affects the air that we breathe as humans and therefore starts becoming a health hazard. When inhaled, ozone reacts chemically with many biological molecules in the respiratory tract, leading to a number of adverse health effects. We call this secondary air pollution Photochemical oxidation, also known as Summer Smog. Chemically speaking, photo-oxidant formation is a photochemical creation of reactive substances: it is formed in the atmosphere by nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight, often the consequence of emissions from fossil fuel combustion. POP calculates the destructive effects of ozone in the troposphere over a time horizon of 100 years.
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Global Warming

Global Warming

The Earth receives energy from the sun through solar radiation, with about half of this energy being absorbed by the earth’s surface. The other half is reflected back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation or heat. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap this radiation in the atmosphere, thereby heating the Earth. Consequently, the more GHGs that are present in the atmosphere, the warmer the Earth’s temperature becomes. This process is known as the greenhouse effect. In order to make meaningful comparisons between GHGs, scientists have adopted CO2 as the benchmark for measuring their heat-trapping abilities. CO2 is a clear, odourless gas produced during carbon combustion and in the respiration of living organisms. The heat-trapping potential of a gas, measured against CO2 over a fixed period, is known as Global Warming Potential (GWP). CO2 is used as a benchmark to measure the GWP of substances, which is expressed in kg of CO2eq. Ultimately, GWP evaluates the potential impact of different gaseous emissions on climate change by calculating the radiative force over a 100-year time horizon.
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Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone Layer Depletion

In the stratosphere, an ozone-rich layer called the Ozone layer exists. The formation of the ozone hole is directly linked to the stratosphere’s temperature. Once temperatures drop below -78°C, polar stratospheric clouds tend to form, exacerbating ozone depletion over both of the Earth’s hemispheres. The Ozone layer acts like sunscreen for all living organisms, shielding the Earth’s surface from most of the sun’s UV light. Its depletion could cause serious damage for humans, animals, plants and materials. Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) calculates these destructive effectives over a time horizon of 100 years.
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Acidification

Acidification

Acidification is an environmental problem caused by acidified rivers/streams and soil due to anthropogenic air pollutants such as ammonia, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide. When acids are emitted, the pH factor falls and acidity increases, which for example can involve the widespread decline of coniferous forests and dead fishes in lakes in Scandinavia. In the ocean, we define acidification as a reduction of the pH over an extended period of time, and it is caused primarily by an uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere: the ocean absorbs the extra amount of CO2 emitted in our atmosphere. We are already observing this change in the deep ocean, especially at high latitudes. It affects marine organisms, with a consequence on the ecosystems they belong to in and above water: disrupting the food chain (increase of the mobilisation and the leaching behaviour of heavy metals in soil), altered prey availability (for example, krill for whales), impact on habitats (lower pH destroys coral reefs), but also the amplification of noise pollution by a modification of the underwater acoustics. As an indicator, Acidification Potential calculates the impact of the potential change in acidity in the soil due to the atmospheric deposition of sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, and other compounds.
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PM10

PM10

Dust from roads, farms, dry riverbeds, construction sites, and mines are types of PM10: particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. These are coarse (bigger) particles, which can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. While fine (smaller) particles (PM2.5) are more dangerous and penetrate into the deep parts of your lungs — or even into your blood, it is important to measure the level of PM10 into the surrounding air. Scientists have defined that a level of PM10 below 12 μg/m3 is considered healthy with little to no risk from exposure. If the level goes to or above 35 μg/m3 during a 24-hour period, the air becomes unhealthy, causing a risk exposure for people with existing breathing issues such as asthma or lung diseases. With deposits accumulating onto surfaces, including vegetation, soil, and water bodies, PM10 also impacts soil erosion, water quality, aquatic life cycles, and can carry contaminants into ecosystems. It can lead to winter smog.
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Water Scarcity Footprint

