This year’s IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards, held in association with Raymarine, will feature a greater range of categories focused on environmental impact reduction
The Boat Builder Awards focuses on three critical priorities for the boat construction industry and its supply chain: people, innovation, and sustainability. The latter has been a growing element of the awards since their inception 10 years ago.
For 2024 the Eco-focused Launch category has been separated into two sections, with entries available for boats under and over 10m length overall. That decision to expand is driven by how the whole marine sector is responding to the need for cleaner boating with a much great variety of solutions arriving in the marketplace.
Greener boat model launches have been most obviously identifiable among smaller craft until recent times. However, that is changing, accelerated by rapid development of new materials, equipment, propulsion systems and hotel load solutions across the fleet, from mainstream boats to superyachts.
The publication of ICOMIA’s Propelling our Future report also provides research-backed indicators of how builders can drive authentic environmental impact reduction dependent upon the intended use of a boat. This evidence-based document will open more avenues for objectively judging any entrant’s sustainable credentials.
Ed Slack, IBI editorial director and chair of the Boat Builder Awards judges, explains: “It can be tough to compare the merits of a small launch or sailboat built of sustainable materials powered by fully electric propulsion versus larger yachts operating well away from base with more complex design, construction, and operational demands. The pace of change now is apparent with the industry releasing bolder and better solutions month-by-month. It is the right time to bring greater attention to this area by rewarding the best eco-focused launches in both the small and larger yacht sectors. The Boat Builder Awards team looks forward to receiving our strongest yet field of entries.”
The two Eco-focused Launch categories join the existing Sustainability Project of the Year Award, sponsored this year by ePropulsion. This highlights boat builders and shipyards that have made changes to improve their business or production processes that resulted in objectively measurable reductions in environmental impact at point of manufacture or through a boat’s full lifecycle. Recent winners have highlighted the great strides being made in carbon reduction, resource efficiency and recyclable materials among other industry priorities.
Nominations now open
The Boat Builder Awards is free to enter. You can nominate on your behalf or send in entries for companies or people you think deserve recognition. Nominations are via a simple-to-use online form and open now until 27 September 2024. Businesses are encouraged to submit their nominations as soon as possible to ensure judges have maximum time to evaluate entries.
Full details of the 11 award categories and how to nominate are available at www.ibinews.com/bba2024/enter-now.
The best dinner date in Amsterdam
Wednesday 20 November is the date to save for the 2024 Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, jointly run by IBI and METSTRADE, in association with Raymarine. This fine celebration of achievement will be held in the historic and atmospheric environment of Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum, surrounded by the maritime heritage of centuries while highlighting the best of the future.
Tickets are on sale now – visit www.ibinews.com/bba2024 to ensure your reservation for a night to remember.
