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.
The Ecopoint represents 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. The single numerical score of Ecopoint represents the overall impact of a product or solution. This score can be interpreted as a measure of sustainability performance, where lower scores indicate lower environmental impact.
The Ecopoint therefore allows us to group the 9 other environmental indicators 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.
Resource Diversity
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Water Stress Index for yachting
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.
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.
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, and contributing to acid rain or deposition, ozone depletion, and eutrophication of soil and water.
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.
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.
Pioneering LED technology since 2004, OceanLED custom-built underwater lights prioritize minimal energy use and environmental impact. They integrate improved sustainability into operations, including virtual demonstrations and more eco-friendly supply chains. The Explore E8 and E9 range has been designed in-house with the tenet of maximum output and effect for minimal use of energy. Due to its optimised design and attention to reduce its impact on our planet, the Explore Weld-In is a significantly improved performance and ocean-friendly product.
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 E8 Weld-In models with the traditional product. The most substantial reduction is observed in the Water Stress Index, indicating a 6.15% reduction for steel version and a 61.8% reduction for the aluminium version. This reduction is attributed to the lower weight of OceanLED’s Explore E8 Weld-In model compared to an industry-leading, Business-As-Usual product, emphasising the importance of material selection in reducing environmental impact. The Explore E9 Weld-In model also show reduction in most indicators compared to the BAU scenario, except for the Water Stress Index. The Water Stress Index reduction is 5.1% for aluminium type but shows a 17.7% increase for the steel type. The increased impact for the steel type is due to its greater weight compared to the BAU scenario.
Learn more about Explore E8 & Explore E9.
Hempaguard X7 is a high solids, advanced fouling defence coating based on ActiGuard® technology which utilizes the added effect of advanced hydrogel silicone and an efficient fouling preventing biocide. This boosts the antifouling barrier and prolongs the fouling free period.
Improved environmental impact:
The utilization of the LCA methodology enabled a comparative analysis of the sustainability claims between two scenarios: a yacht coated with the Hempaguard X7 formulation, and the conventional Hempel's Mille NCT 71880 coating [BAU]. The findings highlight that the innovative Hempaguard X7 formulation yields a notable 31.5% reduction in environmental impact at the endpoint level. Additionally, at the mid-point level, Hempaguard X7 demonstrates lower environmental impacts across most categories, excluding Ozone layer depletion. Furthermore, this novel formulation showcases significant reductions in water consumption and emissions of NOx, SOx, and Particulate matter, indicating its potential for enhanced environmental sustainability.
Magellan 630 EXTRA and Giraglia 633 EXTRA by Gruppo Boero combine superior performance and protection with a lower environmental footprint, whether based on a hydrophilic matrix self-polishing system or self-polishing copolymer (SPC).
Improved environmental impact:
The LCA study results show that Magellan 630 Extra significantly reduces environmental impact across all analysed categories. Compared to the Business as Usual product Altura 619, it reduces total environmental damage by 21.99%. Also, Giraglia 633 Extra proves to be a viable alternative with reduction of 18.9% in coparison to the Business as Usual Altura 619 Extra. From the sensitivity analysis, it appears that for both innovative scenarios, the main damage is related to the use phase, particularly the repainting done during the hull's lifetime. This damage, in particular, depends on certain substances used in the raw materials: pigment for Magellan 630 Extra and biocide & zinc oxide for Giraglia 633.
The SKF RecondOil Box offers high-performance oil filtration in a compact, durable design. Constantly eliminating nano-scale particles, varnish, and moisture, it prolongs oil life and minimizes the necessity for oil changes. With cleaner oil, enhanced machine performance, and increased sustainability, it transforms oil into a valuable asset. This innovative system improves sustainability, cuts total oil expenses, enhances system efficiency, and ensures machine availability. Operating offline without disrupting the main system, it's both compact and resilient.
Improved environmental impact:
The LCA study has revealed that use of the RecondOil ROBX3115DSL solution onboard a yacht leads to a considerable reduction across all the environmental impact categories analysed. It shows a reduction in the indicators ranging from 60.2% to 83.5%. In particular, the Water Stress Index has decreased by 83.46%, Global Warming Potential by 65.20% and NOx reduction by 60.22% in comparison to the Business As Usual.
