boot Düsseldorf releases study on boaters’ attitudes to sustainability

Marine industry trade fair boot Düsseldorf has released a report after conducting a survey on attitudes towards sustainability in the leisure marine industry.

The study, The future of sustainable on-water propulsion, was conducted among representatives from the nautical industry. The participants were recruited from the boat (<24 meters) and engine manufacturing sectors, as well as associations and water sports enthusiasts. Respondents were asked about current sustainability trends in personal interviews.

The study was initiated by boot Düsseldorf, and developed in cooperation with the European Boating Industry, the European association based in Brussels, and supported by the ADAC/German Automobile Club.

The study makes it clear that boaters clearly support sustainability and are in favour of the use of alternative drives and fuels. At the same time, many are critical towards paying significantly higher prices or compromising on range and safety.

A clear focus on one decarbonisation technology is not yet evident at this stage. The study concludes that the industry must, therefore, ‘continue to develop with foresight and react to new demands from politics and, as a result, to the expectations of customers.’

Manufacturers showed concrete approaches and developments at the Blue Innovation Dock at boot Düsseldorf 2023 last January. Together with the industry, the trade fair and European Boating Industry say they will further expand the sustainability forum at boot 2024 and offer a space for the latest innovations with public appeal.

A full summary of the study, prepared by the Spanish consultancy Sea Teach SL, is available for boot trade visitors only in the business area of the boot website.