Yachting Industry Primed for Sustainable Future following DIBS

The Dubai International Boat Show 2023 just finished its run at Dubai Harbour, where it showed off the newest and most environmentally friendly yachting innovations. At the 29th edition of the show, well-known yacht builders did more to promote environmental sustainability. This is because there is a growing demand for yachts that are good for the environment, and there is a movement in the industry to protect our oceans.

The biggest and longest-running boat show in the Middle East was a proud industry innovator, drawing exhibitors who showed off electric motors, eco-friendly materials, and other ways to lessen the impact of the yachting and water sports industries on the environment. Leading the way are Silent Yachts, the JLS Training Institute, OKTA Core, Magonis, Cummins Arabia, Sunkiss, Ocean 360, and the GEMS Education Network, among other well-known distributors and brands.

Even though some new energy technologies are still in different stages of development, there are many options that can make a big difference right now.

The first ocean-going production yachts powered by solar energy were created by Silent Yachts, which debuted at the Dubai International Boat Show in 2023. Solar energy is used to charge the batteries and power the electric motor. According to General Manager Ahmed Almousawi: “This makes them carbon-free, and the process is as sustainable as can be. They are called Silent Yachts because they truly are silent; you won’t hear any noises or feel any vibrations as you would from a traditional yacht fuel engine. Not only does this make the yachting experience more pleasurable, but it also protects the coral reefs and the marine life.”

According to Bogdan Borascu, Marketing Director of Ocean 360, as the sole UAE dealer for Ferretti Group brands like Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, and Itama, Ocean 360 has seen a greater integration of green energy technologies into the full spectrum of yachting products. In order to meet this demand, Ferretti Group has put a lot of money into research and development, most of which is focused on clean energy sources like solar power. Recent improvements in solar energy technology have made it possible to power whole yachts with energy from the sun.

The new Infynito line from Ferretti Yachts is a great example of this trend. The solar roofs on these boats produce electricity that is used to charge the lithium battery pack on board. A lot more innovation is being seen in watercraft and water toys, according to Bogdan. “Here, we see that the push for green energy is even stronger and easier to achieve, because of the smaller size of the craft,” he said at the show. “In line with this, Belassi, the ocean manufacturer of the Burrasca – a marine hypercraft – is preparing to introduce a fully electric stand-up jet ski. We also have the SEABOB brand, which, since its inception, has focused on green energy, and they have electric-powered water sleds.”

The S.E.A Mission: Sustainable, Environmental Action was unveiled at the Dubai International Boat Show this year to solidify its commitment to a more environmentally friendly way of living on and off the water. The sustainability of our oceans is promoted through a number of initiatives, and visitors to the premier marine lifestyle event also discovered a variety of products that support sustainable living for consumers. A high-end sun care company called Sunkiss displayed its environmentally friendly products in "forever bottles" that are recyclable, refillable, and reusable. "We partnered with the Dubai International Boat Show because we are very much aligned with the sustainability factor. Our aim is to help encourage and educate people about the importance of not only what you put on your skin, but also what goes into the ocean,” says Joanna Barclay, Co-founder of Sunkiss. “The response to our products was fantastic. It's all about closing this whole circular economy and minimising the use of any plastic considerably."

This year's event also teamed up with the GEMS Education network in the UAE to hold a fun art competition to celebrate World Whale Day. This brought together the community, creativity, and love of the marine world. A huge 13-metre whale crafted from recyclable materials is on display, along with posters created by students to promote sustainability. Asha Alexander, Executive Leader – of Climate Change at GEMS Education and Principal of GEMS Legacy School says the institution is “delighted to have contributed to this year’s Dubai International Boat Show and to have had the opportunity to help put sustainability and the preservation of our precious oceans and marine life front and centre during such a prominent event. GEMS is proud of everyone’s contribution, and we thank the Boat Show for their partnership and support.”

The Dubai International Boat Show continues to provide a crucial platform for the maritime industry to showcase its efforts towards accelerating sustainability and adapting to the changing needs of customers by bringing together industry leaders and innovators. The show is a testament to the industry's commitment to environmental sustainability with a focus on showcasing the most recent developments in eco-friendly practises and sustainable materials.