Inside the mind of the unlikely environmentalist who is changing superyacht culture

The entire concept of sustainability is not something new, having been a movement that dates all the way back to the 1970s. Today, however, it is one of the biggest considerations in almost every aspect of society, with government regulations and policies enforcing compliance in most countries. One of the biggest concerns for sustainability remains the use of fossil fuels by vessels such as yachts, leading them to be seen as monuments to the overuse of resources, and also among the largest producers of pollutants. This concern is something that the wealthy members of society today take seriously, as they now toe the line regarding environmental compliance.

Even before this concern in the luxury yacht industry began, however, Terry Birles already saw the problem and knew that something needed to be done about it. "Most luxury yachts burn more fuel in a week than most families use in a year," Birles admits, ¡°what we're doing isn't just unsustainable¡ªit's unconscionable. But that doesn't mean we can't change it."

This is an unexpected stance from someone like Terry Birles, who built his career advising Fortune 500 companies in the shipping and marine sectors. Birles, however, represents a new wave of industry insiders who have become unlikely environmental advocates in one of luxury's most carbon-intensive sectors.

The Cumulative Carbon Concerns

The numbers behind superyacht emissions are staggering. A single superyacht can generate up to 7,020 tonnes of CO2 annually, which is more than 1,500 times that of a typical family car. The combined emissions of at least 300 superyachts in frequent use exceed the total emissions of the African country of Burundi. The environmental impact extends beyond just carbon emissions, as superyachts contribute significantly to wastewater pollution, noise and light pollution, particulate matter in exhaust, and local dockage contamination. On top of this, yachts remain exempt from International Marine Organization emission rules, making accurate emissions data difficult to obtain.

This is why many believe that owning a superyacht is just about the most environmentally irresponsible thing anyone can do. There are estimates that predict yachting emissions will reach 10 million tons by 2030 if the industry maintains its current trajectory.

Facing The Horrors Within The Passion

This is where Terry Birles enters the picture. For decades, Birles has specialized in cross-border deals and mergers in the shipping and marine sectors. His client list features the names of those who define maritime wealth, with connections extending from Asian shipping magnates to Caribbean energy barons. "I've spent my life helping companies navigate complex waters¡ªboth literal and figurative," Birles explains, ¡°but at some point, you have to ask yourself what legacy you're leaving behind."

Birles is no stranger to the environmental horrors that occur in the industry, which is why he has leveraged his extensive industry connections to push for what he calls "responsible luxury." His approach is pragmatic rather than punitive, focusing on technological advancements and market-based solutions.. "The wealthy aren't going to suddenly abandon their yachts," Birles acknowledges, ¡°but they can demand vessels that align with their values. Many of today's yacht owners respect the sea more than you can imagine¡ªthey just need viable alternatives."

To date, Birles has been instrumental in connecting shipyards with sustainable technology developers, particularly focusing on alternative propulsion systems. He points to recent innovations like hydrogen fuel cells, advanced biofuels, and improved battery storage solutions as promising developments that are already being implemented in new builds.

Encouraging Everyone With Eco-Conscious Design

Recent developments in the superyacht industry reflect a steady change, with sustainability becoming a central consideration in design and construction. A new generation of yacht owners, mostly younger, more environmentally conscious, and tech-savvy, is driving this change. "These owners have a firm mindset," Birles explains, ¡°they want to enjoy life, but at the same time are environmentally conscious and want to cause as little harm as possible to the climate and to the oceans that they sail in."

This change in consumer preference has led to remarkable innovations. Solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, and improved battery storage solutions are becoming standard features on new builds, allowing for extended cruising without reliance on fossil fuels. Sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood and non-toxic paints are increasingly being used in yacht construction and interiors. Some designs push the boundaries even further.

Deceptive Greenwashing In The Trend

Birles is quick to acknowledge that not all "eco-friendly" claims in the industry are legitimate. "Greenwashing is rampant," Birles admits, "I hate it when people are talking about what they claimed they did and were supposedly not pushed by the law to do it".

To combat this, Birles advocates for transparent environmental indices like the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) Index and the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI). These tools allow owners and potential charterers to evaluate and compare the carbon impact of different vessels, leading to more informed decisions. Perhaps Birles' most effective argument for sustainability isn't environmental but economic. He points out that future regulations will likely restrict access to certain destinations for vessels that don't meet stringent environmental standards.

"Norway's UNESCO-protected 'Heritage Fjords' will only allow zero-emission vessels to sail in them from 2026," Birles notes, "anyone commissioning a newbuild today would be wise to go beyond current legislation, or they'll find themselves unable to access the world's most beautiful cruising grounds in the near future." This approach has resonated with the industry as shipyards are increasingly investing in research and development of sustainable technologies, not just as a moral imperative but as a business necessity.

Remaining Challenges Along the Way

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. The superyacht industry's carbon footprint is still enormous, and truly sustainable options are still in their infancy. Birles acknowledges this reality but remains optimistic. "We're not going to solve this overnight," Birles admits, ¡°but we're moving in the right direction. Five years ago, sustainability was barely mentioned at yacht shows. Now it's the centerpiece of almost every discussion."

There is data to support Birles¡¯ optimism. The Water Revolution Foundation, an organization focused on driving sustainability in the yachting industry, reports that shipyards are increasingly adopting advanced technologies like Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Induction Furnaces (IF) for steel production, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Artificial intelligence is also changing yacht operation and management, optimizing fuel efficiency and navigational systems to reduce the environmental impact.