Awlgrip HDT (High Definition Technology) represents a top-tier polyurethane sprayable topcoat renowned for its unmatched blend of hardness, micro-scratch resistance, and repairability. Engineered to deliver outstanding gloss, unrivaled appearance, and top-tier protection, it boasts high gloss and excellent image distinction (DOI). With its durable and repairable qualities, maintenance becomes simpler, and colors are ensuring precise matching.
Improved environmental impact:
The LCA study demonstrate that 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. Additionally, the study shows all the analysed indicators divided into the three phases of the life cycle. For almost each category, the greatest part of the resulting environmental impact is due to Upstream and Downstream phases. The only exception is the PM category, which is likely more affected by truck and ship transportations.
Defenda has developed a world-class lineup of inflatable superyacht fenders and accessories, including the environmentally-improved fender cover Fendaskin. Addressing the issue of hundreds of thousands of annually discarded fender covers, typically manufactured from non-recyclable petrochemicals, Defenda Bioprene FENDASKIN introduces a breakthrough. Crafted from organic materials, these covers not only boast durability and aesthetic appeal but also ensure end-of-life recycling, marking a significant step toward sustainability in the yachting industry and potentially diverting hundreds of tons of unrecyclable waste from landfills.
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 made of neoprene [BAU]. The LCA has shown a decrease of GWP by 86.28%, Water Stress Index by 77,04% and NOX by 65.98% in comparison to BAU. It is possible to see some relevant contributions of the Downstream phase in NOx, SOx and Acidification categories mainly due to the long distance transportation by ship.
Marine Inverter Air Conditioning with Direct Refrigerant Expansion
About the product:
Leveraging the latest advancements in Direct Expansion Compressor Technology, Termodinamica sources high-quality components and utilizes specialized in-house software to cater to the specific needs of all maritime markets. A primary focus is to address the inefficiencies and excessive power consumption prevalent in traditional marine HVAC systems. By integrating advanced engineering principles, Termodinamica has created a solutions that not only deliver superior performance but also contribute to a more environmentally-friendly HVAC Solution.
Improved environmental impact:
The application of the LCA methodology enabled a comparison between Termodinamica's HVAC system solution and its Business As Usual counterpart. Results indicate a substantial decrease in environmental impact across all analyzed categories, ranging from 59.89% to 65.82%. Notably, the downstream phase contributes significantly to all impact categories due to energy consumption, particularly from diesel and grid electricity. Despite transportation distances for raw materials, their impact is relatively minor compared to other processes. Both solutions are affected by the use of refrigerant gases, which have a high impact on Ozone Depletion. Sensitivity analyses were conducted due to data limitations, revealing that even when considering variations in upstream processes, the environmental benefits of Termodinamica's solution remains evident.
The permanent washable panel filters by Fundamental Marine Development utilize synthetic fibre-forming polymers that become electrostatically charged as air passes over them, enabling high-efficiency filtration with minimal pressure drop. With an initial pressure drop typically at 90 Pa, recommended final pressure drop at 300 Pa, and maximum at 450 Pa, these filters offer an efficient, cost-effective, and more environmentally responsible alternative to disposable air filters. They can be easily retro-fitted into various systems like AHUs, fan-coil units, machinery space air intakes, or engine turbocharger filters.
Improved environmental impact:
The conducted LCA study compared a yacht using traditional disposable filters [BAU] with innovative washable air filters by FMD. The study shows a reduction in the indicators ranging from 56,76% to 99% for almost all indicators, with the only exception being the Water Consumption category, which is affected from the water needed to wash FMD filters.
The Air Vortex® Process utilizes conditioned turbulent airflow at the pipe system inlet and a vacuum collector at the outlet to clean pipes down to the substrate, followed by injection of polymer to evenly line the entire system, including bends, connections, and verticals. Attested Rigs mission is to address pipe system degradation caused by abrasion, erosion, corrosion, and wear and tear, leveraging years of engineering expertise to restore, preserve, and optimize pipe lifecycles. Cleaned and lined pipes create a non-corrosive barrier, reducing friction and energy loss.
