What international businesses and organisations are doing to build a better carbon-neutral future
NEWS AND PROJECTS FOR A CLEANER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
by Désiréer Sormani
THE GENOA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW ACHIEVES ITS ISO20121 CERTIFICATION
The 64th Genoa International Boat Show focused on a sustainable future for yachting and through its own commitments was also awarded the prestigious RINA certification
Sustainability
took centre stage at this year’s 64th Genoa International Boat Show. The entire yachting industry has set itself the primary objective of reducing its environmental impact, and the Genoa Boat Show is committed to spearheading this transition, creating value for all stakeholders involved (visitors, exhibitors, suppliers, partners, the local community). As a demonstration of such a commitment to the environment, RINA Services awarded the organisers the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event design during the Show. “The ISO 20121 certification for the sustainable design of the Genoa International Boat Show is a tangible demonstration of the fact that sustainability is not only the guiding thread of the event, but the essence of its architecture and that of everything you see around you. It is from here, from our Genoa Boat Show, that we will now begin the long journey in which our entire industry, the entire yachting sector, has decided to commit its economic and human efforts”. The Show’s commitment was just as tangible in its brimming events programme, starting with the Design Innovation Award, now in its fifth edition, dedicated to celebrating excellence in research, innovation, and sustainability across the yachting world and promoting the image of Genoa International Boat Show’s many exhibitors with their latest products, acknowledging designs that express emerging trends and new design frontiers. There was no shortage of conferences and panels, such as the “European Sustainable Boating Roundtable”, a second edition organised by
the European Boating Industry (EBI), alongside Confindustria Nautica, with the focus this year being nautical tourism. Among the various speeches was Sofía Gutiérrez, Deputy Director of Sustainable Development of Tourism at UN Tourism, who gave an insightful speech on the objectives that constitute the essence of UN Tourism to improve the well-being of individuals, safeguard the natural environment, stimulate economic progress and promote the harmonisation of global actions. During the convention entitled “The yachting sector, a symbol of culture and sustainability”, organised by BPER Banca in partnership with the Employers’ Association of Turin and Confindustria Nautica, speakers spoke of the connection between the yachting sector and the blue economy, which is fundamental for its economic impact and its ability to transmit sustainable and cultural values.
Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici, Paolo Moretti, Managing Director of RINA Services and Marina Stella, General Manager of Confindustria Nautica
GREEN HORIZONS ]
THE SILENT 62 SAILS IN FULL ELECTRIC MODE FOR TOP QUALITY LIFESTYLE ON BOARD
SilentYachts has presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival its Silent 62 3-Deck Open a new breathtaking electric catamaran. The design builds on the successful basis of the Silent 62, offering an open-sided third deck for entertaining and flexible accommodation. At the heart of the Silent Yachts concept is electric propulsion, and the new Silent 62 3-Deck showcases the benefits. Twin electric motors can be specced up to 340kW. The more powerful the motors, the larger the battery bank that drives them – up to 286kWh. In every case, however, they are always built around high-quality lithium-ion cells with a robust management system that guarantees performance and safety. Cruising speed is 6-8 knots, although the top speed will, of course, vary depending on the power package. Solar power is another key Silent
AZIMUT AND VOLVO
The Silent 62 3-Deck Open a new electric presented catamaran at the Cannes Yachting Festival
Yachts concept. By equipping the boat with a large 16.8kW series of solar panels, the set-up is able to generate enough power to cover much of the daily load of onboard facilities. The panels are fitted to the hardtop and forward overhang of the superstructure where they benefit from the clearest view of the sky. This allows for longer spells between generator usage, and the possibility of overnighting at anchor in total silence. The silence of the yacht naturally throws the focus back onto the qualities of lifestyle
aboard. Silent Yachts guarantee flexibility, and owner can select the interior layout and styling that they prefer. Owners also have the choice between a forward exit from the saloon to a recessed forward lounge, or a large central master cabin that spans the twin hulls on the lower deck.
PENTA
JOIN FORCES FOR PIONEERING MARINE INNOVATION
Atthe 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, Azimut and Volvo Penta unveiled the world’s first yacht to combine Volvo Penta IPS with hybrid power: the Seadeck 7. This unit is the world’s first yacht to combine hybrid power with Volvo Penta
IPS propulsion, based on revolutionary Volvo Penta hybrid-electric pilot technology. This is the first time that a yacht combines diesel engines, electric motors, and batteries with the efficiency of Volvo Penta IPS drives, allowing hybrid
action without a generator. The Seadeck 7 can cruise in pure electric mode up to 11 knots and stay at anchor with zero emissions for up to 12 hours, with the aim of significantly enhancing onboard comfort and sustainability. Features include near-silent cruising at low speeds, silent nights onboard thanks to the use of batteries, and Joystick Docking in Electric Mode for smooth docking and departure. The system also facilitates access to emission-free zones, allowing closer experiences with nature. Compared to traditional planing yachts with an inboard shaft line in a similar size, the Seadeck 7’s technology package can allow for a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 40% in a typical year of use.
[ GREEN HORIZONS ]
GROUPE BENETEAU ACCELERATES ITS CSR STRATEGY FOR RESPONSIBLE, SUSTAINABLE BOATING
Groupe Beneteau is increasingly focused on its commitment to sustainable yachting. Several advances confirm the Group’s environmental trajectory, such as the renewal of ISO certifications for all the French sites of its Boat division in France, a growing number of suppliers certified by EcoVadis, and its reaffirmed adherence to
the United Nations Global Compact. The Group is also further developing its offer with technological innovations in mind, making the sailing experience even more sustainable. With its LAGOON catamaran brand and its “Néo” service, Groupe Beneteau has taken a new step in the reconditioning economy. These significant achievements confirm the Group’s objective of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. Recently the Groupe Beneteau has also announced the renewal of its ISO 9001 (quality management), 14001 and 50001 (environment and energy) certifications for all the French sites of its Boat division. By 2024, more than 80% of the Group’s boat-related activity will be ISO 14001 certified, representing a 64% increase over 2022. These certifications underline the Group’s commitment to quality, environmental management and energy efficiency.
THE FUTURE OF YACHT DESIGN IS THE DESIGNERS’ PROTOCOL
Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the latest edition of the Designers’ Protocol is setting a new standard for environmental yacht design. The result of a collective initiative spearheaded by Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg & Rowell Design in collaboration with Water Revolution Foundation’s Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce, this Protocol is a document that outlines critical considerations for yacht owners and designers, emphasising the importance of making environmentally conscious choices from the initial phases of the design process. A panel between yacht designers, naval architects, and industry professionals discussed holistic design, energy efficiency and innovation within the Protocol, necessary for the industry to advance towards true environmental sustainability.
WILLIAMS JET TENDERS
THE ELECTRIC EVOJET
Williams
UNVEILS
Jet Tenders, the world’s leading company specialised in jet-powered luxury tenders, has proudly announced the launch of the all-new Electric EvoJet. This groundbreaking model is a bold evolution of the EvoJet 70. Introduced back in 2019, the 70 set new standards in the superyacht tender market. The Electric EvoJet stands out for its zero-emission propulsion, a hallmark of Williams’ mission to contribute to a more sustainable future for the marine industry. The Electric EvoJet delivers impressive performance, achieving a maximum speed of 40mph with handling and seating capacity matching its predecessor, accommodating up to 13 passengers.