THEME 2: SHIPBUILDING AND LEISURE BOAT-BUILDING

The plastics and composite materials often used for the manufacture of recreational craft pose a real environmental problem. At the end of their lifespan, these boats constitute a difficult issue for waste disposal, and their original manufacture generates VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which pose a risk to health. With protection of the environment becoming a major concern and with the tightening up of regulations on waste disposal, it is the marine leisure industry’s duty to find alternative solutions.

The NavEcoMat project proposes to develop a high-performance, biocomposite material made up of a plant fibre base and biodegradable matrix or structure compatible with the constraints imposed by the manufacture and use of small, recreational craft.

During the course of the project, a prototype vessel will be produced making it possible to develop a customised eco-design process, to test and prove the materials’ robustness and the boat’s performance, and to produce an ecological assessment during the vessel’s lifetime, from construction through to dismantling.

The recreational craft construction sector, in which France is ranked second in the world, is growing by 20% per year, and Brittany’s industry intends to position itself in the expanding niche market for boats of environmentally friendly design.

NAVECOMAT PROJECT PARTNERS

Companies

• Plasmor in Theix, the company directing the project, builds light craft – 50% of fibreglass sea kayaks sold in France, yachts and motorboats – and is focusing production on “green leisure pursuits”.
• Groupe Finot is a firm of naval architects based in Vannes.
• Ahlstrom in Pont-Evêque (Isère) is a research and development centre for one of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers of semi-products for the composite industry.

Research centres

• University of Bretagne Sud, Lorient: Its L2PIC Laboratory, studying the properties of polymers, interfaces and composites, is working on producing biopolymers and biocomposites.
• IFREMER, Brest: Its “Marine Materials” research centre is studying the ageing process in those biocomposites produced.
• The “Reporter Bleu” Association, chaired by yachtswoman Catherine Chabaud, will take part in drawing up specifications for the biocomposite material and the prototype, and will contribute to discussions on eco-design and to promotion of the project in the world of sailing.

Contact

marc.boeuf@pole-mer-bretagne.com


Skellig 1: Light, lugsail sloop – designed, manufactured and sold by Plasmor