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.

Discover the Caribbean with the Sunreef Eco 80, Sol

With the Caribbean season warming up, we wanted to showcase one of our newest Sunreef Eco 80 catamarans, Sol, as part of our more sustainable offerings. At Boatbookings, we advocate for greener crewed charter catamaran options, which is why we love having Sol to offer to clients. 

Sol officially debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last month and is Sunreef’s newest Eco fleet member.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Sol today: 

1. Sol is more sustainable 

Sol is a Sunreef Eco 80 and utilizes cutting-edge technologies and systems to minimize waste and emissions. The electric propulsion system runs silently and is bolstered by the large solar panel covering (integrated into the superstructure, hull and bimini roof) and battery banks. Inside, Sol has vegan furniture and finishes, showcasing cruelty-free decor. 

Sol also has an efficient waste management system featuring onboard composting, and there is limited single-use plastic with the water filtration system and reusable bottles. The crew onboard Sol use non-toxic and reef-safe toiletries and cleaning. Meanwhile, the chefs offer seasonal and local menus to guests to further reduce the yacht’s carbon emissions and to support local businesses. 

2. Sol offers great wellness packages 

As well as sustainability, the crew onboard Sol prioritize you. This Sunreef Eco is the perfect base for a wellness-focused experience in the Caribbean. The crew provides the ultimate amenities to relax and recharge, complete with yoga and meditation spaces. There is also the opportunity for plenty of spa treatments on your charter. The onboard menus can also be tailored to a wellness-based retreat with gourmet, plant-based menus as an option. 

3. Sol has plenty of activities 

The Sunreef Eco is always equipped with plenty of amenities, and with Sol, this is no different. There is an array of on and off-the-water activities, including beach toys, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling e-bikes and foil boards. 

4. Sol cruises the Caribbean 

All of our crewed charter catamarans are perfect for cruising the Caribbean; like Sol, Sunreef’s can get into the best anchorages throughout the BVI’s through to the Bahamas. We can create a tailored and bespoke itinerary for you to cruise Sol. Whether you want to spend your days simply relaxing onboard or getting out on the water for adventures, your vacation will be truly memorable onboard Sol! 

Get onboard Sol today! 

Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener crewed charter catamaran on Sol in the Caribbean. We want to protect our oceans and minimize the impact the boating industry is having, which is why we champion builders such as Sunreef. Make a difference today and book a more sustainable charter option. 

Charter Guest 101: How to be a More Eco-Conscious Guest

Being a charter guest onboard a luxury charter catamaran is an incredible experience, being able to cruise the world’s oceans while being looked after by a professional crew with all the amenities. But, today, charter guests must consider the impact that boating is having on the environment. 

This environmental impact of yachts can no longer be ignored, and at Boatbookings, we advocate for a more sustainable boating industry, choosing to work with yachts that implement sustainable initiatives into the build process and operations. 

Aside from choosing from one of our greener crewed charter catamarans, there are plenty of other ways to ensure you are a better, more eco-conscious and responsible charter guest. 

Here are some tips on how to enjoy your yacht charter while minimizing your impact: 

Better Preferences

Crews ensure they always go above and beyond when running a yacht charter, and this extends to ensuring guests have what they ask for onboard a crewed charter catamaran. When filling out a preference sheet, there are a few things to consider to have a greener charter. Minimize plastic waste by drinking from refillable bottles, and utilizing the onboard water filtration system instead of requesting branded water bottles. Toiletries are another factor to consider; you can request that there be reef-friendly and environmentally safe toiletries onboard.

When it comes to food, the chefs are heavily involved in preferences. If guests request something, they will be sure to fly it in, which contributes significantly to the yacht’s carbon footprint. Be sure to request locally sourced and seasonal menus when onboard. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint, but it also allows you to savor the freshest produce and local specialities. 

Respect the Underwater World 

Getting underwater is a big part of a yacht charter, especially in tropical locations where the underwater world is pristine, such as Tahiti, the BVIs, and the Bahamas! To preserve these ecosystems, minimize your disruption when partaking in any watersport. Avoid feeding or touching marine life, and keep a safe distance when swimming.

Reduce Consumption 

While crewed catamarans have an array of luxury amenities and facilities, this doesn’t mean that there needs to be excessive use of them. Guests can easily conserve energy and resources by switching things off when not in use. This reduction in consumption can also help reduce the yacht’s carbon footprint. You should also always embrace vacation mode and cruise at a leisurely pace; not only does this allow you to take in the destination better, but a slower cruising speed further reduces emissions. 

Support Local 

Practicing responsible sailing doesn’t just stop on the ocean. When you step ashore, it is important to support the local economy. If you go on excursions ashore, consult the crew to ensure you participate in ones that benefit the community. There are always plenty of organizations and initiatives you can get involved with ashore that are helping minimize environmental impact, such as beach clean-ups. 

Listen to Your Crew 

The yacht crew onboard our charter catamaran ensure that the boats are run extremely safely to adhere to all rules and regulations, including the environmental aspect. The crew will ensure you recognize the environmental impact that the yacht and operations will have and the correct waste disposal practices you can do while onboard. 

Spread Awareness

Never hesitate to ask the crew about any small changes you can make to minimize your impact onboard. You can inspire positive change throughout the charter community by spreading awareness about eco-friendly swaps. 

Every small change contributes to a greener future for boating. It is a collaborative effort, and as guests, you can play a vital role in preserving and protecting our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team today to find out which greener crewed charter catamaran you can book for your next vacation!

How to Have a More Sustainable Caribbean Yacht Charter

We are approaching one of our favorite times of the year – the Caribbean boating season! At Boatbookings, we love cruising the Caribbean, from the azure waters and abundant marine life to pristine beaches. But, like the rest of our planet, the islands are under threat.

