Industry Updates

Balk Shipyard appoints Evan Kortmann CEO

Monaco Yacht Show unveils carbon neutrality plan

Daan Balk, the seventh generation of Balk to direct and manage the refit and repair shipyard, has now entered semi-retirement after a championship spanning over two decades and countless completed projects. He will remain a non-executive director and advisor of the shipyard.

Evan Kortmann has been appointed as Balk’s replacement with immediate effect. Commenting on his successor, Daan Balk said, “Evan Kortmann is a very suitable candidate and we are very happy to have found him to fill the role of CEO. Evan will bring a new energy and fill his position with great enthusiasm and drive.”

Kortmann joined Balk Shipyard over a year ago as CCO and has been instrumental in the yard’s recent success securing ground rights for a long-awaited expansion as well as completing highly acclaimed projects such as the rebuild of 50.4m Feadship, Emerald.

Speaking about his new appointment, he said “Balk Shipyard is a true heritage shipyard in the Dutch yachting industry and it’s an honour to have the opportunity to take over the helm. I am looking forward to continuing the Balk 225 year legacy.”

The show has presented plans to transition towards carbon neutrality, as part of its commitment to sustainability and ongoing efforts to minimise environmental impact.

The three-phase transition requires the collaboration of exhibitors and suppliers, with step one being a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025, compared to the emissions calculated for the 2022 edition.

The latter phases align more closely with the Principality’s own low-carbon trajectory, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes reducing the indirect emissions of the show, such as electricity and water consumption, and activities not controlled by the show itself, such as exhibitors’ own waste management and transportation.

The Monaco Yacht Show is committed to sustainability, both in preparation of the event and its four-day undertaking. The show organisers will be promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility throughout this year’s edition to help raise awareness amongst exhibitors and visitors.

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