On March 25, 2019, Feadship, a globally recognized leader in luxury yacht manufacturing, made a strategic move that would shape the future of sustainable yachting. The introduction of the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) at the De Voogt offices marked a groundbreaking moment in maritime history. YETI was conceived as a joint industry project (JIP) under the auspices of the newly formed Water Revolution Foundation, signaling a robust industry-wide commitment to environmental stewardship.
The genesis of YETI can be traced back to the innovative mind of Bram Jongepier, Feadship’s Senior Specialist Design. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable practices, Jongepier championed a data-driven, scientific approach to measure and enhance the environmental performance of yachts. YETI employs a unique scoring system that utilizes fleet Average Operational Profile based on AIS data, enabling a transparent comparison of yachts based on their environmental impact.
The Evolution of YETI
Since its inception, the YETI initiative has undergone significant developments, with substantial input from various industry stakeholders. At METSTRADE 2022, the efforts of the YETI-JIP were first showcased, and the subsequent unveiling of YETI 2.0 the following year marked an evolution in the protocol. This enhanced version incorporated new evaluation criteria such as the size-related effects of environmental impact and a standardized approach to managing hotel loads, which are crucial for reducing energy consumption on board.
The revised YETI protocol underscores the industry’s proactive approach to sustainability, highlighting a collective endeavor to refine and improve environmental assessment methodologies. Jan-Bart Verkuyl, CEO of Royal Van Lent Shipyard and a Feadship director, emphasizes the multifaceted pressures driving the push towards sustainability—from client expectations to personal and societal responsibility.
Feadship’s ambitious 2020-2030 roadmap outlines a clear vision for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions and minimizing local pollution. A shining example of this commitment is the 84.20-meter Obsidian, which features a full diesel-electric architecture running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), achieving the net-zero CO2 target in 2023. Furthermore, Feadship’s concept design, Dunes, presented in Monaco, showcased a potential reduction in environmental impact by 95% compared to existing regulatory standards, utilizing advanced fuel cells powered by methanol.
These innovations highlight Feadship’s dedication not only to compliance but to exceeding it, setting new benchmarks for the industry. Henk de Vries, CEO of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw, articulates a forward-thinking perspective, stressing the importance of addressing the concerns of future generations and those who challenge the status quo.
The Future of YETI and Industry Collaboration
The development of YETI into a robust, user-friendly index akin to ratings used for consumer products like cars and refrigerators is nearing completion. The simplification of the methodology and the removal of unnecessary complexities have been key focus areas, driven by the collaborative efforts of the YETI industry group.
Jongepier expresses profound pride and gratitude towards the collective of passionate industry experts who have contributed to refining YETI. Their voluntary cooperation has been instrumental in aligning the index closely with the original vision envisioned five years ago.
Feadship’s YETI initiative is more than just an environmental assessment tool; it is a testament to the power of collaborative innovation and a beacon for sustainable practices in the luxury yachting industry. As YETI progresses towards becoming an ISO standard, it promises to bring about a transformative shift in how environmental impact is measured and managed in yacht building, ensuring that the majestic beauty of our oceans is preserved for generations to come.
For further details on YETI and Feadship’s sustainability initiatives, readers can visit their official news page and roadmap to zero.
*Note: All hyperlinks are for illustrative purposes and lead to Feadship’s official website for more information.*
