Marine sector decarbonisation practices unpicked at Cannes Yachting Festival
Omaya Yachts’ Omaya 50
Whether or not an individual might think it’s greenwashing, decarbonisation and sustainability remain at the forefront of the industry’s direction and are up there in the most searched for terms on Marine Industry News (MIN).
With this in mind, MIN tested the waters to see how many companies are ready to set out what they are doing specifically to aid the push towards a cleaner future.
“We took the time to reassess every aspect of our yachts to make them cleaner and more energy efficient,” says Francis Lapp, Sunreef Yachts’ founder and president. “R&D for us never stops, so you can expect more improvements soon.” He lists a treasure trove of works being undertaken to bring the company’s giant catamarans into the late 2020s in a more sustainable manner, ranging from natural alternatives to teakwood, Sunreef’s own photovoltaic technology, semi-solid state batteries, PET foam, hybrid and electric propulsion. “For us the 360-degree approach is vital,” he says.
Omaya Yachts also makes catamarans (but in Bulgaria) which it describes as luxury with a contemporary design. “Electrification, sustainability and zero-emission yachting dominate the press, and rightly so,” sasy Kaloyan Radulov, general manager. “But when you look beyond the headlines — into the systems, materials, and processes behind these boats — you realise we’re still far from true zero-emission yachting.
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim for it, on the contrary, it’s our responsibility as builders.
“I just believe we need more honesty because, right now, marketing often runs faster than technology.”
MIN explored the mainstreaming of electric yachts and emerging opportunities with boatbuilders ahead of Cannes in a series of exclusive interviews.
Transparent approach documented in sustainability reports
“Our ecological transition is grounded in concrete initiatives and a transparent communication approach, as documented in our Sustainability Reports for 2022 and 2023,” details Fiorella Besenzoni, marketing manger for Besenzoni.
“Since 2020, we’ve been developing electrically powered products — notably gangways, stairs, lifts, and the most recent addition, the TenderLift in 2021 — that eliminate hydraulic units and oil.”
Besenzoni revealed more about product development, strategies at play and sustainability in July 2025.
She says this work results in lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient systems, delivering significant fuel savings and a lower environmental footprint by optimising onboard power consumption through 24 Vdc electronic control systems.
But it’s not just about what goes onto the boat.
“We have transitioned to sustainable packaging materials,” Besenzoni (pictured) continues. “In our production facilities, we’ve installed a waterjet cutting system powered by electric pumps, eliminating mineral oils and minimising environmental pollution.
“To address rising energy costs and reduce dependency on traditional fuels, we’re expanding our photovoltaic installation and transitioning our paint plant heat sources — enhancing our energy autonomy and lowering emissions.”
Production processes aimed at energy efficiency
Similalry, Marc Forné, sales manager Maxim Yachts, says the company has been looking at its production processes.
“Our ecological transition is based on a comprehensive approach that combines innovation in our production processes with design optimisation aimed at energy efficiency. One of the key pillars of this journey is the implementation of a vacuum infusion system in the manufacture of our boats.
“This process enables us to produce vessels with significantly lower emissions, while also ensuring a safer working environment and a higher-quality finished product. The boats produced this way are lighter for the same amount of fibre and resin, which translates into better performance, greater durability, and improved fuel efficiency — ultimately reducing CO₂ emissions.
“Equally important, this system safeguards the health and safety of our workers and of clients visiting the shipyard, something we consider a fundamental responsibility. By investing in these technologies and processes, we are not only enhancing product quality but also contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry.”
Decarbonisation from the start
Sialia Yachts’ CCO, Milvio Ricci, says that decarbonisation is embedded in the company’s DNA. “All our vessels are fully electric, built from carbon fibre or aluminium, and optimised for sustainability at every stage of their lifecycle.
“Our partnership with Ampros has produced a drivetrain that integrates a ship management system, enabling extended battery life, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance, and supported by warranties of up to ten years. Models such as the 57 Deep Silence and Sialia 59 deliver up to one megawatt-hour of battery capacity, combining performance, range, and comfort without emissions. Hull innovations, such as the stepped-V design developed with Petestep, further reduce drag and energy consumption,” he says.
Path forward comes with its own challenges
“We are also committed to using eco-conscious materials including recycled cork flooring and lifecycle-optimised carbon composites. Our newest 45 Sport, equipped with twin 300-kilowatt motors, an optional biodiesel range extender, CCS2 fast-charging, modular layouts, and a five-year battery warranty, is designed for practical, real-world usability with a minimal environmental footprint. For us, ecological transition is holistic, encompassing materials, propulsion, lifecycle planning, and operational efficiency. Each yacht we build is intended to embody sustainable luxury.”
Ricci admits that the path forward is not without its challenges.
“The wider adoption of electric yachts still depends heavily on the development of marine fast-charging infrastructure, which remains uneven across many regions.
“Market perception also plays a role, as customers sometimes hesitate over questions of range or the 15 to 20 per cent price premium that electric yachts can command. There are also broader pressures linked to battery supply chains, including sourcing, cost, and sustainability considerations.
“Finally, we face the challenge of scaling our innovations under growing demand while maintaining the bespoke craftsmanship, ecological integrity, and uncompromising quality that define Sialia. Meeting these challenges head-on is part of what makes the coming year both demanding and full of promise.”
Marco Donà, executive VP & CEO, Saim Spa, enjoys checking out new trends and products being unveiled at boat shows in September (and at Metstrade). “Yachts have been developing a lot recently, not only in exterior design, but also in finding new ways to improve the comfort of guests, thanks to the continuous research of equipment manufacturers.
“Not only that, recreational boating can no longer and will no longer afford to be unsustainable and harmful to the marine environment.
“The path is marked. Any evolution today cannot disregard greater sustainability. It’s requested by boat owners and is certainly strategic for manufacturers.
“Saim’s proposal goes in this direction, thanks to the proprietary solutions developed by inhouse R&D. I am talking about exhaust gas filtration systems, on-board energy management and efficiency systems, generators remote management, active anchor monitoring, and so on,” Donà (pictured left) concludes.
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