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The UN Ocean Conference 2025: 15 Real Outcomes
The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-organised by France and Costa Rica, was held in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. It aimed to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14): to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”
The conference’s outcome, known as the Nice Ocean Action Plan, is a two-part framework made up of a political declaration and over 800 voluntary commitments by governments, scientists, UN agencies, and civil society since the second UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon in 2022.
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference focused on three main priorities:
- Priority 1: Completing multilateral processes linked to the ocean
- Priority 2: Mobilising finance for SDG14 and supporting a sustainable blue economy
- Priority 3: Improving access to marine science to enhance policy-making
With seminars, roundtables and over 450 side events, the conference welcomed around 15,000 delegates from more than 120 countries, including 2,000 scientists, 60 world leaders, 190 ministers and 100,000 visitors. Rising sea levels, bottom trawling, marine protected areas, blue economy investment, maritime transport, ocean science, and plastic pollution – these issues are no longer distant warnings.
The United States, whose recent push to fast-track deep-sea mining in international waters sparked global backlash, was noticeably absent with official represenation. France’s special envoy, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, stated: “One country may be missing. But 92% of the ‘co-owners’ were present today in Nice.”
I went to UNOC3 with my youngest son to engage with ocean literacy projects and learn more about the people, groups, and policies fighting for stronger ocean protection.
Youth perspectives play a key role in future ocean health and preservation.
Stronger Support for the High Seas Treaty
One of the biggest outcomes: the High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ agreement, moved closer to enforcement. Nineteen countries ratified the treaty during UNOC3, bringing the total to 50. Just 10 more are needed for it to come into force. It will become legally binding 120 days after the 60th ratification is submitted to the UN.
Countries depositing their ratifications during UNOC3: Albania, Bahamas, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Fiji, Ivory Coast, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Liberia, Malta, Mauritania, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Countries that signed the High Seas Treaty during UNOC3: Andorra, Armenia, Burundi, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Montenegro, Niue, North Macedonia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Yemen.
This long-awaited pact aims to protect marine life in two-thirds of the ocean that fall beyond national jurisdiction. Several countries committed to ratifying the treaty by September, which means it could come into effect as soon as January 2026.
UN Ocean Conference 2025, Nice
15 Takeaways from the UN Ocean Conference
1. More Countries Confirmed High Seas Treaty Support
There was great progress toward enforcement with more nations ratifying and signing the pact during UNOC3.
2. More Funding for Coral Reefs
A coalition of government and philanthropic partners pledged over US$25 million in new contributions to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). Coral reefs are vital to biodiversity, coastal protection, and the communities that depend on them.
One of the outcomes from the UN Ocean Conference was more funding for coral reefs
3. New MPA Support Group Launched
The “Friends of Marine Protected Areas” was launched – a new political initiative dedicated to boosting global momentum toward protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. This group of like-minded Ocean Champions, currently comprising Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, France, Greece, Senegal, and Seychelles will track progress and keep pressure on leaders.
4. Over 20 New Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Announced
A study by National Geographic Pristine Seas and Dynamic Planet found that in order to meet the global target of 30×30, 85 new marine protected areas would need to be created daily.
French Polynesia announced the largest marine protected area in the world. It will cover 5 million square kilometres, the nation’s entire exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and will restrict activities such as bottom trawling and deep-sea mining. One-fifth will be designated a highly or fully protected area, where only traditional Tahitian boats, ecotourism and scientific exploration are allowed.
Pacific nations came out in force with strong voices at UN Ocean Conference 2025
Other MPA zones announced during UNOC3 included Greece, Samoa declaring nine new marine parks, Spain, and South America.
5. Mixed Messages on Bottom Trawling
Mixed outcomes for this : French NGOs said France’s stance lacked substance, while the UK pledged to ban bottom trawling in 41 MPAs, covering 30,000 square kilometres.
6. Ocean Literacy in Focus
My son and I loved La Baleine (The Whale), an incredible, immersive exhibition hall split into 15 pavilions covering everything from coral reefs to polar research to biodiversity. The zone was buzzing with lots of educational and interactive exhibits and talks. UNESCO and other organisations showcased their efforts to roll out new tools and educational lessons for educators, schools and media.
