# 2 Decarbonization and Carbon Markets
Most boaters are unaware of the pollution generated by their boats. In the Mediterranean, 90% are over twenty years old and some pollute as much as 37 diesel cars. An alarming observation as the IPCC reminds us that if nothing is done, it will be a dead sea by 2050. However, concrete experiments are emerging to decarbonize boating.
When the engineers from AtmoSud – the association responsible for air quality in Marseille and the region – presented the impact analysis of his wooden boat built in the 1960s, Paul Paret was taken aback. “I pollute as much as five cars. We feel like we are eco-friendly on our wooden boats, but in fact, our old diesel engines release dirt into the air and water. I can't believe it at this level!”
Alexandre Michel-Flandin also accepted the series of tests for his 9-meter motorboat equipped with two diesel engines. He is even more stunned: “We were smoking quite a bit, so we suspected we were polluting. But not the equivalent of 37 diesel cars. It’s totally crazy!”
This is even more surprising since the tested boats are moored at the Old Port of Marseille and thus in the heart of its Low Emission Zone (LEZ). A perimeter where the circulation of motor vehicles is subject to strict environmental standards, via Crit’Air stickers. With fines ranging from 68 to 135 euros. It is difficult to exclude the 3200 pleasure boats docked at the Old Port from this regulation aimed at reducing air pollution.
Boating is becoming aware of the issues
The president of the Federation of Nautical Societies of Bouches-du-Rhône (FSN13) is aware of the devastating effect of these tests. “When you are a boater, you love the sea. Generally, we defend and protect what we love,” explains Michel Lamberti. He acknowledges, however, the need to engage in a much more virtuous new cycle. “We all need to get involved, starting with port managers who must provide concrete solutions to these environmental issues. These solutions must be co-constructed with us boaters, so that they are viable and financially sustainable.” Stéphane Kazarian, president of the Marseille Nautical Society, Welcome, Culture and Tradition (MACT), has already set up an environmental commission, involving port pilots and boaters.
“We will test new types of underwater paints. We are also welcoming boats that have switched to fully electric or are trying hybridization. We simply hope that all the efforts we are making will be worthwhile. That the maritime authorities, the French government, but also those of other countries around the Mediterranean, will follow suit.”
Solutions exist
An essential point reassures boaters: unlike cars in terms of CO2 emissions, it is more eco-responsible to refurbish the existing fleet than to renew it. Especially since the environmental issue is located in the ports and the coastal strip, where marine fauna and flora regenerate in the Mediterranean. Therefore, we need to find ways to navigate using clean energy over relatively short distances.
Engine manufacturers have been looking into this high-potential market for a few years now. Synapseo, a Breton company, has developed water-cooled electric motors specifically for boats. For Vincent Bedu, who runs it, the challenge is to convince boaters who need to replace an outdated engine. “The electric motor with a battery set capable of ensuring autonomy is perfectly suited for small boats or sailboats. The package costs around 15,000 euros, which is the same price as its diesel equivalent.”
At the Old Port, the first boats operating on electricity are making their appearance. Capitaine Coco, a boat from 1969, serves as a demonstration vessel. Fanny Havas, its captain, is enthusiastic: “We offer tourist experiences at sea, but focused on ecology. There is no more noise pollution. When we arrive in a cove, we no longer disturb the wildlife. And indeed, we discover a different world!”
Another solution developed by engineers is hybridization. The idea is to couple an electric motor with a traditional engine. Jean-Pascal Plumier, the founder of OZO, a company originally specialized in electric bikes and batteries, is now tackling the new market represented by boating. “We have developed kits for less than 2000 euros. They are more than sufficient for navigating in sensitive areas.”
The alternative of biofuels
For larger vessels, especially if they are equipped with two outboard motors, the only current solution to reduce environmental impact is biofuel. Ethanol significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions (-77%) and fine particle emissions (up to -90%) from gasoline marine engines. Conversion kits and boxes for super ethanol E85 have been developed by Ethabox as part of the decarbonization of motorboating. “Using E85 fuel allows for a reduction in CO2, NOx, and fine particle emissions by up to 99%,” assures Benoît de Cuverville, its president. He is now fighting for pumps offering E85 fuel to be installed in marinas, which is not yet the case.
Aware of the challenges ahead, Cyprien Fonvielle launched Neede Mediterranean four years ago. “There is a real environmental awareness,” assures the general director of the association. “For regulations to evolve, public authorities and responsible politicians also need solutions to come from the ground up. It’s a way for them to ensure that there is strong support and a dynamic. They especially see that field operators are often ready to go further. To push for a regulatory evolution much stronger than what they would be willing to implement themselves!”
Cover photo: One of the boats at the Old Port equipped with an electric motor ©OM