by Water Revolution Foundation | 4 Sep 2024 | News
The 2024 edition of Monaco Yacht Show is less than a month away, and we are excited to be collaborating as strategic partners for the third consecutive year. We will be presenting a range of innovative events and programmes that highlight our shared mission to promote the advancement of environmental sustainability in the yachting industry.
A select number of solutions that have passed our rigorous vetting process will be highlighted at the Sustainability Hub. The partnership ensures that the Hub only showcases the most effective and practical eco-solutions. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet experts offering products that will help you reduce your yacht or fleet’s environmental impact.
You can find a member of our team there from 25 – 28 September, 10:00 – 11:30 & 15:00 – 16:30 each day throughout the show.
Environmental Sustainability in Yachting Press Conference
For the third year, a press conference will be taking place to share the industry’s commitment to research and develop current and future environmental solutions in yachting. Our Executive Director, Robert van Tol, will be discussing how implementation of the 3-R model and more eco-responsible behaviour onboard can improve yachting’s overall environmental performance and reduce operational costs.
The conference will occur on Wednesday, 25 September, 10:30 – 11:30, Conference Hall.
Designers’ Protocol Launch
The new and improved version of this standardized document offering guiding sustainability principles for every new project and created by members of the Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce will be launched at this year’s show. Hosted by Water Revolution Foundation, Dan Wupperman (Espen Oeino International), Tanno Weeda (De Voogt Naval Architects), & Matthew Anzardo (AkzoNobel) will share how principles of the Protocol can be applied to advance the environmental performance of superyachts, beginning from the crucial initial phase of design. You will be the first to have access to this comprehensive document created by leading organisations in the yacht design community.
Register here for the launch, taking place on Wednesday, 25 September, 11:40 – 12:10, Conference Hall.
The Next Step for Propulsion: The Transition of the Superyacht Fleet
Our Marine Engineer Jaime Barros, Dr. Daniel Chatterjee (MTU Rolls Royce), and Giuseppe Sachero (Siemens Energy) will explore the future of propulsion systems in the superyacht fleet, focusing on the transition towards more sustainable and efficient technologies in this session hosted by SuperYacht Times.
Join us for the presentation on Wednesday, 25 September, 15:40 – 16:10, Conference Hall.
Hand-Delivering YETI Estimate Reports
Supported by the Monaco Yacht Show, we will hand-deliver complimentary estimated YETI scores to showcased yachts at the event. Continuing our efforts to provide the entire yachting fleet with a reliable benchmark, these reports will offer captains and chief engineers an insightful preview of how their yacht compares to others on display and the broader fleet, with an accuracy of up to 90%.
We look forward to seeing you at the show next week. Do not hesitate to reach out for any questions or comments.
by Awwal Idris | 10 Jul 2024 | Insights
Highlights
- Superyacht construction heavily relies on non-renewable resources and materials
- Steel and aluminium production are CO2 and energy-intensive
- Production process of these materials affect soil, water and air quality
- Opportunities for reducing impact include sourcing from suppliers that adopt breakthrough technologies to save resources and emissions, adopting energy systems powered by zero carbon electricity, and shifting to high grade recycled aluminium and steel
Introduction
The leisure boating industry is a cornerstone of the blue economy, generating €28 billion in revenue annually and supporting around 234,000 jobs[1]. With 36 million individuals owning or chartering leisure boats including superyachts in Europe alone [2], the industry’s thriving growth is paralleled by a growing responsibility to reduce its environmental impact.
While much of the focus is on the environmental impact during a yacht’s operational life, it’s essential to consider the entire lifecycle, including construction and end-of-life phases. This is why Water Revolution Foundation adopts a holistic approach that encompasses the entire lifecycle of yachts and its onboard components, to help understand and manage environmental risks or identify opportunities associated with environmental impact reduction within the superyacht industry.
Focusing on the construction phase, superyachts require large volumes of non-renewable materials like steel, aluminium, composites and synthetics, each with a substantial environmental footprint from production to end-of-life. Despite the yachting industry’s efforts to integrate eco-friendlier materials, the sheer size and complexity of superyachts make this transition challenging.
Steel and aluminium, in particular, have considerable environmental impacts due to their hazardous emissions and high energy consumption during production and construction. Given their dominance in the build phase of large yachts, this article explores the environmental implications of using these materials and identifies opportunities for reducing their impacts.
Steel
The iron and steel industry has revolutionized transportation and infrastructure, enabling the development of railways, bridges, roads and automobiles. Steel, a crucial material in yacht construction, is primarily produced from iron ore extracted from earth’s crust. Iron, despite being an abundant resource, is non-renewable and requires extraction, concentration, and processing to create usable steel.