Lots of interactive and educational workshops and activities at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
At the “Beyond Borders: Ocean Futures” pavilion, the SEA BEYOND Ideas Box came to Nice – an educational program by Prada Group and UNESCO-IOC created by Bibliothèques Sans Frontières. The Ideas Box is a mobile multimedia centre that works to enable access to information and cultural resources for children and young people in vulnerable communities. The initiative is equipped with books, games, tablets, VR headsets, and educational content focused on ocean knowledge and sustainability.
The project talked about the SEA BEYOND Ocean Literacy Centre that opened in Venice and their partnership with Coral Gardeners. Daily at the UNESCO pavilion, kids could design their own artwork and discover marine creatures through a VR experience. For this activity, SEA BEYOND collaborated with the fantastic Satellite Crayon Project by SKY Perfect JSAT, showcasing its “Crayons of the Sea” range. The colours in the crayon set are original shades created to accurately reproduce the colours of the world’s oceans as seen from space, and therefore, none of the colours have names. Instead, the crayons only list the latitude and longitude of the locations from which the colours were derived – how cool is that!
Another example was “Ocean Heroes”, a new educational game developed by UNESCO-IOC, Minecraft Education, and the Voice of the Ocean Foundation. Through immersive gameplay, players take on virtual marine missions tackling real-world issues like coral reef loss and plastic pollution. The game’s objectives are to build ocean literacy, critical thinking, and youth engagement.
7. Shipping Sector Engaged
Stakeholders urged more action on control and management of biofouling, discharges such as grey water and vessel design. Thirty seven countries joined the “High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean” during UNOC3, signalling growing recognition of the need to address underwater radiated noise (URN).
Lloyds’ Register released its “Shipping Biodiversity Report” during UNOC3 recommending a number of practical strategies and solutions for greener shipping. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) highlighted the work being done in the maritime sector to combat marine litter, protect biodiversity from invasive aquatic species introduced by ships, tackle underwater noise pollution and decarbonise the maritime sector.
8. Funding the Blue Economy
EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced €1 billion for 50 global ocean projects, with a third allocated to science and research. The fund aims to boost conservation, sustainable fisheries, and knowledge-sharing. Spain announced an €8.5 million contribution to a Mediterranean blue economy fund to support sustainable marine development.
9. Plastics Treaty Accelerated
More than 90 ministers issued a symbolic statement in Nice reaffirming their support for tighter deadlines for the strongest possible plastics treaty, to be rediscussed in August.
A global Treaty against plastic pollution was a key topic at UNOC3
10. Sustainable Fisheries Management on the Agenda
Numerous panels focused on fisheries that are integral to the global food system and play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and economic development. Coastal communities discussed long-term sustainability, including biodiversity loss, climate change, overfishing, harmful subsidies, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and marine pollution.
11. Science & Big Tech took the Spotlight
Marine tech, scientific research and startups drew interest, especially those showcasing better data tracking and tools to help ocean health. From reef scans to data tracking, ocean-related cooperation and tech innovation was everywhere.
Two examples are the launch of eDNA Expeditions Phase II supported by Minderoo Foundation. This OBIS-powered global campaign unites citizens, educators and scientists to monitor marine life in MPAs globally using environmental DNA (eDNA). The next example I learned about is FIFCO’s AI tool that classifies seashells by photographs. Moving seashells from their habitat can disrupt biodiversity, alter sediment stability and introduce non-native organisms to global seas. The AI tool was trained using over 18,000 photos of 500+ species, enabling the project to differentiate shells in the Pacific and Caribbean. Last year, over 36,000 seashells were returned to their natural habitats.
12. Wastewater and Ports Addressed
New working groups launched to curb sewage outflows and waste in and near marinas. In France, on the Basque coast, in St Malo in Brittany and Marseille on the Mediterranean coast, SUEZ shared how they create water quality trend forecasts, which are produced using predictive models to anticipate health risks. They’ve also installed ten artificial rock structures in Toulon and planted clusters of cystoseira algae, endemic to the Mediterranean, in partnership with the Ifremer research institute, to boost fauna and flora in the harbour. This Cystore® ecological engineering solution has been deployed by SUEZ in Marseille, Monaco and Port Vauban in Antibes.
