Progress report for
Ecoship
Achievement at a glance
Since launching the Ecoship Project, Peace Boat has actively sought partnerships and alliances with other civil society organizations, the private sector and academia to build momentum for Ecoship. Ecoship has been showcased at various international conferences related to climate action and ocean protection including UN Climate Change Conferences and Our Ocean Conferences, as well as maritime industry events. As Peace Boat has shared the vision and the design for Ecoship, the project has gained many supporters in the field including Fabien Cousteau, Sylvia Earle and Christiana Figueres. The partnerships and widespread support for Ecoship are serving to build momentum not only for Ecoship itself but also for a paradigm shift in how passenger vessels and cruise ships are viewed and their potential impact in the decarbonization of the maritime industry and contribution to the blue economy.<br>During the past year, Peace Boat has been working to finalize the technical aspects of the design in collaboration with the shipyard and industry experts. Particular achievements in this area include the sails which will be retractable and photovoltaic and the Green Dome, a botanical garden that is an essential part of the onboard systems for reducing energy consumption and waste and water management. Both the sails and the Green Dome are highly visible features of the Ecoship design with both great importance both functionally and symbolically. In ports and at sea, the sails will be a highly visible symbol of renewable energy for maritime transport. Similarly, the Green Dome which is a unique feature of Ecoship’s design symbolizes the connection between design and the natural environment.
Challenges faced in implementation
There have been a number of challenges related to the implementation of the Ecoship Project. These have included raising the necessary funding through investment and the amount of time needed to achieve the project. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the cruise industry and has posed a new challenge to Peace Boat including the cancellation of global voyages this year with the current vessels. At the same time, it is an opportunity for positive disruption in the cruise industry, evidence that a new model of cruising is necessary and post-pandemic the industry will not continue with a ‘business as usual’ model.Beneficiaries
While the main benefits will come once Ecoship is sailing, building partnerships through the Ecoship Project has enabled Peace Boat to place a greater emphasis on climate and ocean action within the educational programme onboard Peace Boat’s current voyages. Various experts and activists working in the field have joined voyages as guest educators leading to greater understanding and awareness of issues related to SDG14 amongst Peace Boat participants as well as staff members. Specific programs have included the Youth for SDGs programme with an emphasis on SDG14 and the Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador Programme which brings young leaders from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on the frontline of the ocean degradation onboard Peace Boat’s ship for capacity training and to share their experiences to call for action.