Monaco Yacht Show: Classification societies form new consortium for safety and sustainability
A group of leading global classification societies — Lloyd’s Register (LR), RINA, DNV, Bureau Veritas (BV), and ABS — has announced the formation of the Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium (YSEC) at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024. The consortium aims to enhance safety and environmental standards within the yacht industry, with a focus on yachts over 24 metres in length.
The YSEC will work to provide guidance on industry best practices, address challenges in yacht design and operation, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Given that yachts are not covered under the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) like other vessels, this consortium aims to fill a vital role in supporting the sector’s development.
“LR is proud to work with our class peers to establish the Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium,” says Engel-Jan de Boer, global yacht segment director at Lloyd’s Register, following a press event at the Monaco Yacht Show. “The collaboration is a shared vision that will enable the industry to address safety and environmental challenges more effectively. By working together, we can set new benchmarks and ensure best practice across the industry.”
Fiorenzo Spadoni, north Europe marine senior director at RINA, emphasised the importance of collaboration: “The establishment of the YSEC marks a pivotal milestone for the superyacht industry,” he says. “Promoting safety at sea and protecting the environment are at the heart of our daily operations. These must not be areas of potential misalignment among key stakeholders. A collaborative approach, where the sum is greater than the individual contributions, is the way forward. We are proud to be part of the initial group that has championed the inception of this consortium and remain optimistic about the future of the industry.”
The consortium will focus on promoting safety and sustainability across the sector, utilising the collective expertise of its members. Martin Richter, ship type expert yachts at DNV Maritime, highlights the value of a unified approach: “Collaborating on initiatives that promote safety and protect the environment is crucial to achieving the highest industry standards,” he says. “We are pleased to contribute our expertise as one of the founding members of the YSEC. We believe that a unified approach is essential for providing greater clarity and consistency within the yachting industry.”
As one of the founding members, ABS has also played a significant role in bringing the consortium to life. “We have been working on this project for more than a year, so it is great to see it launched and begin its important work,” says Daniele Bottino, ABS manager of regional business development. “By collaborating with specialists from across the industry we can work together to develop innovative and practical solutions to yachts’ sustainability challenges with a focus on advancing safety.”
The YSEC will appoint a rotating chair and vice chair from its member organisations, each serving a two-year term. The consortium is already working on key initiatives, including environmental indices, tonnage calculations, and load line assignments, aimed at fostering further industry-wide collaboration.
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