13. Youth Perspectives Tied to UNOC3
Stronger youth voices brought urgency to civic responsibility, ocean literacy and marine protection pledges. Nausicaá who launched the “Citizen of the Ocean” coalition in spring 2024 were represented, as were ambassadors for Blue Citizenship.
The “Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL)” formed; an alliance of youth and early-career professionals working at the forefront of ocean innovation, science, policy, and civil society. The Sustainable Ocean Alliance partnered with OceanXplorer to welcome 50+ young ocean leaders onboard for a tour from the bridge to the dive centre, followed by programming led by the SOA team that focused on youth empowerment and community.
14. One Ocean Finance Fund Proposed
Economic and financial aspects came into play. A top proposal was the consolidation of international financing into a single global ocean funding mechanism (One Ocean Finance), as well as ongoing development of financial investment such as blue bonds and blue carbon credits.
It aims to complement existing funds, and gained support from Small Island Developing States for its objectives to develop and fund a blue economy that promotes job equality and social inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and traditional communities.
15. Pledge for a Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium
The conference saw four new countries – now 37 – joining France in calling for a moratorium, pause or ban on deep-sea mining.
Who Stepped Up at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
NGOs were out in force, tracking outcomes in real time, not waiting for post-event PR spin. Social media was well and truly buzzing with updates and news all week!
Island nations, Indigenous peoples and local communities played a vital role, sharing traditional knowledge and pushing for action. New Zealand pledged $52 million for ocean governance in the Pacific.
“No country can or must walk the 30×30 path alone and there is already a vibrant diverse ecosystem of actors which must be harnessed at scale. Ocean conservation must work for all, indigenous and local leadership is a prerequisite because when local communities lead, outcomes endure” – Peter Thomson, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from the Caribbean and Pacific demanded more financing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a transition away from fossil fuels. Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, emphasised that investment to support small-scale fisheries and ensure climate-resilient infrastructure “is not aid but investment in global food security and ocean health.”
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the UN Ocean Conference 2025
GFCR and UNCDF announced a US$1 million portfolio guarantee facility to support reef-positive enterprises in Papua New Guinea. Structured in partnership with Women’s Micro Bank and UNDP, the facility will unlock over PGK 5.7 million in loans for sustainable, women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) that strengthen reef and community resilience.
Just prior to UNOC, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum was held on 7 and 8 June 2025. Co-organised by the Principality of Monaco, the Monaco Oceanographic Institute, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the forum aimed to identify and mobilise solutions to support blue economy initiatives and preserve marine ecosystems. After two days of negotiations, €8.7 billion in new financial commitments were secured, with €4.7 billion from private investors and philanthropists, and €4 billion from public financial institutions. These funds are expected to contribute directly to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the BBNJ agreement.
What Didn’t Happen at the UN Ocean Conference 2025
Let’s not sugar-coat it. Some discussions and topics fell short and some were just downright baffling.
The High Seas Treaty still lacks enforcement teeth.
France fell short with only 4% of metropolitan waters protected from bottom trawling, and no clear timelines.
Costa Rica, one of the UNOC3 co-hosts, stayed quiet on its controversial fisheries expansion policy where the list of commercially fished marine species leaps from 34 to 234, which included wild species. The document authorised the exploitation and trade of corals, turtles, wild iguanas, sea urchins, sponges, sea cucumbers and algae among many others. Costa Rica has an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 530 thousand square kilometres, approximately ten times larger than its continental territory. Marine habitats in Costa Rica are home to an estimated 3.5% of the world’s marine biodiversity. Fisheries and aquaculture account for a relatively small share of Costa Rica’s economy. However, fisheries remain important to some coastal communities that have limited alternative sources of income. The vast majority of fisheries activity occurs on the Pacific coast and is concentrated in the Puntarenas province. However, there’s still no legal requirement for science-based decision-making in Costa Rica’s fisheries management and policies. This means monitoring and regulations differ across species and locations – for example, tuna are more comprehensively monitored than for sea bass or sharks. For a nation that has prioritised protection of The Cocos Island National Park Marine Protected Area and The Bicentennial Marine Management Area to safeguard migratory routes of marine species, I find it disappointing that there’s insufficient systemic data collection for better monitoring and control of their fisheries.
