Changing Seas
Dec 8, 2022
Today I received a press release from “boot” in Germany, one of the world’s most significant boat shows and the largest in Europe, emphasizing what they refer to as the Blue Innovation Dock. In this area, that show’s speakers will focus will on future-relevant topics such as sustainability in boat building, alternative drives or the innovative design of modern marinas. International experts from the water sports and boat building industry.
Yes, it’s easy to dismiss as talking heads; the information they sent with the release includes a lot of people talking about innovation. But the videos indicate that it’s a lot more than talk. As you might expect, Europe is charging forward with earth-centred initiatives. It’s been years, for example, that electric outboards have been popular in European countries – that’s no surprise to us in Canada who are well aware that the countries of the EU are thinking blue, and green, extensively. But there’s lots more afoot in what appears to be a new way of looking at boating that encompasses awareness of our water resources in a universal way.
Canada is not far behind in the development of non-emitting powered boats (see the Gussies report below) and awareness of plastic pollution is growing here as there. Innovators in North America are also producing conventional power equipment that is vastly more efficient and less emitting so that boaters can continue to enjoy their boats even as newer technologies emerge.
Right now, we’re in the middle of it, enjoying the ride. Navigating to safe shores of blue boating appears ahead of us thanks to technology and smart people who have inventive ideas that will improve the boating experience.
This video addresses the subject of sustainable marinas in protected areas:
{videobox}https://vimeo.com/745687257{/videobox}
John Morris
Online Editor
Canadian Yachting Magazine
CYonboard@kerrwil.com
