NEW POWER

Navigator Knows

Superyacht Management (SYM) Managing Director Ben Young talks to Navigator about the ways in which owners, captains and crew can make a difference in improving the health of the world’s oceans.

WORDS MIRIAM CAIN

Reducing the carbon emissions left behind by a superyacht is not only environmentally responsible but can be cost-effective too. From alternative fuel technologies to eco-friendly cleaning products, the industry has evolved by leaps and bounds in the area of sustainability. The race to build a zero-emission superyacht that promises less waste and less damage to the marine environment is on, but what can owners do to reduce their carbon footprint on board their conventional yacht right now?

Power & Propulsion

When it comes to power, the marine diesel used on yachts is actually a lot less polluting than the cruder fuel oil used in shipping, but it is still a finite resource that causes pollution both in production and in its use. One solution existing today is the use of biofuels, such as renewable diesel. Biofuels offer a renewable, more sustainable source of fuel than conventional marine diesel and can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of a superyacht. Made from animal fats, waste vegetable oil and seed oils, many biofuels can easily be swapped into marine engines without any modifications required. According to SYM’s Managing Director Ben Young, one of the yachts in SYM’s management fleet has done just this. “Captain Jean-Maxime Berthet recently pioneered a switch to try out a new biofuel on board the 144’4” (44m) motor yacht LAMMOUCHE,” says Ben. “Following six months of negotiations, Captain Jean-Maxime got the green light from Caterpillar and John Deere, LAMMOUCHE’s engine and generator manufacturers, to be able to use an ultra-clean, ecologically advantageous fuel product synthesized from renewable and sustainably-sourced fats and oils called HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). Leading distributors of fuel in [France’s] Var region, Fioul 83, made a delivery of 15,000 liters to the vessel,” says Ben. “It was the first time anyone has seen one of their tankers arrive to a standing ovation from the municipal authorities.”

According to Captain Jean-Maxime, there are many ecofriendlier solutions generally available for brand new yachts, but the options become more limited for older vessels already in operation. “When we heard of HVO, we jumped at the chance to explore further,” says Captain Jean-Maxime. “We are delighted to be working alongside other industry stakeholders, including Caterpillar and John Deere, to become the first superyacht to support the switch to the HVO bunkering fuel supply network.”

There are other ways in which existing yachts can reduce wasteful emissions, including catalytic reducers and exhaust scrubbers, and, of course, alternative propulsion systems such as hybrid electric power and solar power. “On average, 80 percent of a superyacht’s operational time is spent at anchor, with generators running from batteries charged by combustion engines,” says Ben. “Using larger batteries that can also be charged underway by the main engines will result in fewer emissions, while solar panels or even hybrid forms of diesel/ electric power management can also easily be retrofitted to legacy vessels.” This can require significant CapEx, but it is one of the best ways to maintain the value of a vessel, as long as the rest of it is in good working order.

Sustainable Products

While there are many technological changes occurring, the operational side of yachting is often neglected, right down to the cleaning and maintenance. As any experienced owner knows, a clean vessel is essential to its successful operation, but many cleaning products – especially the heavy-duty products used to maintain and clean engine rooms – can have a destructive effect on the marine environment. Chemical-based cleaning products contain phosphates and phthalates that pollute the water and have a detrimental effect on marine life. Fortunately, there are a few companies that offer biodegradable marine cleaning products that use naturally occurring ingredients to limit their impact on the environment.

“Although most crew are receptive to making changes, they don’t always have the time or knowledge to know whether a cleaning product is truly ‘eco’,” says Ben. “Thanks to greenwashing and sustainability buzzwords, there is a lack of trust and confusion, which has led to major barriers for crew looking to do their best to ensure cleaning products are not harmful.” Products that list “natural” ingredients or “plantbased”, for example, are buzzwords that imply they are safe, but can still be highly toxic to aquatic life while the term “organic” is over-used and not regulated. There are, however, several internationally recognized certification labels, including the highly-recommended Ecocert. More stringent than other labels, it is a good reference point when sourcing cleaning products that are good for the environment in every way, including sourcing and packaging.

Packaging, of course, can also have implications, especially when in plastic form. Plastic waste in our ocean is an everincreasing problem, and the yachting industry’s dependence on single-use plastic is magnified due to the logistics of being waterborne. Whether in the form of packaging for cleaning products or just bottled water, plastic is convenient, hygienic and, when it comes to drinking water, guaranteed 100% safe.

