Three Italian companies with different skills and experience have pooled their expertise for an ambitious sustainable innovation project in recreational boating, which is called LIFE, an acronym for Leisureboat Innovation For Environment, (Leisureboat Innovation For Environment).
The goal is to make a 10-meter inboard thermal-powered motor boat with space below deck that can accommodate 4 people. The search for innovative materials and processes revolves around two pillars. Durability, understood not only structurally but also aesthetically, is essential to survive ephemeral fashions and remain relevant over time, so as to discourage replacement And then, of course, the management of the final phase of the product’s life cycle, to make it recyclable, a far from trivial undertaking when it comes to composites.
The project, named LIFE (English for “life”), was created in response to a call for proposals from the National Research Council for the sustainable fabrication of structural composite components.
Companies involved
Micad has more than 15 years of research and development experience in structural engineering and ship design, which has enabled it to work on both series models for major shipyards and one-off projects developed directly with shipowners.
Comav, a supplier to some of the leading boatyards, specializes in CNC (computerized numerical control) and the production of fiberglass models and molds.
Spin360 is a consulting firm specializing in innovation and sustainable development, established in various sectors of the luxury industry.
Together, they have everything they need to make the project happen: design, specialized construction, and expertise in sustainability.
The LIFE project
Obtaining funds from the call for proposals has made it possible to begin work free of market logic to focus on reducing environmental impact. Sustainability will not have to be limited to the final product, but will affect the entire life cycle, including the equipment needed to make it, such as molds.
However, the sustainability of the project will also come through its economic viability. In this regard, communication that goes beyond simple marketing but raises awareness of these important issues will be crucial.
Fallout on the market
Therefore, this is not a concept boat, but a product intended for commercialization, although the exact market positioning has not yet been defined.
The project could benefit the entire marine industry, including customers. Indeed, the small size of this sector often limits its investment in research and development.
