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            Yachting for Forests aims for more sustainability aboard superyachts
            Yachting for Forests: Sustainability Standards for Woods on Your Yacht

            March 27, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Junior SeaKeeper students learn about water sampling from superyachts
            Junior SeaKeeper Program Wants Young Ocean Ambassadors

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht company Northrop & Johnson is supporting Water.org
            Water.org Gains Support From Northrop & Johnson

            June 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
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            the yacht Yersin is for sale
            Yacht Yersin Hits Brokerage Market for New Adventurous Owners

            August 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Graceful is alleged to be among Russian-owned superyachts
            Imperial Yachts, Several Superyachts Added to U.S. Sanctions List

            June 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

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            hull of ISA Yachts' yacht Project Future, a.k.a. Gran Turismo 80
            The Future of Yacht Project Future Is Now

            November 28, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the yacht Maverick by Cantiere delle Marche
            Yacht Maverick Preparing for Multi-Year Journey Well Beyond the Med

            November 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Baglietto hull 10262 is the second T60 yacht
            Baglietto T60 Yacht Hull Two Starts on Spec

            November 22, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Perini Navi Yacht Project 605 Available for 2025 Sailing

            November 17, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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            Baltic 175 Yacht, Ex-Pink Gin, “Back Home” for Major Refit

            November 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

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            November 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
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            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
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            November 25, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

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            November 18, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Ethereal Blooms preserved flowers
            Ethereal Blooms: Keeping Flowers Vibrant for Months Onboard Superyachts

            November 15, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90 yacht bow lounge
            Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90 Yacht Opens Up, Quite Literally, New Lounging Options: Photo Gallery

            November 9, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Sunseeker Ocean 182 yacht in NYC
            Sunseeker Ocean 182 Yacht: Megayacht News Onboard

            November 1, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the dramatic staircase aboard the yacht Virtuosity
            Yacht Virtuosity Is a Perfect Party Platform: Photo Gallery

            October 25, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

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            CRN M/Y Comfortably Numb
            CRN M/Y Comfortably Numb

            November 6, 2023 By SPONSORED CONTENT

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            J'Ade is among iconic CRN superyachts
            6 Iconic CRN Superyachts From Yard’s 60-Year History

            November 7, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Marine Group Boat Works is modernizing
            Marine Group Boat Works Modernizing for More Megayacht Services

            October 11, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Bradford Marine has acquired Roscioli Yachting Center
            Bradford Marine Acquires Roscioli Yachting Center

            October 5, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

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            the master suite aboard the yacht Scintilla Maris
            Yacht Scintilla Maris Will Take You to Svalbard, Greenland, & More

            November 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the superyacht tenders of the yacht St. David
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            November 6, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the dramatic staircase aboard the yacht Virtuosity
            Yacht Virtuosity Is a Perfect Party Platform: Photo Gallery

            October 25, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

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            chartering in Costa Rica: sunsets
            Why Chartering in Costa Rica Is an Immersive Natural Experience

            August 4, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Newport is among American megayacht destinations
            American Megayacht Destinations for the Fourth of July

            July 4, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            visit Bahia De Los Angeles when cruising Baja by superyacht
            Cruising Baja by Superyacht: 5 Must-See Spots

            May 5, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Marinas News
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            Safe Harbor Marinas is developing a San Juan superyacht marina
            San Juan Superyacht Marina Opening in 2024

            November 22, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Harbour Town Yacht Basin in Hilton Head
            Harbour Town Yacht Basin Earns Clean Marina Certification

            November 11, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Antigua Yacht Club Marina in 2016
            Antigua Yacht Club Marina Devastated by Fire

            October 3, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

  • People
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            Camper & Nicholsons Corporate Services is for superyacht tax help and more
            Camper & Nicholsons Corporate Services to Help Superyacht Owners Navigate Complexities

            November 15, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Adrienne Gang is organizing culinary and interior courses for Blue Oceans Yachting
            Blue Oceans Yachting Offering Courses for Superyacht Chefs and Foodie Fans

            September 23, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Ocean Titans docu-series honors the Water Revolution Foundation
            Ocean Titans Docu-Series Honors Water Revolution Foundation: Sunday Superyacht Video

            September 3, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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            the 221-foot yacht Loon and toys; Nina Wilson is aboard as The Crew Chef
            Breakfast Is Served With The Crew Chef: Sunday Superyacht Video

            November 19, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Honours awards recipient Zoran Selakovic
            Honours Awards Fete 3 Significant Superyacht Industry Innovators

            September 30, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht industry careers are varied
            Superyacht Industry Careers Website Strives to Guide and Help Retain Crew

            September 6, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

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            Pulina Exclusive Interiors is working with ARTEP
            Pulina Exclusive Interiors Unites Realistic Sustainable Décor Solutions

            October 21, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Designers' Protocol focuses on sustainability
            Designers’ Protocol to Guide Superyacht Owners Into More Sustainable Projects