While there was support for a plastics treaty that reinforces recycling and less consumption, there were no clear deadlines to actually reduce plastic production.
Marine species like seagrass, whales, and krill that are vital for ecosystem regulation and acting as a carbon sink weren’t central to governance talks.
Discussions at UNOC3 about precautions around marine geoengineering were off the table, despite growing public outcry. Late last year at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, governments came together and reaffirmed the de factor moratorium – their commitment to a precautionary approach to geoengineering. Geoengineering experiments are greatly driven by the private sector with commercial purposes and attempt to manipulate Earth’s systems in response to climate change. One highly publicised case was SCoPEx in Sweden a few years ago, who called off a flight for Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI). Their open-air experiment involved using a high-altitude balloon that would release pollutants into the stratosphere and then measure the impact on the atmosphere’s chemistry and how sunlight passes through it. Some marine geoengineering projects already shut down include magnesium hydroxide being dumped in the sea in St Ives in Cornwall, UK to test ocean alkalinity, companies profiteering from selling carbon credits through biomass sinking projects, and the Arctic Ice Project. I really was not aware of so many damaging geoengineering projects happening to our oceans, so UNOC3 opened my eyes about this!
Why It Matters to Yachting
You don’t need to run a research vessel to see the connection to yachting. Every yacht charter, every anchorage, every tender ride impacts ocean health. What happens at UNOC3 echoes on a wider scale within our industry impacting brokers, crew, charter companies, marinas, shipyards and more.
- MPAs can change our cruising routes.
- Shipping laws can shape the boats we build and material specs.
- Port laws can impact what we discharge and the need for better waste management.
This isn’t someone else’s issue. It’s ours and it’s relevant because clients care. Crew care. Builders care. We all interact with the same oceans. Ocean health and preservation revolve around a complex intersection of social, economic and environmental factors: climate, finance, food, livelihoods, marine preservation and coastal communities.
UN Ocean Conference 2025
As a parent, I want my kids to know their actions matter. As someone in yachting, I want to stay informed and involved. Progress isn’t perfect, but it’s happening and it’s no longer sitting in the shadows waiting for someone else to start doing something about it.
At the closing plenary, it was announced that the fourth UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 4) will take place in 2028, co-hosted by Chile and the Republic of Korea.
All photos: Antibes Yachting / This blog is my personal opinion and any source links published in this specific blog article are purely for informative purposes with no affiliation, endorsement or commercial partnership intended.
Sources:
High Seas Treaty: https://highseasalliance.org/2025/06/13/international-ocean-conference-ends-with-high-seas-treaty-on-verge-of-entry-into-force/
Bottom trawling and MPAs in France: https://www.rfi.fr/en/environment/20250608-french-ngos-slam-lack-of-ambition-after-macron-s-bottom-trawling-announcement
Satellite Crayon Project: https://satellite-crayon.skyperfectjsat.space/en and YouTube video credited to Satellite Crayon Project / Satellite images (c) 2025 Planet Labs PBC: https://youtu.be/JTWC-FGIONI?si=pcalBwVkAPPS7mvz
Blue Economy & Finance Forum: https://www.fpa2.org/en/news/monaco-will-host-the-blue-economy-and-finance-forum-as-part-of-the-united-nations-ocean-conference-2025-unoc-nice-june-2025-08403
Sustainable Fisheries: https://enb.iisd.org/2025-un-ocean-conference-11jun25
Nice Wake Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/The%20Nice%20wake%20up%20call%20for%20an%20ambitious%20plastics%20treaty.pdf
Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR): https://www.uncdf.org/article/8917/gfcr-partners-pledge-over-us25-million-for-coral-reefs-amid-escalating-global-bleaching-crisis
Friends of Marine Protected Areas: https://hacfornatureandpeople.org/new-friends-of-marine-protected-areas-group-launched-at-unoc-2025/
eDNA Expeditions Phase II: https://www.obis.org/2025/06/12/edna-expeditions-phase2-launch/
SEA Beyond at UNOC3: https://www.pradagroup.com/en/news-media/press-releases-documents/2025/25-06-14-unoc3-2025-sea-beyond-day.html
Minecraft Ocean Heroes: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/blog/oceanheroes
Lloyd’s Register Shipping Biodiversity Report: https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/horizons/july-2025/unoc-addresses-shippings-hidden-impact-on-marine-biodiversity/
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) at UN Ocean Conference: https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pressbriefings/pages/unoc-imo-call-for-tangible-action.aspx
One Ocean Finance: https://oceandecade.org/news/un-and-partners-join-forces-to-advance-a-transformative-financial-architecture-for-the-ocean/
The Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL): https://en.protothema.gr/2025/06/03/coalition-of-emerging-ocean-leaders-launches-at-un-ocean-conference-2025/
https://www.iccaconsortium.org/2025/06/06/icca-consortium-statement-2025-un-ocean-conference/
The Balearic Superyacht Forum & Palma International Boat Show 2025 Guide
In this blog, I’ll cover both the Balearic Superyacht Forum and the Palma International Boat Show (PIBS).
