Sustainability
Combining efficient ship design and operations to reduce emissions.
Committing to sustainable shipbuilding
Sustainability is more important and relevant than ever. The IMO has set the goal of reducing carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. These ambitious targets are being shaped into reality by new standards and regulations. Vessel refurbishments have to comply with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), while new-build projects are subject to the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) to promote more energy efficient equipment. Simulation technology is helping efficiently design and build vessels that minimize carbon emissions and energy consumption. Fully electric engines, hybrid propulsion technologies and green fuels are reducing emissions. Other design and material choices are also having a significant impact: hull design and surface finish can reduce vessel resistance, while air lubrication can cut energy demand by up to 10%.
At Saint-Gobain Marine, we believe that every detail makes a difference.
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Lightweight products that reduce vessel weight and therefore energy and fuel consumption, as well as CO2 emissions
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Optimised temperature control – whether through insulation or tinted glass – to save energy and reduce emissions
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Using recycled and recyclable materials to create our products
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Reducing waste, water usage and energy consumption during the product life cycle (production, installation, use and recycling)
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Innovative solutions that are more energy efficient and enhance comfort and performance
Carefully choosing materials, from wall panels to glazing and insulation, will make your vessel lighter and more energy efficient to reduce your environmental impact in line with current and future legislation.
Making sustainability our priority
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Saint-Gobain committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
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A wide range of innovative, sustainable solutions for marine applications
Why are weight savings so important?
While much attention is being paid to alternative fuels, such as green methanol, hydrogen and fuel cells, and electrified transport (battery-powered ships and port charging solutions), there is less focus on lightweight materials and their contribution to green shipbuilding. Reducing the weight of your materials, such as insulation, can have a positive impact on the vessel’s fuel and energy consumption, and CO2 emissions – including HVAC that is responsible for as much as 35% of energy consumed on board. Light, compressible products also simplify logistics and can reduce transport emissions. For example, lightweight, high-performance insulation, such as U SeaProtect, is up to 50% lighter than traditional stone wool. What’s more, it can be combined with floating floors, like those from Weber, for further weight savings without compromising on quality and performance – you achieve up to an 68% weight reduction with Weber’s primary deck solutions.
How can you make your vessel more energy efficient?
Energy-efficiency is at the heart of sustainable shipbuilding. By using less energy and fuel, vessels pollute less and also cost less to run. Glass plays a fundamental role in how much energy a vessel consumes – lighter solutions with optimised coatings to retain heat (or prevent the sun’s rays from entering) can help reduce the need for heavy HVAC systems – for example, SageGlass® tints in response to sunlight to block up to 91% of solar heat thus limiting the level of air-conditioning in the summer, while reducing glare and maintaining clear outdoor views. High-performance thermal insulation helps reduce heat transfer (and therefore loss), enabling you to lower the temperature of the heating system in winter. On the other hand, insulating cold water pipes reduces the risk of condensation and corrosion for a more efficient HVAC system and reduced maintenance costs. Heated flooring also contributes to maintaining a constant temperature.
Making sustainable choices throughout your vessel
Lightweight marine insulation
ISOVER
Lightweight, high-performance U SeaProtect insulation is up to 50% lighter than traditional stone wool, reducing the weight of your vessel.
Marine flooring
WEBER
Weber Marine lightweight flooring solutions are up to 68% lighter to reduce the weight of your vessel.
Marine glass solutions
SAGEGLASS
Innovative electrochromic SageGlass® Marine glass tints on demand for unparalleled control of your indoor environment to maximise comfort and energy efficiency.
VETROTECH
Keep cabins and other interior spaces at a comfortable and constant temperature with a wide array of glazing solutions.
Beyond sustainability
Our solutions also have a multitude of other benefits to enhance the overall performance of your vessel. Lightweight, energy-efficient insulation can also be fire-resistant. Electrochromic glass saves energy, while also reducing glare for greater passenger comfort. Light wall and ceiling panels can also enhance the design and aesthetics of your vessel for a premium experience.