What are Sustainable Super Yachts?
Sustainable super yachts are luxury vessels designed with eco-friendly features to minimize their environmental impact123. These yachts incorporate various sustainable technologies and practices.
What qualifies a Super Yacht as Blue?
- Eco-Friendly propulsion and Hybrid Engines: Many sustainable super yachts use hybrid engines that combine traditional diesel power with electric propulsion systems. This can significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Renewable Energy Sources: Some yachts are equipped with solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and allows for quieter, cleaner operation.
3. Waste Management: Advanced waste treatment systems are used to minimize pollution. This includes systems for treating wastewater before it’s discharged and systems for managing solid waste.
4. Sustainable Materials: Sustainable super yachts often use materials that are either recycled or sourced in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
5. Energy Efficiency: From the design of the hull to the onboard systems, energy efficiency is a key consideration. For example, a long, narrow hull has been proven to be a highly efficient design for seagoing yachts, increasing fuel economy and thereby lowering fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Current Sustainable Super Yacht Examples:
One example of a sustainable super yacht is Accor Hotel Group, which is launching “ORIENT EXPRESS SILENSEAS”. This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express’ history, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces, reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises. Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship that will revolutionize the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges.
In addition, the installation of three SolidSail rigs, a revolutionary 1,500-square-meter unit wind propulsion system, for which we have developed and tested a first prototype, will contribute significantly to the propulsion of the ship. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), Silenseas will thus become the ship of reference in terms of environmentally-friendly operation and design
Another example is the “Artefact”. It features solar panels and a wastewater recycling system, as well as a large battery storage system, which means the yacht can at times operate completely independently of internal combustion engines.
The trend towards sustainability in the super yacht industry is driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and the desire to reduce the carbon footprint of yachting.
