Education

Oceans make up 91% of the earth’s biosphere. They are essential for consuming carbon while in turn producing oxygen from a vital mass of plankton and kelp. In the United States alone, over 40% of the population lives in coastal areas. Yet according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, only 5% of the world’s waters have been explored to modern scientific standards. That’s why Camper & Nicholsons have made it their mission to explore and protect our seas.
 
Ensuring the oceans are safe for sailing, swimming and human habitation begins by educating industry stakeholders. Fortunately, marine protection is a key aim for most charter guests. Almost all desire less noise, less fumes and less impact during their voyage. Plus more farm-to-fork ingredients and opportunities to interact with nature – by minisub, freediving or receiving bespoke tips from marine professors.
 
A new range of eco-yachts aims to educate the market further. Many of these boats have banned single use plastic, and may also pick up litter as they travel. Others ensure silent nights by swapping night generators with silent batteries, so the only auditory intrusion comes from lapping waves. Guests can also use a new Camper & Nicholsons app to comprehend which marine life they might encounter - and how their actions might help safeguard that species’ future.
 
Education must come from the top. That’s why every Captain in the Camper & Nicholsons fleet will receive an environmental induction. They will be told how to lessen the impact of anchoring on sea beds, and which sustainable fish species should never be served in a superyacht kitchen. Captains will also be instructed to share fuel usage data with guests. On most modern luxury yachts, reducing speed from 12 knots to 8 knots will reduce consumption by around 50%.
 
We will assist partner shipyards from Italy to China as they meet future challenges. Our feedback will enable them to craft the low-energy yachts demanded by new owners who wish to sail farther yet with a lower impact. Our advice will also help shipyards stay ahead of the environmental legislation curve.
 
The latter is a particularly pressing point. In the coming decade exhaust scrubbers, which remove sulphur oxides and other toxins, may become mandatory. Discussions about energy recovery systems, like those used in vehicles as diverse as Formula 1 cars and London buses, could cut fuel consumption. Data on hydrogen fuel cells, which are compact and contain no moving parts, hence their use on modern submarines, could herald another yachting revolution.
 
In short, Camper & Nicholsons hope to inspire a revolution within our industry that motivates every stakeholder, from a divemaster to a yacht designer. There is nothing radical about safeguarding our seas. Protecting the environment that we work in is the savviest strategy for all.