Being a Civil Engeneer by education I’m a very curious person and after this year boat shows I’m thinking a lot on how we can make yachts more sustainable. There is an increasing number of hybrid propulsion system already available at METSTRADE several brand where showcasing their hybrid solutions: MAN Energy Solutions Solutions , FPT Industrial where all showing their hybrid engine while ZF PADOVA SRL presented its new Pod trnasmission which is designed for a Hybrid pto. All this sollutizions allow zero emission sailing for a limited number of hours or a limited distance. Solar panels are starting to be installed on board to allow zero emission at anchor (the intention is to run hotellerie services suche as fridges, a/c and kitchen relaying only on accumlators and solar panels), Arcadia Yachts if I remember correctly has been the first one in Italy to offer this. Ferretti Group was the first to offer hybrid propulsion on a production yachts on their Mochi Craft brand. Italy is the World leader in the Superyacht Segment: Rossinavi , Baglietto Yachts , Sanlorenzo Yacht , Ferretti Group , Benetti Yachts are all looking for zero emissions for their new super yachts. There is a lot of research job that needs to be done to reach this goal. To me a key role must be played by classification societies not only in order to ensure that boat remains safe but also because they have the right knowlege to guide the transition and coordinate researches. RINA went one extra mile compared to others: they signed a partnership with FINCANTIERI S.p.A. and other industry leaders and built ZEUS a ship able to burn H2 (Hydrogen) and sail for up to 8 hrs in zero emissions mode thanks to the fuel cell batteries. Smaller boat will definately go for full electric. At the Cannes Yachting Festival I was honoured to be invited by RIVA (a brand of the Ferretti Group) on board the RIVA El ISEO (the first full electric Riva). This was not my first trip on an Electric boat infact earlier in the year, during the Venice Boat Show Candela allowed me to step on board the foiling electric c8 another world premiere. A full electric powerboat requires also an equipped Marina where you can plug your boat and recharge your batteries.

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