Tag Archives: greencharter

Fueling the Future: What is Best for the Boating Industry?

The boating industry has been increasing its focus on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact for some time now. As concerns over climate change and fossil fuel depletion mount, many boat builders are setting their sights on utilizing alternative fuels in the future. 

At Boatbookings, we consistently work to minimize our impact on the oceans and always offer our clients greener crewed catamaran options. 

With the advancements in technology and a growing demand for greener solutions, a range of alternative fuel options are emerging as viable contenders for the future of boating. We take a look at them here: 

Electric 

Electric propulsion systems, powered by advanced battery technologies, have become more prevalent in today’s boats. These systems eliminate the need for traditional combustion engines, significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution. While there are still challenges in terms of range and charging infrastructure, battery technology is constantly improving, and today, charging within the marina is increasing, making this a better option. 

Biofuels 

A promising alternative is biofuel, derived from renewable sources such as plant materials and agricultural waste. One example being used in boating is Hydotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The benefit of this fuel is that it can be placed within existing diesel engines and, therefore, can be used for the existing fleet as it can be mixed with diesel and has been said to cut carbon emissions by 90%. At the moment, the availability of this fuel remains limited, and therefore, it is not accessible to many boats, but this is improving with demand. 

Hydrogen 

Hydrogen can be used in combustion engines and fuel cells and has been said to be the most sustainable. Therefore, hydrogen is one of the central elements of the energy transition. However, there are challenges for the boating industry. The use of hydrogen presents issues such as the large amount of volume to store and the amount of energy required from renewable sources to produce it.

Methanol 

This has been one of the leading alternative fuel options, and while not yet available for yachts, it is the most likely for the next generation of commercial shipping. However, storing methanol onboard requires much more volume, resulting in less usable space. As an alternative, this fuel can also be used via fuel cells to generate electric power. Lurssen has long been working with alternative fuel technology. They developed fuel cell propulsion technology using hydrogen, reformed from methanol.

Hybrid 

Hybrid diesel-electric engines are becoming extremely popular in boating. This alternative results in higher efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and fewer emissions. It also allows the integration of different energy sources, such as hydro generation and solar. Hybrids also will enable the mixing of mechanical propulsion with electrical propulsion. 

Solar

Solar energy has become a valuable addition to energy and is an excellent use of natural energy. Silent Yachts and Sunreef catamaran builders facilitate solar panels within their catamaran design. While solar energy is a good addition and valuable in the energy mix for hybrids, more is needed to fuel larger yachts. 

As the boating industry continues to pursue more sustainable alternatives, each fuel option has its unique set of pros and cons. Factors such as price, availability, storage requirements, safety considerations, and viability must be evaluated to determine the best option. 

The discussion is endless. At Boatbookings, we are committed to staying on top of the alternatives and implementing more ways to reduce our impact. To find out more about chartering one of our greener crewed catamarans, contact a member of the Boatbookings team today. 

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Top 6 Tips To Navigate a Responsible Catamaran Charter 

At Boatbookings, our catamaran charters have become increasingly popular. It is more important than ever to be mindful of our environmental impact while enjoying a crewed catamaran charter. 

Catamarans are an excellent choice for a more sustainable charter due to their energy-efficient design and stability. But there is more you can do than simply choosing a catamaran. 

Here, we have put together additional steps to help reduce your impact when on a yacht charter vacation: 

1. Choose Environmentally-Protected Destinations

When planning your charter route, favor areas with robust environmental protections and designated marine parks. These locations will have regulations to preserve coral reefs, marine life, and surrounding waters. Your charter crew can guide you on the best practices for these areas onboard. There are plenty of marine parks in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia working to protect our oceans. 

2. Be Clear on your Preference Sheet 

Before you step foot onboard, you will have a preference sheet. Use this as an opportunity to specify your interests in more sustainable options. Request locally sourced produce, sustainable suppliers, eco-friendly cleaning products, toiletries, and minimal packaging. You can also ask to avoid single-use plastic as much as possible onboard. 

3. Reduce Energy Consumption 

Thanks to their low-drag hulls, catamarans are exceptionally fuel-efficient, but there are many other ways to conserve energy onboard during your vacation. You can easily limit the electricity demands by using outdoor lighting sparingly, turning off lights, only running the air conditioning when necessary, and unplugging devices when not in use. 

