MB92 report shows time is running out for the superyacht industry to improve sustainability

The superyacht industry is running out of time to improve on sustainability if the oceans are to survive the century, a new report from MB92 finds.

MB92, the world’s largest superyacht refitting group, consulted key stakeholders from the industry and environmental NGOs for a broad discussion on the path ahead for the luxury yacht sector. Among the topics discussed were advances in new propulsion technology, life cycle assessment tools and international regulation.

The report concludes that the next 10 years will be crucial for the oceans if they are to survive, and the superyacht industry must act now. Solutions need to take in to account the full lifecycle of a yacht, from construction, through maintenance and refitting to disposal. The report emphasises that reducing emissions from propulsion, such as the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology, are important but technology that saves energy must also be prioritised.

The report states that the sector can learn from other industries that have taken sustainability into account. Just as Formula 1’s and Formula E’s developments have trickled down to street cars, the superyacht industry’s innovations can do the same for the maritime sector. The development of lifecycle assessment tools is also essential to help owners, builders and refitters know how to make yachts more sustainable.

Pepe García-Aubert, president and CEO of the MB92 Group, commented, “The cost of inaction is evident and will be extremely dire for our oceans and industry. However, I am convinced that through a collaborative approach, our industry can rise to the challenge and achieve our goal of a sustainable future for superyachting.”

MB92, which announced its own five-year sustainability plan in 2021, is committed to assuming a leading role in this urgent industry transformation. Its shipyards are among a handful in the world that can offer all boats the possibility to plug into onshore power, eliminating the need for the use of a boat’s diesel engines during the refitting process.

In addition, all of the Barcelona shipyard’s energy comes from renewable sources. The group’s policies to reduce emissions from paints are among the most advanced in the sector, hauling boats out of the water to avoid contaminating the sea and using technology to diffuse airborne paint particles.

Pepe García-Aubert, president and CEO of the MB92 Group, continued, “The next few years will be critical and will require many of us to move away from our comfort zones. At MB92, we have made our position very clear and are committed to moving forward. Despite these challenges, I am confident in our industry’s ability to adapt and excited by the opportunities and innovations this will generate.”

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