This new generation wants “access all areas”, but certain types of vessels are banned from marine reserves and clean ports in order to prevent pollution. The industry is pre-empting legislation and these demanding new clients are accelerating progress towards cleaner yachts with lower emissions in terms of exhaust (particulate or gaseous) and noise. These new vessels are more efficient in every respect, from materials to operations.

Future-proofing yachts

Anybody commissioning a newbuild would be wise to go beyond current legislation as new local regulations will otherwise undoubtedly prevent them from cruising in certain destinations in the future, even if the vessels were originally built within the rules. For instance, Norway’s UNESCO-protected “Heritage Fjords” will only allow zero-emission vessels to sail in them from 2026.

How to tackle decarbonization challenges

DNV offers myriad decarbonization services and insights, not least through their Maritime Forecast to 2050 report series, focusing on shipping’s decarbonization pathways. DNV now offers its expertise to the superyacht industry – even to non-DNV-classed vessels – through independent advisory and compliance services. Reducing energy consumption is a good starting point considering that approximately half the energy use on a superyacht is from “hotel load” (on-board air conditioning, lighting etc.) and only half from actually propelling the vessel, where hydrodynamics and propulsion…