The Balearic Superyacht Forum
Coinciding with Palma International Boat Show, the second edition of the Balearic Superyacht Forum will take place on April 29 and 30 at the Auditorium of Palma. I didn’t attend the debut edition last year, so I’m interested to see how the event is structured and the range of discussions on offer.
The Balearic Superyacht Forum is organised by the Balearic Marine Cluster, and is a strategic think tank that will focus on the future of superyachts in the Mediterranean. Topics will include marina infrastructure, refit sector expansion, environmental topics, and sustainable trends.
Networking and Industry Insights
The Balearic Superyacht Forum isn’t just about boats; it’s an event for networking and industry discussions. The show offers seminars and Hackathons covering ten topics related to yachting, providing targeted discussions about industry trends and innovations.
Here is more information about the ten Hackathon sessions. Participants can select one session to join with each taking one and a half hours.
- Cost Transparency & Budget Optimisation
Refit budgeting in the superyacht sector has long been unpredictable, with owners and managers facing unexpected overruns and vague cost breakdowns. Unlike the aviation or hospitality industries, the yachting world still suffers from inconsistent invoicing and a lack of financial clarity, eroding trust between shipyards, contractors, and yacht owners.
This hackathon will explore how the industry can bring structure and accountability to the budgeting process. Collaborative dscussions will examine industry best practices for cost forecasting, ways to define project scopes in advance, and strategies to minimise unpleasant surprises at the final invoice stage.
Participants will work towards frameworks that ensure transparency at every step — from initial quotes to final invoicing.
2. Expanding Superyacht Infrastructure
As yachts grow larger and more advanced, global refit and maintenance facilities are struggling to keep pace — particularly in the Mediterranean, where capacity is already stretched thin. Increasing wait times and logistical bottlenecks are forcing vessels to look further afield for service and maintenance facilities.
In this session, discussions will rethink infrastructure strategies. From optimising existing space and berth allocation to exploring sustainable shipyard expansions, participants will map out scalable solutions to meet growing demand. Other points will cover data-driven scheduling, temporary service points, and modular facility expansion. The goal: ensure that infrastructure growth keeps up with fleet evolution, safeguarding both service quality and industry sustainability.
3. Optimising Subcontractor Management
Refit projects rely on a huge network of subcontractors — from specialists in engineering and interiors to composite and paint experts to electricians. Yet, without proper coordination, this complex network often leads to delays, disputes, and inconsistent quality.
This hackathon aims to discuss how shipyards can centralise subcontractor management, implement real-time communication tools, and create accountability systems that improve overall efficiency.
Participants will brainstorm solutions like performance tracking, streamlined invoicing, and better-defined workflows with the aim to create a roadmap for smoother refit operations and higher-quality outcomes for owners and managers alike.
4. Enhancing Customer Experience in Refit
For many yacht owners and captains, the refit process feels like a step down from the luxury service they’re accustomed to. Confusing updates, delayed timelines, and unclear costs disrupt what should be a seamless experience.
This hackathon will explore how we can improve the client journey during refit projects. Discussions will focus on aligning expectations, real-time project tracking, automated updates, and tools for design visualisation that keep clients informed and confident in the process.
