From 21st to 29th January, boot Düsseldorf will kick off for the first time with the blue innovation dock (bid) in Hall 10 of the fair. On all nine days of the fair, the focus will be on future-relevant topics such as sustainability in boat building, alternative drives or the innovative design of modern marinas. International experts from the water sports and boat building industry, European politicians as well as representatives of institutes and associations will discuss and present solutions for the implementation of climate goals, sustainable tourism or the development of recyclable materials. Current information on the bid is available at https://www.boot.com/en/Trade_Visitors/Events_for_Trade_Visitors/blue_innovation_dock.
Saturday, 21st January: Leaders Dialogue – Business meets Politics
On the opening day of the blue innovation dock, leading politicians at EU and national level will meet for a high-end dialogue with top representatives of the boating industry. The main topics will be the goals and targets for the industry in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing environmental impact. Industry leaders will also raise their concerns and demands with policy makers.
Sessions:
– Opening session from 11:00 to 11:40 a.m.
– Towards zero emissions and strengthening #MadeInEurope from 11:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – CEO Panel
– focusing on nautical tourism from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, 22nd January: Sustainable propulsion systems
Here boat and yacht manufacturers will meet with engine builders and suppliers. They will discuss the switch to low-emission or zero-emission propulsion systems. Policy makers from the EU institutions will also attend to explain expectations and discuss the implementation of legal measures and EU support. All propulsion technologies, from fuels to other measures, are on the table. An important highlight will be the presentation of the study “How is the way to the green transition assessed by consumers and industry”. The study is initiated by boot together with European Boating Industry (EBI) and conducted by the Sea Teach research institute among over 500 German Automobile Club (ADAC) members as well as boot.club members. On the industry side, some of the key market players and industry associations were interviewed.
Sessions:
– Presentation of the study “How is the way to the green transition evaluated by consumers and industry” from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
– Finding the right propulsion mix – Towards zero emissions by 2050 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30pm
Monday, 23rd January: Financing innovation and start-up disruption
A key element of the green transformation in the sector is financing the large-scale investments required in the coming years and engaging new players. The potential for disruptive innovation from start-ups and newcomers to the industry will be discussed. Start-ups will introduce themselves to investors and CEOs in the industry. With the participation of Yachting Ventures and the EU Blue Invest Initiative, there will then be a pitch competition. Concrete funding opportunities will be presented by the EU Initiative.
Sessions:
– Start-up Pitches from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Opportunities for start-ups and investments in the boating industry from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
– Presentation of the EU BlueInvest Initiative from 2:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, 24th January: Fuels of the future
This session will focus on the latest developments in sustainable fuels and propulsion systems that can contribute to the decarbonisation of boating. Possible applications ranging from synthetic to biofuels or electric charging will be examined. Important international innovators and fuel manufacturers offering solutions for the boating and yachting industry will have their say. A significant topic is also the establishment of an infrastructure for engine charging as well as refueling with alternative fuels in marinas.
Sessions:
– Development and integration of alternative fuels from 11:00 to 12:00 a.m.
– New infrastructure for marinas from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 25th January: Recyclable materials
The circular economy and materials for boat building, especially composites, will be the focus. Critical areas such as scrapping and recycling of existing boats and the use of sustainable composite materials will be discussed. A highlight is the presentation of the EU Roadmap for End-of-Life Boats by the European Commission and EBI. This roadmap sets out, for the first time, targets and timetables for industry, the EU and countries to contribute to solving end-of-life boat management.
Sessions:
– EU Roadmap for End-of-Life Boats from 11:00 to 11:15 a.m.
– Implementing the circular economy in the boat industry from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
– Sustainable Composites from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Thursday 26th January: Sustainable nautical tourism and water sports
Discussions will focus on bringing marinas and the charter industry together to talk to policy makers about the green transformation of the sector. Topics include green infrastructure, climate change adaptation and boat owner engagement. The entire water sports industry, from diving and surfing to canoeing and equipment, is also involved to present their demands on the boating industry and their own green transformation.
Sessions:
– Transition path of the charter and marina sector from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
– Integrating sustainability into the boating industry from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, 27th January: Innovation for Sustainability
Involving NGOs (non-governmental organisations), marine conservation associations as well as water sports enthusiasts is crucial to implementing long-term marine and climate protection and raising awareness in society. Well-known marine NGOs will present their views and expectations from the boating industry in providing green solutions. The sessions will be participatory to involve all boot Düsseldorf visitors in these important discussions.
Sessions:
– The NGO perspective – is the industry doing enough? from 11:00 to 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, 29th January: Involving water sports enthusiasts and boat owners
Here, the focus is on water sports enthusiasts. They will discuss how the industry can drive the green transition. To this end, boat owners and their associations will engage in a dialogue with representatives of the boating industry. Well-known sportsme.n and women will present their experiences and demands on the industry. The sessions are designed to be participatory in order to also involve boot Düsseldorf visitors in these important discussions.
Sessions:
– Boat users’ expectations of the industry in the green transition from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
– Well-known water sports enthusiasts – thoughts on sustainability? from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
