Following success of the first two editions of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (next one 24-25 September 2023), marina experts M3 (Monaco Marina Management) have broadened their goal to promote sustainable solutions for the Luxury Yachting sector and boats over 24m with the first Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous.
Focused on getting yachting industry players (+24m boats) together with innovation players to drive a collective response to climate challenges, the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous, organised during Monaco Ocean Week under the aegis of the 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' approach, is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Credit Suisse and the expertise of innovation for a sustainable economy specialists, Blumorpho.
Webinars: first discussions and contacts made
With the aim of promoting exchanges in the run up to the event, the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous offers startups, scaleups and innovation companies the opportunity to meet online to gain a better understanding of all aspects relating to a yacht's life cycle from R&D to its usage, maintenance and dismantling.
Speaking in turn Marc Hervás, Sustainability Coordinator at MB92 Group, world leader for superyacht refits, repairs and maintenance committed to sustainability, and new technologies for yachting consultant, Laurent Pérignon, these first discussions helped pinpoint the yachting sector's needs. "Our fleet can be improved in many areas like water treatment, energy efficiency and propulsion systems" says Marc Hervás. "All eyes are on the sector and we have to be proactive and lead change. Companies that want to engage should work on a sustainable development strategy. This should include scope for the creation of partnerships and alliances as they are key to progression towards sustainability." Every year, more than 500 yachts over 24m are built and as many sold on the second-hand market.
Yacht life cycle: key role played by every stage
"Every aspect is crucial, from construction to cleaning the yacht. New materials should be used like those which are bio-sourced," says Laurent Pérignon who stresses the important role played by regulations in the Luxury Yachting sector. "Any company that manages to be a step ahead of regulations will have an advantage".
In the current energy context, decarbonisation is only possible if investment decisions are motivated by an environmental conscience shared by all, hence the need to act together. Paris Baloumis, Marketing Director at shipyard Oceanco and Wim Verhoeff, its Project Manager Fleet Support, where the ambition is to develop and support the world's most advanced and inspiring motor and sailing yachts, were among the speakers. "All owners want to make the right choice when it comes to sustainability. The only question is how far customers want to push the innovation envelope. Some like proven technologies, others want to drive the whole industry forward and try technologies that are still untested or unavailable. Either way, owners are now talking about sustainability and so are their children".
Note that the most significant sustainability trend is to move away from fossil fuels. Methanol and hydrogen belong in the new energy sources realm, once transformed into electricity to power the boat. A concrete example is Black Pearl where the owner's goal was to be able to cross the Atlantic without using fossils fuels. "The boat was designed to be ready for the future. Currently, yachts can still use diesel because it is available all over the world. But if we look ahead to what it will be like in five or ten years, a new fuel will be viable and any newbuild yacht should be preparing for that scenario," believes Wim Verhoeff.
On route to the Smart & Innovative Yacht Awards
With the aim being to promote young companies and improve production methods, this first edition gathers an ecosystem of all those involved who by working together will help fast-track use of innovative technologies to progress the goal of a future where sustainability, carbon neutrality and respect for biodiversity take centre stage. To this end, designers, owners, captains and shipyards join investors, startups, scaleups and innovation-focused companies to act together.
Those selected are referenced in an E-Catalogue with short presentations on their new solutions applicable to yachts. The ultimate aim of the process is to present a Smart Innovative Yacht Award on Friday 24th March for the most intelligent and eco-responsible solution in three categories (startups, scaleups and companies).
Alongside the main networking event is an exhibition area open to industry players, including shipyard representatives, architects and designers so they can meet companies offering applicable innovations across the board to the Luxury Yachting sector.
The highly original selection process to compete in the Smart & Innovative Yacht Awards comprises:
20th February to 6th March, an international Jury of industrialists, yachting professionals and investors arrange one-to-one interviews with participants.
From 14th March, Jury deliberations decide the winners of the Smart Innovative Yacht Awards, presented on 24th March, during a Consensus Meeting.
23rd and 24th March: the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous with networking sessions in the form of workshops, presentations and an exhibition area.