“It is estimated that guests and crew consume as many as 40 million liters of bottled water every year,” says Ben. “Although this consumption of water cannot be reduced, the supply method can easily be changed.” A water filter is the most viable solution, and most superyachts have advanced water filtration systems to guarantee clean and sterilized water. “Desalinators, or watermakers as they are more commonly known, turn seawater into filtered water by the method of reverse osmosis,” explains Ben. “Although they require separate systems for the treatment of the water, and the ongoing cost of maintenance requires even more investment, overall they provide the luxury of independence and freedom from the reliance on bottled water.” Of course, the promise of new methods of water filtration is always on the horizon, with exciting developments in graphene filters and nanotechnology.

This may all sound a little daunting, but there are a few specialist companies that run training and audit programs for crew, including solutions at implementing Environmental Management Systems. Participating in training sessions like these empowers the crew to significantly reduce their own yacht’s impact on the environment, while at the same time continuing to ensure the high-quality service that is a luxury yacht’s raison d’étre.

Volpini 2

The 188’ (57.7m) Amels-built VOLPINI 2 is the perfect example of a yacht that was built to an environmental brief. At the time of her launch in 2018, she was the first yacht to comply with IMO Tier III regulations, operating with an exhaust aftertreatment methodology in the form of catalytic converters. The now mandatory Tier III equipment transforms diesel exhaust fluid into harmless nitrogen water and tiny amounts of CO2. She also features Amels’ first-ever advanced hybrid power system, increasing not only her efficiency but also her environmental friendliness. And it doesn’t stop there. Building on her environmental credentials, the thirteen-strong crew have gone on to ensure that her operations are as sustainable as possible. “I am very proud of the efforts made by Captain Nathan McFadyen and the rest of the crew onboard VOLPINI 2,” says Ben. “Not only in terms of onboard products used but also their involvement in beach cleans and other voluntary efforts. She really is a fine example of how a superyacht can and should be operated in a responsible way.”

A unique offering

Imagine being part of a private club that is limited to just 30 members, all of whom are superyacht owners. Now imagine that the club allows you the best berth in marinas all over the world. The IGY Trident Collective is for those who want to live the yachting lifestyle to the fullest.

Priority access

Launched in 2022 by IGY Marinas, The IGY Trident Collective is a club that is truly exclusive and private. Not only will your most prized possession be guaranteed the best berth available, but there is no need to book ahead. You may not be aware, but during the peak season, while your yachting team appears to glide across the surface with logistical planning, beneath the surface they will be paddling profusely to ensure you receive a seamless, luxury experience while on board. As a member of The IGY Trident Collective you can arrive, without a reservation, at any IGY Marina in the world. Added to this, you and your guests will be treated to a host of exclusive benefits. These include a personal onsite marina concierge delivering extra special white glove treatment, a private golf cart, VIP parking, and maybe a case of cold beers for the crew and a bottle of Margaux for you.

A superyacht owner’s dream

Flying the exclusive IGY Trident burgee not only allows for priority access at IGY Marinas for your yacht across the world, The IGY Trident Collective offers members a list of important operational benefits designed to save you money and, more importantly, time and dramatically fewer headaches. Added to this, wearing your own Trident pin allows access to a variety of curated experiences that are exclusive to the 30 Collective members and their select guests. Think Cannes Film Festival black tie dinners, the ultimate viewing platform for the Monaco Grand Prix, unique Art Basel Miami offerings, private experiential dinners, exclusive live music performances, rare wine tastings… the opportunities from the Trident Collective Concierge Team are rare and ambitious, which is what The IGY Trident Collective is all about.

Extraordinary crew resources

In addition to the amazing services that you as an owner will enjoy, the IGY Trident Collective team also delivers an array of global resources to the Captain and crew of your yacht. Take advantage of IGY’s refit prep and service-centric marina in Sète, South of France or, for example, while waiting for charter guests in the Old Port of Cannes, your crew will be given preferential treatment. They can also access VIP Training Programs from the Forbes Travel team receive Executive Medicals for the Captain, dedicated support and discounts from BWA Yachting, and discounted fuel and complimentary carbon offsets with one of the world’s largest aviation and fuel suppliers, World Fuel Services. In addition, your Captain and crew are given a $10,000 bonus of crew benefits to use on customized local experiences and activities, all organized by your very own IGY Trident Concierge.

To become one of 30 founding members of this most exclusive superyacht owner’s club, contact the IGY Trident Team. igytrident.com

With so much focus in the industry on the environment and the ocean, it is now increasingly rare to find a builder that is not focused on addressing the issue of sustainability. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), for example, has committed itself to reducing the CO2 emissions in shipping by 40 percent before 2040, compared to 2008 levels. As eco-focused propulsion, therefore, becomes a necessity for the yachts of tomorrow, we look at what the leading yacht building shipyards are doing to reduce the impact that their yacht builds have on the environment.