The 2nd edition of The Balearic Superyacht Forum will take place at the Auditorium of Palma on April 29 and 30, 2025
5. Cybersecurity in the yachting sector
As superyachts become increasingly connected, they’ve become highly attractive targets for cyberattacks. Navigation systems, onboard networks, and sensitive owner data are all vulnerable, and the industry still lacks consistent cybersecurity standards to protect them.
In this hackathon, participants will discuss how to integrate cybersecurity protocols into both new builds and existing yachts, manage third-party access, and promote continuous monitoring to detect threats early. Crew training, layered network security, and alignment with insurance and regulatory frameworks will all be on the table for discussion.
The goal is clear: protect owners, guests, and crew by building a cyber-resilient yachting industry before an inevitable major attack forces action.
6. Next-Gen Antifouling & Environmental Compliance
Anti-fouling solutions balance between performance and environmental impact and this fine line is getting tighter.
As the ocean temperatures rise and biofouling hull colonisation increases, superyacht anti-fouling performance finds itself at a tipping point: reaching a balance between efficacy, sustainability, and human health.
This hackathon will explore the current regulatory landscape — from the European Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) to IMO guidance — and its implications for manufacturers, shipyards, and yacht owners. With all anti-fouling formulations locked by the BPR until at least 2029, the challenge is clear: maintain effectiveness in harsher marine conditions.
Participants will discuss the current anti-fouling technologies, emerging solutions, parameters for tailored coating schemes, maintenance and how can we collectively drive a shift that balances environmental responsibility, performance expectations, spread of invasive species and commercial viability.
7. Upskilling The Superyacht Workforce
The superyacht sector faces an acute talent shortage. As experienced professionals retire and new technologies emerge, the need for skilled workers has never been more urgent. From revitalising apprenticeships to forging partnerships with technical schools, this hackathon focuses on solutions to attract, train, and retain the next generation of talent.
Attendees will also discuss how to position the sector as an attractive career option for young professionals, offering modern workplace culture, growth opportunities, and establishing clear career pathways.
8. Enhancing Communication & Marketing In Yachting
This is the Hackathon I have registered for. This session will discuss how the yachting industry struggles to communicate its true value. Public perception often focuses on excess rather than economic impact, job creation, or sustainability efforts.
This session will dive into how we can reshape the narrative, such as proactive storytelling, community engagement, and modern marketing tactics that go beyond luxury clichés.
Participants will collaborate on ways to promote the technical excellence and positive contributions of the sector, creating a unified voice that resonates with policymakers, media, and the wider public.
9. Eco-friendly Marinas & Renewable Energy Solutions
Marinas consume enormous amounts of energy, yet many rely heavily on outdated, fossil-fuel-based systems. As hybrid and electric yachts gain traction, the gap between sustainability goals and marina capabilities widens.
This session will explore how marinas can become energy self-sufficient, integrating solar, wind, and smart grids to reduce emissions and operational costs. Points of discussion will highlight practical steps like expanding shore power infrastructure, developing hydrogen or biofuel bunkering, and creating business models that attract eco-conscious yacht owners.
It will be interesting to hear feedback from this session. Many shipyards are investing in R&D for alternative biofuels, propulsion and new tech, however based on the actual build numbers of electric and/or hybrid yachts in 2024 it seems the industry is far from proposed targets for alternative fuels and renewable energy.
10. Improving Waste & Water Management in Marinas
Water waste and pollution remain some of the most critical — and overlooked — challenges in marina operations. From excessive potable water use to poor waste managment, the current approach is neither sustainable nor efficient.
This hackathon will explore scalable solutions such as seawater filtration, rainwater harvesting, and smart monitoring systems to improve environmental compliance. Discussions will also focus on how the industry can better tackle waste management systems for greywater, bilge water, and hazardous materials. The objective is clear: move marinas from reactive to proactive environmental management, ensuring long-term sustainability and regulatory alignment.
Again, feedback will be interesting. Here on the French Riviera, waste management differs by marina.
There are over 100 companies attending so it appears to be an excellent opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and stay informed about the latest developments in the superyacht sector.