            October 7, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Vripack is upcycling with North Sails to get superyachts to help clean beaches
            Vripack Is Upcycling Sails Into Beach Cleanup Bags—and You Can Get One

            December 3, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Leadership Series
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            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

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            Dossier says Putin owns two more superyachts, including Victoria
            Vladmir Putin Owns 2 More Superyachts, Russian Critics Claim

            November 21, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Honours awards recipient Zoran Selakovic
            Honours Awards Fete 3 Significant Superyacht Industry Innovators

            September 30, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the winning bid for Alfa Nero is in question
            Winning Bid for Alfa Nero Withdrawn, Runner-Up Bidder Files Suit  

            September 11, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Giuseppe Taranto was the vice chairman of The Italian Sea Group superyacht conglomerate
            Giuseppe Taranto, The Italian Sea Group Vice Chairman, Dies

            February 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Jan-Eric Nyfelt, a co-founder of the Baltic Yachts superyacht yard, as a young sailor
            Jan-Erik Nyfelt, Baltic Yachts Co-Founder, Dies

            February 7, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

  • Events
    • Awards
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            Amos Nachoum may attend the Bal de la Mer
            Bal de la Mer Gala Marks 25th SeaKeepers Anniversary

            October 6, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Honours awards recipient Zoran Selakovic
            Honours Awards Fete 3 Significant Superyacht Industry Innovators

            September 30, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht crew awards nominations
            The Crew Awards Nominations: Seeking Superb Yachties

            April 15, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
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            the Benetti Ubiquitous is among FLIBS superyachts to see
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            October 16, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Adrienne Gang is organizing culinary and interior courses for Blue Oceans Yachting
            Blue Oceans Yachting Offering Courses for Superyacht Chefs and Foodie Fans

            September 23, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the annual Monaco Superyacht Finance Forum is in Monte-Carlo
            Annual Monaco Superyacht Finance Forum Approaching

            September 16, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

    • Fundraisers
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            Amos Nachoum may attend the Bal de la Mer
            Bal de la Mer Gala Marks 25th SeaKeepers Anniversary

            October 6, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht companies support the London to Monaco cycle ride
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            September 3, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            IGY Marinas Miami Grand Prix packages include superyacht dockage and race tickets
            IGY Marinas Miami Grand Prix Packages Available

            April 11, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 Set to Kickstart the Summer

            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • The Superyacht Cup
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            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is the 27th year of the race
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            January 29, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
            Superyacht Cup Palma to Celebrate 25th Anniversary, With Changes

            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            Beyond the Surface With Superyacht Submersibles: Safe Deep-Sea Adventures Await

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            Nicole Haboush of TJB Super Yachts creates luxury yacht charter experiences
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    • Yacht Videos
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  • About
Home / People / Consultants / Megayacht News Leadership Series: Mark Robinson, Yacht Carbon Offset
Mark Robinson of Yacht Carbon Offset
PHOTO: Pamela Jones

Megayacht News Leadership Series: Mark Robinson, Yacht Carbon Offset

November 13, 2011 By: Diane M. Byrne

For the past four years, Yacht Carbon Offset has provided environmentally minded megayacht owners and crews the ability to balance greenhouse gas emissions by contributing to eco-focused projects around the world. Mark Robinson, the founder of Yacht Carbon Offset, as well as independent firms verify the operations do indeed focus on preserving the environment. These are among the reasons why Yacht Carbon Offset received the International Superyacht Society’s new Fabien Cousteau Blue Award last month.

In this Megayacht News Leadership Series interview, Robinson explains why he founded the organization, plus how it operates. Equally important, he explains how megayacht managers, owners, crew, and charterers alike can feel confident that carbon offsetting through Yacht Carbon Offset is a benefit.

 

Q: What inspired you to create Yacht Carbon Offset?

A: Carbon offsetting—balancing your greenhouse gas emissions with equivalent emissions reductions from approved projects—is an established environmental strategy in many sectors, from transport to hotels and leisure to financial services. Sometimes it is adopted as a matter of principle or part of a corporate social responsibility program, sometimes as part of a customer proposition. But in 2007 it was rare in yachting.

Working as a  financial analyst in the utilities and energy industry, I was familiar with the impact carbon funding has on renewable power projects, and with carbon offsetting as a source of this funding. A family member has been a professional in the yachting industry for over 20 years, so I had followed the evolution of superyachts as an interested observer. The inspiration for Yacht Carbon Offset was simply a conversation combining these two—questioning what a superyacht owner would require to begin a carbon-offset policy. I realized that the requirements of this rather special group of clients were not fully met by “mainstream” carbon offset providers, and that this represented a new business opportunity. 

It has been, and still is, a fascinating journey, and I’ve met many friends. The fact that so many yachts have chosen to participate in this entirely discretionary service despite very tough economic conditions proves that many owners and charterers do wish to balance their carbon footprint. 