Optimizing propulsion

Solar power, wind power, hybrid propulsion systems and hydrogen fuel cell technology have become the primary focus for many shipyards looking for alternatives to using traditional internal combustion engines for power generation. Of course, not all these innovations are entirely new. Windpowered yachts have been around for centuries, but wind power combined with new technologies has huge potential for the future of sailing yachts in particular, while hydrogeneration has also become more commonplace. Hybrid yacht propulsion, too, is probably the most exciting innovation in the yachting world. Although hybrid power generation has been around for a while, only relatively recently has it been used in the superyacht industry, most commonly in the form of diesel electric.

These are all positive steps toward making yachting more sustainable, but the quest for emissions free cruising continues. There is no clear view yet on whether the winner in this particular race will be LNG (liquid natural gas), gas or hydrogen, but the race for a solution is definitely on. German builder Lürssen is leading the charge in the area with its research into fuel cell technology, with hydrogen being their preferred element. Extremely low in pollutants, hydrogen generates electrical energy with oxygen from the ambient air. However, as explained by Lürssen’s Managing Director Peter Lürssen in the Fall 2021 issue of Navigator, liquid hydrogen needs to be pressurized and stored in extensive cell structures – which is not possible in a conventional superyacht engine room. The shipyard has therefore also been involved in research projects aimed at using a modular fuel cell system using methanol that, having a higher energy density, can also carry a lot of hydrogen within its chemical composition. The methanol can then be stored in structural tanks in the yacht’s hull for long periods, and methanol has the added bonus of being already easily available in most commercial ports. The most exciting thing, however, is that the only by-product of its use is warm, moist air, totally bio-degradable and with zero emissions. Lürssen currently has a yacht in build that will have a fuel cell installed. “This is an extremely exciting project for Lürssen,” says Peter. “I personally believe it will be a game-changer for the yachting industry, and that its real-world use will prove that fuel cells will be the future.”

Future-proofing new yachts for whatever energy supply will come into play in years to come is a priority. With the speed at which hybrid technologies are being developed and environmental regulations announced, the value of a vessel could reduce if it cannot implement changes and adhere to restrictions.

Energy-efficient hull design

Building yachts with more efficient hull designs is something that many shipyards have been working on for the past decade. Working on a yacht’s hull optimization will ensure that a hull is more fuel efficient and, therefore, energy efficient overall. Dutch shipyard Heesen are dedicated to pushing the boundaries in design and build in this area and is leading the way in its efforts to meet owners’ demands for fast and comfortable but still fuel-efficient large motor yachts. They have a dedicated sustainability program called BlueNautech. “At Heesen, we believe it is our responsibility to bring to the market products that are more respectful of our environment,” says Heesen CCO Mark Cavendish. The shipyard continually invests in research and development to reduce fuel consumption through pioneering progressive hull designs. It is known for its lightweight aluminum construction and meticulous focus on weight reduction. “The most important steps we can make with regards to fuel efficiency involve building a lighter yacht,” says Mark. “Our most recent keel laying, the all-aluminum 164’ (50m) PROJECT ORION, with hybrid propulsion, is the most efficient yacht in our portfolio. Her Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) increases fuel efficiency by 30 percent, and, thanks to Heesen hybrid solutions, she delivers flexible power management and the luxury of a silent cruise up to 10 knots, where her fuel consumption falls to a mere 45 liters per hour. For a 164' (50m) yacht displacing 295 tons, this is an outstanding achievement." “Bigger engines are heavier and therefore mean extra weight,” explains Mark. “The trick is to use as little power as possible, by optimizing the hull form and making it as slippery as possible through the water.” Another example is Heesen’s 164’ (50m) PROJECT JADE, available for delivery in April 2024. “With an optimized, low-drag hull with reduced transom depth that allows for a shallow shaft angle, PROJECT JADE requires 12 percent less installed power to reach the same speeds as a more conventional yacht,” says Mark.

Sustainable operations

Aside from burning a lot of fossil fuel for cruising, even when static, the fuel burned by the electricity generators, provisioning, maintenance and almost everything else that goes into the superyacht experience all still have a negative environmental impact. Given that a superyacht spends, on average, 80 percent of its time at anchor, the electricity required from the dieselpowered generators that power the hotel side of the yacht 24 hours a day actually require more energy than the larger engines that move her. The last few years have seen huge advances in technological and engineering features for efficiency-enhancing solutions in this area. Reducing the demand on power generation is a priority for many shipyards. From occupancy-based lighting, air-conditioning sensors and heat recovery systems, to LED lighting, state-of-the-art thermal insulation and HVAC systems, there are numerous ways in which energy can be conserved. Battery banks with “peak-shaving” capabilities, which avoid extra generators starting up when demand for hotel services are high, can also help lower fuel use. Added to this, wastewater treatment systems and catalytic converters can also play their part.

