How to do a green refit.
Sustainability is a movement that is gradually reaching every area of our life. Protecting the planet, saving our oceans, reducing emissions… Surely you have heard of some of these issues in the last few days. Many growing companies are under the pressure to implement sustainability policies to please their customer and/or investors and also to fulfil with the upcoming international normative . The CEOs of big companies started using electric cars and their private jets use biofuel. Eventually the focus will go to their yachts, so refitting them to make them sustainable will certainly become a major trend.
To fulfil with required maximum emissions by the 2030 agenda for sustainable development , green or sustainable refitting is a must, since the agreed objectives will also affect the yachting industry.
Many of the owners whose vessels are still being built, are aware of the need of a change in the model of design and construction of the yachts for a better future . Minimalist designs with a zen finish, are starting to become a thing, which is an indicator of a lifestyle change among the yachties . The opulence is not a trend anymore and simplicity is making a huge impact in the industry along with research in lighter and more sustainable materials , which also reduce the amount of fuel needed to navigate.
But how can we make an already built yacht more eco-friendly ? Through the sustainable refit .
Use of HVO diesel
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, more commonly known as HVO is a renewable diesel, whose raw material is used cooking oil, which is obtained by a treatment that uses hydrogen as a catalyst. The result is a renewable biofuel that can pollute up to 90% less than the traditional fossil diesel , resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This fuel will soon become available for the superyacht industry. The cost, which is expected to be around three or four times more expensive than the fuel that superyachts normally bunker, is not small, but it will drop in the future. The ideal, would be refitting the yacht to reduce the fuel consumption , and after, start using better fuels as HVO diesel.
Reduction of the cruising speed
There are many ways of refitting a yacht to reduce her fuel consumption and emissions. One of those, would be the reduction of the speed. Even if the yacht has a high maximum speed, this is not used very often. If yachts are optimised on normal cruising speeds, instead of maximum speeds, they could be much more efficient .
Structural changes
Very often, refits include lengthening the yacht. The extension of the waterline makes the hull more efficient. Installing new propellers that are optimised for cruising speed instead of top speed is also helpful.
Engine replacement
Exchanging the main engines for some smaller modern engines which are optimised for cruising speed could be expensive, but with good results. A more economical solution would be retrofitting the existing engines and adding exhaust treatment.
Intelligent electrical devices
Yachts are at anchor or in port most of the time, so checking and optimising the electrical systems is a way of reducing energy. The replacement of generators combined with advanced power management can reduce emission in a significant way. Also, we can’t take our eye off the air conditioner, as it’s the largest power consumer. Installing an AC that detects when no one is in the room and switches itself off would be a big improvement along with a smart lighting system.
Election of sustainable materials
Sustainable refit is not just replacing the equipment, it’s much more. The facility of the refit, the process, the use, and disposal of materials… there are many things to take into consideration. Selecting sustainable materials , such as recycled plastic, bio paints or cork is also an important matter.
Currently there are many owners who are motivated on reducing the carbon footprint of their yachts . Because of this matter, working with agencies such Evolution Yacht Agents that offers specialized services and can find the right contractors or suppliers , according the ideal of the owner is the key.
Get in touch with our experienced team in hola@evolutionagents.com to get information about the best way of refitting your vessel for a more sustainable world . In case of wanting to apply to a VAT exempt refit through the TPA or Inward Processing regime, please, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at tpa@evolutionagents.com .
Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.
A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TP A (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.
