Highlights and Insights of Cluster Members
This year has definitely been the year of sustainability in yachting!
The momentum began with May’s Spring Pop-Up, which placed a strong focus on sustainable refit solutions and welcomed cross-industry perspectives. One standout moment was the presentation by Orient Express, showcasing their forward-thinking approach to sustainable passenger shipping and their upcoming vessel launch in 2026. Their case demonstrates the potential for the yachting industry to draw inspiration from outside sectors.
Following the UNOC (United Nations Ocean Conference) in Nice in June and the series of yachting-related conferences held across Nice and Monaco, we reached out to members of the Cluster Yachting Monaco Energy Transition Working Group for their insights.
Natalie Quévert from SEA Index and Claire Ferandier Sicard from ETYC shared key takeaways from the Blue Economy & Finance Forum:
A global call has been issued by the United Nations, international banks, NGOs, researchers, governments, and investment fund representatives urging corporations and investors to support the Blue Economy.
Some of the significant developments include:
- The signing of an agreement between France and Monaco promoting more sustainable cruise practices.
- The launch of the Ocean Tourism Pact, initiated by Accor Group and endorsed by major players in the hospitality and cruise sectors.
- Calls from NGOs, government officials, and scientists for businesses to integrate scientific research into their operations through collaboration or sponsorship, helping to accelerate ocean conservation efforts.
During the Nice Ocean Business Forum, Cluster Yachting Monaco’s project manager Carmel van der Weide participated in a panel on: “Sustainability and International Expansion – The Mediterranean Yachting Market”. There was an emphasis on the notable demographic shift in yacht ownership:
The average age of yacht owners has dropped from 65 to 46.
This new generation favors longer stays on board, often using yachts as mobile workspaces. Time spent on board has increased to around four months per year—compared to just three or four weeks two decades ago.
This evolution is reshaping how yachts are used—and how the industry must adapt. Key innovations in yacht design and construction that support sustainability were highlighted:
- Speed reduction strategies to lower emissions
- Integration of AI-driven solutions to analyze behavior on board and optimize energy consumption
Last week, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge returned to the Yacht Club de Monaco, bringing together 42 teams from 29 universities in the pursuit of a zero-emission boat.
This year’s innovation trends included:
- AI for real-time energy optimization
- Maturing hydrogen technologies
- Return of toroidal propellers, which reduce underwater noise by up to 80%
Numerous Cluster members participated in the event, including our Vice President Arthur Bohr (Monaco Marine) and Jean-Jacques Boude (V.Ships). Both underlined the urgent need to generalize good practices in crew and captain training, a topic that will take center stage at the Winter Pop-Up on 9 October 2025.
Want to be a part of the new era in yachting ?
Now is the perfect time to join the Cluster Yachting Monaco Energy Transition Working Group, bringing together key industry players and decision-makers driving sustainable change in yachting. Keep updated on the new technologies coming out and be a part of the action.
Join us for the next session by filling out the form here.
This year has definitely been the year of sustainability in yachting!
The momentum began with May’s Spring Pop-Up, which placed a strong focus on sustainable refit solutions and welcomed cross-industry perspectives. One standout moment was the presentation by Orient Express, showcasing their forward-thinking approach to sustainable passenger shipping and their upcoming vessel launch in 2026. Their case demonstrates the potential for the yachting industry to draw inspiration from outside sectors.
Following the UNOC (United Nations Ocean Conference) in Nice in June and the series of yachting-related conferences held across Nice and Monaco, we reached out to members of the Cluster Yachting Monaco Energy Transition Working Group for their insights.
Natalie Quévert from SEA Index and Claire Ferandier Sicard from ETYC shared key takeaways from the Blue Economy & Finance Forum:
A global call has been issued by the United Nations, international banks, NGOs, researchers, governments, and investment fund representatives urging corporations and investors to support the Blue Economy.
Some of the significant developments include:
- The signing of an agreement between France and Monaco promoting more sustainable cruise practices.
- The launch of the Ocean Tourism Pact, initiated by Accor Group and endorsed by major players in the hospitality and cruise sectors.
- Calls from NGOs, government officials, and scientists for businesses to integrate scientific research into their operations through collaboration or sponsorship, helping to accelerate ocean conservation efforts.
During the Nice Ocean Business Forum, Cluster Yachting Monaco’s project manager Carmel van der Weide participated in a panel on: “Sustainability and International Expansion – The Mediterranean Yachting Market”. There was an emphasis on the notable demographic shift in yacht ownership:
The average age of yacht owners has dropped from 65 to 46.
This new generation favors longer stays on board, often using yachts as mobile workspaces. Time spent on board has increased to around four months per year—compared to just three or four weeks two decades ago.
This evolution is reshaping how yachts are used—and how the industry must adapt. Key innovations in yacht design and construction that support sustainability were highlighted:
- Speed reduction strategies to lower emissions
- Integration of AI-driven solutions to analyze behavior on board and optimize energy consumption
Last week, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge returned to the Yacht Club de Monaco, bringing together 42 teams from 29 universities in the pursuit of a zero-emission boat.
This year’s innovation trends included:
- AI for real-time energy optimization
- Maturing hydrogen technologies
- Return of toroidal propellers, which reduce underwater noise by up to 80%
Numerous Cluster members participated in the event, including our Vice President Arthur Bohr (Monaco Marine) and Jean-Jacques Boude (V.Ships). Both underlined the urgent need to generalize good practices in crew and captain training, a topic that will take center stage at the Winter Pop-Up on 9 October 2025.
Want to be a part of the new era in yachting ?
Now is the perfect time to join the Cluster Yachting Monaco Energy Transition Working Group, bringing together key industry players and decision-makers driving sustainable change in yachting. Keep updated on the new technologies coming out and be a part of the action.
Join us for the next session by filling out the form here.