Regarding the fact that it’s definitely time to focus on solutions for sustainable boating,
now, practically everyone is convinced and persuaded. This is because the effects of human
pollution are now visible to everyone (from plastic in the sea to melting Alpine glaciers),
making a
even at the 2024 Genoa Boat Show, the watchword was sustainability, in the spirit of a renewed
and greater respect for the marine ecosystem. On these same pages in the past, we have already
discussed sustainability on boats, giving advice on how to reduce the environmental impact
of navigation. Today we want to take a further step, indicating some concrete objects, accessories,
and tools that allow for more sustainable boating: here is our list.
Concrete solutions for sustainable boating
Electric marine engine: we can only start here. Electric propulsion systems for boats are
now a concrete and everyday reality. This is because in recent years, we have finally managed to
bring to market engines – especially outboards but not only – that are actually performant, with
performance comparable to that of classic fuel engines, at affordable prices. And with a long list
of advantages: we’re not just talking about marine engines that don’t pollute during use, and
therefore don’t emit greenhouse gases; we’re also talking about
which allow navigation while minimizing noise pollution, for the benefit of marine fauna and for
greater comfort on board. Making this solution for sustainable boating even more interesting are
the incentives provided for replacing old polluting engines.
Alternatives to antifouling paint
As is known, to be performant and protected, a boat’s hull must not be covered by marine vegetation. This, in fact, not only seriously threatens the integrity of the topsides over time, but also creates friction when advancing in water, thus increasing consumption: from this point of view, antifouling is actually an important tool to pollute less, allowing advancement with lower fuel requirements. Unfortunately, however, classic antifouling paint is based on the presence of heavy biocides, which threaten marine species. However, sustainable alternatives are multiplying on the market, from wrapping films to silicone products, to ultrasound, and, at more affordable prices, to antifouling paints with reduced environmental impact.
On-board solar panels
Among the elements that come to everyone’s mind when talking about sustainability and ecological transition are systems for generating renewable electricity, starting with photovoltaic systems. It is therefore worth emphasizing that solar panels, in addition to being installed on house roofs, can also be skillfully positioned on boats. For this purpose, there are fixed or mobile, rigid or flexible solar panels for boating, which allow the generation of small or large amounts of electricity, to significantly increase the autonomy of the boat and
its independence from fossil fuels. Obviously, the choice of solar panels for your
boat should be made considering 3 essential elements: available space on board, energy
requirements, and budget to invest in this solution for sustainable boating.
Eco-compatible detergents
To navigate towards sustainable boating, the use of detergents with
reduced or zero environmental impact is of supreme importance. And here we’re talking about any
cleaning product: both detergents used for cleaning the boat itself, knowing that part of
these products could end up in the sea in case of cleaning a moored unit; and
products used for personal hygiene on board, such as hair shampoo; and finally,
detergents used to wash dishes during a cruise. There are now many
manufacturers on the market that offer ecological lines for each of these needs, thinking of
detergents that do not pollute the marine ecosystem and that, sometimes, are effective even when used
with salt water (thus simultaneously reducing the need for fresh water on board the
boat).
Green ropes
It’s good to keep in mind that much of the materials used in the nautical world
are somehow derived from plastic or petroleum. This applies to fiberglass with
which most boats are made, to the materials of most nautical sails,
as well as to the ropes used on boats. These are therefore products that present
significant environmental impacts, in terms of production, use, and disposal. For this reason,
it can be useful at the time of purchase to look for more sustainable solutions, opting for
products that – as far as possible – have been made maintaining a high level of
attention to the environment. An example comes from some manufacturers of nautical ropes made with
low environmental impact, with recycled materials, in energy-efficient plants, and so
on.
Ecological coatings
Not only plastic, there are also other materials on board boats
whose use cannot be considered environmentally friendly. One example above all is
certainly teak, knowing that the preference for this material has devastated entire forests.
To put an end to this deforestation, recreational boating has increasingly oriented itself towards
sustainable alternatives, among which stand out, for example, coatings that imitate teak
using cork, a natural material that, as is known, “regenerates itself“, thus not contemplating
the felling of trees for its production.
Environmentally conscious marina
finally, among the essential solutions for sustainable
boating is also the choice of an environmentally conscious marina. In our Marina
Porto Antico di Genova, for example, waste sorting is active, and services
such as the disposal of waste oils and batteries, as well as the collection of waste on the dock,
are present to ensure that every waste is treated in the most correct way.
