Technical Director Peter Wallbank Delivers Keynote on MARPOL Compliance at Palma International Boat Show
The global conversation around sustainability and environmental responsibility in the leisure marine sector continues to evolve and this year’s Palma International Boat Show provided an important platform for some of the industry’s leading voices to share insight on the future of the sector.
August Race Group Technical Director Peter Wallbank was invited to deliver a keynote presentation at Superyacht Square, Palma Superyacht Village, speaking on one of the marine industry’s most rapidly emerging topics: MARPOL compliance within the leisure marine sector.
Held on Thursday 30 April, the Superyacht Square keynote programme brought together industry leaders and innovators to discuss topics ranging from decarbonisation and artificial intelligence through to yacht design and environmental responsibility.
The keynote schedule featured:
- Robert van Tol (SYBAss) - Yachting’s Roadmap for Decarbonisation
- Claire Hagen (This is Odyssey) - AI and the Future of Marketing in Yachting
- Joost Mertens (Vripack) - Project Zero
- Sanjeev Gabriel (Yachting Pages) - Embracing AI in your Business
- Peter Wallbank (August Race Group) - MARPOL in the Leisure Marine Industry
Peter’s presentation focused on an area that has historically received limited attention within leisure marine operations: the environmental implications and compliance considerations surrounding routine cleaning and maintenance discharges.
While MARPOL is often associated with large commercial shipping, growing awareness is highlighting the relevance of Annex V requirements across wider sectors of boating and marina activity. Operational discharges from routine maintenance activities, including washdown and cleaning practices, are increasingly becoming part of industry discussions around environmental responsibility and practical compliance.
Drawing upon August Race Group’s work through the Oceans Assured™ initiative, Peter outlined the need for greater awareness, improved understanding and practical solutions that allow vessel owners, marinas and marine professionals to make informed decisions.
The presentation also highlighted the role of evidence-led product development, compliance transparency and the importance of supporting the marine industry with practical tools that simplify environmental responsibilities rather than complicate them.
Commenting following the event, Peter said:
“The marine industry is moving rapidly towards greater environmental accountability and MARPOL is becoming an increasingly important conversation. The objective is not to create barriers, but to provide practical pathways that help the industry understand the facts and make informed decisions.”
Palma International Boat Show once again demonstrated its position as one of the industry’s leading events, bringing together manufacturers, associations, innovators and marine professionals from around the world.
August Race Group would like to thank the Palma Superyacht Village team for hosting an excellent event and for creating an important platform for industry dialogue around the future of leisure marine.