Due to its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance when alloyed with certain elements, shipyards use steel for various parts of a yacht, such as the hull and superstructure. However, the activities involved with steel processing generate considerable environmental risks, including emissions and the deposition of pollutants and toxic waste.
Steel manufacturing consumes large quantities of water for processing and cooling purposes, releasing contaminated wastewater containing an array of contaminants, particularly trace metals such as Mn, Zn, Br, Sr, Cu, Pb, etc[3]. Particles from the blast furnace also release trace element of heavy metals via atmospheric process and particle emissions[4]. Aside that, the extraction and processing stages of steel production releases CO, SOx, NOx and Particulate Matter (PM2).
Although improvements have been made to reduce trace metals from waste products using physicochemical and biological treatment techniques[3], the technology’s efficiency is limited, allowing volatile trace metals to enter the environment. These trace particles can affect the quality of soil used by residents for recreational or agricultural purposes[5] and pose public health risks. In fact, many studies have corroborated heavy metal contamination in soils near steelmaking sites in agricultural lands; see example [6] [7].
According to the World Steel Association, the steel industry consumes 5.9% of global energy and emits 7-9% of global CO2 emissions, doubling the carbon output of the entire African continent (4% global emissions). The EU alone is responsible for 4.7% of the total emissions, amounting to 182 million tons of CO2 [8].
Aluminium
After steel, aluminium is the second most highly produced metal. In yacht manufacturing, aluminium is widely utilised for its lightweight properties, especially in hull construction. This allows for lighter vessels that enhance fuel efficiency, speed, and increased range of navigation in shallow waters. Aluminium also boasts natural corrosion resistance, reducing the need for extensive anti-corrosion measures and maintenance costs over the vessel’s lifespan. These advantages establish aluminium as a critical material in yacht construction.
However, like steel, aluminium production is highly CO2 and energy-intensive, albeit to a slightly lesser extent. The aluminium industry produces 0.42-0.5 Gt of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, translating to 2.5% of global CO2 emissions[10]. The industry also accounts for 1% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions [11].
The production of aluminium involves various processes and materials, including bauxite and alumina extraction, along with the production of chemicals like calcined lime, cathode carbon, aluminium fluoride, pitch, and petrol coke. These activities collectively contribute to several adverse environmental impacts.
One major concern is acidification potential (AP), which measures the acidifying effects of nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3) on the environment. These emissions originate from various stages of aluminium production, including electrolysis, refining, casting, and mining. Acidification harms aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, affecting marine species, plant growth, and human food supplies.
Emissions from aluminium production also contribute to eutrophication, leading to excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in water bodies. These nutrients promote rapid growth of aquatic plants, particularly algae, which depletes oxygen levels, harms aquatic species, and diminishes water quality.
Another significant impact is water scarcity, as large amounts of freshwater are consumed for the mining, refining, smelting, and cooling processes in primary aluminium production. The energy-intensive refining processes further deplete fossil energy resources.
Opportunities for Improvement
The environmental impact of steel and aluminium presents significant sustainability challenges across various industries, superyachting included. Yacht manufacturing’s resource-intensive nature, coupled with the non-renewable origins of these materials, underscores the urgency to improve its practices.
The superyacht industry can significantly reduce impacts by using steel produced with advanced technologies like Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Induction Furnaces (IF). EAF technology melts recycled scrap steel using electrical energy, which can come from renewable sources, thus lowering CO2 emissions from energy use and the need for new steel production from raw materials. Utilising green hydrogen and renewable energy sources in EAF process have proven to emit less than 600kg of CO2eq per ton of crude steel [12] [13]. This process is highly efficient and flexible, making it ideal for sustainable steel production. Similarly, IF technology is also extremely energy-efficient as it does not rely on fossil fuel and produces fewer emissions. It uses electromagnetic induction to heat and melt clean scrap steel, resulting in high-quality steel with minimal impurities. By sourcing steel made with these breakthrough technologies and energy systems powered by zero carbon electricity, shipyards can cut down their environmental footprint. Central to this would be integrating sustainability criteria in the selection process. Shipyards should prioritise suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to environmentally friendlier production methods.
According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), it is claimed that 90% of all steel in the world is transported by ship. Geographical location and transportation logistics are critical factors contributing over 50% of total carbon emissions in construction projects [15]. Shipyards should thus look into sourcing from local steel producers or ensure that producers farther use alternative fuels when transporting their steel to shipyards.
