Carbon Yachts is the latest industry player to join the MERC program, which aims to accelerate the reduction of Australia’s maritime greenhouse gas emissions.
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Carbon Yachts has announced its membership in the Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC), reflecting its ongoing work in developing sustainable boating technologies.
The Sydney-based yacht dealer represents European brands Virtue, YYachts, Saffier Daysailers and Candela across both the Australian and New Zealand markets.
The MERC initiative was launched in 2024 by Maritime Impulse, a firm founded by Angus and Christine McDonald, and the program aims to decarbonise the Australian leisure marine sector.
Since its launch earlier this year, MERC has already gained support from a number of maritime industry players, including Sealink Tourism, Aus Ships Group, and NRMA Ferries.
“Electric vessels are no longer just an environmentally friendly option—they’re starting to outperform petrol-powered boats in many key areas,” says Chris Hrones, co-founder of Carbon Yachts.
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“This isn’t just a trend – electric propulsion is a fundamental shift in the future of boating.”
Indeed, electric vessels have begun to demonstrate superior performance over petrol-powered boats in several key areas, contributing to the shift towards cleaner, high-performance solutions in the maritime leisure industry. Carbon Yachts says the electric boats in its portfolio demonstrate the growing benefits of electric propulsion.
The ASTenders 340 Revolve, for instance, is equipped with a Mitek electric outboard that rotates on its own axis, reducing motor overhang and facilitating easier storage. Electric outboards, in general, offer advantages such as the ability to recharge on a transom or in a garage, eliminating the need for petrol refuelling and avoiding the associated safety risks and fumes of traditional outboards.
The Candela C-8 utilises electric hydrofoiling technology to deliver a smooth and quiet ride, eliminating the noise and movement that can cause seasickness in conventional powerboats.
The maintenance required for the battery is minimal, with servicing needed only after 3,000 hours, which is significantly less than for petrol engines.
The Saffier SE 24 Lite has a solar-powered electric drive system that offers the possibility of remaining on a mooring indefinitely without the need for refuelling while still enabling motoring when necessary.
Carbon Yachts has already played a role in promoting the benefits of electric boating. A recent public relations campaign promoting the Candela C-8’s arrival in Australia reached over 9 million people, with coverage on outlets such as the Weekend Today Show, National Nine News, Channel 7 National News, The Sunday Morning Herald, and NewsCorp publications.
As part of MERC, Carbon Yachts says it remains committed to furthering the adoption of electric propulsion technologies that combine sustainability with high performance, ensuring that electric propulsion becomes the new standard for boaters.
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