Category: News

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, leading manufacturers from the European boating industry gathered in Amsterdam under the auspices of the European Boating Industry (EBI) to launch a project analyzing the life cycle of recreational boats. 

The European Boating Industry (EBI) is an association that represents national marine industry federations across Europe (Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Finland, etc.). The French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) is one of its founding members, and Jean-Paul Chapeleau, president of the FIN, serves as Vice President alongside Robert Marx, president of the German federation BVWW and president of EBI. This launch gives a European dimension to the project initiated in December 2022 by the FIN, primarily driven by a working group consisting of the Beneteau Group, Fountaine-Pajot, Catana, and Grand Large Yachting. The goal is to equip the nautical industry with common life cycle assessment (LCA) tools, specifically tailored to recreational boats, to measure and enhance their environmental performance.

Today, 17 of Europe’s leading boat manufacturers and federations have come together to develop the very first environmental footprint standard for pleasure boats under 24 meters. This life cycle assessment (LCA) will be based on a shared methodology, a database, and an evaluation tool that allows all manufacturers, from large shipyards to small and medium-sized enterprises, to engage in eco-design and facilitate the environmental transition of the nautical sector. Reducing environmental impact and meeting the challenges of developing sustainable boating are major challenges for the future of our industry. By developing a methodology and common tools to measure impacts throughout the life cycle of a boat, the European nautical industry is now providing a concrete and operational response.

The 24-meter threshold was selected to align with European regulation. The standard will be developed in accordance with the European Union’s stringent rules on product environmental footprint categories. The project will be conducted in two phases, the first focusing on the development of a transparent environmental footprint methodology (based on scientific data) to standardize calculation rules. In the second phase, the focus will shift to implementing this system with a comprehensive database on materials and a dedicated calculation tool, enabling manufacturers to enhance eco-design and reduce the environmental footprint.

This joint effort will also enable the industry to comply with the latest EU environmental legislation and stay ahead of upcoming regulations. The project has already been presented to the European Commission and has received its support.

The project is led and funded by the European boating industry. Following a tender process, the environmental sustainability consultancy Quantis was selected as the technical partner.

“The FIN is delighted with this historic advancement for the European boating industry. It confirms the momentum driven by France, the excellence of its industry, its strong involvement in the project, and the role it intends to play in environmental transition,” states Jean-Paul Chapeleau, President of the FIN.

French shipyards involved in the project include:

Groupe Bénéteau, Fountaine Pajot, Grand Large Yachting, Catana, Amel

From April 25 to 28, 2024, we invite you to visit us at booth No. 454.1. 
This show is an opportunity to meet our team and discuss your project. 
Visitors will have the chance to board the AMEL 50 and explore its features. Feel free to make an appointment directly by email at commercial@amel.fr.

The event will take place at Plaça de Son Castelló, 1, 07009, Palma.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Let’s meet in Palma!

To learn more about Palma: https://palmainternationalboatshow.com/en/

In parallel with the project to streamline our production site, we share with you some steps of the history of our shipyard.

Chapter 4: Living and sharing the passion for the sea.

In our November newsletter, we mentioned the creation in 1973 of the Salon du Grand Pavois boat show of La Rochelle by Henri Amel, Fernand Hervé, Michel Dufour and Roger Mallard. This initiative has greatly contributed to promoting the nautical sector and remains a not to be missed event for all sailing and sea enthusiasts.

Henri Amel lived entirely for his shipyard and for sailing, he loved sharing his enthusiasm. That same year of 73, he allowed two young women, Aline Marchand, and Dominique Berthier, to board a Kirk, the Capitoune, to start a La Rochelle to Barbados transatlantic crossing. Back after 8 months of sailing, they arrived in great shape and allowed Mr. Amel to declare “there is no need to be scruffy and dirty to look like a real sailor!”, thus highlighting the comfort offered on board an AMEL. The Kirk, an 11-metre racer-cruiser, was produced to more than 250 units from 1971 to 1978: a great success. Henri Amel himself owned one, which he had equipped with all the possible technology and “luxury” of the time.

It was also in 1973 that, to thank his team for having succeeded in reviving the site from its ashes (following the 1968 fire), Henri Amel celebrated with it his sixtieth birthday. During his speech, he said he wanted to “ease the sheets” and let his team manage the rest of the AMEL adventure. But the debt linked to the construction of the Périgny workshops in 1968 forced him to remain active and present besides his employees for a few more years, always accomplishing with the same dedication and desire to communicate his passion.

 During the 70s, the models built by the yard were the Kirk, the Euro 41, and the Meltem. The latter being the brand’s first large bluewater sailing yacht, it will also allow Henri Amel to live an extraordinary experience.

 To be continued.

AMEL Yard are on a roll, continuing the transformation of their production site and starting the year with great momentum!

Since last July, AMEL has been undertaking a significant makeover at their La Rochelle production site. Named the P.H.A.R.E project (Preserving AMEL’s Heritage by Reinventing it Together), this transformation marks a strategic shift, blending history with innovation. Recently, a major milestone was achieved with the relocation of hull molds to a new extension, ensuring seamless production during the renovations. The reception building has undergone some revamps, both aesthetic and functional, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and operational efficiency.

Due to these significant renovations, the AMEL team has decided to skip the BOOT Düsseldorf boat show this year, focusing instead on this modernization. However, AMEL 50 and 60 yachts are up for viewing and sea trials in La Rochelle and Hyères, offering a year-round “boat show” for sailing enthusiasts. Interaction with the AMEL community will also continue through yacht gatherings and several highlight events.

Meanwhile, the Mediterranean office is relocating to a new spot in the heart of Hyères’ nautical zone. Now, the AMEL Mediterranean customer and sales services are fully operational at 14 avenue du Dr Robin, Hyères.