Improved environmental impact:
The LCA study confirms that the Air Vortex solution developed by Attested Rigs in comparison with pipe substitution shows a reduction in the environmental indicators ranging from 85,0% to 95,4%. Concerning the results obtained, Upstream processes - in particular the energy consumption for the production of the polymer’s components - most significantly contribute to all impact categories, except for the Water Stress Index where Downstream processes are dominant (in particular the energy consumption for the Air Vortex® application).
VIA Maris Njørdal plates combine high strength with excellent bending properties and superior weldability. Casting of the raw material with a high amount of recycled content ensures a lower carbon footprint. Structures made of formed and welded VIA Maris products exhibit extraordinarily high rigidity, lighter, and safer constructions.
Improved environmental impact:
Speira's innovative aluminium solution significantly reduces environmental impacts across most categories, with reductions reaching up to 15%. This shows a marked improvement compared to traditional aluminium. The only category with minimal change is photochemical oxidation, which is closely linked to primary aluminium production.
About the product:
Reflow Marine specialises in the restoration of existing pipe systems to deliver reduced impact solutions to the marine sector. Their technology and processes restore aged or corroded pipe systems, dramatically extending the life of the system. Using pipe repair coating technology, Reflow Marine renovates pipe infrastructure by cleaning, preparing, and coating the inside of the existing pipe, saving time, disruption, and related expenditure.
Improved environmental impact:
Reflow Marine’s solution reduces impact across all environmental impact categories ranging from 19.3% up to 83.75%. Additionally, tthe Ecopoint method (reduction across human, ecosystem and resource depletion impact) shows an 82.10% overall reduction. Sensitivity analysis confirm the robustness of these results, even with increase in energy consumption and raw material impacts. Reflow Marine’s technology provides a clear environmental advantage, aligning with environmental performance goals for the yachting industry.
Learn more.
The use of the Slimline 5 stage drinking water system onboard superyachts is more environmentally friendly with respect to the use of bottled water, producing high quality drinking water straight from the tap to replace the need for bottled water. This not only saves space onboard but also offers a high quality, ecologically responsible answer to the growing issue of plastic use and pollution. Its five filters include 5 micron-pre filtration, carbon filter, mineral filter, bio ceramic infrared filter, and an ultra-filtration membrane.
Improved environmental impact:
The LCA results demonstrate that Octo Marine’s Slimline 5-Stage Drinking Water System offers substantial environmental benefits compared to the BAU onboard bottled water option. The Slimline system achieves reductions in environmental impact ranging from 56% to 99.9%, with significant improvements in key areas such as global warming potential (GWP), acidification, and photochemical oxidation, where reductions approach 99%. Overall, the system delivers a 99.6% reduction in total potential impacts, highlighting its potential as a better alternative in terms of environmental performance compared to using onboard bottled water.
We are delighted to welcome Aino Grapin to our board!
Aino brings an impressive 25 years of experience leading and growing businesses within the creative industries, spanning the arts, luxury, and technology sectors.
“I am honoured to join the Water Revolution Foundation board alongside an outstanding group of superyacht leaders, united in our commitment to advancing sustainability in our industry through collaboration and innovation. After leading the Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce for the past four years, I look forward to deepening my involvement with WRF and further driving positive change within our industry.”
As Chief Executive of Winch Design, a position she’s held since 2016, Aino has demonstrated exceptional leadership, including guiding the company through its transition to employee ownership in 2021.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Martijn Munniksma!
Martijn brings extensive expertise in international tax law, including deep knowledge of restructurings, controversy, refinancing, rationalization, new business models, and supply chain optimization.
‘‘I’m delighted to have been accepted as new treasurer & secretary of this beautiful foundation. I look forward contributing to and working with all team members and other stakeholders to further incentivize our joined, common commitment to preserve oceans and reduce the footprint of the yachting industry.’’