4. Respect Marine Life 

Always ensure you adhere to responsible wildlife viewing practices when enjoying a crewed charter catamaran. These practices include keeping your distance and avoiding loud noises or sudden movements. Never feed, touch, or chase any wildlife you encounter on the water. 

5. Eco-Friendly Playtime

Water toys are essential to any yacht charter but can also negatively impact our oceans. Be sure to use the more eco-friendly options. Hydrofoils and electric toys are a great alternative as they do not contribute to air pollution due to the battery-powered operation. There are also plenty of toys that are human-powered and just as fun to explore bays and islands, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. 

6. Offset your Carbon 

While catamarans are already a lower-impact way to charter, you can take it further by offsetting your carbon emissions. With our carbon offset calculator, you can determine your footprint. We use information about the boat and itinerary to predict and measure emissions and then calculate the carbon credits needed to purchase to offset. We ensure it is done correctly through our work with Climate Care, funding UN-approved projects. 

We offer various options for greener charter catamarans. Contact a member of the Boatbookings team today to discuss booking one of these charter catamarans ensuring you have less impact on your next yacht charter vacation.

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How To Inspire the Next Generation of Boaters to Protect Our Oceans

When it comes to saving our oceans and helping the boating industry become more sustainable, we must look not only to solutions but also to the next generation to help promote and action positive change. This element of collective responsibility is what we at Boatbookings believe is vital. We must inspire and empower the next generation of boaters to become advocates for the future of our oceans. 

Why Are the Oceans Vital?

Before we can inspire the next generation, why are we doing so? The oceans are not just simply large expanses of water; they cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface. Not only do they regulate our climate, they generate the oxygen we breathe, provide a livelihood for millions, and play host to a diverse array of marine life. The well-being of our oceans is directly linked to our own. They also make a fantastic playground for our crewed charter catamarans at Boatbookings!

So, how do we promote and inspire change?

Education & Awareness

The next generation has grown up learning about climate change, and this education is so important in their understanding of the impact of various issues our population is having. With increased education and awareness surrounding ocean conservation, the next generation will appreciate the urgency of the need for change. 

Use of Technology 

In our digital world, the next generation harnesses technology in everything they do, which is why it is an essential tool for inspiring them. Platforms such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and online platforms can bring the issues to life, making learning more immersive. Sharing this information via social media platforms can help foster a collaborative and interconnected approach to ocean conservation. Digital tools can also help facilitate real-time monitoring of environmental changes. 

Encourage Better Practices

Teaching better practices from a young age is essential in ingraining a culture of sustainability. Introducing eco-friendly habits, such as responsible fishing and reducing single-use plastics onboard, can help shape a more environmentally conscious population. 

Get Them Involved 

Whether it be beach cleans, marine life surveys, or other conservation projects worldwide, there are various ways to actively get younger boaters involved in protecting the oceans. Not only will this help the next generation see where change is needed most, but they will also contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts. 

Inspiring this next generation of boaters is about preserving the oceans for the future and cultivating a mindset of responsibility. By combining education, technology, sustainable practices, and active involvement, we can all empower younger boaters to be the driving force behind positive change, ensuring the health of our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team to discuss our greener luxury yacht charter options available worldwide and year-round. 

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The Top 4 Greener Luxury Yachts To Charter in 2024

Chartering luxury yachts no longer requires compromising eco-conscious values for luxury. At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering a wide range of greener, crewed catamaran charters in various locations, suiting varying needs. 

As the world and the boating industry set their sights on creating a more sustainable future, looking at greener ways of exploring our oceans is vital. From harnessing greener propulsion and integrating eco-conscious materials to offering less fuel-guzzling activities, plenty of luxury yachts are out there championing a greener vacation. 

Here are our favorite greener crewed catamarans for charter in 2024: 

1. Sol 

This Sunreef 80 was new on the luxury yacht charter market last year, and we are excited to be offering her for this season in the Caribbean. Whether you want to cruise the BVIs, USVIs, or The Bahamas, you can do so on this Sunreef Eco 80 while ensuring you have a minimal impact on our oceans. She can accommodate up to 8 guests and offers a range of eco-conscious and wellness activities such as yoga, paddle boarding, and many other toys. Sol is powered by an electric propulsion system and the integrated Sunreef solar paneling technology. She is also furnished with eco-friendly materials. Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean onboard Sol. 