Sustainable production

The same yards that are investing in building eco-friendly vessels are also leading the charge in making the actual build process of their yachts more eco-conscious. These days, many conduct their own surveys to identify areas where they can make efficiency improvements. Southern Wind Shipyard, for example, is able to perform a Life Cycle Analysis to measure the environmental impact that the production and operation of each of its yachts has in its lifetime. “The impact of building a yacht can be quantified by measuring the raw materials used in its construction,” explains Andrea Micheli, CCO of Southern Wind. “This includes finding out not only the detailed information on where goods are sourced, but also the way the goods are transported from the place of manufacture to the shipyard.” Considering the overall carbon cost of the build from the outset and taking steps to minimize it wherever possible, the shipyard can measure the environmental impact of construction. This allows the yard to benchmark and evaluate areas for improvement.

Builders also have a responsibility to ensure the ecological integrity of the yacht at the end of its lifespan. When considering the eco-credentials in the design and build of a yacht, marine adventure company Arksen also factors in the yacht’s end-of-life potential. Wherever possible, the yard employs recycled materials or simple, low-impact materials, while also future-proofing vessels as far as possible. Lifecycle sustainability was a key attribute in the ARKSEN 85. “A modular cabin system allows for design evolution and adaptation even during its usage,” explains Northrop & Johnson broker Charles Herve. “Conscious of reducing the burden on both the owner and the environment, each aspect of the build – and the systems and services to support its ownership – is carefully planned so the owner can optimize their use of the vessel, enabling them to enjoy life-changing adventures but with minimal impact on the planet.” It seems that it is no longer a choice, but rather a necessity, for all shipyards to embrace sustainability if they want to stay current and meet the needs of a new generation of yacht owner.

You wouldn’t dream of booking a vacation in a villa or leasing an office with no internet access or phone signal. The importance of good connectivity on a yacht is exactly the same. Yet it’s often overlooked until you’re settled in and realize it's too late. To achieve speeds capable of every type of connection - across all devices on board simultaneously - sophisticated technology is a necessity. Intellian realizes the importance of reliable connectivity for those cruising on board a yacht and delivers the best in the industry. The distinguished radomes you see high above the bridge house the technology that enable yachts to connect to a satellite in space - often thousands of miles awayand deliver high-speed internet on board.

Melissa Orlick of Intellian explains, “The world of SATCOM is similar to that of terrestrial comms. Instead of the likes of AT&T or Verizon, there are network operators that have satellites in space instead of cell towers. And, like how Apple or Samsung are the devices customers connect to these cell towers, here at Intellian we are the technology that connects customers to the satellites. From our antennas, the vessel can then implement Wi-Fi everywhere onboard.” A vessel with great connectivity also means there’s better comms on board for the crew to arrange logistics ashore and help plan your excursions or address anything else that may arise.

Some yachts even have the option of video calls with medical teams ashore during emergency situations. There’s also the option to have satellite TV on yachts, enabling guests to watch the big game, live. “In Monaco during the Formula One Grand Prix, for example, we see a huge demand in TV satellite antennas because the guests on board need to be able to watch the race in full once they have viewed the cars go past in real life,” says Orlick. “It’s the same thing, too, for guests on vacation during other major sporting events that aren’t streamed online, where TV is the best experience.” intelliantech.com

When deciding on a yacht to charter, let your broker know what level of comms you expect to have on board so they can ensure your chosen yacht has the best solution for your needs. They will have to consider how many guests there will be, and if the need is for simple messaging and emails, which aren’t as data-intensive, or if you and your guests expect to be able to watch Netflix or gaming - or even take a Peloton class - as these all need higher data capabilities. Of course, a vacation is about relaxing and getting away from screens, which underscores the need to have great internet onboard, so when a guest does want to do something online, the connectivity is there, ready to go.

Le StandUp Paddleboard

Experience an entirely different perspective with Loeva’s Le StandUp board. Glide over the water’s surface and explore the surrounding coastline or discover the marine life beneath your feet through the transparent light-up base, all while having an on-the-water workout. Made with a special type of acrylic glass that is transparent, impact-resistant and scratch-resistant, Le StandUp is lightweight, easy to use and easy to transport. Additionally, for every Le StandUp by Loeva purchased, Loeva will contribute to the resettlement of an area of coral reef. loeva.me