His current role is a Tax Partner in the International Tax Practice at EY Amsterdam. He has been with EY since 2006 and has completed two secondments to the Dutch desk in New York.
We look forward to working alongside Martijn. Welcome aboard!
Author: Awwal Idris, Environmental Expert at Water Revolution Foundation
Highlights
HVO offers up to a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions (well-to-wake) compared to fossil diesel; the CO₂ produced during HVO combustion is biogenic in origin and reabsorbed in the carbon cycle, unlike diesel that adds “new” CO₂ to the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
HVO is a drop-in fuel fully compatible with existing diesel engines and requires no modification. Most leading engine manufacturers in yachting have certified their diesel engines for HVO use.
HVO also reduces harmful local air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), while containing no sulphur or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Sustainable sourcing and certifications like ISCC or REDcert ensure HVO is produced responsibly, minimizing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.
Disclaimer: HVO is a valuable resource in reducing emissions. However, we encourage reducing onboard energy demand first and foremost; avoiding just switching fuel type for reduced emissions only.
Demystifying Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO): An immediate solution for significantly reducing yachts’ environmental impact
Internal combustion engines, mostly powered by fossil fuels, are still the primary energy source for many industries, including boating and yachting.
But as our society evolves and the scientific community reliably measures the impact of our reliance—its significant pollution and greenhouse gas emissions—our industry is at the forefront of responding to the urgent need for new technology and policy changes.
This article explores HVO as one opportunity for transition, its potential role in reducing emissions within the superyacht industry, including specific examples for superyachts.
Phasing out diesel
In Europe and worldwide, diesel engines are widely used for their greater efficiency, which allows them to produce 10–40% less CO2 than gasoline engines. However, diesel engines struggle to meet strict emissions standards, such as the International Maritime Organization Tier III, which sets limits on nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from marine diesel engines. For yachts, this challenge arises from the unique operational hours of yachts, which often involve prolonged periods at low engine regimes. As a result, emissions control systems like selective catalytic reduction (SCR)—which need to attain a high temperature for efficacy (240-450°C)—are less effective in reducing NOₓ and particulate pollution. Most yachts with engines above 130 kW would need a modern SCR system to meet Tier III regulations when operating in designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs), where strict NOx limits apply. Plant-based biofuels offer a promising way to reduce emissions. Biodiesel, often called FAME (fatty acid methyl esters), a first-generation biofuel, is the most common alternative to regular diesel. It’s made from crops like soy or rapeseed using a process called transesterification. Biodiesel helps reduce pollutants like carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbon (HC), and particle emissions. However, it has drawbacks: it breaks down more easily, performs poorly in cold weather, and can damage fuel system parts. Due to these issues, the EU limits biodiesel blends with regular diesel to a maximum of 7%.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)—a paraffinic fuel made from diverse bio-based feedstocks (second generation), such as plant oils, animal fats, and waste materials—avoids many of biodiesel’s problems. Made by treating vegetable oils with hydrogen, HVO produces fuel similar to regular diesel but without sulphur or other pollutants. Making HVO is also cheaper than making biodiesel, and it works easily in standard diesel engines without any modifications required. Most prominent engine manufacturers active in yachting have recently certified most of their engine models for HVO. In fact, HVO can be mixed with diesel in any amount or even used 100% on its own without major engine adjustments. Many research studies [1,2] have highlighted the potential advantages of HVO with respect to FAME and regular diesel.
What is HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, commonly known as HVO, is a renewable fuel produced from feedstocks like vegetable oils, waste fats, and animal fats. HVO is created through a process that treats these feedstocks with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, removing oxygen and producing hydrocarbons similar to those in traditional diesel. The resulting fuel has properties that closely resemble fossil diesel but lacks sulphur and other harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are present in fossil diesel. HVO has a much lower carbon footprint over its entire lifecycle because it uses renewable resources and emits fewer greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Key benefits of HVO
One major advantage of using HVO as fuel is the significant reduction in CO₂ emissions it offers. Here is an example: let’s assume a superyacht operated for about 1,500 hours and consumed 300 litres of fuel per hour. If this superyacht runs on conventional diesel, its CO₂ emissions would be around 1,205,380 kg CO₂. This is roughly equivalent to the emissions of 903 average European new passenger cars or the annual carbon footprint of about 166 European citizens.
