What role does sustainability play in the large motor yacht scene? What does the yacht of the future look like? In the global climate debate, the sector may seem relatively small and insignificant next to the larger players in the industry. But a panel of experts, invited by Diesel International and among them Tobias Kohl, Director Application Engineering Marine at Rolls-Royce, agreed: the time to act is now.
Especially in yachting, they said, an awareness of sustainability and a rethinking were necessary - after all, the world's oceans are not used here as transport routes, but as a valuable place for recreation in a natural maritime environment. And these cannot be taken for granted: "We need to protect the oceans and strike a balance between human activity and the needs of nature," stressed Robert Van Tol, Executive Director of the non-profit organization Water Revolution Foundation.
Reducing CO2 in small steps now
"It is important to consider how we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions today," said Tobias Kohl. "On propulsion systems that are already installed, we can install exhaust after-treatment systems or reduce fuel consumption by using smart, digital solutions - without compromising on performance or reliability."
The big goals
And in the long term? "In the long run, the use of new technologies is needed - for example, electrification or even the fuel cell," Kohl explains. Here, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is investing in the research and development of various technologies to be able to offer as diverse a portfolio as possible of more environmentally friendly drive and energy solutions.
Diesel engines in combination with alternative fuels will also play a significant role in the future.
