MarineShift360 unveils new net-zero industry initiatives

MarineShift360 has introduced a new range of tools and initiatives to accelerate the marine sector’s transition to net zero, including enhancements to its life-cycle assessment (LCA) tool, an impact accelerator, and a university outreach programme.

These initiatives, led by Marine Futures and supported by 11th Hour Racing, are designed to provide measurable impact and support decarbonisation within the industry.

The MarineShift360 LCA tool, spearheaded and built by sustainability consultancy Anthesis, enables businesses to assess and manage environmental impact at the design phase, which is responsible for an estimated 80 per cent of a product’s environmental impact. The tool, which used data from Allen Brothers, Arksen, Emkay Plastics, Multiplast, Princess Yachts, RS Sailing and Wessex Resins, allows companies to identify impact hotspots early in product development, helping reduce environmental footprint and operational costs through more efficient resource use.

“MarineShift360 is driving the marine industry from ambition to action,” says Ollie Taylor, director at Marine Futures. “Our enhanced tool helps businesses meet their sustainability goals while ensuring all of us who love the ocean can continue enjoying it responsibly. The marine community has a duty to protect the ocean for future generations, and MarineShift360 is empowering the industry to make smarter choices today, so we can all enjoy the ocean tomorrow and beyond.”

Since its recognition with a DAME Design Category Award in 2022, the MarineShift360 tool has gained traction with industry leaders such as North Sails, SailGP, IMOCA, Williams Tenders and Starboard.

The newly launched impact accelerator offers selected companies a year of free consultancy to help develop and scale projects to support the sector’s transition to net zero. Participants in the impact accelerator programme receive complimentary access to the LCA tool, project management support, and expertise from industry sustainability experts. The programme also includes a funded internship to assist companies in implementing sustainable practices. Applications for the impact accelerator are open until 31 December 2024.

“We’re seeking companies with pioneering solutions, products, or processes that have the potential to genuinely reduce environmental impact across the marine industry,” the organisation tells MIN in a statement. “Whether advancing novel composite materials, sustainable ownership models, zero-emission vessels, or sustainable manufacturing methods, we want to hear from them.”

Set to launch in 2025, the University Outreach Programme aims to support emerging sustainability professionals entering the marine sector. In partnership with a number of leading academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Southampton, the University of Genoa, Chalmers University of Technology, Delft University of Technology and the University of Plymouth, the programme offers students, from undergraduate to PhD levels, free access to the LCA tool, along with training and support to help address the marine industry’s environmental challenges.

“By supporting Marine Futures on the MarineShift360 project, we’re empowering companies to become leaders in driving sustainability across the industry. It’s a powerful opportunity to create lasting change at a critical time for our planet,” says Jeremy Pochman, co-founder and CEO at 11th Hour Racing.