It’s important to note that these emissions account only for diesel combustion in the yacht’s engines used for propulsion and do not include the generators for the “hotel power”—essentially the non-propulsion needs onboard, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances, all of which are vital to the comfort and functionality of the vessel. If we were to factor in both propulsion and hotel power, the total emissions would, on average, double. When viewed in the context of the global superyacht fleet, these emissions highlight the importance of pursuing solutions that can mitigate emissions.
HVO offers a promising solution for reducing these emissions, with up to a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel over its entire lifecycle. This includes emissions from sourcing and production (well-to-tank) to combustion in the engine (tank-to-wake). The exact reduction percentage can vary based on factors such as feedstock type, production process, and specific supply chain emissions.
While HVO and diesel release comparable amounts of CO₂ during combustion, the key difference lies in the source of the carbon. HVO emits biogenic CO₂, which comes from plant-based materials that absorbed CO₂ during their growth. This creates a short-term carbon cycle, where the CO₂ released is reabsorbed through natural processes like photosynthesis. In contrast, the CO₂ from diesel combustion comes from fossil sources—carbon that has been locked away for millions of years. Once released, this “new” CO₂ remains in the atmosphere, adding to the long-term carbon load and contributing to climate change.
HVO’s lower carbon intensity is particularly evident in the well-to-tank stage, especially when sustainable, waste-based feedstocks are used.
By switching to HVO with a conservative 80% CO₂ saving (well-to-wake), this example superyacht could save approximately 964,300 kg of CO₂—a reduction equal to the yearly emissions of about 133 EU citizens. This saving is also comparable to the emissions from around 723 average new European passenger cars.
The potential reduction in CO₂ emissions achieved by transitioning to HVO demonstrates the significant positive impact low-carbon fuels can have on the yachting fleet industry’s overall carbon footprint. As more vessels adopt HVO, this shift could play a crucial role in advancing the sector’s decarbonization efforts.
Renewable and Sustainable Feedstocks: HVO is produced from renewable sources, primarily waste oils and fats, which significantly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. It’s important to differentiate between primary (or virgin) feedstocks, like soybean or palm oil, and byproducts from waste materials. Virgin feedstocks require considerable land, water, and energy to produce, often leading to environmental concerns such as deforestation and competition with food crops. In contrast, byproducts like Used Cooking Oil (UCO) and animal fats are often discarded; using these materials not only minimizes waste but also reduces the need for new resources. This approach helps achieve greater carbon savings, as waste-derived feedstocks typically have lower lifecycle emissions. By prioritizing these more sustainable options, HVO production supports a circular economy. Yet the secondary status of the feedstock is critical for this to work as such.
Less Emissions. When used in diesel engines, HVO produces much less air pollution compared to regular diesel. HVO can cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90% (W-T-W, depending on its feedstock and production), reduce particulate matter by 40-80%, and lower nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) by an average of up to 8% without any engine modification [3]. Additionally, it contains no sulphur or PAH compounds, making it a cleaner alternative overall.
Compatibility with Diesel Engines: HVO can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, making it an immediately applicable solution for reducing emissions across the superyacht industry. This is particularly advantageous for the existing superyachts in the fleet, where environmental upgrades to onboard systems can add cost and complexity. HVO might come at an upcharge in some countries, but more adoption will result in lower costs. The yachting community can pioneer the uptake of HVO for the larger society to benefit from increased availability and more competitive pricing.
Certification is crucial
The Renewable Energy Directive (RED), introduced by the European Commission in 2008, sets mandatory sustainability standards for biofuels, including HVO. These standards establish minimum requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and guidelines for assessing the risks of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) associated with different feedstocks.