See the full programme and list of speakers at the Balearic Superyacht Forum here: https://thebalearicsuperyachtforum.com
Palma International Boat Show 2025
From April 30 to May 3, 2025, Palma de Mallorca’s Marina Moll Vell will transform into the Mediterranean’s yachting epicentre. Celebrating its 41st anniversary, the show organised by the Regional Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy, through the Regional Development Agency of the Balearic Islands (ADR Balears), and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA) promises to be a great event for industry professionals, yacht owners, and enthusiasts alike.
According to a study carried out by the Government of the Balearic Islands, last year PIBS generated an economic impact of €20.1 million. The impact study certifies that PIBS improves tourism by one month of the low season, boosting the flow of national and international tourists and income for hotels, restaurants, transport and shops.
Palma International Boat Show is a fantastic show for industry networking, seminars and market insights.
Expanded Exhibition Space
This year’s PIBS will present two different exhibition areas – El Moll Vell and Club de Mar – connected by sea thanks to the addition of a new area of 5,000 square metres located in the Club de Mar. The new area of the Club de Mar will provide a space for boats between 40 and 100 metres in length, mainly sailboats, from single-model shipyards.
On land, there will be an exhibition area with service and equipment companies for this type of yacht, such as repair and maintenance industries, naval engineering, boatbuilding and interior design etc.
With over 295 exhibitors, the show will feature the latest in brokerage, charter, yacht design, equipment, and services, making it a must-visit for anyone in the maritime sector.
Palma Superyacht Village
The Superyacht Village, formerly known as the Palma Superyacht Show, will showcase some of the best 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market. Another huge attraction is the Village’s wide array of shore-side exhibitors, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next-level marine electronics.
The Superyacht Village also includes a dedicated Refit & Repair zone that targets the yachting industry’s experts and professionals featuring exhibitors including Spectro Jet-Care, Superyacht Rubbish and Idea Data Solutions.
The Superyacht Square
The Superyacht Square is a small dedicated zone focused on startups, innovation, sustainability and crew. The Innovation Corner occupies a spacious outdoor zone, with networking events and good foot traffic. Companies that will be present there include Yachting Ventures, Swiss Ocean Tech Ltd, ACREW, Otter, and La Purative.
Superyacht New Build Hub
Located at the newly renovated Club de Mar, the Superyacht New Build Hub is connected to the main show via boat shuttle and golf cart. Note: The transfer dock is located at the floating bridge at Palma Superyacht Village between the Varadero Area and Muelle de los Pescadores. With 21 premium berths for superyachts ranging from 35m to 80m, this hub is a unique zone for shipyards to present their new builds and groundbreaking projects.
The New Build Hub will also feature Foundation Zero’s container, presenting all the details of the 68.9m Project Zero, currently under construction at Vitters with naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects. Project Zero will operate without any combustion engines and will produce zero emissions.
Yachts on Display
While full details of available yachts at PIBS will be published only very close to the event, visitors can expect to see a wide range of yachts, from chic day boats to high performance sailing vessels.
Some vessels present will include the 37.5-metre Escapade on display by Superyacht Partners with exterior design and naval architecture by Dubois Naval Architects, M/Y Lemon not Lime, a Riva who will be exhibited by Ocean Independence and the historic 1946 Cassiopeia. Moravia Yachting will showcase the debut of 26-metre St Barth 85 Fly by St Barth Yachting.
Sub-events during Palma Boat Show:
Don’t miss registering for the breakfasts, stopping by for a sunset drink and dropping in to listen to the seminars as part of the “Thallasophilia” sub-programme with Estela Yachting and the Port Authority of the Balearics.
Yachting Ventures will host an opening party on April 30 from 4pm-7pm at Superyacht Square.
The Superyacht Charities Seafarers Supper will host their annual PIBS fundraiser at Restaurant ca n’Eduardo on May 2nd so grab a ticket for that.
PIBS Information:
Dates: April 30 to May 3
Opening times: 10 am to 8 pm
To see the list of participating yachts, exhibitors and maps for PIBS 2025, go to: https://palmainternationalboatshow.com/en/
#TBSF25 #PIBS #palmasuperyachtvillage #palmainternationalboatshow25