Water Scarcity Footprint

The water scarcity footprint helps assess how particular water use contributes to or exacerbates water scarcity in a given area. We assess this impact by considering the quantity of water consumption and the water stress index (WSI) of the region from where the water is extracted, to determine the impact of freshwater consumption in view of its deprivation potential. In yacht manufacturing for example, water consumption is significantly high for the extraction and production of materials. The amount of water consumed when producing yacht-building material is more than double than during the operating phase of the yacht. Further, hull construction requires water in various stages such as composite-moulding process, curing resins, and more. While these stages do not use large volumes of water individually, they become high over the course of yacht production. The water stress index can thus be an important metric in quantifying how much water is consumed and identifying hotspots where efforts to minimise water use can be implemented. The Water Stress Index takes into account factors like available water resources, population, and industrial demand for water in that area. Of course, water resource exploitation may have a different impact depending on the extraction area. Water scarcity impact If the water scarcity impact is high, it indicates that your product or solution is exerting considerable strain on an already water-stressed region. Consequently, it may be prudent to explore more sustainable water sourcing or conservation measures to mitigate one’s heightened environmental damage. Conversely, if the water scarcity impact is low, it suggests that your product or solution exercises a relatively minor impact on water scarcity in that region, which can be a positive indicator of sustainability. The indicators for WSI reflect the cumulative amount of direct and indirect emissions to help us understand how a product or solution’s water use might impact water shortages.
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Eutrophication

Eutrophication

Eutrophication calculates the destructive effects of ammonia, nitrates, nitrogen oxides and phosphorus (emitted in air and waters) on freshwater systems. In inland waters, it is one of the major factors that determine the ecological quality of an aquatic environment. This process of pollution occurs when a lake or stream becomes over-rich in plant nutrient – as a consequence, phytoplankton increases, and the water becomes overgrown in algae and other aquatic plants. The plants die and decompose, robbing the water of oxygen so that ultimately the lake, river, or stream becomes lifeless. While eutrophication occurs naturally in freshwater systems, man-made eutrophication occurs over millions of years and is caused by organic pollutants from man’s activities, like effluents from industries and homes.
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NOx

NOx

NOX are a group of highly reactive gases produced by various natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) sources. They strongly affect the air quality in our immediate surroundings, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (resulting in POP – see Part 2 here), and contributing to acid rain or deposition, ozone depletion, and eutrophication of soil and water (for more on eutrophication of oceans, read our Part 2 here). We know that the subsequent impacts of acid deposition and eutrophication onour soil and water can be significant, having adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems in rivers and lakes, damage to forests, crops and other vegetation. Furthermore, by contributing to the formation of atmospheric aerosols and particulate matter, NOx emissions can lead to the formation of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and affects human respiratory systems. When the environment is affected by NOx, it results in Summer smog, Winter smog, and Acidification in the environment impacted by its release.
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SO2

SO2

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless gas with a pungent odour, released into the atmosphere from both natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions, and anthropogenic (human-caused) sources emitted by the combustion of fuels containing sulphur. Sulphur dioxide is a pollutant that contributes to acid deposition, which, in turn, can lead to potential changes in soil and water quality (eutrophication due to excessive nutrient input, as discussed above). Its effects can be counterbalanced by implementing flue gas desulfurization systems in power plants, and regulations on emissions from transportation sources. Winter smog and acidification are among the results of its presence in our atmosphere.
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Explore E8 & Explore E9

Explore E8 & Explore E9

About the product: By providing maximum lighting effect with minimised power usage, Explore E8 & E9 exceed conventional on-board lighting systems in terms of effectiveness and sustainability. The Explore Weld-In range has been designed in-house with the tenet of maximum output and effect for minimal use of energy, with optimised design and attention to reduce environmental impact. Improved environmental impact: The LCA study reveals a notable reduction in environmental indicators ranging from 31% to 61.8% when comparing both steel and aluminium versions of OceanLED’s Explore Weld In E8 models with the traditional Lumishore SY310. The Explore Weld-E9 model also show reduction in most indicators compared to the BUA scenario, except for the Water Stress Index.
LCA Summary
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Hempaguard X7

