Is it possible to cruise sustainably?

Sustainability in the yachting industry has come a long way, creating a significant impact on crew, guests, and owners of superyachts . With efforts such as existing sustainability movements and the increased media coverage on protecting marine life, an environmentally friendly future cruising at sea can certainly be achieved .
 
Fortunately, there are many sustainable methods that yacht crew can adopt to reach sustainability, whether cruising or recreational boating. The Evolution team states key methods to be more eco-friendly on and off-board , which will lead to a cleaner future .

Soap is unarguably a must-have for crew and guests on a superyacht, however, the standard plastic soap containers pile up and just like any other disposable container , it is highly unsustainable . When you have a superyacht with a captain, crew and guests that are all not re-using those containers, it creates an abundance of unnecessary waste . Therefore, as a start towards a sustainable future , Evolution recommends soap bars instead of bottles and reusable containers instead of disposable ones.

The yachting community can further achieve a sustainable impact with efficient fuel or solar panels and eco-friendly procedures such as stopping microplastics , wearing reef-safe sunscreen and not doing excessive laundry . Crew can use sustainable uniforms and provide bedding from recycled ocean waste or organic fabrics. Additionally, with a water filtration system, it is possible to reverse osmosis to remove the salt and impurities from seawater and with further efforts, biodegradable waste can be discarded into the sea .

Sustainable yachts:

Although there are many ways for guests, captains, and crew to remain sustainable on board, it is also important to note that the superyacht itself can be sustainable too . For instance, the following yachts are known for its sustainability as some include exciting features such as a silent engine, no emissions or hybrid models : 

• 1– SY Black Pearl | Oceanco 106m – An excellent example of a sustainable superyacht since this sailing yacht can cross the Atlantic, fossil-fuel free .
• 2 – MY Silent 60 | Silent-Yachts 17.90m – Silent and solar-powered . In 2021, it won the “best of the Boats Award” in the “Best for Travel” category, a yacht ideal for families.
• 3 – SY Juliet | Royal Huisman 44m –  It underwent a hybrid refit – lower fuel usage, peak shaving, silent operation, 0 emissions, shaft generated power under sail.
• 4 – MY REV Ocean | Vard 183m – The cleanest superyacht to explore the poles paving the way for the future.
• 5 – MY Savannah | Feadship 83.5m – A massive sustainable superyacht – the first hybrid yacht.

An honourable mention to MY Lammouche | Sanlorenzo 44m , the first yacht in the Mediterranean to take on biofuel . 

 Photo: BOAT International – SY Black Pearl.

A sustainable yacht is not only achieved despite the crew, captains and guests’ efforts. A shipyard can modify and refit yachts to be more sustainable as well, making it eco-friendly and marine-friendly. Such sustainability is achieved by using carbon fire or aluminium instead of steel to decrease the weight . As well as refitting the AC systems , installing battery banks , or installing new engines and generators to reduce fuel consumption . Along with this, there are also biofuels that offer CO2 reductions.

An interest in a new type of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel for superyachts has spiked, according to reports from engine manufacturer Caterpillar and the fuel’s producer  Fioul 83 . Biofuel emits nitrogen oxides but not sulphur and it is 100% odour free . There is also a diesel alternative under the name Cristal Power XTL100, claiming to offer a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions . It managed to make an environmental impact with its recycled oil. Shipyards are adopting sustainable methods of propulsion, such as Lürssen Yachts , which works with methanol fuel cells , you can read more about Methanol fuel cells, here .

Furthermore, there are yearly yachting events set in place that promote sustainability. Such as at the recent 2023 MYBA Charter Show , where a sustainability master plan was introduced at Marina Port Vell to continue with a sustainable, safe, and innovative infrastructure. It served as an international promotion for sustainable yachting in terms of educating the yachting community on sustainable design, operations, and chartering .

At the MYBA, the initiative of being sustainable was showcased at the event as there was a reduction in waste products , usage of recycled materials for all marketing materials and plastic , proof of an energy consumption decrease as there was only energy-efficient lighting and appliances used . There is also the Sustainability Hub at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show , specializing in sustainable technologies with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of superyachts . The hub plays a role in raising international environmental awareness .

There are quite a few sustainable practices guests and crew can take on, when not on board a superyacht. Some of those methods include but are not limited to participating in beach clean ups , which Evolution can organize, focusing on recovering the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean . Along this, our team also recommends being mindful of emissions and driving less , going plastic-free and working towards creating a better future for our planet .

For further information on how to cruise more sustainably , or if you would like to be more involved in offboard sustainable practices such as beach clean ups , contact us at hola@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, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.