Shipyards’ Update

Last year, the major shipyards attempted to measure the carbon footprint of their multihulls but failed to reach a consensus on the methodology. Between the construction phase, the product’s lifespan, its use and its dismantling, the distribution of CO₂ emissions raised various questions, and indeed divisions that could discourage certain technological developments and generate a degree of complacency. The marine industry has now got its act together, having agreed on an accounting standard that is recognized by all, including the regulators. In line with this momentum, the range of more environmentally friendly multihulls is expanding again this year in the shipyards’ catalogues, with the first 100% fossil fuel-free models, in terms of their use under way, now available.

From Diesel to All-electric?

In 2018, we titled our first article dedicated to the ecological transition of recreational boating ‘What energy will we be using in 2025?’ (MW Special Issue #12). At that time, witnessing the first multihulls equipped with electric motors, we looked ahead to the medium term of 2025, predicting that we would still be using an energy mix that included biofuels. Ultimately, it seems that the future of recreational boating lies in electric propulsion. Some coastal multihulls, such as the Orphie 29 and more recently the Milikan Boat M9 (tested in this issue), have managed to do without a diesel generator – but only for daytime coastal use. However, for heading offshore, as demonstrated by Jimmy Cornell’s abandoned attempt aboard the Outremer 4.Zero, the challenge remained daunting... until the ModX70 (reviewed in this issue) proved itself by sailing from Lorient to La Grande-Motte (2,000 nm) in early spring, powered solely by its telescopic inflatable wings and electric motors.

The Steady Rise of Forever Green...

Over the past seven years, we have witnessed the arrival of greener options. Initially, it was mainly brand names producing very small series that ventured into this area – with the exception of Lagoon, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, whose somewhat discouraging experience was detailed in MW Special Issue #18. Broadblue Catamarans and Ita Catamarans were among the first manufacturers to offer hybrid versions. But the real daredevils are undoubtedly the brands that launched complete ranges of hybrid models right from the start, such as Sun Concept, Serenity Yachts and, of course, Silent Yachts, thanks to the support of customers who were brave enough (given the low returns on hybrid technology for recreational multihulls) to sign an order form. In 2022, Forever Green pressure has stepped up a notch: other trailblazers such as Antares Yachts, Maverick Yachts and Slyder Catamarans are now also offering hybrid versions. At O Yachts, Leen Trimarans and Rapido Trimarans, experiments with dual combustion/electric engines are underway. Other manufacturers are committing to a dedicated range, such as Sunreef Yachts with its ...