Lagoon 420 Catamaran Awarded Mansura Perpetual Challenge Trophy

The Mansura Perpetual Challenge Trophy has been awarded to the Lagoon 420. The Mansura Trophy is the prize for the ecological design competition given by the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

The trophy was presented by the Duke of Edinburgh for leading the industry in green boating design. Over 70 of the Catamarans were sold in 2007, proving the design is commercially viable as well.

Learn more about the Lagoon 420

Starcraft Awarded the Environmental Award at the Miami International Boat Show

The National Marine Manufacturers Association handed out awards for innovative achievement at the 67th Annual Miami International Boat Show. The Environmental Award went to the Eco-Star 200 electric boat by Starcraft Marine. The Eco-Star 200 combines excellent access to electrical motors with exceptional maneuverability of twin propellers, all on the popular deck boat platform. The judges considered this design to be a positive step for both the boating industry and use of alternative energy propulsion systems.

Starcraft 200

NMMA Innovations Press Release

Map of Human Effects on the Oceans

World map showing man's effect on the humans oceans published by an international team of scientists.

Top 10 Green Ship Designs

gCaptain is a great site and if you havn't checked it out, here's your chance. They have published a great article about green ship designs that's worth a look. The site has a maritime search engine and lots of great information.

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EPA May Be Forced to Implement New Oversight of Recreational Boaters

A U.S. District Court Judge last fall overturned a 34 year old rule which exempted recreational boaters from having to obtain water-pollution permits required under the Clean Water Act. The permit requirement which originally only applied to large ocean going vessels must now be developed and implemented for all vessels in the United States by September 30th, 2008. The Federal Pollution Permit would be implemented to monitor and mitigate deck runoff, grey water, bilge water, engine cooling water, oil and gasoline seepage, and the use of copper bottom paints.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified the following potential environmental impacts from boating and marinas: high toxicity in the water; increased pollutant concentrations in aquatic organisms and sediments; increased erosion rates; increased nutrients, leading to an increase in algae and a decrease in oxygen (eutrophication); and high levels of pathogens.

There are already federal laws restricting the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage and sewage, however these laws are difficult to enforce and often abused. The proposed legislation does not alter any of these existing restrictions.

Many recreational boating associations are fighting the court order and Bills have been introduced in Congress which would exempt recreational boaters from EPA oversight.

It appears much of the backlash associated with this ruling is from businesses in the marine industry, who fear more obstacles will prevent growth in their industry. Anyone who has ever owned a boat knows what a money pit they can be. It is not surprising that boat owners are decrying the idea of an additional tax on their pleasure.

Power boats do negatively impact the environment regardless of the scale of effect. The waterways of the United States are not the exclusive right of boat owners but the entire population. If one group wishes to utilize this portion of our national treasure they must insure that they do not sully it for the rest of Americans. Boats are for the most part luxury items, which leave a "keel print" on our natural environment. Boat owners have a responsibility to be good stewards of the resources they utilize for their enjoyment.

Green Boating takes pride in protecting our oceans and waterways and encourages other boaters to do the same.

For more information on this ruling visit this EPA info page.

Tanker Uses Kite to Reduce Fuel Costs

While ships have used wind to power their vessels for centuries, it has long since been abandoned by commercial vessels until recently. A new tanker has been outfitted with a $725,000 computer-guided kite as an innovative auxiliary propulsion system which will offset fuel costs and allow the vessel to run more efficiently. The 160-square meter kite is expected to reduce fuel costs by up to 20 percent ($1,600 per day) and significantly cut the ship's carbon dioxide emissions as well. The 132 meter long MV "Beluga SkySails" is a joint venture between two companies; Beluga Group and Skysails.

Human Fat Used for Earthrace's Alternative Fuel

The Earthrace, the 78 foot alternative fuel powered ocean vessel aimed at breaking the world circumference record is tapping a new source of alternative energy, human fat. After a recent liposuction procedure the ship’s captain, New Zealander Pete Bethune, donated enough of his excess lard to produce 100ml of biofuel. Two other patients also donated their fat filling up the Earthrace's tank with enough fuel to travel about 15km after it is blended with a mix of 100% biodiesel.