Sustainability is at the forefront of discussions within yachting and at large around the globe. But what can the yachting industry do to reduce its impact on the environment and further sustainability? The third episode of Heesen’s chat show YachtTalk opened up discussions on the topic.
Sustainability is at the forefront of discussions within yachting and at large around the globe. But what can the yachting industry do to reduce its impact on the environment and further sustainability? The third episode of Heesen’s chat show YachtTalk opened up discussions on the topic.
On the panel were Robert Van Tol, executive director of Water Revolution Foundation; Enrico Della Valentina, yacht team leader at MARIN, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands; and Perry van Oossanen, managing director at Van Oossanen Naval Architects. All three guests unanimously agreed that the yachting industry needs to speed up its sustainable initiatives and take a proactive approach. It also requires a collaborative stance that allows for research and development to be shared more openly – both successes and mistakes – to enable completely emission free yachts within the next two decades. Water Revolution Foundation The yachting industry’s niche position and clientele makes it best placed to take proactive steps and lead the wider maritime sector in reducing its environmental impact to zero and protecting the oceans, says Van Tol, when explaining the premise behind Water Revolution Foundation. New builds provide a platform for new technology and philanthropic opportunities, and client requests are pushing the industry to make progress in this area, but more can be done.
“Public opinion and regulations show that the yachting industry needs to take a responsible lead and do more in terms of furthering sustainability to justify yachting’s impact.” Robert van Tol
This Superyacht Guide item is an original editorial summary based on the official Heesen Yachts news release.
Image source: Heesen Yachts official news release.