To address the environmental impact of aluminium production, shipyards have several opportunities. They can take advantage of circular economy principles to ensure that aluminium materials are recycled and reused efficiently. However, upgrading recycling methods for aluminium that would allow recycled ingots to be used for high-purity wrought materials would be vital to decreasing emissions and promote a sophisticated resource-recycling industry. This may require shipyards to establish partnerships with recycling facilities and research institutes on such methods. This would also require that yacht designers and builders work together to encourage design and build for recycling, where yachts are designed with easier disassembly and recyclability in mind. Designing products that use fewer alloys or coatings can simplify the recycling process and increase the yield of high-quality recycled aluminium. The industry should also promote the economic and environmental advantage of using recycled aluminium over primary aluminium. Furthermore, when sourcing for primary aluminium, shipyards should procure from suppliers that have transitioned to low-emission power sources such as green hydrogen in their production and adopted breakthrough technology that significantly reduces the environmental footprint. As an example, the use of innovative methods like application of pure argon gas with AI control system in the melt processing of aluminium greatly reduces harmful substances like chorine and fluorine, leading to decreased pollution and perfluoro carbons [16] .
Shipyards can also leverage certifications and standard compliance grounded in the Life Cycle Approach (LCA) as mechanisms to ensure the most sustainably produced materials are used. It is crucial that shipyards integrate in their material selection process environmentally-friendlier production methods, so that suppliers who are committed to these sustainable practices are prioritised.
While steel and aluminium offer durability and performance advantages, their production processes contribute to pollution, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing measures to increase the use of recycled materials and adopt energy-efficient technologies are thus essential steps to reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
References
by Water Revolution Foundation | 4 Jun 2024 | Press Releases
Distinguished yachting industry leaders convened last week for the second edition of the Business Leadership event, organised by Water Revolution Foundation and hosted by Feadship. With a focus on establishing a Regenerative Approach for Yachting, the event featured insightful discussions and exchanges among the scientific community and industry pioneers, culminating in the beginning of a collective journey to develop a roadmap for the yachting sector to become regenerative by 2050.
From Ocean Strategy to Regenerative Approach
Expanding upon the achievements of May 2023’s inaugural industry leader event hosted by Lürssen in Hamburg, which educated attendees about ocean status and impactful conservation initiatives by leading ocean scientists, Water Revolution Foundation’s mission continues with renewed vigour. This year’s focus on regeneration is a direct reflection of the insights gained during the previous event, emphasising the importance of proactive conservation efforts for positive impact investment alongside mitigation strategies to reduce negative impacts – ultimately embracing a new regenerative business model.
“It is fundamental to set one common industry goal and have a widely adopted strategy on how to get there, together. With these targeted events, we challenge and equip company owners and CEOs of dominant players in the yachting market to become change agents, not only leading their companies towards the future, but the entire sector. We are very pleased to provide such a powerful group with a cross-industry strategic platform,” shared Water Revolution’s Executive Director, Robert van Tol.
Setting the stage from the perspective of space
A celebrated figure in the realm of space exploration and scientific research, Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers set a powerful tone for the day by sharing his unique perspective of our blue planet from the vantage point of space. With striking imagery highlighting the devastation of ecosystems over time, he called upon the audience to reduce pressure on nature and give it time to recover, emphasising that this can only be achieved through collaboration and setting ambitious goals.
Guided by science
Water Revolution’s vice-chair and initiator, Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, alongside Professor Adriana del Borghi from the University of Genoa and Blue Economy Specialist Jorge Barbosa, unveiled a regenerative strategy for the yachting industry to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Calling for a shift from mere impact reduction to regeneration, they proposed a climate neutrality plan based on the 3R-model: Reduce, Remove, and Repair. These principles advocate for minimising negative impacts, adopting cleaner alternatives, and actively restoring ecosystems to neutralise any remaining effects and ultimately become net-positive.
“By embracing this structured approach, we can lead the way in demonstrating how luxury and sustainability can coexist. The adoption of these principles will enable our sector to meet regulatory demands, gain consumer and public opinion trust, and ensure long-term viability in an increasingly eco-conscious market,” shared Eleuteri.
Establishing an industry roadmap
With the scientific insights as a foundation, attendees were divided into breakout rooms to gather ideas for an ambitious roadmap implementing the 3-R model across all stages of a yacht’s lifecycle. This collaborative effort resulted in the formation of concrete actions for the coming years, demonstrating strong alignment among stakeholders on the necessary steps to achieve regeneration.
To conclude the day, Feadship CEO Jan-Bart Verkuyl called on attendees to mark their commitment to the regenerative approach and participation in this monumental event.
Industry innovations
Inspiring presentations also came from within the industry, including valuable insights on Foundation Zero, an open-source platform aimed at fostering a mentality of shared innovation and collective R&D to accelerate progress, and Feadship’s environmental initiatives concerning both product and process innovation.
