Curvelle partners with Yacht Carbon Offset

27 June 2009

Luxury yacht builder Curvelle has appointed Yacht Carbon Offset to help it become the first superyacht builder to Carbon Offset the energy that will be used in the building and development of its motoryachts. The first Curvelle, a 33m x 9m motor catamaran, already shows considerable energy savings due to its efficient and innovative hull design, the announcement therefore underlines Curvelle’s commitment to achieving optimal environmental performance across the board.

The power used during construction of each yacht has been estimated by the Curvelle team allowing the greenhouse gas emissions from this energy use to be calculated by the specialists at Yacht Carbon Offset, and balanced by equivalent emissions reductions from independently validated green energy projects.

Following launch, the carbon emissions will be minimised both by Curvelle’s efficiency of design, and through the fractional ownership structure that maximises productive use of the vessel. Arrangements to balance the operational carbon emissions will also be developed as the scheme progresses.

Curvelle’s Director Luuk V. van Zanten said: “A major factor in selecting a catamaran design for the Curvelle 33X9 was efficiency. Over and above the huge advantages of space and stability, the twin hull configuration achieves a substantial 30% greater fuel efficiency than equivalent monohulls of similar performance. So the overall greenhouse gas emissions from our yachts during operation will be far less than the equivalent monohull design superyachts.

We have also recognised that the energy used during construction contributes to the “carbon footprint” of the yacht over its lifetime. So as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we have decided to be proactive. By Offsetting carbon emissions even before launch, we provide our owners with the satisfaction that Curvelle yachts offer unrivalled environmental performance both on the water and during construction. For us, it is a matter of leadership, and we are pleased to be working with the specialists at Yacht Carbon Offset to put this leadership into action.”

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Mark Robinson added: “To our knowledge, Curvelle’s action is the first example of Carbon Offsetting the energy used in the construction of a superyacht, - as such it is a real milestone. This decision is a practical and effective response to the growing focus on environmental performance across the superyacht industry. We are delighted to be working with Curvelle on their innovative project and to show that action on superyacht carbon emissions can begin even before the vessel enters the water.”