When first-generation biofuels are produced from crops grown on existing farmland, the demand for food and feed crops doesn’t disappear. This can lead to increased food production in other areas, potentially resulting in land use changes, such as converting forests into agricultural land, with deforestation, significant release of CO2 emissions, and biodiversity loss as a result. For second-generation biofuels such as HVO, these are produced from non-food sources, like agricultural waste, wood chips, and other residual biomass. Since they do not rely on food crops, they typically have a lower impact on food supply and are less likely to drive land-use change for agriculture. However, if second-generation biofuel production scales up significantly, it could still indirectly influence land use by increasing demand for certain waste products or residuals, but this is still generally less impactful compared to first-generation biofuel.
Certification for first-generation biofuel verifies that feedstocks are responsibly sourced, minimizing competition with food crops and reducing negative land-use impact like deforestation. It also verifies that the biofuel meets required GHG savings. For second-generation biofuels, certification guarantees that feedstocks come from non- food, waste, or residual sources, helping avoid land-use changes related to food production. It ensures transparency and traceability in the supply chain, proving that materials are sustainably sourced.
To verify that biofuels (both first and second generation) are truly a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, RED II outlines specific criteria for the sourcing and environmental impact of biofuels sold in the EU. The key requirements under RED II are:
Transport biofuels must achieve a greenhouse gas (GHG) savings of at least 65% compared to diesel.
Biofuels used for electricity, heating, and cooling need to have a GHG savings of at least 80%.
Biofuel producers must obtain certification from an independent third party to demonstrate compliance with these standards. This certification process includes auditing the entire supply chain to ensure that sustainability and sourcing criteria are met. Additionally, producers and suppliers are required to submit regular reports to confirm ongoing compliance to the certification requirements and RED II regulations.
What does it mean for me as a superyacht owner or operator?
For superyacht owners and operators looking to purchase HVO fuel, it is essential to know what questions to ask suppliers when ordering HVO. Below are some key considerations for due diligence that yacht owners and operators should keep in mind or inquire about when sourcing HVO fuel:
Ask for a certification scheme recognized by the EU RED: There are several certification organizations that comply with RED II regulations and criteria. Some of the most well-known include the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), REDcert, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). These certifying bodies not only adhere to the standards set by RED II, but they also engage independent third parties to conduct audits and certify compliance with both RED II and their own certification schemes. By choosing certified suppliers, you can ensure a thorough audit of the supply chain that aligns with regulations and contributes to real CO2 savings.
Request impact assessment documentation: More biofuel-producing companies are now focused on calculating the actual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across their entire supply chain using a full lifecycle assessment (LCA) approach. This allows them to effectively communicate their environmental footprint to stakeholders and customers, as lower emission-intensity fuels are increasingly advantageous for business owners. By reviewing this information, one can gain insight into the GHG savings associated with their biofuels, as well as the potential Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) impacts linked to their supply chain. A low ILUC risk suggests that the production of biofuels did not interfere with food production or encroach on ecologically sensitive areas like forests.
As we work towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the operation of yachts is evolving. Using HVO can offer an immediate and significant reduction in emissions and is therefore highly recommended to be adopted widely by the international yachting community as the new fuel for yachts.
As we work towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the operation of yachts is evolving. Using HVO can offer an immediate reduction in emissions and thus needs to be adopted widely by the industry.
Water Revolution Foundation is elated to start the year 2025 on an empowering note, encouraging our industry to take one more step towards its collaborative transition: this time, by an open letter to Yacht Owners and Family Offices.
The letter, in the form of four steps to support one’s “Yachting Resolutions”, is geared towards positive action on board and on shore: from measuring impact, improving the yacht’s operations by empowering Captains and crews and investigate alternative fuels, to committing a small percentage towards ocean conversation.
The four steps, designed for Yacht Owners, are aimed as guidelines and always collaborative (from YETI to the Environmental Crew Guidelines). They cover the Water Revolution Foundation’s roadmap to 2030 by pioneering a regenerative approach for superyachts.
In an exciting milestone, culminating five years of invaluable industry-wide collaboration, the YETI software tool was officially launched during METSTRADE 2024. Coinciding with the Foundation’s 6th anniversary, this remarkable development will enable the yachting industry to assess, compare and improve its environmental footprint.