Hempaguard X7

About the product: The Hempaguard X7 by Hempel A/S is an antifouling coating that uses advanced technology to extend the fouling free period. This eco-friendlier alternative to standard antifouling products is suitable for all yachts, with no limitations on service speeds, including those that are slow/ultraslow steaming vessels. There are likewise no restrictions for vessels operating with long service intervals up to 60 months and/or very long idle periods of up to 120 days, the latter of which matches the average operational profile found by Water Revolution Foundation for yachts over 30 metres. Improved environmental impact: The innovative formulation of Hempaguard X7 significantly reduces environmental impact by 31,5% across all impact categories except Ozone Layer Depletion (ODP), demonstrating the possibility of significantly reducing water consumption and the emission of NOx, Sox and Particulate Matter.
LCA Summary
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Magellan 630 Extra & Giraglia 633 Extra

Magellan 630 Extra & Giraglia 633 Extra

About the product: Magellan 630 Extra and Giraglia 633 Extra are high-quality anti-fouling solutions that have been developed using innovative SPC technology, providing self-polishing systems with maximum protection and an improved footprint. Improved environmental impact: The results show that Megellan 630 significantly reduces environmental impact across all analysed categories. Compared to the Business as Usual product Altura 619, it reduces the total impact by 21.99%. Giraglia 633 Extra also proves to be a viable alternative to the Business as Usual, Altura 619 Extra.
LCA Summary
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RecondOil

RecondOil

About the product: SKF’s RecondOil has a fully circular approach through the use of patented Double Separation Technology (DST) that ensures the oil remains exceptionally clean, preventing aging and enabling repeated use. The resulting ultra-clean oil contributes to significant performance improvements and longer machine life, all while improving the overall environmental impact compared to the business as usual. Improved environmental impact: The LCA study revealed significant reductions in all environmental indicators, ranging from 60.2% to 83.5%.
LCA Summary
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Awlgrip HDT

Awlgrip HDT

About the product: Awlgrip HDT incorporates High Definition Technology (HDT) to create a new standard in topcoat appearance and durability. This eco-friendlier alternative to standard topcoat products delivers cutting-edge performance and substantially reduces impact compared to its previous version. Improved environmental impact: The LCA study demonstrate that the innovative solution Awlgrip HDT exhibits a decrease in environmental indicators across all analysed impact categories compared to the conventional Awlgrip Topcoat. The reduction ranges from 40.35 to 55.48%, indicating that Awlgrip HDT represents a more environmentally friendly alternative.
LCA Summary
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Fendaskin

Fendaskin

About the product: Made from Bioprene, an eco-friendly Neoprene alternative free from petro-chemicals and mined minerals in the production process, Fendaskin offers full reversibility for extended lifespan, exceptional fade resistance, and resistance to water absorption and stretching. Improved environmental impact: Defenda’s innovation showed a reduction in environmental impact across all impact categories. The reduction ranges from 65.95% to 92.79%, demonstrating that the Fendaskin is a more sustainable option compared to its mainstream alternative.
LCA Summary
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Permanent Washable Air Filters

Permanent Washable Air Filters

About the product: Permanent Washable Air Filters by FMD provide a more efficient, eco-conscious alternative to disposable counterparts, with high-quality filtration leading to reduced landfill waste, onboard storage demands, and carbon footprint. Improved environmental impact: FMD's innovation performs better with regards to its environmental impacts compared to the BAU. The sensitivity analysis also shows that the overall environmental performance of the innovative solution remains evident, even with extended BAU lifetimes.
LCA Summary
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Marine Inverter Air Conditioning with Direct Refrigerant Expansion

Marine Inverter Air Conditioning with Direct Refrigerant Expansion

About the product: This solution has a direct expansion system, dynamically adjusting cooling capacity and humidity based on the individual requests of the cabins. Termodinamica’s smart software controls ensure on-demand capacity management with minimal energy wastage. Improved environmental impact: The comparative LCA study shows how the Termodinamica HVAC system leads to a considerable reduction in all the impact categories analysed. This innovative solution shows a reduction ranging from 59,89% to 65,82% for all environmental indicators.
LCA Summary

Ocean Conservation

Water Revolution Foundation guides the superyacht industry in supporting
only the most impactful ocean conservation initiatives.

OCEAN CONSERVATION AND THE SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY

Our united passion for the water is the very reason our industry exists. We are intrinsically connected to the oceans and our future relies on their health.