The Caribbean is a fragile ecosystem suffering under the various challenges climate change brings. The Caribbean faces many threats, from rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather to ocean acidification. There are so many things we can do to leave less of an impact on our crewed charter catamarans.

Here are some ways you can help minimize your impact this Caribbean season:

Choose a Greener Yacht

The first step is to choose a more eco-friendly yacht from our greener crewed charter catamaran selection. At Boatbookings, we showcase more sustainable boats and look at incorporating catamaran builds, such as Sunreef and Silent Yachts, that champion sustainability. Crewed catamarans are better for our oceans and boast more advantages, such as better efficiency, shallow draft, expansive living areas, and comfortable cruising. The recently launched Sol is perfect for a greener Caribbean charter in the BVIs. This Sunreef 80 power eco has all the luxury facilities and amenities while having sustainability at the core, including vegan interiors and the solar and battery tech found within this Eco-Catamaran range.

An Eco-Conscious Itinerary 

There are a few factors that can help minimize your impact by choosing a more eco-conscious itinerary for a Caribbean charter. Overcrowding can have a negative impact on an ecosystem, so cruising destinations and anchorages that are less crowded will help. Opting for quieter spots also makes for a better experience. There are plenty of natural reserves and marine parks in the Caribbean, especially within the Bahamas, such as Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Visiting these on your charter means you will help support the conservation efforts by abiding by the strict conservation regulations to protect the area.

Better Onboard Practices 

While the crew onboard will already implement sustainable practices, it is important that you are aware of these. The main culprit in the Caribbean is the use of single-use plastic, but most boats now have water filtration systems onboard so that you can reduce any plastic water bottles needed. While in the Caribbean, you will undoubtedly be in the water a lot, so it is important to wear reef-friendly suncream to protect from the toxicity of regular suncream when exploring reefs and marine life. Another way to ensure a greener charter is through the menus you enjoy; ask your chef to create menus that are prioritized with local and seasonal ingredients in mind, helping reduce the carbon footprint of your charter. Always look for opportunities within the Caribbean to incorporate responsibly sourced seafood and avoid overfished species, such as parrotfish that have been overfished in the Caribbean for decades. 

Support Conservation Efforts 

As well as choosing to visit marine parks and natural reserves while following the regulations as charter guests, you can also support by donating to local conservation organizations or participating in beach cleanups. By aligning your charter experience with minimizing your impact, you are contributing to the long-term health of our oceans. Before your charter, you can also use our carbon offsetting calculator.

Charter the Caribbean Today! 

These are just some steps you can take to ensure the Caribbean’s natural beauty lasts for generations to come. Contact the Boatbookings team to book a greener crewed charter catamaran to enjoy the Caribbean this coming season. 

Tie-up responsibly: How are marinas facilitating the green revolution?

Whether you are on a bareboat charter catamaran or a crewed charter catamaran, alongside fantastic anchorages, you will likely also want to tie up in a marina or two on your travels. 

But marinas significantly impact the environment. They cater to hundreds of boats coming and going, which can have various negative impacts. Firstly this movement can disrupt the local ecosystem if not managed appropriately, and visitors discharge multiple wastes and trash. Marinas are beginning to recognize that they can harm the environment without protocols and mindful practices in place, with now many keen to be greener. 

The two leading global initiatives are the Clean Marinas Program and The Blue Flag award, both setting standards for better eco-awareness and environmental preservation. 

At Boatbookings, we love hearing about innovative marina designs and sustainable practices being implemented. We take a look at some marinas around the world and how they are becoming greener: 

Rybovich, West Plam Beach

The Florida-based Rybovich marina provides berths for boats up to 100m. They meet the stringent criteria to gain its ‘clean marina’ status through various procedures. The comprehensive recycling center and drainage system that captures almost all the water in the shipyard, which is then filtered and reused both contribute to this. The marina was one of the first partners supporting the Water Revolution Foundation, working to enhance the sustainability credentials of the boating industry. Rybovich is part of the Safe Harbour marina group, which recently partnered with X-Shore to allow and increase easier access to fully electric boats in the USA. 

Blue Haven, Turks & Caicos

Recently reopened this year, the Blue Haven marina in Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean has improved its green agenda while gaining the acclaimed Blue Flag award. The marina has increased ecological awareness and conservation commitments by utilizing eco-friendly cleaning and products at the facilities. Sustainable materials and renewable energy are also used throughout. It is part of the IGY group, which in 2021 also pledged to reduce and offset its carbon footprint across its network, helping future-proof its portfolio. 

Port Vauban, France 

Not only does the largest marina in Europe, Port Vauban in Antibes, have a Blue Flag award, but it was also the first in Alpes Maritime to join the French charter of the environment, striving for best practices in eco-preservation. The marina has gradually replaced fossil-fuel-powered vehicles with a fleet of electric golf carts and bikes. They also have robots collecting floating waste at various port locations and an extensive recycling system. 

Flisvos Marina, Greece

Flisvos Marina in Athens won the ‘Smart and Sustainable marina award, 2022’ at the international competition at the Monaco Yacht Club. The marina uses electricity from 100% renewable sources, keeps water quality at swimming level, and has many environmental campaigns. They also facilitate 16 recycling streams and use environmentally friendly building materials within its walls. Flisvos is part of the D Marin group, recognized for its unwavering commitment to ESG and environmental concerns. 

These are just some positive changes we have seen from innovative cleaning solutions, responsible waste channels, renewable energy, and environmental awareness. At Boatbookings, we hope these initiatives will be rolled out in all marinas soon. Contact us today to learn more about the greener catamaran charters we offer and what marinas you can visit!