A celebrated industry debut
Presented by Water Revolution Foundation’s Executive Director, Robert van Tol, and Technical Director, Hanna Dąbrowska, YETI’s release captivated the attention of key yachting stakeholders in the METSTRADE Theatre.
A premiere demo of the software highlighted key distinctions between YETI Lite and YETI Pro, the two versions now available to users on a web-based platform developed by the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN). YETI Lite is a free, open-source, entry-level tool designed to help non-technical users gain a basic understanding of their yacht’s environmental footprint. It provides estimated performance scores with up to 90% accuracy, based on Gross Tonnage and Load Waterline Length (LWL). Ideal for raising internal awareness, YETI Lite serves as an informational resource but is not suitable for making official claims.
YETI Pro, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive assessment tool for technical professionals, offering a full, in-depth analysis based on well-to-wake impact of energy carriers and reference lines to benchmark yacht performance. With an extensive dashboard reflecting assessment results, users can explore and test potential solutions for reducing environmental impact. This version achieves higher accuracy than YETI Lite and includes third-party verification options for official scores.
One step closer to zero
A collaborative effort between renowned shipyards, naval architecture studios, and research institutes has resulted in the development of this comprehensive framework to measure a yacht’s environmental performance in the operational phase of its life cycle.
This voluntary assessment tool provides both the yachting industry and yacht owners with a clear understanding of their vessel’s current ecological impact and the sources of that impact, serving as a valuable decision support system for setting sustainability ambitions in new yacht builds and guiding existing vessels (power and sail) toward meaningful environmental upgrades. To ensure industry-wide usability, a working group of various target users supported the tool developers to create an intuitive interface making YETI accessible to shipyards, designers, engineers, captains, crews, marinas, financiers, brokers, and suppliers.
How YETI differentiates itself
Moving away from traditional sustainability narratives of shame and blame, YETI allows users to input their own data and take control of their environmental impact. It provides a clear direction, shows the effect of potential solutions, and offers valuable education to users while serving as a robust risk-analysis tool.
The YETI method is not intended as an alternative for legislative developments such as EEDI, EEXI, CII, etc., going further than CO2 impact by taking a holistic Life Cycle Approach. It goes beyond regulatory compliance to deliver a sector-specific, transparent methodology tailored to the unique challenges of the yachting industry.
“Transparency is the cornerstone of meaningful change. By delivering clear, honest measurements and actionable insights, YETI empowers the yachting industry to move beyond compliance, take responsibility, and make informed decisions that drive real environmental progress. With a comprehensive view of a yacht’s impact, we are confident that YETI will provide the clarity and insights needed to navigate toward a future-proof yachting industry,” said Dąbrowska.
A new environmental metric for yachting
YETI introduces a new term for the industry to express its environmental impact: EcoPoints. No less than 18 different impact categories are evaluated and summarised into one single score. This innovative scoring system allows for easy comparison of the environmental impact of various products, calculating the various effects of parameters such as CO2, CO, HC, NOx, Ammonia, & PM 2.5 in one single number. Specific impacts are also reported separately, to allow for transparency and steering on a selection of them (e.g. CO2 equivalent, which is a common focus for regulatory bodies).
The future of YETI
YETI’s method is currently proposed in ISO TS23099 to become an industry standard and common benchmark. The aim is for the entire global fleet to be calculated using YETI Pro, with scores validated by a third-party for official certification, ensuring complete transparency.
“The launch of YETI software marks the dawn of a new era for yachting — one where actionable insights drive progress. By providing a clear, reliable framework for assessing and improving environmental performance, YETI offers a clear, data-driven pathway to achieve measurable change. Together, we can create a yachting industry that thrives while safeguarding the ocean we rely on for generations to come,” said Vienna Eleuteri, Vice-Chair & Initiator of the Foundation.
For those attending METSTRADE, a YETI Pro demo is available at Water Revolution’s stand (Hall 13.104, Elicium building). Additionally, a YETI webinar will take place on Wednesday, 27 November, 15:00 – 15:45 CET, offering a deep dive into the software and its potential for driving impactful improvements. Register now at https://yetiwebinar.rsvpify.com/
