The Sustainable Yachts of the Future
The yachting industry has seen some significant changes over the past few years, and it is certain that these changes will continue in the coming years. Let's take a look at some potential sustainability trends that will shape the industry in the next few years.
Rise of Sustainable Yachts
At the forefront of potential trends in the near future is a greater focus on sustainability. More and more yacht owners are becoming aware of the environmental impact their vessels have on the planet. This awareness is steering yacht owners towards greener alternatives, such as yachts powered by energy sources like electricity, solar, or wind.
While enjoying luxury yachting, users now seek eco-friendly options in order to reduce their carbon footprints. Yacht designers are trying to overcome this challenge with hybrid superyacht solutions that offer up to 20% more fuel efficiency compared to traditional models. As a whole, we are likely to see an increase in demand for eco-friendly and sustainable yachts. This may involve the use of electric or hybrid propulsion systems, as well as the adoption of sustainable materials and design techniques.
Hybrid Systems
A hybrid yacht can essentially operate using two different energy sources, most commonly a combination of diesel and electric propulsion systems. With a hybrid propulsion system, yachts are making significant improvements in fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and sustainability.
Data shows that over the past seven years, the demand for hybrid propulsion systems among yacht owners has increased by 50%. As environmental awareness grows, many yacht owners are looking to switch to modern propulsion systems that reduce CO2 emissions. The number of yachts with electric and hybrid propulsion systems is steadily increasing.
We are seeing many yacht owners and shipyards focus on greater efficiency and sustainability for the future, aiming to reduce the environmental damage and financial burden caused by yachts. Hybrid electric boats are widely used globally, and they are expected to become market leaders in the near future.
In addition to hybrid power, yacht manufacturers and engineering teams are often incorporating many green technologies, such as solar energy, wastewater recycling systems, and the selection of sustainable and recyclable materials, into their designs, taking eco-friendly designs a step further.
Hybrid Yacht Production in Türkiye
As of 2018, the global electric boat market, which had reached 4.5 billion USD, is projected to grow annually by 12% and reach 12.3 billion USD by 2027. If hybrid boats are added to this market, the market size reaches 20 billion USD. Notably, significant developments in battery technologies and the decreasing prices of batteries are accelerating the growth of the market.
Türkiye, which has shown steady growth in superyacht construction since 2007 and ranks third globally in terms of superyacht deliveries and length since 2010, has the potential to lead in this field as well due to its expertise, evolving market structure, and competitive production costs.
Türk Loydu’s Activities Related to Battery Propulsion Systems
The widespread adoption of hybrid-electric propulsion in the superyacht sector is developing rapidly. Today, yacht owners are not only looking for luxury designs but also environmentally friendly options.
Alongside the changes in battery technology and the increase in battery capacities, Türk Loydu focuses on the classification of vessels and yachts with battery propulsion systems and certifying these systems.
In this context, Türk Loydu has carried out the classification activities for the world's first battery-powered, zero-emission tugboat, Gisaş Power, and published the "Rules for Certification, Installation, and Testing of Lithium Batteries" in January 2023, based on the experience gained from classifying this project and the subsequent tugboats built.
Sustainable Materials
It has been considered that the commonly used yacht construction materials have fallen behind the ecological progress in the yacht industry. Fiber-reinforced composite yachts, which became popular in the 70s, are still seen as ecological due to their advantages like lightness and corrosion resistance. However, the use of recycled aluminum, recycled resins for deck coatings, and the development of natural materials are now part of sustainable yachting materials.
Natural materials with potential, such as plant fibers, flax, basalt fibers, and recyclable resins, are being used to reduce environmental impact in composite production. Although recycled and natural materials are mostly used in areas with lower strength requirements, such as consoles, intermediate decks, and hulls, these new eco-friendly composite materials can be reused at the end of their lifecycle rather than ending up as waste.
Some of the largest natural fiber composite parts produced to date have been used for the decks and hulls of cruising and racing yachts.
Flax and Glass Fiber Hybrid Composite Hull “Class 40” Racing Yacht
Recycling technology for fiberglass and carbon fiber-reinforced yachts has made great progress in recent years. Research related to mechanical grinding processes, chemical solvent processes, and auxiliary processes for cement production has been successful. This success in recycling means that fiber-reinforced composite yachts will no longer end up in waste fields.
Perhaps the closest example to this circular economy approach is the Dutch company Vaan, which recently launched the first aluminum 42ft R4 model. The hull of the yacht is made from over 60% recycled aluminum, and the entire yacht is fully recyclable.
VAAN Yacht Aluminum-Hull 42ft R4 Yacht
Türk Loydu is closely following the yacht sector and trends both in Türkiye and globally, contributing to the industry through its experience at numerous national and international conferences and panels.
Superyacht Türkiye International Conference
In this context, Türk Loydu participated in the 7th Mare Forum Istanbul event in May 2023, where global maritime industry leaders actively participated in discussions about new policies and future perspectives. During the Superyacht Türkiye international conference, national and international participants were informed about "Composite Recycling Technology."
