The environmental impact of superyachts is a huge topic of conversation currently with climate change on the rise and pressures on every industry to become more sustainable. The superyacht industry is making positive strides in technological innovation and onboard behaviour to reduce its impact.
So what is the next evolution with superyacht renewable energies?
The next evolution with superyacht renewable energies is likely to involve a combination of different technologies and approaches, including:
Improved Battery Technology
As battery technology continues to advance, superyachts will be able to store more energy from renewable sources like solar and wind power, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar Power
Solar panels are already being used on some superyachts to generate electricity, however it’s likely that we’ll see more efficient and cost-effective solar panels being used on larger yachts.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology for superyachts because they can generate electricity without producing any emissions. As the technology improves and becomes more cost-effective, we may see more superyachts using hydrogen fuel cells as a primary source of power.
Wind Power
Wind turbines can be used to generate electricity on superyachts, but they are not yet widely used due to their size and cost. This being said, it’s possible that we’ll see more superyachts using wind power as a primary or secondary source of energy.
Hybrid Systems
Many superyachts are already using hybrid systems that combine traditional fossil fuels with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Seeing as this has been quite successful so far, we may see more superyachts using hybrid systems that rely more heavily on renewable energy sources.
With this in mind, it is important to factor in that with new energy sources in place, this may also mean changes in certificates of competency (currently for steam and motor) and new practices to ensure the safety on board for both crew and guests. It’s not unknown we have seen many a fire caused by lithium ion batteries, so it will only be a matter of time that as part of the safety drills each boat will need to tailor their processes depending on how it is powered.