The Environmental Crew Guidelines, developed by the Water Revolution Foundation in collaboration with MB92 and a network of industry professionals, have been created to help the superyacht industry move towards a more sustainable future through practical, achievable action. While the transition to alternative fuels and low-carbon propulsion will take time, the guidelines make a critical point: significant emissions reductions are already possible through smarter day-to-day operations onboard.
Energy efficiency sits at the heart of this approach. By focusing on how energy is used, managed and monitored onboard, crews can reduce emissions by up to 30%, often with minimal impact on guest experience and, in many cases, with clear operational and cost benefits.
Where Energy Is Used Onboard
Hotel Operations Drive Energy Use
On most superyachts, between 50% and 80% of annual energy consumption comes not from propulsion, but from hotel operations. Climate control, lighting, galley equipment, refrigeration, entertainment systems and digital infrastructure all place a constant demand on power generation. This means that the greatest opportunities for emissions reduction often come from changing everyday onboard routines rather than from major technical upgrades.
Optimising Power & Climate Control
Choosing shore power over generators whenever possible is one of the simplest ways to reduce emissions, particularly in marinas powered by clean energy sources. Climate control systems also play a major role. Adjusting temperatures to suit occupancy and external conditions, rather than maintaining constant settings, can significantly reduce unnecessary energy use.
Lighting Matters
Lighting choices further influence consumption. LED lighting, switching lights off when not in use and limiting underwater lighting all contribute to lower energy demand while also reducing disturbance to marine life.
Appliances & Refrigeration
Electrical equipment and appliances require the same level of attention. Energy-efficient appliances, avoiding standby power and unplugging equipment when not in use all support better energy management. Refrigeration systems in particular are among the most energy-intensive onboard. Turning fridges, freezers and ice machines off when not required for extended periods, maintaining door seals, defrosting when necessary and organising contents efficiently can reduce energy use without affecting service standards.
Behaviour, Data & Operational Awareness
Crew Behaviour Impacts Energy Use
Energy efficiency is shaped as much by crew behaviour as by onboard systems. Digital activity, including laptops, phones, onboard servers and streaming systems, consumes more energy than many realise. Simple habits such as closing unused browser tabs, managing email storage and reducing unnecessary streaming may seem minor individually, but across an entire crew they add up to meaningful reductions in energy demand.
Measuring & Monitoring Fuel Consumption
Monitoring fuel consumption data allows these efforts to be measured and refined. Regular reviews help crews identify trends, spot inefficiencies and make informed operational decisions. This data can indicate when hull or propeller cleaning is required, whether generator loading could be optimised, or if a different cruising speed would reduce fuel consumption. Sharing anonymised operational data such as fuel use per nautical mile, generator load profiles and shore power utilisation with recognised industry initiatives can help establish benchmarks, identify best practices and accelerate environmental improvement across the superyacht sector.
Efficient Tender Operations & Cruising Practices
Operational awareness can also extend beyond the main vessel. Tender operations offer another opportunity to reduce emissions through avoiding unnecessary trips, combining journeys and operating tenders at their most efficient speeds. Maintaining reasonable cruising speeds on the main yacht not only reduces fuel consumption but also limits disturbance to marine life. Best practices when anchoring and during water sports help protect sensitive seabeds, reefs and coastal ecosystems, while encouraging guests to choose non-motorised activities where appropriate further reduces environmental impact.
Looking Beyond The Yacht & The Role Of Carbon Offsetting
Crew Travel & Personal Emissions
A yacht’s environmental footprint does not end at the passerelle. Crew travel can represent a significant source of emissions and should be approached with the same care as onboard energy use. Choosing direct flights, prioritising land transport when feasible and working with travel providers that demonstrate sustainable practices can all contribute to lower emissions. Building awareness of personal travel impact is also important, particularly when understanding that premium air travel can carry a substantially higher carbon footprint. Simple habits, such as packing light and using reusable water bottles, also make a difference.
The Role Of Carbon Offsetting
Even with the most efficient operations, some emissions remain unavoidable. This is where carbon offsetting plays a role, but only after reduction measures have been fully implemented. Carbon offsetting should never replace efforts to reduce emissions at source. Instead, it allows yachts to take responsibility for residual emissions by supporting verified projects that deliver measurable greenhouse gas reductions.
Distinguishing Offsetting From Other Environmental Initiatives
It is also essential to distinguish between carbon offsetting and other environmental initiatives. Marine conservation and ocean restoration projects are vital, but they do not compensate for measured emissions. High-quality offsetting requires transparency, robust certification and clear reporting. When done correctly, it enables yachts to align operational excellence with genuine climate action.
Taking Action For A Sustainable Future
The Environmental Crew Guidelines make one thing clear: sustainability on superyachts is both achievable and impactful. By focusing on energy efficiency, optimising equipment use, adopting mindful operational practices, and monitoring fuel and energy data, crews can dramatically reduce emissions without compromising comfort or performance.
Beyond the vessel itself, the choices crews make in travel, digital behaviour, and day-to-day routines further shape a yacht’s overall environmental footprint. And while carbon offsetting is not a substitute for reduction, it plays a vital role in responsibly addressing the emissions that cannot be eliminated.
Together, these measures form a holistic approach to sustainability that is practical, measurable and fully within the crew’s control. The future of superyachting can be one of innovation, efficiency and environmental stewardship, and with the right knowledge, dedication and awareness, every crew member can be part of that transformation.