No greenwashing here, says Expedition Zero co-founder, Andrew Cowen
Expedition Zero (EZ) plans to build the world’s first fleet of net zero adventure sailing yachts specifically built for commercial adventure sailing and adventure tourism.
Spearheaded by former Unilever global board member Andrew Cowen and professional sailor Jim Dobie, Expedition Zero plans to upcycle abandoned yachts using innovative, low-impact, fully recyclable materials for hulls and interiors, replacing synthetic fibres like fibreglass. The yachts are being constructed from a new mineral fibre material, which EZ claims is fully recyclable, extremely strong and lightweight, and the vessels will be fossil fuel free when in operation.
Launched in January 2024, Expedition Zero has had an exciting first year and in November 2024, the team welcomed Andy Hindley to its advisory board as a new technical advisor. Hindley’s career includes roles as COO of the America’s Cup, CFO of Ben Ainslie Racing, and race director for the Volvo Ocean Race. His wealth of strategic knowledge and industry experience is expected to play a vital role in driving Expedition Zero’s vision to create fully recyclable, fossil fuel-free adventure sailing yachts.
Discussing his decision to work with the company, Hindley tells MIN: “I joined Expedition Zero because of the company’s groundbreaking vision and the opportunity to be part of something truly transformative for the marine industry.”
A year in to the project, Expedition Zero co-founder and CEO, Cowen, chats to MIN about the journey so far.
Bring us up to date – where is the project?
AC: “Since the launch of Expedition Zero, we have made significant progress towards our mission of revolutionising adventure sailing with net-zero, fully recyclable yachts. The first vessel is on track to launch in 2025, with an exciting proving voyage planned through the Northwest Passage. Our team is working hard to perfect the design and technology that will make this yacht the world’s most environmentally friendly adventure sailing vessel, perfectly equipped for commercial ocean adventures.
“EZ’s objective is a gamechanging 90 per cent reduction in the environmental footprint of a yacht versus a similar 70ft expedition sailing vessel over the full lifespan of that yacht – in build, operation and end of life.”
Where is the first Expedition Zero yacht being built?
AC: “The first Expedition Zero yacht is being built in collaboration with Innovation Yachts at their state-of-the-art facility in France. Innovation Yachts is the perfect partner for us, selected for their expertise in yacht construction, sustainability practices and experience of building yachts in mineral fibre.
“The design phase has taken most of 2024, and we are currently ready to enter the actual construction phase. We anticipate that the vessel will be ready for testing and sea trials towards the end of 2025.”
What measurement methodology are you putting together to benchmark sustainability?
AC: “We’ve carefully vetted our suppliers to ensure they meet our strict environmental standards. From sustainable materials for yacht construction to fossil-free energy sources, each supplier must demonstrate a clear commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and contribution to a circular economy. We are working with Marineshift360, which will independently audit the entire production process, ensuring we hit the ambitious sustainability targets we set and create a genuine step change in the design and operational footprint of the yachts.”
What has been the most challenging part of the build?
AC: “The most challenging aspect has been integrating the latest renewable energy technologies with the yacht’s mission profiles. The yacht will be used commercially in some of the most isolated and extreme environments. Keeping crew safe is the priority, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable yachting and doing this in a way that will reduce costs for the operator, is a real balance of technical innovation with durability and efficiency which has required extensive research, testing and consideration.”
How have you raised investment so far?
AC: “We’ve raised initial funding through a combination of strategic investors, partners and supporters who share our vision of sustainable marine exploration. The seed funding round attracted interest from investors passionate about sustainability, cutting-edge technology and the future of yachting. We still have opportunities for passionate sailors interested in building a better future for ocean tourism to invest and be part of our vision.”
What will coming to market look like?
AC: “Once the first yacht is completed and tested, we will begin a phased market launch. The first Expedition Zero yacht will be leased to Wavysail, our UK adventure sailing company. Wavysail will undertake a series of incredible adventures with it, including an attempt at the Northwest Passage. The marine industry’s response to our launch has been phenomenal, affirming our belief that it’s possible to combine high-adventure sailing with low environmental impact.
“There’s no better proving ground for our first yacht than the fabled Northwest Passage — a pristine environment that demands respect and minimal impact from those who traverse it.
“As we expand, the fleet will be available for lease to other commercial operators and adventure sailing companies around the world. We’ll also continue to attract new investors and partners to accelerate the build-out of our fleet.”
Which technologies will be put to the test on the Expedition Zero yachts?
AC: “We are thrilled to partner with several leading technology companies in the renewable energy, propulsion and marine industries. The first yacht is an upcycled vessel, which was previously abandoned. We’re rebuilding her using natural and recyclable mineral fibre for the whole interior coupled to an advanced electric propulsion system, solar energy solutions, and hydropower technologies, all of which are integral to our mission of reducing the environmental impact of sailing.”
What is your growth strategy?
AC: “We have ambitious plans to scale the fleet and a lot more innovation in the pipeline which I can’t share currently – suffice to say that building the world’s most sustainable sailing yacht is only the start of our plans to revolutionise offshore adventure sailing. The build of the first yachts will take place at Innovation Yachts, and we anticipate expanding production capabilities in the future with their support, potentially adding new locations as we scale.”
The post No greenwashing here, says Expedition Zero co-founder, Andrew Cowen appeared first on Marine Industry News.
