While well-publicized technological advances are lowering emissions from megayachts, far less information focuses on daily practices aboard. That’s about to change, however. The Environmental Crew Guidelines, a free set of procedures, can improve your yacht’s footprint based on real-world, impactful actions. In fact, according to a key contributor, crew can reduce emissions by nearly one-third in adopting even some of the simplest practices.
That statement comes from the refit shipyard MB92, which joined forces with the Water Revolution Foundation for this effort. Notably, Danella Hopkins, a former crewmember from the sailing superyacht Black Pearl, created the guidelines with their support. Together, they collected information from superyacht crew across all departments, as well as industry representatives.
Specifically, the Environmental Crew Guidelines encompasses 24 sections with details on how to adopt better everyday practices. For example, slightly modifying cruising speed can reduce fuel consumption by several gallons or liters per hour. Yet another recommendation, adjust the temperature settings throughout the yacht. MB92’s data shows that both of these actions can reduce emissions by up to 30 percent.
Overall, the recommendations group together according to themes: Onboarding Guidelines, General Guidelines, and Departmental Guidelines. The Onboarding ideas cover ways that crews can establish an environmental mindset and pledge to better their operations. General Guidelines, meanwhile, cover fundamental values for every crewmember regardless of role or experience. Finally, Departmental Guidelines zero in on the specific tasks and responsibilities of, as the name states, each department.
To coordinate efforts, the guide recommends having one crewmember become an Eco-Sustainability Ambassador. He or she will work alongside department heads to monitor progress, provide support, and, equally important, report accomplishments.
Already, the Water Revolution Foundation has galvanized support for the Environmental Crew Guidelines from multiple megayacht builders, refit yards, and management companies. They include Burgess, Damen Yachting, Feadship, Fraser Yachts, Heesen, Lürssen, Oceanco, Safe Harbor Marinas, Sanlorenzo, The Crew Network, Y.CO, and YPI. Additionally, the yachts Black Pearl and Savannah have pledged to uphold them.
The Water Revolution Foundation stresses that the procedures aren’t rigid. “We understand that environmental sustainability can be challenging to accomplish onboard and there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” says Robert van Tol, the Water Revolution Foundation’s executive director. “By working together with crew, we hope to inspire and facilitate this powerful group to minimize their yacht’s daily footprint where possible.”
The non-profit believes a lot is possible, too. Even with more than 5,500 megayachts measuring upwards of 98 feet (30 meters) and well more than 6,000 megayachts upwards of 78 feet (24 meters), the guidelines suit different sizes and designs. They further suit motoryachts and sailing yachts alike.
All parties behind the Environmental Crew Guidelines, available from Water Revolution Foundation’s website, anticipate it helping to set a minimum standard. Additionally, they agree that the set of practices is just a first step. They intend to create a second version based on feedback and further ideas from crewmembers, yacht managers, shipyards, and other stakeholders.
Water Revolution Foundation waterrevolutionfoundation.org
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