European Boating Industry is working to develop more sustainable boatbuilding processes. A group of 16 boatbuilders and eight industry associations is working on environmentally focused construction methodology for boats less than 79 feet.
“This is a unique and highly welcome cooperation,” EBI president Robert Marx said in a statement. “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 said it is committed to addressing emissions across a boat’s life cycle. The group of boatbuilders and associations hopes to develop an industry standard to measure the environmental footprint of boats smaller than 79 feet. That length was chosen to align with European Union regulations, and the methodology will be based on a life cycle assessment approach following the EU’s product environment footprint category rules.
The project will be conducted in two phases. The first will develop a science-based and transparent environmental footprint methodology for calculation rules. In the second phase, the focus will be on implementing the techniques with a materials database and user-friendly calculation tool. This would allow manufacturers take an eco-friendly design approach and reduce environmental impact. They could then communicate the environmental impact to consumers, stakeholders and regulators.
EBI said the project has been presented to the EU Commission. It is being funded by European Boating Industry, and a sustainability consultant, Quincy, has been chosen as a technical partner. The International Council of Marine Industry Association is a partner, as well.
