By crew, for crew. Free, open-source guidelines, built to make responsible ocean practices a natural part of life onboard.
Crews play a crucial role in maintaining the eco-friendly practices that reduce the environmental footprint of superyachts.
Based on analysis of 297 years of accumulated data from 103 diverse yachts, we know that vessels spend only 10% of their time actively cruising, 33% at anchor, and over 50% in port. This means that 50–80% of our fuel consumption comes from the yacht’s hotel function — not cruising. Our daily operational choices have enormous impact.
Highlighted statistics
- A superyacht spends 10% of its time actively cruising (1% at top speed), 33% at anchor, and 50% in port.
- Fuel consumption is 20–50% from cruising and 50–80% from hotel load.
- Due to pollution, fishing, and climate change, 25% of marine mammal species are threatened.
- HVO offers up to a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel.
Developed with MB92
“By optimising temperature settings, making slight adjustments to cruising speeds or employing effective resource management, emissions can be reduced by up to 30%.”
— Jean-Marc Bolinger, MB92 Group CEO
Department-specific guidelines
Tailored recommendations for every department onboard:
1. Engineering
Fuel selection, HVO alternatives, energy audits, maintenance schedules.
2. Deck Crew
Sustainable teak maintenance, eco-friendly cleaning products, tender operations, protecting marine life.
3. Interior
Reducing single-use plastics, eco-friendly toiletries, sustainable uniforms, waste management.
4. Galley
Sustainable sourcing, local and seasonal ingredients, food waste reduction, menu planning.
5. Cleaning & Laundry
Proper product dosing, cold water washing, microplastic filters.
6. Events
Sustainable party planning and BBQs.
7. Medical
Reducing single-use items, donation programs for expired supplies.
8. Purser / Administration
Sustainable travel booking, digital documentation, carbon-conscious logistics.
Core principles
Refuse, reduce, reuse, refill, repair, then recycle.
These are NOT rigid rules. They’re meant to inspire, educate, and provide options. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every vessel is different, and you’re encouraged to customise these guidelines to fit your unique circumstances and operations. If you’re just starting your sustainability journey, that’s completely fine — the guidelines work for vessels at any stage.
How to implement this onboard
- Nominate an Environmental Ambassador (or multiple on larger vessels) — someone passionate who can dedicate time each week.
- Assess your current status: where does each department stand right now?
- Collaborate with HODs to identify realistic areas for improvement.
- Set achievable goals: start with the “low-hanging fruit,” the easy wins.
- Track progress monthly through environmental reports.
- Share feedback with Water Revolution Foundation to help improve the guidelines.
The bottom line
Change starts with each of us. While there’s no magic overnight solution, every effort matters. Whether it’s turning off lights when leaving a space, choosing a local supplier over international shipping, reducing shower time, or properly separating recycling — these seemingly small actions contribute to meaningful change.
“Crews play a crucial role in maintaining the eco-friendly practices that reduce the environmental footprint of superyachts.”
— Initiated with MB92 Group and created by Danella Hopkins (formerly of S/Y Black Pearl)
Powered by industry leaders empowered to lead
Leading yacht management companies, shipyards, and vessels have pledged their support to the guidelines and are championing a more eco-friendly future for yachting.