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Article written by SuperYacht Times
Published on September 21, 2024
The superyacht industry is often portrayed by mainstream media as slow to innovate or adapt to environmental challenges. However, this perspective overlooks numerous initiatives and organisations at various levels, from international to local, that actively facilitate a more sustainable approach among all stakeholders within the industry.
Stakeholders in the superyacht industry have been actively involved in promoting and implementing sustainability projects through regulatory compliance across various aspects, from cruising operations to construction infrastructure and supply chains. The following sections detail the leading organisations such as the Sea Index, the Water Revolution Foundation and YETI and their projects, highlighting their active role in promoting a sustainable future.
International Maritime Organisation
In 2016, the United Nations' International Maritime Organisation (IMO) implemented Tier III of the IMO NOx regulations, aimed at significantly reducing nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) from vessels. These stringent regulations call for a reduction of approximately 70 percent in NOx emissions compared to the Tier II standards, marking a substantial step towards environmental stewardship.
For the superyacht sector, the implications of these regulations are profound. Starting from 1 January 2016, every large yacht exceeding 500 gross tonnes and equipped with diesel engines over 130 kW has been required to comply with these rigorous standards.
In 2021, the scope of these regulations broadened further, encompassing yachts under 500 gross tonnes but over 24-metres in length overall (LOA). This expansion ensures a wider application of the environmental standards, pushing the superyacht industry towards broader compliance and enhanced sustainability efforts.
Superyacht Eco Association Index
In 2020, Credit Suisse and the Yacht Club de Monaco introduced a significant innovation with the launch of the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) Index. Developed in partnership with Nobiskrug, the SEA Index is designed to measure and rate the environmental impact of superyachts, spanning areas such as propulsion systems, energy recovery, and waste management. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward transparency and accountability in the industry, providing a robust tool for assessing air pollution emitted by these luxury vessels.
The Index aspires to evolve into a globally recognized standard, offering ecological ratings that could inspire a broader commitment to sustainability across the industry.
The SEA Index operates as an online, customisable tool that allows yacht owners and industry stakeholders to perform 'no obligation' self-assessments of their emissions. If these assessments meet the SEA Index's stringent criteria, owners can then opt for an official audit to obtain a SEA Flag and an SEA rating. Such features underscore the Index's role not only as a benchmarking tool but also as a catalyst for change, pushing for lower emissions and cleaner operations. The initial launch was met with enthusiasm, as it provided yacht owners with a clear insight into the environmental efficiency of their vessels, evaluated on a 0-5 scale. This transparency is crucial in an industry often scrutinised for its environmental footprint.
Recognising the need for wider applicability and greater inclusivity, the SEA Index expanded its scope in subsequent phases. The second phase saw a collaboration with Lloyd’s Register to incorporate more propulsion systems and alternative fuels, broadening the assessment criteria to accommodate a greater variety of yachting operations. The third phase further advanced the project by including smaller yachts, specifically those below 400 Gross Tonnage and over 25 metres in length, thereby covering a larger segment of the industry.
Most recently, in 2024, the SEA Index expanded its reach to marina operations. It has been deployed in 15 marinas located in strategic yachting hubs like Menton, Saint-Tropez, and Bonifacio in Corsica. This move not only amplifies the Index's impact but also aligns with broader environmental goals, helping marina operators and yacht owners alike to gauge and subsequently reduce their carbon emissions. As the SEA Index continues to set new standards for sustainability, it offers a promising path forward for the yachting industry, one that aligns luxury with environmental responsibility.
Water Revolution Foundation and Yacht Environmental Transparency Index
Another organisation at the forefront of promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the industry is the Water Revolution Foundation. Established at The Superyacht Forum in 2018 by a group of industry leaders, the Foundation aims to foster collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance sustainability in the industry.
The Water Revolution Foundation adopts a constructive and collaborative approach, aligning with international scientific and institutional agendas. It equips the superyacht industry with essential tools, knowledge, and best practices. Serving as a central platform, the Foundation facilitates the industry's shift towards minimising its ecological impact, working in strategic alignment with high-level international bodies, including the United Nations and UNESCO.
Among the initiatives introduced by the Water Revolution Foundation is the Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce, launched at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2021. The taskforce serves as a collaborative platform where designers and naval architects unite to advance sustainable luxury and leisure for yacht owners. By facilitating the sharing of knowledge, fostering collaboration, and encouraging innovation, the taskforce aims to deeply integrate sustainability into yacht design and operations.
In 2024, another project was launched: the first version of the environmental guidelines for crew, officially released by the Water Revolution Foundation. This comprehensive guide, written for and by crew, provides information and assistance with adopting eco-friendlier behaviour onboard yachts, helping steer the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Among the most impactful projects founded by the Water Revolution Foundation is the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index, commonly known as YETI. On 25 March 2019, Feadship invited a select group of industry representatives to the De Voogt offices to introduce this concept. The meeting culminated in a unanimous decision to launch a Joint Industry Project (JIP) under the guidance of the newly established Water Revolution Foundation.
Conceived by Bram Jongepier, a Senior Specialist in Design at Feadship, YETI is a science-based, data-driven method. It evaluates and compares the environmental impact of yachts using an average operational profile derived from fleet AIS data, providing a quantifiable measure of their environmental credentials.
Stakeholders in the superyacht industry are actively advancing sustainability efforts and ensuring that all other actors within the industry cooperate and contribute. The implementation of IMO Tier III regulations, the introduction of the SEA Index, and the influential roles of the Water Revolution Foundation and the YETI project, showcase a collective commitment to reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices across all facets of the industry.
While significant challenges remain, substantial efforts are already making a difference. The path forward is promising, with the industry’s dedication to sustainability expected to strengthen further. This ongoing involvement highlights a clear trajectory towards a more sustainable future in the superyacht sector.
