The European maritime industry associations are planning a framework for recording the life cycle assessment of a recreational craft from construction to scrapping: "Recreational Marine Lifecycle Assessment", or LCA for short. We spoke to Robert Marx, President of the German Association of the Water Sports Industry and European Boating Industry (EBI).
Where did the initiative for lifecycle assessment come from and why is it happening now?
Marx: As part of the EU's "Green Deal", all sectors are to achieve their targets for decarbonisation and reducing their impact on the environment. This also includes the circular economy, i.e. recycling, which is being massively expanded in all branches of industry. In order to be able to participate in the drafting of the relevant directives as early as possible and to establish regulations that the boat industry can safely fulfil, we need to act now and strike while the iron is hot.
What does the LCA include?
The aim is to create a life cycle assessment of a pleasure craft from construction to scrapping. In plain language: all the materials used, from the synthetic resin to the engine system to the railing support, are documented. This results in a kind of index that can be used to track the boat's environmental footprint. The advantage for shipyards is that they can evaluate where the hotspots are for the first time and have a clear business case for making smart investments. A better data basis is essential in order to build better and more sustainable boats.
What advantage does this have for the boat buyer?
This gives the buyer an indicator for the sustainability of a boat for the first time. It's similar to buying a fridge. Based on the information on CO2, water use or land use, for example, the buyer can decide what is important to them or not. We hope that this will become standard in a few years' time and will be visible when visiting trade fairs or dealers.
How is the initiative being received by the shipyards?
I have the impression that the shipyards have practically been waiting for this. Our discussions with the companies have been consistently positive. So far, we have commitments from over 18 well-known shipyards, including large companies such as the Beneteau Group from France and Bavaria from Germany. This in turn benefits the small shipyards, which have influence via the associations. The big players are paving the way, building the scaffolding, so to speak, which medium-sized and small companies can use later on. It is unique that the industry works together in such a framework.
Isn't there a risk of further bureaucratisation?
I don't actually see any additional bureaucratisation. It is already the case today that every manufacturer documents the construction of their boats and the materials used throughout. The fact that the industry develops the framework and not civil servants means that we have the say.
Who bears the costs and is participation obligatory for all shipyards?
There is no obligation for shipyards to participate. However, I am sure that sooner or later LCA will become a quality feature and that nobody will want to be accused of trying to disguise the environmental footprint of their products. At present, the participating shipyards are each committing a five-figure sum, so we are talking about high six-figure sums in total.
When should the LCA be introduced?
In my view, we have already travelled 75% of the way. Our aim is to be able to present a paper that is ready for a decision this autumn, which will then be incorporated into the next EU Recreational Craft Directive, which is due to come into force in 2030. The shipyards will be able to work on eco-design and standardised communication before then.
How do you see the scrapping situation in Germany? Shouldn't be involved in this process, andm to make the LCA round?
There is huge pressure on Germany in particular from the EU, but also from manufacturers. Due to the lack of Europe-wide registration, there is no overview of the boat stock and its whereabouts at the end of its service life. Everyone knows the wrecks and soul sellers in the furthest corners of harbours or at the side of the road, which often can no longer be assigned to anyone. Legislators must take action here. We are in favour of registration and are holding talks about it.