The path ahead
The discussions initiated during this event signify the beginning of a transformative journey towards a regenerative future for yachting. Moving forward, Water Revolution Foundation will collaborate with attendees to refine the generated ideas and incorporate input into an industry roadmap taking concrete actions aligned with the principles of Reduce, Remove, and Repair. As stated by Feadship CEO & Chairman of Water Revolution Foundation, Henk de Vries: “This is not just about furthering our business – it’s about making sure we have a business for the future.”
Participating companies
This event owes its success to the pioneering organisations whose representatives were integral participants: Abeking & Rasmussen, AkzoNobel, Azimut|Benetti, Bluewater Yachting, BNP Paribas, Burgess Yachts, Clyde & Co, Döhle Yachts, Dykstra Naval Architects, Espen Oeino International, Feadship, Ferretti Group, F/LIST, Fraser Yachts, Heesen Yachts, Luise Group, Lürssen Yachts, MB92 Group, Oceanco, RWD, Sanlorenzo, Safe Harbor Marinas, Safe Harbor Rybovich, Seable&Co, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, SYBAss, Tankoa, The Superyacht Group, VBH, Vripack, Winch Design, and Wright Maritime Group.
by Dilan Sarac | 23 May 2024 | Insights
They say last but not least… We know you will enjoy this conclusion to our 5-part series guiding you through Environmental Indicators relevant to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology (find Part One to Four of our Series starting here).
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, and is an aggregated result of the 10 previous indicators discussed until now. This score can be interpreted as a measure of sustainability performance, where lower scores indicate lower environmental impact.
Therefore, the Ecopoint allows us to group the nine 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.
Four important factors are combined to assess a product’s environmental impact using the Ecopoint measure:
- 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.
Learn more
Get in touch with us at info@waterrevolutionfoundation.org to find out more about the scientific methodology used within our programmes and how you can get involved.
by Water Revolution Foundation | 27 Mar 2024 | Insights
Authors: Awwal Idris (Environmental Expert, Water Revolution) & Nikos Avlonas (President, Center for Sustainability & Excellence)
It’s increasingly common for buyers to encounter advertisements promoting products as sustainable or eco-friendly. Such claims, often referred to as “green claims,” are being noticed in the yachting industry as well. With numerous producers, manufacturers, and suppliers eager to gain a marketing edge by labeling their products as green or sustainable, the new Green Claims Directive will influence how companies, also in the superyacht and maritime sectors, can communicate about the environmental credentials of their products or services. This new directive seeks to eliminate the deceptive practice known as greenwashing.
Addressing greenwashing with the Green Claims Directive
Greenwashing is a trend where companies deceive consumers with exaggerated or misleading environmental claims to influence their purchasing decisions. To address this issue, the European Union has introduced the Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices (Directive 2005/29/EC). This legal framework aims to safeguard consumers from deceptive green marketing tactics, and would also impact the superyacht industry in a number of ways.
Many EU member states have already integrated the provisions of the Green Claims Directive into their national laws and regulatory frameworks related to consumer protection and advertising standards. However, the extent to which these laws are enforced and the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms can differ between countries.
How it could impact the superyacht industry
Clarity in Advertising: The directive would require that any environmental claims made by superyacht manufacturers or sellers be clear, accurate, and substantiated. This means that vague or exaggerated claims about a yacht’s environmental friendliness would be prohibited, reducing the potential for greenwashing.
Increased Accountability: Superyacht companies would need to provide evidence to support any environmental claims they make about their products. This could include data on emissions, fuel efficiency, use of sustainable materials, or any other eco-friendly features. This increased level of accountability would prevent companies from engaging in greenwashing.
Consumer Protection: The directive aims to protect consumers from being misled by false or exaggerated environmental claims. Superyacht buyers would have more confidence that the environmental benefits touted by manufacturers are genuine, leading to better informed purchasing decisions.
Reputation Management: Superyacht companies found to be engaging in greenwashing could face damage to their reputation and credibility. With increased scrutiny and regulations in place, companies would be incentivized to ensure their environmental claims are accurate to maintain trust among consumers and stakeholders.
Shift towards Genuine Sustainability: The directive could drive a shift towards genuine sustainability efforts within the superyacht industry. Companies may invest more in environmentally friendly technologies, materials, and practices to differentiate themselves in the market without resorting to greenwashing tactics.
Moving forward
Overall, the Green Claims Directive will likely have a positive impact on reducing greenwashing in the superyacht industry by promoting transparency, accountability, and genuine environmental stewardship. Third-party proofing of claimed sustainability credentials will shape the communication practices of the superyacht industry in 2024 and beyond, and all communication experts in Europe may need to attend courses in order to educate themselves on the legal risks of greenwashing.