2. Silent Dream

Aptly named after catamaran builder Silent Yachts, Silent Dream is a 60 fully electric-powered catamaran accommodating up to 6 guests. She cruises silently, resulting in zero emissions with her battery banks and solar panels. Silent Dream has an extensive range of eco-conscious water toys, from snorkeling to kayaking and paddleboarding. Why not hop aboard her in Sardinia this summer? Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean onboard Silent Dream. 

3. Tiril 

Another yacht from the Sunreef Eco line, but this time slightly smaller. Tiril, Sunreef 50, is perfect for those wanting to get off the beaten track while maintaining a lighter carbon footprint. She is fitted with the Sunreef solar panels. Available to charter throughout the Pacific islands, Tiril will also keep you cool in these tropical locations as she boasts a revolutionary air conditioning system that is energy efficient. Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Pacific onboard Tiril. 

4. Nemo

This Nautitech 47 greener crewed catamaran can accommodate up to 10 guests and is perfect for sailing around the BVIs. She runs on practically 100% sustainable energy with her two wind turbines and solar panels. Enjoy some alfresco dining of fresh seafood on the aft deck with the onboard BBQ. Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean onboard Nemo. 

These greener crewed charter catamarans are just a small selection of what we offer at Boatbookings for 2024. Whether you want to charter in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, or the Mediterranean, we have the perfect option for you to ensure you minimize your carbon footprint and impact on our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team to enjoy a New Year full of responsible luxury yacht charters. 

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10 Things You Can Do This New Year To Help Protect Our Oceans

The dawn of the New Year is the perfect time to think about what changes we can make to improve the boating industry and our oceans in 2024. At Boatbookings, we wholeheartedly support sustainable initiatives and greener chartering to improve the future and protect the oceans and marine environments. 

Here are some of the ways you can help reduce your impact and contribute to a healthier future for our seas in 2024 and beyond: 

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics 

It’s an age-old problem, but it’s still a problem. A truck full of plastic is dumped into our oceans every minute. While steps have been taken to combat the issue, it is still a huge issue, and there are various ways to reduce and eliminate using single-use plastics. Many countries have also stepped up to ban single-use plastics. 

2. Participate in Cleanups

Worldwide, there are plenty of initiatives that you can join or even organize, coastal cleanups in your community to address ocean pollution and trash directly. Document the types of waste you collect to help contribute to valuable research data and policy initiatives. 

3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

Opt for energy-efficient appliances and support renewable energy sources and advice for policies that address climate change. At Boatbookings, we use our carbon emissions calculator to measure emissions and offset. 

4. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about ocean-related issues, such as coral bleaching, acidification, and biodiversity loss. Sharing your knowledge with friends, family, and social media platforms can help raise awareness. 

5. Minimize Chemical Usage 

Our products ultimately end up in the ocean, so we must consider what we are using and choose eco-friendly cleaning products that prevent harmful chemicals from entering marine environments. 

6. Support Sustainable Seafood 

Overfishing is a serious threat to our oceans. To help combat this, be informed about your seafood choices using tools like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). 

7. Be An Ocean Ambassador 

This New Year, why not contribute to marine conservation research? There are various citizen marine science projects to get involved in; one organization facilitating this is the International SeaKeepers.

8. Support Ocean-Friendly Businesses 

Plenty of businesses and brands prioritize sustainable and ocean-friendly practices. Whether directly helping solve problems through innovative solutions or donating profits to marine conservation, supporting these brands will help protect our oceans. 

9. Use Reef-Safe Products 

A lot of suncreams and toiletry products we use are causing harm to our marine environments. When you are on your next crewed charter catamaran, use reef-friendly sunscreens. A lot of ingredients in sunscreens are toxic to aquatic life and coral reefs. Plenty of brands now produce suncream without these ingredients, so you can dive into the Caribbean on vacation without causing damage. 

10. Take Greener Vacations

Responsible boating is fundamental to the health of our oceans; at Boatbookings, we offer greener crewed charter catamarans to help minimize your impact when going on a luxury yacht charter. 

No matter how small, every positive action and change you make in the New Year will contribute to the larger effort of saving our oceans. We can move toward a more sustainable boating industry by collectively adopting these changes. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings to discuss your 2024 greener crewed charter catamaran vacation.

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