Monaco’s Mission pour la Transition Énergétique (MTE) hosted a conference at the Yacht Club de Monaco to discuss the role of sustainable development in the yachting sector. Several yachting industry professionals who are aware of the need to change attended the discussion.
The MTE hosted an interesting discussion, as the practice of yachting is still far removed from the world of environmental protection. However, on the occasion of World Oceans Day, the organisation highlighted some breakthroughs in the field.
Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, director of the Energy Transition Mission, said that “It is not a question of turning a blind eye to the environmental impact of yachting, which is real. But we are seeing that more and more yachting entities are signing the national pact for the energy transition.”
One encouraging sign is the interest shown in sustainable development by Fraser Yachts, a world leader in the marketing of super yacht industry. The company was the first in its sector to join the Monegasque Pact.
“There is a still hazy image of our industry and its polluting side,” admits the CEO, Raphaël Sauleau, “but the oceans are our place of work and pleasure, it is natural to take initiatives to respect them and Covid- 19 has been an accelerator in this area.”
The head of Fraser put forward that “The funds are present in the world of yachting, and our industry could be a leader in terms of innovation. Today, moreover, some banks refuse to finance boats or shipyards which are not green.”
For their part, Fraser Yachts have made steps to become more sustainable, such as the use of sustainably sourced materials and the reduction of lights on board a yacht. “Of course, there is a lot more that could be done,” said the CEO, “but it is already important to act for the future.”
Featured image: a Fraser Yacht
