On the 18th of March 2024, in Brussels, Belgium, the industry is invited to join the EU Dialogue on End-of-Life Recreational Craft. This event addresses the pressing issues surrounding the dismantling, disposal, and waste management of end-of-life recreational craft. As these vessels potentially pose significant environmental threats and risk sustainable coastal tourism, it's crucial to adopt a cohesive EU approach in line with the Circular Economy Action Plan and the European Green Deal.

The event aims to bring together European stakeholders and policymakers to lay the foundation for a sustainable and circular future for end-of-life recreational craft. Highlights of the event include presentations on Belgian legal study results, ongoing measures, roadmaps, and potential solutions, as well as panel discussions addressing challenges and solutions for end-of-life boat disposal and management. Interactive sessions will encourage engagement and collaboration among participants.

This event welcomes industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in contributing to shaping a sustainable future for end-of-life recreational craft. Register now to secure your participation in this important dialogue on the 18th of March 2024 in Brussels.

Find the agenda and registration here.

A new catalogue developed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is now available on the EBI website. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a leading organisation in sustainable forestry, used globally by NGOs, businesses, and consumers.

The guidance highlights lesser-known tropical timber species suitable for the yachting industry.  It is dedicated to protecting healthy forests for the benefit of present and future generations. FSC operates a forest certification system, aiming to ensure that forests are responsibly managed. The FSC certification label can be found on millions of products worldwide.

This catalogue aims to support the yachting industry in its transition towards more environmentally responsible practices by offering a diverse range of sustainable timber options. The catalogue provides valuable insights into the benefits of using alternative tropical woods, empowering designers and product developers to make informed choices that align with sustainability goals.

For more information and to access the catalogue, visit our website.

EBI welcomes the European Commission's recognition of the strategic importance of the recreational boating industry in the EU Transition Pathway for Mobility Ecosystem. The transition pathway is the Commission’s strategic plan guiding industrial ecosystems toward a green, digital, and resilient European economy. It addresses infrastructure, investments, regulations, research, innovation, skills, and sustainability.  The pathway, a result of extensive collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers, emphasises crucial challenges in the sector's green and digital transition. It specifically addresses alternative fuels provision, end-of-life boat recycling, and the adoption of a comprehensive life cycle approach, among other issues.

EBI recently participated in a Roundtable event focused on the implementation of the recommendations. The event, attended by key stakeholders, underscored the collaborative effort towards a greener and digitally advanced European mobility ecosystem. Highlighting the significance of the recreational boating industry, EBI emphasised to the European Commission and other stakeholders its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The Transition Pathway for Mobility report recognises EBI's efforts, particularly in implementing circular economy practices for end-of-life recreational boats.

As part of the ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation, EBI is actively engaged in the EU Transition Pathways applying to the industry, in particular those for tourism and mobility. In a recent progress report, EBI's initiatives were showcased as exemplary practices within the tourism sector, contributing to the overarching goals of the EU Green Deal  objectives. These pathways offer valuable frameworks for advancing environmental responsibility and resilience across Europe's diverse industries, including boating and tourism.

Industry associations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as EBI support the efforts to decarbonise recreational boating on Lake Constance. The aim of the International Lake Constance Conference is climate-neutral boating by 2040. In a very constructive, virtual exchange with the Bavarian State Minister for European Affairs and International Affairs, Eric Beißwenger MdL (Member of State Parliament), a close cooperation towards the decarbonisation goal was agreed.

The associations will now be integrated into the work of the International Lake Constance Conference (regulatory body for the lake) with the aim of working together on the steps towards effective decarbonisation. Important topics for the industry are the establishment of the necessary infrastructure, an open technology mix, realistic periods for converting the existing fleet, effective funding programs, and close coordination with EU legislation.

At the meeting of the heads of government of the Lake Constance Conference member countries in December 2023, the goal was set to implement climate-neutral boating and maritime transport on Lake Constance by 2040. This took place under the Chairmanship of the Free State of Bavaria in 2023 led by State Minister Eric Beißwenger MdL. In 2024, the Swiss canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden and its Executive President Roland Inauen took over the chairmanship.

On behalf of the industry, the Boating Industry Working Group of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the Swiss Boat Builders Association, the German Marine Federation and European Boating Industry as the European umbrella organisation took part in the event. Minister of State Eric Beißwenger welcomed the industry's interest in actively participating and establishing Lake Constance as a Europe-wide model region. The associations are united in their approach to supporting decarbonisation and jointly developing opportunities for the industry through innovation and growth.

