Monaco Yachtshow and sustainable solutions

The 2023 Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) marked a pivotal moment in the super yacht industry’s journey towards sustainability, showcasing an array of initiatives and innovations designed to reduce the environmental footprint of luxury yachting. As the yachting industry faces increasing scrutiny over its ecological impact, this year’s show emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices and the industry’s commitment to a greener future.

One of the standout features of MYS 2023 was the introduction of sustainable antifouling products by Boero YachtCoatings, a leading name in yacht paint solutions. Their new antifouling solutions, Magellan 630 EXTRA and Giraglia 633 EXTRA, have been awarded the prestigious Water Revolution Foundation Sustainability Certificate. These products are designed to reduce the environmental impact by approximately 20% compared to traditional antifouling paints, without compromising on performance. Boero’s innovations represent a significant step forward in balancing the demands of high-performance yacht maintenance with the need to protect marine ecosystems. Both products utilize advanced self-polishing technologies that not only provide superior protection against fouling but also contribute to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by minimizing surface drag during navigation. These offerings were prominently featured at the Sustainability Hub Pavilion, a new addition to MYS dedicated to eco-friendly solutions in yachting​.

The show also underscored the broader industry shift towards sustainability through a comprehensive report released by MB92, a world leader in super yacht refit and maintenance. The report, titled Technology and the Oceans, calls on the super yacht sector to intensify its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. With over 6,000 super yachts currently in operation worldwide, the report emphasizes the need for immediate action to modify existing vessels to operate more sustainably. The report discusses various strategies, including the adoption of alternative fuels and the importance of reducing emissions during the extensive periods when yachts are stationary. According to MB92, a staggering 75% of a yacht’s time is spent at anchor or in the marina, making it critical to address emissions during these periods. Additionally, MB92 advocates for the implementation of more sustainable interior materials that are easier to recycle and have lower environmental impacts. The company’s shipyards are among the few globally that are fully committed to green practices, including the use of 100% renewable onshore power, comprehensive waste management systems, and advanced particle filtration technologies.

The Monaco Yacht Show’s focus on sustainability is part of a larger trend within the yachting industry, which is increasingly recognizing the need to align luxury with environmental responsibility. The efforts showcased at MYS 2023 are not only about reducing the carbon footprint of new yachts but also about retrofitting the existing fleet to meet higher environmental standards. This approach ensures that both current and future yachts contribute to the industry’s sustainability goals.

Furthermore, industry leaders at MYS stressed the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Pepe García-Aubert, chairman of the MB92 Group, highlighted the necessity of a collective effort to safeguard the future of the yachting industry and the planet. He called for a strategic alliance of decision-makers within the industry to push forward with sustainable innovations and practices. The sentiment was echoed by other industry experts who believe that the yachting sector, known for its innovation and precision, has the potential to lead the way in marine sustainability if it harnesses its collective strengths​.

In conclusion, the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show served as a powerful reminder that the future of yachting must be green. The show not only highlighted cutting-edge technologies and practices that can reduce the environmental impact of super yachts but also demonstrated the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability. As these initiatives gain momentum, they are likely to reshape the yachting landscape, making sustainability an integral part of the luxury yachting experience.