The Monaco Yacht Show 2024 opened its doors on September 25, attracting enthusiasts, industry professionals, potential buyers, and journalists from around the world. This must-attend event, held annually in the enchanting setting of Port Hercule in Monaco, has once again confirmed its position as a leader in the world of yachting. This year, the central theme of the show is sustainability, a crucial issue in light of the growing environmental challenges facing the industry.
In a context where environmental awareness is stronger than ever, the Monaco Yacht Show is committed to showing the way by highlighting initiatives and innovations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the yachting industry. The organizers have developed a rich program, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables focused on sustainable solutions and best practices.
An Opening Focused on Sustainability
The day began with an engaging opening conference, moderated by Justin Ratcliffe, a journalist and yachting expert. Gaëlle Tallarida, General Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, kicked off the session by presenting the concrete actions taken by the event to promote sustainability in yachting. She emphasized that the MYS is not only a luxury show but also a platform committed to transforming the industry into a responsible actor regarding environmental issues.
Topics Covered in the Opening Conference
- Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Older Generation Yachts
Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of MB92 Group, addressed the challenges of decarbonizing the existing fleet. He highlighted practical measures that can reduce operational costs, improve onboard comfort, and increase the resale value of yachts. - Enhancing Sustainability Through Eco-Friendly Behavior Onboard
Robert van Tol, Executive Director of Water Revolution Foundation, presented the 3-R model (Reduce, Replace, Repair). His talk illustrated how eco-friendly behavior from crew members can positively influence the environmental performance of yachts and reduce operational costs. - How Superyacht Innovations Influence Other Markets
Giedo Loeff, Head of Research and Development at FEADSHIP, explored the impact of technological innovations on yacht value and how they stimulate advancements in other sectors. Loeff also underscored the importance of participant interaction, encouraging questions and exchanges.
A Surge in Sustainable Initiatives
The opening conference marked the beginning of a series of discussions and roundtables on various sustainability-related topics. Participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of subjects such as green technologies, the impact of new regulations, and best practices to reduce the ecological footprint of yachts.
Inspiring Conferences
The Conference Hall at the Louis Chiron Turnover hosted a series of remarkable conferences:
- From Concept to Creation: Applying the Designers’ Protocol
At 11:40, this conference delved into the application of the designers' protocol to improve superyacht design practices. Matthew Anzardo from AkzoNobel and Dan Wupperman from Espen Oeino International discussed the crucial steps to be taken from the design phase to ensure optimal environmental performance. - Global Leaders in Yacht Classification
At 12:20, representatives from major classification societies, such as Lloyd's Register and Bureau Veritas, introduced the Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium (YSEC). This consortium aims to improve safety and environmental performance for yachts over 24 meters, promoting best practices and enhancing collaboration within the industry. - The Rise of Rebuilds: An Examination of Yacht Conversions
At 14:20, experts like Manuel Di Tillio from Amico & Co and Paolo Balzano from Palumbo Superyachts discussed the growing popularity of yacht rebuilds and conversions, emphasizing how these practices contribute to sustainability. - Global Range, Zero Emissions: Designing Sustainable Yachts
At 15:00, the conference showcased a 100-foot sailing catamaran from Daedalus Yachts, which integrates renewable materials and cutting-edge technologies. Jonas Hertwig, Director of Design at Daedalus Yachts, shared his vision for emission-free cruising that combines luxury with environmental responsibility. - The Next Step for Propulsion: Transitioning the Superyacht Fleet
At 15:40, industry experts gathered to discuss the future of propulsion systems. Speakers including Andrea Venturelli from RINA and Daniel Chatterjee from Rolls Royce MTU shared their vision for transitioning to more sustainable and efficient technologies.
A Networking Opportunity
The Monaco Yacht Show is not only an exhibition but also a true networking platform. Industry professionals had the opportunity to meet investors, designers, builders, and yachting enthusiasts, facilitating the exchange of ideas and projects.
Yacht exhibitions, ranging from the most luxurious to the most innovative in ecological terms, attracted the attention of visitors. Renowned brands such as Ferretti Group and Sunseeker showcased their latest models, highlighting their sustainability efforts. The stands also provided a platform for start-ups and young companies to showcase their innovations, proving that the future of yachting relies on a blend of tradition and new technologies.
Future Challenges
Despite the prevailing optimism, several challenges remain for the yachting industry. Complying with increasingly strict regulations regarding emissions and waste management at sea poses significant challenges. Industry players will also need to address profitability issues and the acceptance of new sustainable technologies, which are often costly to implement.
Education and awareness among clients are also key elements. The perception that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand is essential to encourage potential buyers to invest in more eco-friendly yachts.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The First day of the Monaco Yacht Show 2024 has been a true showcase of innovations and initiatives for sustainability in yachting. With enriching discussions and inspiring presentations, the event successfully brought together a community determined to transform the industry. The efforts made by industry players to adopt more sustainable practices reflect a strong commitment to the future.
The end of this first day marks the beginning of a new era for yachting, an era where luxury and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Participants leave with innovative ideas and valuable contacts, ready to continue the path toward eco-friendly yachting.
As discussions continue and new initiatives are implemented, it is clear that the Monaco Yacht Show is not only a prestigious event but also an essential catalyst for change in the world of yachting. The upcoming days promise to be just as exciting, with even more debates, presentations, and innovations in sustainability, proving that yachting can and must evolve towards a better and more responsible future.