Norwegian builders pin colours to the mast
Norwegian manufacturers Windy Boats are undertaking a range of initiatives to increase their environmental sustainability.
The first boat in a “new generation of leaner, greener models” is the Windy 44 Chinook hard-top sports cruiser. The craft was launched in January but a second new model, the Windy 48 Triton, is due to be unveiled in June.
The company say: “For the past two years, Windy have been working systematically to eliminate the use of tropical and IUCN red-listed woods, and teak decking.
“Both the Chinook and the Triton employ steamed ash in place of teak, with tropical wood interior and exterior finishes replaced with sustainably-sourced light oak.
“Vacuum injection moulding of the Chinook and Triton’s hulls, decks and all major GRP components has resulted in a significant reduction in styrene emissions, as well as weight savings.”
Windy say they are also working with Volvo Penta to develop optimal engine solutions for this new generation of lighter boats, with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
“Hybrid diesel-electric power solutions for all Windy boats are also being examined,” they say.
“From wood and GRP, Windy are moving to evaluate our use of glues, adhesives, antifouling and other liquid products, to protect employees, and the environment.”
Windy are asking business partners and suppliers to commit to reduce waste and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
Commenting on Windy’s environmental strategy, Windy CEO Knut Heiberg-Anderson says: “As Scandinavia’s leading boat builder, Windy are proud to be taking the lead in responsible boat design and production.
“Environmental sustainability has become a significant element of our business strategy over the past two years, and has been taken up with great commitment and enthusiasm by our team.
“As boat builders, and users, we have a duty to protect the environment from which we, and our customers derive such pleasure, but we also believe that what is good for the environment is good for business.”
