AMSTERDAM — In a remarkable display of unity and shared responsibility, sixteen European boat makers and eight industry groups have agreed at a meeting here on the first environmental footprint methodology for recreational boats. This methodology, supported by a comprehensive database and assessment tool, will allow all manufacturers to embark on a green transition.
The boating sector recognizes the challenge of climate change and environmental impact and is committed to addressing emissions across the entire life cycle. The European Boating Industry lobby in Brussels reiterated this commitment. “This is, however, only possible with a common approach that the entire industry is signed up to,” it added.
A group of sixteen leading European manufacturers and eight marine industry associations will jointly develop an industry-standard methodology to measure the environmental footprint of under 24 m (79ft) boats. The 24m measure aligns with the norm for EU boating sector regulations. It will be based on a coherent Life Cycle Assessment approach following the stringent EU Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules.
The project will be conducted in two phases: the first will develop a science-based and transparent environmental footprint methodology to harmonize calculation rules. The second will focus on implementing this with a comprehensive materials database and user-friendly calculation tool.
This allows manufacturers to conduct eco-design, comprehensively reduce the environmental impact and communicate the environmental footprint to consumers, stakeholders and regulators.
The project, which will go beyond carbon emissions and include other critical environmental indicators, has already received the seal of approval from the EU Commission. This endorsement underscores the project’s credibility and potential to position the industry ahead of the regulatory curve.
The EBI trade lobby is leading the project, which is industry-financed. Quantis, the environmental sustainability consultancy, is the project’s technical partner. Quantis has been chosen as the technical partner. ICOMIA, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, is a strategic partner to ensure global alignment.
The project builds on the comprehensive and independent ‘Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry’ study published in November 2023.
“This is a unique and highly welcome cooperation,” said EBI President Robert Marx. “For the first time, competing manufacturers are committed to jointly addressing the sustainability challenge. Its outcomes will allow companies of all sizes to access the green transition without greenwashing, reduce environmental impact and proactively shape the regulatory approach in Europe and globally. We need a proactive and pragmatic approach to sustainability and this project will develop the tools that industry needs.”
EBI invites all interested manufacturers, suppliers and stakeholders to partner with the project to reach a common pathway for the industry’s sustainability challenge.
The project’s starting line-up of participating manufacturers comprises: Amel Yachts, Amer Yachts, Azimut|Benetti Group, Bavaria Yachts, Beneteau Group, Cantiere del Pardo, Catana Group, Ferretti Group, Fountaine Pajot, Grand Large Yachting, Greenline, Inha Works, Sanlorenzo, Sasga, Sunreef, and Sunseeker.
Groups of small manufacturers have been formed in Italy, France, Finland and The Netherlands to contribute jointly through their associations. Associations involved in the project are BVWW, FIN, HISWA-RECRON, Finnboat, Confindustria Nautica, Polboat, ANEN, and British Marine.
A liaison board has been set up to represent the interests of suppliers, including composites, internal combustion and electric engine makers, and users/consumers. The methodology will be independently reviewed by a third-party panel of experts representing industry, non-governmental organizations and environmental Life Cycle Analysis experts.
www.europeanboatingindustry.eu
