The Belgian EU Presidency, in collaboration with the European Commission and European Boating Industry (EBI), has convened a landmark conference at the prestigious Egmont Palace in Brussels.

This conference, which took place on Monday (18 March 2024), addressed the pressing issue of end-of-life recreational boats.

The event brought together stakeholders from across sectors, including industry representatives, policymakers, and related sectors. Among the attendees were representatives from the Belgian EU Presidency, European Commission, and EBI, who joined forces to underscore the urgency and necessity of cooperation in tackling this critical issue.

Opening speeches were given by Georges Gilkinet, Belgian deputy prime minister and minister of mobility, Delilah Al Khudhairy, director of maritime policy and blue economy at the European Commission, and Robert Marx, president of EBI. The conference highlighted the readiness of technology and the willingness of industry to collaborate in creating a robust European regulatory framework. Participants emphasised the importance of continued joint efforts between the private and public sectors to drive meaningful change.

A variety of perspectives were presented, highlighting the topic’s complexity. Research presented during the conference included a wide range of topics, such as financial and legal frameworks, technical advancements in recycling, and environmental impact assessment. It provided significant insight into the challenges related to the recycling and disposal of recreational crafts.

While the maritime industry is slowly making moves to improve sustainability agendas, the past is simultaneously catching up with it. Today, a huge wave of boats built in the 60s and 70s are reaching their natural end, and it’s an issue the industry needs to tackle fast.

Though recycling efforts, alternative materials and innovative technology are promising, establishing and expanding these methods takes significant time. Alternatively, some industry experts believe that if boats are designed to be reused, repaired or remanufactured from the beginning, the industry moves away from trickier end-of-life scenarios.

The conference recognised the role of innovation in addressing environmental challenges in the boating industry, as presented in the EU Roadmap on the implementation of the circular economy for end-of-life recreational boats. Attendees learned how ongoing research and innovation in composite materials and life cycle analysis will be vital in supporting a circular approach to boat-building and reducing its environmental footprint.

“As we move forward, it is imperative that the momentum generated by this conference translates into concrete action,” says Robert Marx, president of EBI. “The implementation of the EU Roadmap must be the key next step after the approaching EU elections. Industry is ready, the technology is ready and we now need to set up the regulatory framework to make it happen.

“We are delighted to have the support of the European Commission and Belgian Council Presidency in this endeavour.”

Main image courtesy of European Boating Industry.

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