EBI welcomes The foiling organisation as a sustaining member of the association. This marks an exciting development for both our association and the broader boating community. The Foiling Organization brings with it a wealth of expertise and innovation in the realm of foiling technology, contributing to our collective mission of advancing sustainability and innovation within the boating sector.

Foiling technology represents a cutting-edge approach to sailing and boating, offering increased speed, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

For further information, check their website.

The European Commission published its strategy and targets to achieve decarbonisation to achieve the 2050 climate neutrality target. Following the 55% reduction target for 2030, an intermediate target for 2040 is seen as necessary.

In the publication of this target, the Commission  sets an ambitious milestone in environmental policy. The assessment, aiming for a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, underscores the urgency required to combat climate change effectively.

The Commission's recommendations primarily focuses on broader targets and policy frameworks, but also has implications for specific sectors, including the boating industry. Although there are no specific targets outlined for the boating sector, the 2040 target will likely influence future revisions of regulations such as the Recreational Craft Directive. Moreover, the emphasis on advanced biofuels and e-fuels in transportation sectors suggests potential shifts in decarbonisation strategies for maritime industries. Looking ahead, these recommendations serve as a foundation for discussions and actions at both European and industry levels.

EBI will stay engaged and participate in discussions surrounding these recommendations, ensuring that the industry plays a proactive role in shaping a sustainable future.

Two significant stakeholder position papers were released by the European Blue Forum. This is an initiative by the European Commission to bring together all maritime stakeholders and get them to agree on common objectives and actions at EU level. The goal is to create agreement, synergies, and solutions towards a shared vision by convening to debate common issues and priorities over the medium term.

The European Blue Forum developed, with EBI input, two position papers. The first one looks at the measures necessary to achieve a fossil-free blue economy and specifically mentions recreational boating as in need at of reducing CO2 emissions. The second position paper looks at the space at sea and the demands that European sea space is being put under as a result of the green transition and an expanding blue economy.

The position papers will now be handed to the next European Commission as inspiration for new actions. EBI will continue to be involved in the process.  Read the full position papers here.

In a very constructive, virtual exchange with the Bavarian State Minister for European Affairs and International Affairs, Eric Beißwenger MdL, close cooperation towards the decarbonisation goal was agreed.

The associations will now be integrated into the work of the International Lake Constance Conference (regulatory body for the lake) with the aim of working together on the steps towards effective decarbonisation. Important topics for the industry are the establishment of the necessary infrastructure, an open technology mix, realistic periods for converting the existing fleet, effective funding programs, and close coordination with EU legislation.

At the meeting of the heads of government of the Lake Constance Conference member countries in December 2023, the goal was set to implement climate-neutral boating and maritime transport on Lake Constance by 2040. This took place under the Chairmanship of the Free State of Bavaria in 2023 led by State Minister Eric Beißwenger MdL. In 2024, the Swiss canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden and its Executive President Roland Inauen took over the chairmanship.

On behalf of the industry, the Boating Industry Working Group of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the Swiss Boat Builders Association, the German Marine Federation and European Boating Industry as the European umbrella organisation took part in the event. Minister of State Eric Beißwenger welcomed the industry's interest in actively participating and establishing Lake Constance as a Europe-wide model region. The associations are united in their approach to supporting decarbonisation and jointly developing opportunities for the industry through innovation and growth.

The Foiling Organization was approved as new sustaining member of European Boating Industry (EBI). It is a newly established association encompassing foiling-related industries and professionals, such as boat yards, component manufacturers, designers and research facilities.

With foiling being one of the key trends in the boating industry, originally stemming from competitive sailing racing, it has the potential to be one of the elements that can support innovation and sustainability across the industry. It already featured as a topic of discussion at the recent EBI-organised Blue Innovation Dock at boot Düsseldorf.

On the new membership, EBI President Robert Marx commented “As President of EBI, I warmly welcome The Foiling Organization as our newest sustaining  member. Together, we have the power to drive positive change, ensuring a thriving future for the European boating industry."

Luca Rizzotti, President of The Foiling Organization said: “We are thrilled to announce our membership as a sustaining member of the European Boating Industry Association (EBI). The Foiling Organization is experiencing rapid growth, and aligning ourselves with this continental group dedicated to the boating industry is a significant step forward. We believe that our collaboration with EBI will play a crucial role in propelling foiling into the mainstream.”