Trends Snapshot: The Green Turn in Ultra-High-End Travel

15 Aug

It’s peak season in Monaco, and the Principality is buzzing with anticipation for its most awaited annual event — the Monaco Yacht Show.

As the world’s most spectacular superyachts prepare to line the quai of Port Hercule this September, the spotlight is not just on design and grandeur, but on how the industry is navigating a changing world. From innovations in greener propulsion to the rise of sustainable aviation fuel, here are the key trends shaping the yachting and private aviation scene ahead of the show.

Feadship’s Project 821 Breakthrough is the world’s first hydrogen fuel‑cell superyacht, capable of emission‑free cruising using onboard cryogenic green hydrogen, with methanol and biofuel genset backups for extended range

Superyachts: Harmony Between Power and Planet

Feadship’s Project 821 Breakthrough (image above) is the world’s first hydrogen fuel‑cell superyacht, capable of emission‑free cruising using onboard cryogenic green hydrogen, with methanol and biofuel genset backups for extended range
Project 714 by Feadship leverages its Advanced Electrical Drive (FAED) system: a diesel‑electric hybrid with 4.5× the battery capacity of “Savannah” and contra‑rotating thrusters replacing traditional shafts—boosting efficiency and onboard comfort
Lürssen’s Project COSMOS, a methanol-powered fuel‑cell yacht, offers zero‑emission operation for up to 15 anchor‑nights or around 1,000 nautical miles at 7 knots—pioneering a future where sustainability and serenity go hand in hand

Private Jets: SAF IS THE FUTURE

Urgency and Sectoral Strain: Despite ambitions, SAF uptake remains limited—expected to account for only 0.7 % of total jet fuel in 2025—due to production bottlenecks, costs, and stalled projects Reuters.

Global Momentum Builds:

Indonesia’s Pertamina has begun delivering SAF containing used cooking oil for domestic flights, aiming to supply 1.7 million litres Reuters.
Argentina’s YPF plans a US$400 million SAF-focused investment through its Santa Fe Bio venture Reuters

Monaco’s Lens on Sustainable Luxury

In Monaco, sustainability in yachting and private travel isn’t merely a buzzword—it’s part of the fabric of the Principality’s future.

The Monaco Yacht Show has committed to an eco‑responsible model for years—implementing greener mobility, energy, and waste practices—and has even signed Monaco’s Mission for the Energy Transition Pact to cut greenhouse emissions.

Its Sustainability Hub brings together exhibitors showcasing innovations like solar hybrid tenders (e.g., Falcon Tenders) and plant-based materials

Beyond the show, institutions like the Yacht Club de Monaco drive the sustainability agenda year-round—via their SEA Index® to assess sovereign yachts’ carbon footprints, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, and the Y.C.M. Blue Pledge for captains.

And Monaco’s cityscape is evolving too: the new eco‑district Mareterra (Le Portier), which opened in December 2024, features solar panels, EV charging stations, and marine conservation measures—setting the tone for sustainable urban luxury

The Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025, where innovation meets responsibility is fast approaching. Expect the docks of Port Hercules to reflect Monaco’s dual promise: the highest caliber of luxury, grounded in environmental awareness.