The keys to a more sustainable cruising

Is it possible to cruise sustainably?

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.