A new Sustainability Hub at the Monaco Yacht Show aims to reduce the environmental impact of yachting on the oceans and biosphere

Words: Selma Day

The 2022 Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) will mark the unveiling of the Sustainability Hub, an exhibition area for companies specialising in technology aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of superyachts. They include those providing innovative eco-friendly solutions, as well as budding start-ups working on sustainable alternatives that fit in seamlessly with the yachting world.

“When the MYS joined the Carbon Neutral programme in 2005, we were already hell-bent on raising environmental awareness. The MYS later joined the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2010 to support its eco-friendly projects,” says Gaëlle Tallarida, managing director of the MYS.

She adds: “The Sustainability Hub was an obvious and logical next step for the MYS. This brand new area dedicated to eco-friendly yachting alternatives is part of our sustainability programme, which is set to be extended to the logistics and layout of the entire show, here in the port of Monaco.

“We intend to provide support to all those involved – exhibitors, service providers and visitors alike – whilst exploring concrete solutions to environmental problems.”

In collaboration with the Water Revolution Foundation, the Sustainability Hub will be located in Darse Sud, a tent dedicated to nautical equipment and technology.

“The creation of the Sustainability Hub is a crucial achievement,” says Robert Van Tol, executive director of the Water Revolution Foundation. “The MYS has once again consolidated its leading position in the field, whilst highlighting the Water Revolution Foundation’s expertise in terms of sustainability.

“Thus, the show’s new exhibition area is designed to showcase forms of technology that will bring concrete improvements to the world of yachting.

“We are making every effort to find, verify, promote and reward sustainable solutions, whilst encouraging their use and bringing about much needed change.”

By announcing the Sustainability Hub, along with two other new themed exhibitions for 2022 – the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub (offering the next generation of yacht owners the opportunity to experience the world of yacht design and future trends) and the Adventure Area, dedicated to adventure, exploration and leisure activities on board a yacht – the MYS is on course towards its goal of helping the industry redefine the yachting experience and appeal to a new, younger superyacht charter clientele.

And, for the first time, this year will see the MYS on TikTok as part of its ‘seducation’ programme to help millennials and Gen Z discover the experience of the superyacht life. The focus of the three-year plan – launched last year – ‘seducation’ is based on the two core concepts of ‘education’ and ‘seduction’.

Monaco Yacht Show, September 28–October 1, monacoyachtshow.com