Search results for: 2026

The MRV Regulation currently mandates the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions from large ships (5,000 gross tonnage or more) calling at EU/EEA ports, with the scope expanding to include offshore ships and general cargo ships of 400 GT and above.

The European Commission has published a report reviewing the possible extension of the MRV Regulation (2015/757) to vessels between 400 and 4,999 GT, which includes certain larger yachts.

These smaller ships represent 42% of the fleet covered by MRV but account for only 9% of CO₂ emissions. The report concludes that while expanding the scope could help improve energy efficiency, the direct environmental benefits would be limited, and administrative costs would be disproportionately high. As a result, the overall Social Net Present Value (NPV) of such an extension is negative. Specifically,

The Commission notes that more meaningful benefits could emerge if these vessels were integrated into broader climate policies such as the EU ETS or FuelEU Maritime in the future. This will be assessed further as part of the 2026 review of the EU ETS Directive.

Yachts above 400 GT, especially those used commercially, may therefore be affected by future policy changes. EBI will continue following the discussions closely and advocate for proportional and appropriate treatment of the recreational boating sector.

Find the report here.

The EU Commission has launched the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) and the Affordable Energy Action Plan (AEAP), marking a major step in the EU’s strategy to balance decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness. These initiatives aim to reduce energy costs, enhance resource efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of European industry in a rapidly evolving global market.

The CID mobilises over €100 billion to support clean manufacturing, circular economy practices, and the transition to renewable energy. The plan includes measures to lower energy costs, promote bio-based materials, and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies, directly impacting energy-intensive industries such as boatbuilding and related supply chains. A Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, also part of the package, prioritises renewable and low-carbon fuels for waterborne transport, supporting the maritime sector’s shift towards greener energy sources.

Circularity is at the core of the EU’s long-term strategy, with the Circular Economy Act planned for 2026, aiming to increase the use of recycled and bio-based materials over fossil-based ones. The Commission is also working on harmonising carbon accounting methods and improving transparency through product labelling, helping businesses and consumers better assess environmental impacts.

Key aspects to the boating industry include cross-industry benefits aimed at lowering energy prices and mobilising investment for EU-made clean manufacturing. Potential regulatory changes to align industries with the future EU 2040 climate targets may influence the revision of the Recreational Craft Directive. Developing comprehensive life-cycle assessments will support the industry. Additionally, the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan includes short-and medium-term measures to prioritise support for specific renewable and low-carbon fuels for aviation and waterborne transport.

On the same day, the Commission introduced the first Regulatory Simplification package, designed to streamline compliance requirements while maintaining sustainability objectives. This package includes adjustments to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Taxonomy Regulation, and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with changes that delay implementation timelines, simplify reporting obligations, and rescope compliance requirements to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses.

For companies in the scope of these reporting requirements, EBI asks for feedback on these proposals and how these Regulatory Simplification packages can support them best. EBI may provide feedback to the EU Commission based on feedback from businesses.

For more information on the announcement, click here.

European Boating Industry (EBI) and boot Düsseldorf proudly announce the renewal of their collaboration for an additional three years, extending their successful partnership until 2028.

This agreement ensures the continued organisation of the flagship Breakfast Meeting and Blue Innovation Dock, key events that drive innovation, foster dialogue between industry and policymakers, and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. Building on the resounding success of the Breakfast Meeting, which marked its 10th edition this year, EBI will maintain its role in shaping boot Düsseldorf’s B2B programme. These events serve as critical platforms for addressing the key issues of market hot topics, digitalisation, and sustainability providing business leaders with strategic insights and opportunities for growth.

The agreement was formalised by Marius Berlemann (COO of Messe Düsseldorf), Petros Michelidakis (Director of boot Düsseldorf), Robert Marx (President of EBI) and Philip Easthill ( Secretary-General of EBI). Their shared commitment underscores the importance of continued collaboration in shaping the future of the boating industry.

“For us, the collaboration with EBI is an important building block for expanding the B2B programme at boot Düsseldorf. This interaction gives us the perfect opportunity to attract high-profile speakers for the blue innovation dock sustainability forum. In addition, the breakfast meeting is a valuable medium for industry representatives to network internationally. I am very pleased that we will continue to have a competent partner in the EBI in the future”, explains boot Director Petros Michelidakis.

Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of EBI, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“The renewal of our agreement with boot Düsseldorf for three years is a milestone for EBI and the industry. It reflects our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leading the way in addressing tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities today. We are grateful for the support of boot Düsseldorf.”

boot Düsseldorf will continue to be a central hub for innovation and industry dialogue. The next edition will take place from 17 to 25 January 2026, with the Blue Innovation Dock stage running throughout the entire duration of the show and the Breakfast Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 20 January. These events will provide, once again, unparalleled opportunities for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to connect, exchange insights, and drive forward the sector’s most pressing topics.

Yachting Ventures and European Boating Industry (EBI) are excited to announce the expansion of their successful partnership at boot Düsseldorf 2025, with the introduction of a full ‘Startup Day’ on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. This dedicated day will provide an unparalleled platform for innovative startups to showcase their solutions to key players in the leisure marine industry.

boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest yacht and watersports exhibition, attracts more than 214,000 visitors and hosts over 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries across 16 exhibition halls. The Blue Innovation Dock (BID), a key sustainability forum launched in 2023 by EBI and boot Düsseldorf, has quickly become a focal point of the event, promoting advancements in innovation, sustainability, and ocean protection within the leisure marine sector.

Building on Previous Successes

Following the overwhelming success of pitch competitions at the Blue Innovation Dock in 2023 and 2024, Yachting Ventures and EBI are responding to industry growth by expanding the program into a full-day event. This expanded collaboration aims to offer more opportunities for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, emphasizing the growing importance of innovation and sustainability in the yachting sector.

The Blue Innovation Dock brings together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainability in boat building, propulsion systems, marina management, and marine tourism. With the full-day ‘Startup Day,’ Yachting Ventures and EBI are further committed to supporting emerging businesses and fostering cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of the industry.

Startup Day Program Highlights

The 2025 edition of ‘Startup Day’ will begin at 1:00 PM with a keynote address, followed by the highly anticipated Startup Pitch Competition from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Five startups will have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of industry experts and investors. Investors will also engage in reverse pitches, offering startups unique insights into investor priorities, helping them tailor their approach and better align with what investors seek. 

The program will conclude with a panel discussion on current investment trends and challenges. Afterward, participants can join the “Startup Happy Hour” at the BID Lounge, offering valuable networking opportunities and a prime opportunity for connecting with investors, founders and key players in the leisure marine startup ecosystem.

Call for Startups to Apply to Pitch

Yachting Ventures and EBI invite startups to apply for the pitch competition, where they will be judged on criteria including uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and sustainability impact on the leisure marine industry. 

The winning startup will be awarded a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026, providing increased exposure and brand recognition. Additional benefits include extensive media coverage through Yachting Ventures and Boot Düsseldorf’s channels.

Startups are defined as companies that have been operating commercially for less than five years and/or have an annual turnover of less than €1 million. Interested startups can apply here. The deadline to apply is the 4th December, 2024. Applications open today, Monday 4th November. Interested startups can apply here. 

As all other coastal EU countries, Belgium was obliged to prepare a detailed Maritime Spatial Plan and submit it to the EU as part of the MSP Directive. The aim is to balance and provide space for potentially competing uses of the Sea, from tourism to shipping, conservation and offshore energy. In the current version of the Belgian Maritime Spatial Plan, the use of waters around marina were as "multiuse", which resulted in being half-blocked by aquaculture and a partially restricted military shooting exclusion zone. Other obstacles might take the form of offshore energy structures. Recently, however, the Flemish Boating Federation has been lobbying on this. A consultation was now opened by the Belgian Federal Government with the proposal to include a 6nm clear zone outside the marina for recreational boating use. No new physical structures could be placed there. Many other new elements are proposed, such as three new marine nature reserve. The new plan must be approved by 2026 with the consultation open until end-August.

With thanks to EBI’s sustaining member, TransEurope Marinas and the Flemish Boating Federation for this important update. Further information on this best practice can be shared further. More information can be found in French and Dutch here.

At the BlueInvest Days 2022 in the European Commission and European Investment Fund (EIF) announced a new dedicated equity initiative for the blue economy. The initiative will mobilise an additional €500 million of EU funds for financial intermediaries investing in this sector. This will result in €1,5 billion of risk-financing available to innovative and sustainable blue economy SMEs and start-ups, via financial intermediaries. In addition, the BlueInvest initiative will continue beyond 2022 until 2026.

As part of the previous BlueInvest programme, EBI co-organised a dedicated workshop on green nautical technologies in January 2022. The full recording, covering the keynote, panel discussion and pitch session can be found on YouTube. EBI will inform members about the support available to companies in the recreational boating industry. More on the BlueInvest programme can be found here.