Eco-friendly yachts: innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment /

Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important in the modern world, and more and more companies are stepping up to the fore with innovative solutions and new designs that are lighter on Mother Earth. These are some of the ways yacht charters are evolving to have less of an impact on the world around us.

Yachting vacation specialists Helm identify a number of ways you can have a greener charter:

Natural propulsion: Sun and wind

The greenest way to charter a yacht is to use nature’s limitless resources to power your vessel – the wind and the sun.

Wind permitting, using sails negates the need to run your engines and can reduce your fuel consumption and carbon footprint, even on a standard yacht. It not only reduces your impact and fuel bill, but also gives you a wonderfully calm feeling along the way. Absolute luxury, using the power of nature.

However, if sailing isn’t feasible, solar energy could come to the fore – whether to charge batteries or run appliances, or as a power source in electric or hybrid motors.

Today’s yachts have more efficient engines, which reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact. The superyacht world is at the forefront of innovations in the use of natural energy, with yachts such as the unique Black Pearl, a zero impact yacht featuring solar panels in the sails and advanced power recovery systems.

Construction: cork, bamboo and more

Shipyards have really put themselves on the map as customer requirements have changed and the use of environmentally friendly materials is clearly on the rise, both externally and internally.

New yachts are experimenting with the new materials such as bio-based resins and ‘modified wood’, in addition to cork, bamboo and FSC-certified wood that is produced CO2-neutral.

Exciting new developments have led to the construction of boats from recyclable composite materials, such as the new La Belle Verde (LBV) catamaran, which will be launched next year.

On board: Reduce plastic, eat sustainably

Green solutions are not just about propulsion – there are many small details that can make a huge difference.

Single use plastics are a huge problem – replacing plastic bottles with reusable bottles, topped up via filtered water taps on board, can greatly reduce the impact on the environment, with around 500 plastic bottles per yacht per week!

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, such as those from Sleek or EcoWorks, can drastically reduce the harmful chemicals that end up in the sea.

When it comes to food, chefs have a responsibility to lean on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients to create meals that are both delicious and sustainable.

Some larger yachts are experimenting with outdoor gardens on their upper floors. These green spaces provide a pleasant natural space for customers and can grow the herbs and vegetables that the chef can then use to create enchanting meals.

Antifouling: smarter solutions

Biofouling – when algae and marine organisms build up on wet surfaces it is bad for boats as it damages the hull and creates drag, and harms the environment as it aids in the transmission of invasive species.

Traditional antifouling methods use a coat of paint that contains copper or zinc – great for keeping the hull clean and discouraging underwater growth, but toxic to marine life.

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Non-toxic alternatives that are emerging include silicon, vinyl and even ultrasonic solutions to protect both yachts and ecosystems. The impressive new Sunreef 60 Eco uses a silicone coating, which fits in well with their zero impact approach.

Charities such as The Green Blue are leading the fight for sustainability, providing education and guidance to help minimize environmental disruption.