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Beyond the Greenwash: Monaco Yacht Show Reveals the Only Sustainable Tech That Matters
The yachting industry, like many sectors, has learned to talk a good “green” game. Press releases glow with eco-friendly promises, and concepts of zero-emission futures float through virtual renderings. But away from the glossy presentations, a cynical question lingers: how much of this is real, and how much is just clever marketing? The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), one of the most prestigious events on the marine calendar, is stepping directly into this murky water. Their Blue Wake™ programme isn’t here to entertain fantasies; it’s here to expose the truth, showcasing only the sustainable tech that’s already making a difference.
From September 24-27, 2025, Port Hercule in Monaco will become the definitive stage for environmental progress in yachting. The Blue Wake™ programme is not a platform for wishful thinking. It holds a clear mandate: to spotlight a select group of practical, environmentally sound innovations already at work within the industry. This is where MYS cuts through the greenwash, offering a direct line to companies whose solutions meet rigorous criteria, vetted in partnership with the Water Revolution Foundation. If it’s on the Blue Wake™ list, it’s not a dream; it’s a demonstrable step forward.
The heart of a yacht’s environmental footprint often lies in its engines. Blue Wake™ is putting the spotlight on the raw power of cleaner propulsion systems. Companies like Ampros are delivering modular electric systems for a quieter, more efficient ride. Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG showcases SCR systems that slash nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85%, even for retrofits. Voith’s all-electric VSP propellers offer precise, quiet, and eco-friendly maneuvering. In the realm of alternative fuels, Deasyl pioneers solutions that cut CO₂ by up to 93%, while Ranieri Tonissi S.p.A develops dual-fuel MAN high-speed marine engines, targeting significant reductions in consumption and emissions.
Sustainability extends beyond the propulsion. Blue Wake™ spotlights new-generation shore power systems, pushing for cleaner dockside operations. ASEA Power Systems offers converters that slash generator use, cut emissions, and save fuel, ensuring quieter, cleaner stays for superyachts. Meanwhile, SFK’s RecondOil Box introduces a truly circular oil use aboard superyachts, meaning cleaner, longer-lasting oil that boosts efficiency and drastically cuts waste and emissions. These are the practical, often unseen, innovations that redefine a yacht’s footprint from top to bottom, bringing real environmental gains to operations.
The Blue Wake™ programme is a bold move by the Monaco Yacht Show. It validates that green yachting is no longer a niche, but a tangible reality built by committed companies. By highlighting these already-implemented solutions, MYS is cutting through the endless cycle of aspirational announcements and demanding accountability. For any serious player in the yachting world, Monaco 2025 isn’t just about seeing the latest superyachts; it’s about witnessing the true, sustainable advancements that actually matter. The future of the sea, it turns out, is not just being talked about; it’s being quietly, powerfully built.
