On the vast expanse of the open seas, superyachts glide gracefully, offering a world of luxury and opulence. Yet, beneath this glamorous surface, a pressing concern looms—plastic waste. 12 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the ocean every single year, with 1.75 tonnes coming from industries that are based at sea, such as fishing. The great Pacific garbage patch is now estimated to be about three times the size of France, and that is only the beginning of the damage plastic is doing to our oceans. As a result, there is a growing push to reduce the amount of single-use plastic on board. Over the coming years we can expect to see an increasing number of regulations coming in from the European Commission for shipyards to comply with ensuring new builds are planned with more sustainable practices in mind, from engines build for bio fuels, to better wastewater disposal systems; what better time to start than now!
Storing water on board can require a lot of maintenance and testing, which is why superyachts often rely on large quantities of bottled water to cater to the needs of guests and crew. However, this practice contributes to the staggering plastic waste generated on board. In an attempt to reduce their plastic consumption, many superyachts now install desalination water makers and sterilisation systems on board. These innovative systems convert seawater into fresh water, and then sterilise it, producing water on demand. Allowing the superyachts to significantly reduce their plastic waste footprint while ensuring a constant supply of clean, safe water.
Likewise, equipping superyachts with advanced water filtration drinking systems is another essential step towards reducing disposable plastic waste. These systems use state-of-the-art filtration technologies to remove impurities, contaminants, and bacteria from onboard water sources, including desalinated water. By providing safe and high-quality drinking water directly from the yacht’s taps, these systems eliminate the need for bottled water altogether. Encouraging guests and crew to refill their bottles from these filtered water sources will significantly reduce plastic waste on board.
At Octo Marine, we are no strangers to encouraging the use of refillable aluminium drinking bottles. They are an effective way to combat the disposable plastic problem on superyachts as they are lightweight, durable, and provide excellent insulation, ensuring beverages remain cool and refreshing. By providing guests and crew with their own branded aluminium bottles, superyachts can inspire a culture of sustainability. Strategically placed refill stations, featuring filtered water dispensers including hot, cold, and sparkling water will encourage everyone on board to opt for reusable bottles, minimising the need for single-use plastic alternatives.
Taking steps to reduce disposable plastic waste is not only a responsible choice but also a way for the superyacht industry to lead by example in environmental stewardship. Octo Marine are able to assist you in making the right changes on board. We take pride in offering some of the industry’s best desalination water makers, sterilisation systems, and water filtration drinking systems. We also have our own range of refillable aluminium bottles from our ‘Think Outside the Bottle’ campaign that superyachts can use significantly decrease their reliance on single-use plastics. The combined efforts of crew, guests, and yacht owners can transform these sustainable practices into the new norm.
Let’s set sail towards a greener and cleaner future, where luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously on board superyachts. Together, we can make a profound difference in preserving our oceans and protecting the planet we all call home.