 

Q: How do you choose the projects you support? 

A: We begin from our clients’ requirement for the highest levels of quality. Specifically, we need to be sure about three aspects of each project before we select it. Firstly, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions must be properly quantified using an approved methodology.  Secondly, the project must have clearly demonstrated “additionality”—that it could only proceed as a direct result of the carbon funding. Finally, the emissions reductions over the project’s operating period must be properly monitored and audited so that the correct number of carbon credits are issued to an approved registry. 

In addition to these fundamentals, I personally evaluate the documentation for each project so that I am satisfied that our quality requirements are met, and I also take into consideration a mix of green-energy technologies and geographic location.

We do rely on third parties to audit the projects themselves. This is a key part of the independent verification process that enables high-quality carbon credits to be sold by the project owner. For example, our recent projects have been approved by Det Norske Veritas, SGS, and First Environment. The approved audit organizations in each country have local experts that visit each plant. They review the output data, the monitoring equipment, and documentary records to validate the carbon savings that have been achieved. In our judgment, this is the correct approach. We could not carry out this task ourselves with the same degree of rigor or local knowledge. 

 

Q: A few programs offer carbon credits, but some consumers remain skeptical about where the money goes. Can you give two or three examples of specific projects Yacht Carbon Offset supports?

A: It is important to be discerning when selecting a carbon-offset provider. We follow three principles. First, we list all the projects supported by the offset program on our website—for example, a wastewater treatment and biogas recovery plant in Thailand, a small run-of-river hydro-electric power station in Brazil, and a geothermal electricity generation plant in Guatemala. Secondly, we have an external audit across our entire service-delivery process in order to maintain our Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification—and captains and yacht managers will know that this is a serious undertaking. Thirdly, we identify which fuel or energy quantities been offset as part of a yacht’s environmental-management procedures, so that the scope of the owner’s action is clear.

Q: How does Yacht Carbon Offset work with yachts to determine their carbon emissions? Related to this, how does your company determine an equivalent offset?

A: Yachts need a flexible approach. Sometimes a charter broker needs to offset the fuel requirement for a fortnight’s cruise by a celebrity or eco-conscious family. Other times, a captain or yacht manager will want to present a carbon-offset program for the year during the budget discussions. Some of our clients administer their offset program in parallel with each fuel delivery.

We keep it simple. The process starts by the customer telling us how much fuel is to be included in their offset. We respond with a quotation for approval. The beauty of basing our methodology on the quantity and type of marine fuel is that we can respond to this with a pay-as-you-go service, offsetting any amount of fuel, large or small, for any type of yacht, commercial or private. This also helps when a rapid turn-around is required (e.g. for a charter), since there is no need to visit the yacht. I’m keen to beat our current record of 40 minutes to complete a carbon offset following first contact from the captain—and that includes waiting for payment!

The calculation of the greenhouse gas emissions (in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) follows a detailed procedure based on the fuel properties and emission factors. Where the yacht wishes to include the emissions related to shore-power supplies, then we also need to know where the power was taken, since the generation mix in each country is different. Then, to achieve the offset, we balance the yacht’s emissions ton for ton, with emissions savings achieved by the carbon-saving projects. We do this by buying and retiring the required number of carbon credits from our selected projects. These retirements are recorded through the international carbon-trading registries and are regularly reviewed as part of our Lloyds Register Quality Assurance audits.

 

Q: Do you provide any type of certification or other documentation to the yachts—or even documents that charter clients of participating yachts can review?

A: Yacht Carbon Offset issues a unique, auditable certificate for each transaction, detailing the fuel or other energy that has been included in the offset, and identifying the vessel, including the IMO number if available. The certificate can then be further customized with a caption and supporting comment. In other words, the certificate can be made out to the vessel itself, or to a named charter client for their holiday in St Barth’s, or it can be presented as a gift from the captain to a favored guest; the customer is free to choose. We are always happy to provide any additional documentation required by the yacht—for example, details of individual projects, brochures in various languages, or briefing notes to help explain the service to those onboard.

Looking ahead, as more and more destinations become sensitive to environmental performance of visiting yachts, proper evidence of operational practices will become ever more important. In the meantime, it is also helpful to have an external signal of environmental leadership, which is why we invite our customers to fly a flag (pictured above), which has been seen from Fort Lauderdale to the Maldives, from Newport to the UAE.

Related posts

Megayacht Quid Pro Quo Selects Yacht Carbon Offset to Reduce Carbon Footprint superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiativeYacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project Megayacht News Leadership Series: Mark Fry, International Yacht Training Worldwide

Categories: Consultants, Leadership Series, PeopleTags: Yacht Carbon Offset

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  1. Anne Renaud

    February 3, 2012 at 12:25 am

    This is an idea whose time has come. More blue, above and below, as far as the eye can see, will be the reward for our concerted efforts. May this flag be flown.

    Reply

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