Monaco, 26 September 2024 – Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the latest edition of the Designers’ Protocol sets a new standard for environmental yacht design, offering actionable principles and detailed recommendations for every new yacht project.

The result of a collective initiative spearheaded by Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg & Rowell Design in collaboration with Water Revolution Foundation’s Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce, this new and improved document outlines critical considerations for yacht owners and designers alike, emphasising the importance of making environmentally-conscious choices from the initial phase of design.

Industry expert perspectives

A panel discussion between participating yacht designers, naval architects, and industry professionals took place to offer insights into their contributions within the Protocol. Moderated by Francesca Webster, Editor in Chief of SuperYacht Times, representatives on the panel included Dan Wupperman, Head of Group Initial Design at Espen Oeino International, Tanno Weeda, Head of Design at De Voogt Naval Architects, and Matthew Anzardo, Global Segment Lead at AkzoNobel. The discussion highlighted that yacht design demands a collaborative effort, where designers, naval architects, and suppliers must join forces to address challenges and merge their unique expertise.

By emphasising holistic design, energy efficiency, and innovation within the Protocol, the industry can advance toward environmental sustainability: “We need to make clients aware of what is possible in a comprehensive way and move forward accordingly together. Those who don’t join us will be left behind,” Weeda remarked.

Clear recommendations across nine key areas
The document covers nine key subjects associated with yacht design, offering both broad and specific recommendations. It begins with general guidance on the Life Cycle Approach, operational profiles, and energy sources, before delving into more detailed considerations such as hotel load and A/C systems, glazing treatments, and hull colour. Contributions from industry leaders including AkzoNobel, Bannenberg & Rowell Design, De Voogt Naval Architects, Espen Oeino International, Eckersley O’Callaghan, RWD, and Viken Group have shaped this comprehensive guide.

Designers as key drivers of change
Yacht designers hold a unique responsibility in guiding clients toward more sustainable choices. As one of the first points of contact, they are uniquely positioned to influence decisions that can lead to the development of eco-friendlier yachts. The Protocol empowers designers with practical knowledge that enable them to advocate for and ensure that environmental responsibility is embedded in every new project from the outset.

“In general, most clients have been engaged by the ideas within the Protocol,” Wupperman mentioned. “While some were initially uninterested, once we start demonstrating the benefits and taking them through the process step by step, it opens the door to conversations. We bring in the ideas, engage the shipyard, and ultimately convince the client to do a little bit more.”

A unified effort
The Designers’ Protocol represents a collaborative effort across various sectors of the yachting industry, bringing together the expertise of suppliers, naval architects, engineers, and design studios. This cross-industry cooperation of pooled knowledge and expertise represents a crucial united vision for advancing environmental responsibility in yachting. “It’s not one magic bullet – the whole industry must work together to make yachting more sustainable,” said Anzardo. Summing it up, Wupperman added, “The Protocol’s aim is to bring all designers together to solve many different challenges collectively – not just one project. And it’s been a lot of fun getting to know other companies and their perspectives as we all work towards the same goal.”

You may access the protocol here.

Note to editors:
About Water Revolution Foundation

Water Revolution Foundation is a non-profit organisation, started from within the yachting sector to drive sustainability through collaboration and innovation. The foundation advocates and facilitates a transformative approach for the industry to reduce its ecological footprint and preserve the precious oceans for a sustainable future.

Contact Water Revolution Foundation at info@waterrevolutionfoundation.org  or +31202900063 for further questions or interview requests with the board.