Tag Archives: metstrade

Showcasing Sustainability At METSTRADE 2024

Last week, the maritime industry gathered in Amsterdam for the iconic METSTRADE show. At Boatbookings, we are passionate about sustainability and greener solutions for the boating industry. We regularly stay ahead of the developments and innovations; here we have put together some of our favourite launches and news from METSTRADE 2024: 

A Sustainability Focus

This year, the Superyacht Sustainability Route returned, highlighting solutions verified by the Water Revolution Foundation. These solutions aid efficiency, reduce environmental impact, promote corporate responsibility, and minimise waste. 

The show encompassed a range of seminars and workshops from leaders in the maritime industry to discuss the current and future goals of sustainability within the marine world. We were pleased to see that sustainability was truly a cornerstone of the discussions throughout the show, marking significant change and development in the future. 

The Launch Of YETI

Along with their involvement in the Sustainability Route, the Water Revolution Foundation also launched its new YETI software tool to reduce yachting’s eco-footprint. The Yacht Environmental Transparency Index results from an industry-wide collaboration and is designed for the yachting industry to access, compare, and improve its environmental footprint. The tool calculates critical ecological factors, such as propulsion and energy usage in hotel loads, providing an environmental profile for each yacht. 

Garmin Improve Packaging

Garmin also presented various solutions to minimise its footprint, such as packaging improvements. The company explained how it uses less packaging and drastically reduces plastic while eliminating 90% of foam within product boxes. 

Greener Teak From Flexiteek 

Flexiteek launched its latest synthetic teak decking, significantly improving performance and design. The new model builds on the company’s legacy of improving sustainability. The company produces teak that replicates the appearance of natural teak while using a renewable material that reduces emissions by up to 80%. 

Gori Present Hyrbid Sailing Propeller 

At METSTRADE, Gori Propellers announced the development of a new hybrid folding propeller designed for electric and hybrid sailing yachts, set to launch in 2025. The new design enables sailors to switch between optimal sealing performance and power regeneration modes. 

Sustainable Fabrics From Sunbrella 

Sunbrella highlights its dedication to sustainability by displaying the ‘Endless Stories’ fabric collection, designed in-house, it is developed from production waste materials with up to 50% recycled fibres. It is Sunbrrella’s first dedicated range of recycled materials for marine use. 

A Greener Future 

This year’s shows demonstrated that sustainability is no longer an option but a transformation in the boating world. From innovative software tools to exciting product designs, the marine sector is reimagining its approach. These developments represent a collective commitment to preserving our oceans. At Boatbookings, we are excited and optimistic about the boating sector’s trajectory and look forward to continuing to support and promote these initiatives.  

Check out our greener crewed charter catamarans for those looking to make a positive change and charter better. Contact one of the team members today to learn more about our commitment to sustainability. 

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METSTRADE 2023 Updates: The Waves of Decarbonization

Decarbonization is an issue of high priority within the boating sector. At Boatbookings, we are passionate about this dynamic topic, regularly staying ahead of the developments and innovations working to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. 

At this year’s METSTRADE show in Amsterdam, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) presented their latest report, ‘Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization for the Recreational Marine Industry.’ 

The Report 

This comprehensive report focuses on boats under 24 meters. It outlines a strategic portfolio of technologies to propel the recreational marine industry toward a greener future. 

The research investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft, evaluating the impact on lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range, and infrastructure. 

The technologies examined included battery electric, hybrid electric, hydrogen, and internal combustion engines (ICE) with sustainable marine fuels and traditional diesel engines. 

Main Findings

  • It emphasized the need for diverse solutions in the quest to reduce carbon emissions. Noting that 80% of a car’s environmental impact is in its usage, a far higher proportion of a boat’s environmental impact comes from its manufacture – as high as 50%. Given the unique on-water environments and varied interests of boats, the study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible. Instead, the sector must consider a range of technologies. 
  • Among findings, sustainable liquid marine fuels, such as renewable drop-in fuels, emerge as a highly promising energy source for decarbonizing boats by 2035, potentially reducing emissions by 90%. 
  • Hydrogen also stands out as a potential source for emissions reduction, provided the production process is optimized. 
  • Electric propulsion, while part of the strategy, is stated not to be universally suitable for all types of craft and use cases. 
  • Hybrid boats that use electric motors and ICEs powered by liquid fuels offer the potential to reduce emissions from boats in certain scenarios – boats used for longer periods and over greater distances. Hybrid technology provides the most potential for emissions reduction for charter.

Report Recommendations

The report recommendations included the following:

1. Adoption of a technology-neutral decarbonization approach for marine environments.

2. Acceleration of the development and distribution of sustainable marine fuels, supported by educational campaigns.

3. Collaboration between consumer safety, government entities, and recreational marine industry to establish marine electric technology and safety protocols.

4. Expansion of R&D tax credits and investments to improve electric battery density and hydrogen research applicable to maritime. 

5. Continued research to evaluate existing and emerging technologies and optimal application. 

No Easy Answer

While an interesting report, there are evidently various connected factors that will prove influential in the coming years. These include innovative products, new technologies, changes in consumer behavior, improvements in recyclability, the reuse of materials, emerging battery technologies, and the availability of these sustainable fuels.

To read the report in full, visit propellingourfuture.com. If you’re interested in chartering a greener crewed charter catamaran in the Caribbean this winter, contact one of the Boatbookings team today.

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