But the very environment we treasure is in danger. The oceans are ailing. Overfishing, pollution and negligence is putting immense pressure on the marine world. Without urgent help, it will be too late to turn the tide. To continue enjoying the oceans, we need to work together to safeguard them. Our industry, with its innate connection to the water, is in a unique strategic position to take action and help shape a better future. That’s why we work alongside conservation institutions at the highest level to guide the superyacht industry towards supporting the most impactful initiatives.

Our vision for ocean conservation

At Water Revolution Foundation, we understand that the challenges facing our oceans are also the challenges of our own industry. Alongside our efforts to reduce the footprint of the superyacht industry, we recognise that for a well-rounded approach and a sustainable future, we must also directly invest in conservation efforts. We are intrinsically linked to the water and it is only logical and right that we treat this crucial natural resource with the care and attention it so urgently deserves.

We are in a fortunate position to create change – the very nature of our business means that we are naturally passionate about the oceans, and we are also blessed with some of the world’s most affluent and influential clients, who care deeply about shaping a healthier future for our marine environment.

This is our opportunity to take on a stewardship role for the oceans and make them a key stakeholder of our industry. We need to shift from viewing ocean conservation as philanthropy to understanding that it is, in actuality, an investment. We need to beyond only reducing our impact so that we can secure our common future. Only then can the superyacht industry succeed in becoming sustainable.

We know that to make a real difference, this needs to be a collaborative effort. We follow the directions set by UNESCO and IUCN, leading international institutions that understand the leading role our industry can play. We also have a scientific advisory board, comprising of some of the most renowned researchers in the field of ocean conservation, determined to help the superyacht industry optimising its strategic position and positive impact. By joining forces and aligning our efforts, the superyacht industry can truly become a force for positive change.

By following the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations, and by working closely with the scientific community, we support the oceans at the highest possible level, taking care to invest in the initiatives that truly make a difference. This is the only way we can create true change.

We see a vital role for ourselves as connectors, directing support to the most relevant and effective projects. Our first endorsed project, the Important Marine Mammal Areas programme, exemplifies this approach.

Getting to grips with the issues we face

We need to fully understand a problem before we can solve it. That’s why ocean literacy is a big part of our work. Ocean literacy ensures that we all understand our influence on the oceans and similarly, the ocean’s influence on us. Education is a vital building block when it comes to improving ocean health.

Influenced and guided by ocean literacy frameworks at the highest scientific levels, including the United Nations and UNESCO, we want to arm our industry with knowledge, promoting a deeper understanding of the issues we face and raising awareness about the ways our own industry can reduce its impact.

This is our opportunity to create an engaged superyacht industry which actively wants to take a collective responsibility in protecting our precious oceans. We look forward to launching our ocean literacy educational programme in 2021.

Support the IMMA programme

The Important Marine Mammal Areas programme is our first endorsed ocean conservation project. It aims to support the restoration of the balance of life in the ocean by identifying the most important marine habitats for marine mammals and prioritising them for conservation actions. This will help marine mammals thrive and, in doing so, fight climate change.

We encourage the superyacht community to support the IMMA programme by contributing to our crowdfunding campaign.

Find out more
Between

30-35%

of critical marine habitats have already been destroyed

31%

of CO2 emissions in the
atmosphere are absorbed by
the oceans

If the concentration of atmospheric CO2 continues to increase at the current rate, the ocean will become corrosive to the shells of many marine organisms by the end of this century
Ocean acidification may render most regions of the ocean inhospitable to coral reefs, affecting tourism, food security, shoreline protection, and biodiversity.
By the year 2100, without significant changes, more than half of the world’s marine species may stand on the brink of extinction.

Between

30-35%

of critical marine habitats
have already been destroyed

31%

of CO2 emissions in the
atmosphere are absorbed by
the oceans

If the concentration of atmospheric
CO2 continues to increase at the
current rate, the ocean will
become corrosive to the shells of
many marine organisms by the
end of this century
Ocean acidification may
render most regions of the
ocean inhospitable to coral
reefs, affecting tourism, food
security, shoreline protection,
and biodiversity.
By the year 2100, without
significant changes, more
than half of the world’s
marine species may stand on
the brink of extinction.
Source: UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission