A collaborative project between a local sustainable start-up and the University of Kent to transform the yacht building industry has been nominated for the Net Zero 50 List – the top 50 individuals, initiatives, products and services helping us reach Net Zero in the UK.
The Duke Voyager’s Shipyard has been recognised for its mission to make the yacht building industry greener and carbon neutral. It was inspired by the dream of CEO Tony Duke to sail his mother’s ashes to his grandfather’s homeland of Africa, without polluting the planet.
Dr Rob Barker, a Lecturer in Chemistry and Forensic Science at the University, has been working with The Duke Voyager’s Shipyard to explore sustainable alternatives to traditional yacht components, systems and manufacturing processes. As part of this project, PhD student in Chemistry, Alix Overton has been identifying suitable choices of materials and approaches to manufacturing to ensure the yacht lifecycle -from production and operation to decommissioning and disposal- has the lowest possible negative environmental impact.
Rob Barker said of the opportunity: ‘It’s fantastic to be working with the Duke Voyager Shipyard team on such an exciting project that allows us to take a holistic approach to designing a yacht. Tony has given us complete freedom to not only support the project through looking at propulsion solutions to minimise emissions, but also looking at the full life of the yacht when making design and material choices to minimise environmental impact. End-of-life and consideration of environmental impact throughout the supply chain are becoming increasingly important for businesses when they design new products, but to be given a blank slate to incorporate these from the start of the project is testament to the inspiring vision of the work.’
Tony Duke said: ’Working with Rob and his PhD student Alix has really pushed forward our green vision. The specialist knowledge and expertise available through the University’s Innovation programme will keep us on track to start the yacht build in 2023.’
This project has been supported by the Government’s Community Renewal Fund which is part of a wider programme in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce – Net Zero Pathway for Change – which has been awarded over half a million pounds of funding. This has been used to help Kent’s SMEs tackle climate change through free access to carbon reduction advisers, workshops, University collaboration through innovation grants, and funding to support the implementation of carbon reduction activities.
The Net Zero 50 List represents the top 50 individuals, initiatives, products and services helping us reach Net Zero in the UK. The top places on the Net Zero 50 list were announced at a reception at the House of Lords during COP27 and Digital Leader’s Innovation Week, 14-18th of November.