One Ocean Foundation sets sail on the Vespucci and other green stories

BLUE FLUO ISSUE • n°38 • 2024

What

international businesses and organisations are doing to build a better carbon-neutral future

NEWS AND PROJECTS FOR A CLEANER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD

by Désirée Sormani

ONE OCEAN FOUNDATION SETS SAIL ON THE VESPUCCI

The Italian non-profit organisation’s commitment to environmental education continues with an international project in collaboration with the Italian Navy and World Sailing

The training ship Vespucci, the pride of the Italian navy, set sail on 13 March to circumnavigate the world. During the 28 stages of the voyage over 500 young people will board the ship. All of them are from 23 countries involved in Sail4Change, an educational project launched by the One Ocean Foundation, an Italian non-profit organisation involved in protecting the marine environment on an international level. Its aim is to raise awareness among young people of the greatest challenge of our times – climate changes and how they influence our seas and oceans. Organised with support of the Italian navy and World Sailing, a competition will be held at every destination. The winners will have the honour of visiting the historic ship the Amerigo Vespucci during her stay in port. “The project, in line with our mission and the Foundation’s values of knowledge, awareness and impact, involves world leaders and players in what we consider to be vital

issues”, says Riccardo Bonadeo, president of the One Ocean Foundation.

“We are pleased and excited that the Navy and World Sailing have shown their belief in our proposal, which combines science and education in a wonderful setting like the Vespucci”. The Sail4Change project is intended to involve school students between 8 and 12 years of age. The development of targeted educational resources will give the participants the opportunity to develop new skills and a

wider knowledge of issues like acidification of the ocean, rising sea levels and the loss of biodiversity. The youngsters will be able to take part in challenges making materials and other artistic forms, which become ways of raising awareness of the impact that climate change has on island and coastal lands.

After visiting America, Australia, Singapore, India and many other countries, the training ship will end its voyage in Italy, putting in at La Spezia in early 2025.

Above, the training ship Amerigo Vespucci. Setting sail in March to circumnavigate the globe, the initiative will involve 500 young people form 23 countries

SANLORENZO REDUCES EMISSIONS WITH SOLAR POWER

Sanlorenzo has recently forged a partnership with Axpo Energy Solutions Italia, enabling the luxury yachtbuilder to take an important step forward in its campaign to reduce its carbon footprint, cutting its emissions by over 600 tonnes of CO2 per year. The agreement

between the two companies involves the creation of three solar installations generating a total of 1.5 MW of electricity, adding to the 500 kW already available at the Sanlorenzo sites. This is particularly important for the yards in La Spezia, where superyachts are built, Ameglia, a region of La Spezia which

GUIDELINES TO REDUCE THE WATER IMPACT OF SUPERYACHTS

Version 1 of the Environmental Crew Guidelines has officially been launched, marking a pivotal moment in steering the yacht fleet toward more sustainable practices. This comprehensive

guide, highlighting best practices written forand-by crew, offers information and inspiration for eco-friendlier behaviour on board yachts. As a collaborative effort between the Water Revolution Foundation, initiator MB92, and creator Danella Hopkins (formerly of S/Y Black Pearl), this free and open-source tool offers 24 distinct sections providing crews with a detailed, holistic overview of how to adopt more conscious practices into their daily routines. As a first version, the aim is to collect feedback and additional best practices from crew to expand on the content and launch a Version 2 in the future. To ensure the widespread adoption of these guidelines and enable a united, coordinated action, industry trailblazers MB92, Burgess, Damen Yachting, Divergent Yachting, Feadship, Fraser Yachts,

is the location of the company’s main base, and Viareggio, the historic heart of Italy’s yacht-building industry. The Group also intends to increase the amount of power generated to 3.1 MW by the end of 2024. Sanlorenzo has designed and built bespoke yachts for over 60 years, combining luxury, design and comfort, and this project is a strategic investment for the company. “Installing the solar plant at Ameglia, La Spezia and Viareggio is a significant step forward on our path towards decarbonisation”, says Ferruccio Rossi, General Manager & President Sanlorenzo Superyacht. “By using solar energy we are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a sustainable energy supply. It’s a strategic investment for Sanlorenzo, one which is in line with our objectives regarding social and environmental responsibility, demonstrating the company’s far-sighted vision in the context of sustainability”.

Heesen Yachts, Lürssen, Safe Harbor Marinas, Sanlorenzo, The Crew Network, The OM, Virtual Pursers, Y.CO, and YPI Crew have pledged their commitment as official supporting companies. S/Y Black Pearl and MY Savannah have also come on board as ambassadors within the fleet. The continued support of companies in the yachting industry is essential to foster industry-wide adoption of the guidelines and establish a minimum standard. Info at ecocrew@waterrevolutionfoundation.org

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPECT IN RACES

The 2024 edition of the ViareggioBastia-Viareggio Race - Angelo Moratti Trophy takes place between 25 and 28 June. The event will enjoy the participation of magnificent maxi sail yachts and vessels over 42 feet, crossing the Ligurian Sea with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The initiative, organised the Club Nautico Versilia, the Municipality of Viareggio and Navigo, enjoys the support of the port authorities of Viareggio, the patronage of the Federazione Italiana Vela (FIV) and a collaboration with UVAI and the Associazione Marevivo. It is notable not only for its sporting excellence but also for its commitment to sustainability – the race will be totally eco-sustainable and will not involve the use of plastic.

“The event’s history and its commitment to sustainability makes it jewel in the yacht racing calendar. The transformation from offshore competition to sail race is proof of our ability to adapt and innovate. The event, which combines

advanced technology and respect for the environment, emphasieses Viareggio’s crucial position as a centre of excellence for sail yachts and marine tourism”, says a proud Roberto Brunetti, president of the Club Nautico Versilia.

LUNA ROSSA JOINS OGYRE TO CLEAN THE SEAS OF WASTE

With

the aim of gathering a total of 16 tonnes of marine refuse by the end of 2024, the collaboration between Ogyre (www.ogyre.com), the first global “Fishing for Litter” platform, and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (www.lunarossachallenge.com) continues and develops. This new joint project uses education, art and science to foster greater awareness of oceanic pollution. The new project has its official launch in April with the release of video content screened by both organisations’ social media channels and web platforms. The objective is to describe the vital direct link between humankind and the oceans, highlighting the importance of respecting our seas and keeping them clean.

YAMAHA TARGETS NET-ZERO EMISSIONS

Yamaha Motor has finalised an agreement with Germany’s DEUTZ AG company, the owner of Torqeedo, a pioneer in the manufacture of electric boat drives. Torqeedo offers a wide range of products that includes outboard and inboard electric motors, batteries and a wide range of accessories. The company has a large R&S centre and resources for the development of next-generation environmental technologies. With the acquisition of Torqeedo Yamaha enhances its ability to develop in the electrical sectors. It also aims to support and accelerate Yamaha’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the marine sector, as well as helping speed up the creation of a small line of electric boat drives.