Electric propulsion is part of the strategy to decarbonise, however, it is not universally suitable for all types of recreational craft and use cases. Electric-only propulsion may have a higher GHG contribution from raw materials and manufacturing than conventional propulsion systems. Watercraft types with lower utilisation are unlikely to find that battery electric systems yield a reduction in GHG compared to the baseline internal combustion engine. It is important to note that this study considers both battery lifetime in years and recharging cycles as battery performance is expected to degrade over time regardless of utilisation. This could impact watercrafts that have a long life span but are not frequently utilised as it may require several battery replacements throughout its lifetime.
Hybrid boats that use both electric and internal combustion engines powered by liquid fuels offer the potential for reducing carbon emissions from boats in certain scenarios—namely boats used for longer periods of time and for greater distances. As a result, hybrid technology provides the most potential for emissions reductions for boats that are used for rentals and other high-use environments.
Sustainable steps for consumers The report highlights there is more investment and work required to further reduce carbon emissions in the recreational marine industry. However, there are practical steps that end-users can take now to help reduce their own carbon emissions:
- Consider the most likely use case of their particular boating hobby to understand which is the best option to minimise the global warming impact of their boat.
- To discuss the best options for propulsion technologies with independent experts, (consumer’s National Marine Industry Association) before committing to a new purchase or a refit or repowering of their current boat.
- Start to explore sources for sustainable drop in marine fuels - we need to demonstrate the demand, in order for the supply infrastructure to be created.
- Think about how best to operate their particular boat in order to minimize their impact on the local environment. This is more than just greenhouse gas, it’s the prevention of pollution or damage to the environment from water disturbance (wake) noise and other potential harms.
- Maintain their boat responsibly in order to ensure safe and efficient operations for the full potential lifespan of their boat
- At the end of its working life dispose of their boat responsibly, to recycle and reuse as much as possible.
The Industry’s Response
Since the launch of Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry in November 2023, there has been a positive response from the industry. Darren Vaux, president of ICOMIA, said: “We have been amazed by the response that this report has generated. In particular, the huge demand from the number of regulators that we have shared the report with. Everyone is desperate for data-driven insights to make sensible guidelines and regulations to support our industry. That is exactly what this report provides.”
The Path Forward
The Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry report identifies technologies needed to further reduce carbon emissions for craft under 24m. ICOMIA recognises there is more work to be done to lead the industry to decarbonisation, however, and will be investing in further research in the future.
Download the report synopsis at
https://bit.ly/3UcKqnj
Vaux continued: “This is just the first step in our campaign called Propelling Our Future. We know that there is still a lot of research to do, new and emerging technologies to study and a body of knowledge that we aim to continue sharing across this global industry. We call on our industry partners everywhere to join our campaign, further our understanding and to share the results.”
To support the report findings, ICOMIA, on behalf of the global recreational marine industry, has launched Propelling Our Future, an international campaign to educate and advance the industry on research-driven technology solutions:
https://propellingourfuture.com/
THE REPORT | MAR 2024 | ISSUE 107 | 85
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132
