BLOG
Green yacht technology is the way of the future.
Going green. Eco-friendly living. Green technology. Do any of these phrases sound familiar?
There is an ever-creasing global awareness of our impact as humans on the environment and planet as a whole – and the yachting industry is no exception.
If you’ve visited a boat show recently, you no doubt noticed an increase in yachts boasting eco-friendly technology and “green” credentials.
Eco-friendly yachting is the way forward – and with all the incredible advances in green yachting technology, there’s no reason to turn back.
This trend towards greener yachting stems from an ever-growing awareness of the impact of diesel-powered boats on the environment.
Of course, this includes our precious oceans and the rich marine life they are home to.
Green technology is simply an umbrella term for the application of science and technology to create services and products that have less of a negative impact on the environment and our planet.
Let’s have a look at some key aspects of green technology, as it relates to yachts and the boating industry.
Green technology for yachts includes hybrid propulsion technology, where a combination of diesel and electric power are used to propel vessels.
Thanks to modern battery advancements, “cleaner” electrical energy can also be stored in reserve and directed back into the vessel’s system, resulting in lessened reliance on diesel generators to run the boat’s appliances.
Read more about the incredible green sailing machines and the accompanying technologies that are changing the face of the yachting industry – while also being kinder to our environment.
Greener sailing doesn’t necessarily depend on you installing eco-friendly technology on your yacht.
Here are 3 quick and easy tips for instantly reducing power consumption on your boat:
Bring your stocked fridges and freezers down to the appropriate temperature on the dock, while they are still connected to shore power. Once you set out on your cruise, use bags of ice or frozen water bottles to keep these appliances at the correct temperature.
Do this both above and below deck. Halogen bulbs are a significant drain on battery power, and they heat up the yacht interior as well.
When not in use, turn off your yacht’s inverter. If you use it to boost your battery output from 12/24V to 220V, it can drain your batteries rapidly.
If your yacht is yet to be constructed, you can discuss your options for incorporating green and eco-friendly yacht technology with your yacht construction company (or contact us for some expert advice!)
Here are 2 eco-friendly yacht technology upgrades to reduce your yacht’s carbon footprint and make it kinder to the environment:
Generating green power is all good and well, but if that power is not stored efficiently, there is not much point. With sophisticated battery monitoring, it is simple to determine and record how much power the various appliances on your yacht are using.
Generally, smaller yachts with a lower draw tend to fit Absorbed Glass Mat batteries. Yachts with high-draw appliances mostly use lithium-based technology.
There have been significant advancements in solar power in recent years, but charging your yacht’s battery while you are underway still takes some time.
If you are looking for a fast-charge solution while on passage, consider a water turbine, which only sacrifices a small amount of speed for lots and lots of amps.
Whether they are transom-mounted or permanently installed during construction, water turbines can be optimised for the hull’s speed (and other hull conditions) by altering the prop pitch.
At Knysna Yacht Company, we can customize your Knysna yacht to be as green as you’d like, so don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss all your “greening” options with us.
If you would like to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle while exploring the world by boat, here are 5 great tips for more sustainable, eco-conscious ocean living.
The chemical waste you produce and the cleaning products you use onboard will end up in the ocean. Here you can find some great tips and information for greener onboard cleaning.
A quick way to reduce your plastic footprint and be more eco-friendly is to switch to reusable products. How many plastic water bottles, drinking straws, shopping bags and coffee cups have you thrown in the trash while out on a cruise, without even thinking?
Think of the coral reefs. They may look like chunks of underwater rock that simply shelter fish and other sea creatures. But they are actually extremely sensitive living organisms that are profoundly affected by the toxic chemicals in most sunscreens.
When shopping for sunscreen, look for the reef-safe symbol on the packaging before you make your purchase.
Also be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure your sunscreen is free from toxic chemicals; such as Octinoxate and Oxybenzone.
Cleaning washed-up garbage from beaches is a great way to give back to the planet and do our bit to help the ocean. It is also a great bonding exercise for sailing buddies and an ideal way to make other beachgoers aware of the hazards of discarded waste to marine life.
The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gasses, which, in turn, leads to global warming. With all the fresh seafood available on a cruise, going meat-free for a day or two a week is not hard at all. Vegetarian or pescatarian eating is not only delicious; it's super healthy too!
As you can see, turning your home on the water into an eco-friendly yacht is entirely possible.
Considering buying a yacht and want to learn more about incorporating green technology during its construction?
Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’d love to discuss all the various “greening” options with you.
Remember, if we all do our bit, we can make a significant difference to the fate of the planet – including its oceans.
For more great tips on how to protect the environment while adventuring out on the open sea, check out this handy Green Boating Guide.
