Matthew GriffinFounder, President and Futurist, 311 Institute
G7 · G20governments advised
850+keynotes
102countries
17codexes
Mobility and logistics sessions forAutoalan KeskusliittoSlovakiaTechLondon Borough of HounslowWISTA InternationalCorporate World IntelligenceManagement Events
Featured inBloombergThe Wall Street JournalThe Telegraph
About this webinar
It's been a while since we last got together so thank you to Martin at SuperyachtNews for asking me to take part in his One on One webinar series where we investigated the future of superyachts, the community and maritime innovations, and of course high net worth (HNW) and ultra high net worth (UHNW) culture.
Most people see superyachts as the expensive playthings of the super rich, and even though that’s often not the whole story, as is the case with the $750 Million Earth 300 scientific superyacht - it’s no surprise they became people’s go to havens during the global pandemic.
However, that asides, the industry has been pushing for years now to highlight and boost its green credentials with some manufacturers and operators believing they can use these magnificent temples to commercialism for good by using them to promote cutting edge maritime innovations such as 3D printed materials, Artificial Intelligence control systems, blockchain supply chains, digital twins, hydrogen fuels, and more.
And, while some might scoff at the mere concept and others might compare the industry to Formula 1, Formula E’s, or even the space industry’s own lofty innovation led ambitions, there are others that simply say that if you want to show that you are an individual who takes sustainability seriously then you don’t buy a superyacht in the first place. But people do which then leads us full circle again to conversations about how we might use superyachts and the superyacht community to develop and promote the best of green maritime innovations, to save the planet. Naturally.
It seems like the ultimate irony and the ultimate debate so dive into the video above and let me know your own thoughts.
311 Intelligence
What this means for your leadership team
Symbols of excess can still test ideas.
The industry argues that superyachts can showcase 3D printed materials, control systems, blockchain supply chains, digital twins and hydrogen fuels. A visible, high-value platform can be a place to prove technology in public. The risk is that the platform undermines the message.
The credibility gap is real.
Critics say a person serious about sustainability would not buy a superyacht at all. Any organisation tying green claims to luxury assets should expect that challenge. Evidence and honest reporting matter more than slogans.
Hydrogen needs a sober view.
Hydrogen fuels are listed as a technology to watch, while 311 tracks a retreat from green hydrogen ambitions as costs stay high and buyers stay away. Digital twins are marked Prepare, as they are a live virtual copy of a real machine. Leaders should separate proven tools from promises.
Three questions for your next leadership meeting
Would our green claims survive a sceptical audience looking at our assets?
Which maritime technologies could we test now, and which should we wait on?
Are we planning for hydrogen on evidence or on enthusiasm?
The trends and technologies behind this session
From the 311 Starburst, the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit’s map of the technologies and trends shaping the next 50 years.
What does the superyacht debate mean for organisations?
It shows the tension between status assets and sustainability claims. Organisations should test new technology openly and be ready for scrutiny of the assets that carry it.
How does the green hydrogen retreat relate to superyachts?
Hydrogen is one of the fuels the industry wants to promote. 311 tracks firms shelving green hydrogen plants as costs stay high and buyers stay away, so superyacht hydrogen plans need realistic costs and demand.
How do digital twins relate to superyacht innovation?
A digital twin is a live virtual copy of a real machine, so it can help test and refine a vessel's systems. 311 marks it Prepare, which suits a technology leaders should plan for now.
How can 311 brief our leadership team on this?
Through a private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector, in person first.
Bring this to your leadership teamA private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector. In person first, anywhere in the world.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit, from Matthew Griffin’s session and 311 data.
If Matthew gave this session today
Whole industries may soon be disrupted in a day.
The codex sets out the forces accelerating global disruption and how close we are to disrupting whole industries in a day, the same forces that could flatten or eliminate today's supply chains.
