The yachting industry has always been associated with luxury and glamour, but it's also an industry that has significant impacts on the environment. That's why initiatives such as the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous are essential to promote sustainable solutions for the yachting industry.
Organized by Monaco Marina Management, the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous brings together yachting industry professionals and innovation players to drive a collective response to climate challenges. The event, which takes place on the 23rd and 24th of March 2023, is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Credit Suisse, and Blumorpho, a sustainable economy specialist.
The Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous aims to promote exchanges between startups, scaleups, and innovation companies in the lead-up to the event. During the event, workshops, presentations, and an exhibition area will allow for further networking and discussions between industry professionals. One of the significant aims of the event is to recognize and promote young companies that are developing intelligent and eco-responsible solutions for the yachting industry.
Marc Hervás, Sustainability Coordinator at MB92 Group, a world leader for superyacht refits, repairs, and maintenance committed to sustainability, and Laurent Pérignon, a new technologies for yachting consultant, stressed the importance of working collaboratively to develop eco-friendly solutions. "Our fleet can be improved in many areas like water treatment, energy efficiency, and propulsion systems," said Hervás. "All eyes are on the sector, and we have to be proactive and lead change." Pérignon added, "Every aspect is crucial, from construction to cleaning the yacht. New materials should be used, like those that are bio-sourced. Any company that manages to be a step ahead of regulations will have an advantage."
The yachting industry is moving away from fossil fuels, and new energy sources such as methanol and hydrogen are being used to power the boats. However, investment decisions must be motivated by an environmental conscience shared by all. Paris Baloumis, Marketing Director at shipyard Oceanco, and Wim Verhoeff, its Project Manager Fleet Support, highlighted the need to develop eco-friendly solutions that align with regulations and the industry's long-term sustainability goals and carbon neutrality. "The only question is how far customers want to push the innovation envelope," said Baloumis. "Either way, owners are now talking about sustainability, and so are their children."
Verhoeff added, "Currently, yachts can still use diesel because it is available all over the world. But if we look ahead to what it will be like in five or ten years, a new fuel will be viable, and any newbuild yacht should be preparing for that scenario."
The Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous is an important initiative that promotes exchanges between innovation players and yachting professionals. It's encouraging to see that the yachting industry is taking steps towards sustainability, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity. Such initiatives will be instrumental in developing eco-friendly solutions for the yachting industry, and I look forward to seeing more of such events. The industry's commitment to sustainability is essential, and this event is a great opportunity for industry professionals to share ideas and work collaboratively towards a better, more sustainable future for the yachting industry.
