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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.

Learn more.

LCA Summary
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Ecopoint

Ecopoint

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.

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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).

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.

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.

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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, 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.

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SOx

SOx

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 & E9

Explore E8 & E9

About the product:

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.

LCA Summary
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Hempaguard X7

Hempaguard X7

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

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Giraglia 633 Extra & Magellan 630 Extra

Giraglia 633 Extra & Magellan 630 Extra

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

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RecondOil

RecondOil

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

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Awlgrip HDT

Awlgrip HDT

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

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Fendaskin

Fendaskin

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

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:

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.

Learn more.

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Permanent Washable Air Filters

Permanent Washable Air Filters

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

LCA Summary
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Via Maris Njørdal

Via Maris Njørdal

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

LCA Summary
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Reflow Marine

Reflow Marine

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.
LCA Summary
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Slimline 5

Slimline 5

About the product:

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.

Learn more.

LCA Summary
Software tool for the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) launched to revolutionise & reduce yachting’s footprint

Software tool for the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) launched to revolutionise & reduce yachting’s footprint

by | 21 Nov 2024 | Press Releases

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.

You may access the software here: https://yachtfootprint.com/

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/

Find us at The Superyacht Forum & METSTRADE 2024

Find us at The Superyacht Forum & METSTRADE 2024

by | 5 Nov 2024 | News

With the show season well underway, we are thrilled to return to The Superyacht Forum & METSTRADE as a strategic partner for the third consecutive year. Our programme this year is nothing short of spectacular, so we hope to have you join us for this Revolutionary event.

The Superyacht Forum

The week will kick off with a pre-launch of the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) software on Monday, 18 November, 11:45 – 13:00: Pioneering a New Era of Environmental Accountability in Yachting. This session, moderated by our Technical Director Hanna Dąbrowska, will introduce this groundbreaking solution to assess and compare yachts’ environmental performance, featuring insights from Edmund Beckett of Burgess Yachts, Matteo Magherini of RINA, Dr. Vienna Eleuteri of Water Revolution Foundation, and Enrico Della Valentina from the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN).

On Tuesday, 19 November, 10:00 to 11:15, a keynote panel will explore the path to a future-proof superyacht sector by 2050. Moderated by Martin Redmayne of The Superyacht Group, this discussion — titled Charting a Course for a Sustainable Future: The 2050 Superyacht Roadmap — brings together industry leaders Roderick De Vries (Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw), Aino Grapin (Winch Design), Anders Kurtén (Fraser Yachts), and our vice-chair and initiator, Dr. Vienna Eleuteri. They’ll discuss the essential 3-R model: Reduce, Remove, and Repair, focused on minimizing environmental impact, adopting cleaner technologies, and actively restoring marine ecosystems.

Official YETI Software Launch

In an exciting milestone, the YETI software will be officially launched on Wednesday, November 20, 14:00 – 14:30, at the METSTRADE Theatre (13.205). Presented by our Executive Director, Robert van Tol, and Technical Director, Hanna Dąbrowska, this transformative tool sets a new benchmark for assessing the environmental performance of superyachts, incorporating comprehensive parameters to guide optimization in both new builds and upgrades for refit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a pivotal development for a future-proof yachting sector – join us on Wednesday, November 20, 14:00 – 14:30 in the METSTRADE Theatre (13.205). Register now.

Superyacht Sustainability Route

Exhibitors who have passed a third-party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with a verified entry in our Hub of Verified Solutions will be featured on the second edition of the Superyacht Sustainability Route. Make sure to pay them a visit: AwlgripHDT by Akzo Nobel (01.271), Eco marinA by Marinetek (05.701), Explore E8 & E9 by OceanLED (10.705), Fendaskin by Defenda (11.610), Hempaguard X7 by Hempel (02.423), Hull Vane by Hull Vane B.V. (10.409), Magellan 630 Extra & Giraglia 633 Extra by Boero (11.603), Marine Inverter Air Conditioning by Termodinamica (11.721), & Permanent Washable Air Filters by Fundamental Marine Developments (11.612).

As the starting point of the Route, you can find a member of our team at stand 13.104 in the Elicium building from 10:00 – 11:30 & 15:00 – 16:30 each day throughout the show! And if you can’t manage to find it, just follow the footsteps…

Partner Events

We are also hosting two  events exclusive to partners of the Foundation. The Matchmaking Event allows verified solutions to connect with top shipyards and designers. Meanwhile, the Environmental Shipyard Roundtable will bring stakeholders together to align on goals for a more regenerative yachting sector by 2050, defining timelines and commitments for environmental improvement. If you’re a partner solution, shipyard, or design company and haven’t received details, please reach out to gigi@waterrevolutionfoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you at The Superyacht Forum and METSTRADE! For questions or more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Where to find us at Monaco Yacht Show 2024

Where to find us at Monaco Yacht Show 2024

by | 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. 

De-Constructing the Environmental Impact of Superyacht Construction Materials

De-Constructing the Environmental Impact of Superyacht Construction Materials

by | 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

Industry leaders unite to foster a Regenerative Approach for Yachting

Industry leaders unite to foster a Regenerative Approach for Yachting

by | 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.