- Technology and Innovation
Linen, Hemp, and High Design: A First Look at the Bio-Based Lab in Naples
The Neapolitan Deployment
Cantiere Mimì is preparing for a massive presence at the 52nd edition of Nauticsud, occupying the largest stand at the Mostra d’Oltremare. From February 7 to 15, the shipyard will deploy nine models from the Libeccio range, spanning lengths of 6.50 to 11 meters. This 600-square-meter display is a definitive statement of intent, showcasing the brand’s dominance in the Italian market and its commitment to evolving the classic gozzo silhouette for a modern, high-performance audience.
Restyling the 8.5 Open
The focal point of the exhibition is the boat show debut of the restyled 8.5 Open. Exactly twenty years after its original presentation, the shipyard has reinterpreted this storied model with a contemporary perspective. The modernization wasn’t merely aesthetic; it involved a complete redesign of the below-deck layout to maximize liveability and space distribution. With a refreshed console and helm station, the 8.5 Open addresses the modern owner’s demand for ergonomic comfort without losing the rugged charm of its predecessors.
The Bio-Based Alliance
Sustainability at Nauticsud moves beyond marketing slogans through a research project developed with Federico II University in Naples. Cantiere Mimì will illustrate its concrete commitment to the environment by presenting components manufactured from natural fabrics such as linen, hemp, and basalt. By pairing these fibers with 100% bio-derived resins, the shipyard is creating a bio-based system that mocks the carbon footprint of traditional resin-heavy construction.
Circular Supply Chain Logic
This technical initiative isn’t limited to the construction phase; it addresses the end-of-life management of the vessel. The project includes a structured plan for recyclability, aiming to build a circular supply chain. By focusing on materials that can be reclaimed or safely processed after decades of service, Cantiere Mimì is setting a new benchmark for innovative shipyards. This approach proves that technical reliability can coexist with ecological responsibility.
Production Integration
These innovative materials aren’t just for show; they are slated to enter production at the shipyard shortly. The use of basalt and hemp for interior and exterior fittings represents a significant move toward replacing petroleum-based products in high-tier boatbuilding. For the prospective owner, this offers the unique opportunity to own a vessel that is as forward-thinking in its chemistry as it is in its naval architecture.
The Nauticsud Verdict
As Cantiere Mimì takes over the Mostra d’Oltremare, the message is clear: the future of Mediterranean boating is green, but it doesn’t have to be soft. By combining their 50-year heritage with cutting-edge material science, the shipyard ensures that the Libeccio range remains the most sophisticated choice in its segment. For those attending the show, the 600-square-meter stand is the primary destination to witness the next chapter of sustainable yachting.
