BLUE Communications

How do you communicate to those who matter most to you, and build your brand and reputation in the leisure marine and superyacht markets? Meet our team of market specialists during METSTRADE at RAI Amsterdam to talk about your brand and communications strategy. With in-depth knowledge of these markets and the very best PR and digital marketing capabilities, we’re here to support you in building a market-leading brand. We know how busy schedules become over the week, so let’s connect in advance and set up a meeting -  📧 Contact Emily Dove at: [email protected]. #LeisureMarine #Superyacht #METS2024

As the world’s climate leaders muster themselves for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, we reflect on the key forces shaping global climate action today. ⬇️ 🔴 The US's approach to climate change will likely take a turn amid Donald Trump’s imminent return. They say that with Trump, the only certainty is uncertainty. This is no longer the case with climate politics. His likely exit from the 2015 Paris Agreement threatens to cast a shadow over the COP fortnight. Yet, Biden remains in power until January, and his green technology economy has proven resilient. We could see the current administration double down with bold ambition before Trump’s inauguration. Trump’s alignment with Elon Musk also throws up the potential of a less bullish climate denying version of Trump. 🌍 Lloyd's List reported that what happens in COP has little bearing on what happens in the IMO. It assesses that in a renewable energy world, where shipping remains sat at the children’s table when it comes to access to green fuels, the most important aspect of COP will be in making connections across the energy departments out in Azerbaijan over the next two weeks. 💡 To that end, it is only a year since the CEOs of leading global shipping lines issued a joint declaration at COP 28, calling for an end date for fossil-only powered newbuilds, and urging the IMO to create the right regulatory conditions. However, while the regulations set are widely considered ambitious – a net zero target by 2050 – progress, it could be argued, has been slow, with no ubiquitous plan to access green fuels. As BLUE MD, Alisdair Pettigrew, wrote in TradeWinds in July: ‘Shipping is just not yet able – unless it has the offtake scale and capital found at Maersk – to act as a large, homogenous offtaker in a way that enables its constituents to drive down prices and send clear demand signals to green hydrogen developers.’ #COP29 #GreenTechnology #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has a clear message for the maritime industry: "Ask not what the IMO can do for you, but what you can do for the IMO." With critical decarbonisation goals on the horizon, Dominguez urges all industry players to take proactive steps towards sustainability and safety. The IMO will deliver the frameworks, but real progress requires active engagement from every sector. Dominguez has been vocal about the IMO’s active calls for private sector engagement from those sectors prepared to be bold. For example, we have seen progress made in Ireland as the government approved the terms and conditions for the nation’s second offshore wind auction. Read the IMO Secretary-General's comments in full via Lloyd's List: https://lnkd.in/e74FstN7 #ShipsAndShipping #IMO #Decarbonisation #OffshoreWind

Despite wind propulsion's potential to significantly reduce shipping emissions in line with the International Maritime Organization’s 2050 net-zero goals, the technology faces a few hurdles: safety concerns, technical challenges, and a lack of unified global standards. BLUE client Bureau Veritas Group has highlighted a key challenge in advancing offshore and marine decarbonisation - regulatory barriers that continue to limit the widespread adoption of wind propulsion technology. In its latest report on wind propulsion technology, BV underscores that to truly harness wind propulsion's potential for sustainable shipping, industry and regulatory bodies must collaborate to build confidence and create clear frameworks for adoption. Wind propulsion has the potential to transform offshore energy, and with regulatory support, it could be a game-changer in the journey towards a sustainable future. 💨 Read more via Offshore Energy : https://lnkd.in/dwKRMfrN #MarineDecarbonisation #WindPropulsion #ShipsAndShipping 

Policy makers, innovators and other maritime professionals gathered at the International Maritime Organization last week for the IMO-UNEP Innovation Forum to exchange knowledge around global collaborations and investment opportunities to help chart a course for a zero-emissions future in shipping. We first heard from the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez on the three-step approach towards the IMO 2023 strategy, which focuses on ship efficiency, zero-carbon fuel development and global availability, seafarers, safety, and training. This followed with an array of inspirational speeches from governmental figures and global associations on shipping’s sustainability progress and the need for continued sustainable maritime development. Many panellists placed onus on the need to prioritise decarbonisation in developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This opened the door for others to discuss more innovative pathways available to enable these nations to become decarbonisation hubs by driving investment and unlocking economic potential. Amongst the discussion was the role of ports in facilitating decarbonisation. However, without clear demand, they are holding back on building alternative fuel infrastructure. On the other side, ship owners are also hesitant to invest in green fuels before they become widely available and more cost-efficient. Here lies a challenge to bring together all stakeholders across the maritime value chain to start adopting more decarbonisation pathways today. While we recognise the shared commitment across the industry, the reality is that we need more innovative finance and greater collaboration to ensure we meet and exceed the environmental regulatory targets set in the near future. Thanks to BLUE’s Business Development and Marketing Lead Emily Dove and Account Executive George Brown for attending the sessions and sharing their insight. In case you missed the event, you can re-watch the live stream on the IMO’s YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/eWDuTQce #MarineDecarbonisation #InternationalShipping #Collaboration 

Dynamics within the alternative fuel landscape continue to shift with the momentum behind green hydrogen slowing down. A major hydrogen export deal in Atlantic Canada has been delayed due to “a supply-demand mismatch and the largest wave of global inflation in decades.” Additionally, a major project in British Colombia has been put on hold due to power pricing issues. Even globally, hydrogen hubs face mounting challenges. Will hydrogen still be the future, or are these roadblocks a sign of more to come…💡 Read more via The Energy Mix: https://lnkd.in/ejWv-zWM #Hydrogen #Maritime #AlternativeFuels

📣 In case you missed the news last week, we announced our acquisition of PR agency Saltwater, strengthening our position as the leading global B2B specialist for the commercial maritime, marine leisure, and superyacht sectors. By combining our specialist sector knowledge and access to influential stakeholder networks with brand and communications excellence, both existing and prospective clients will benefit from a full-service offering and deepened intelligence of the marine industry. The announcement stands as testament to our strategic growth plans and commitment to continue Saltwater’s legacy in the marine market. Read more via The Maritime Executive: https://lnkd.in/e6VDFm3a #Maritime #LeisureMarine #Yachting

Today marks an exciting milestone in BLUE Communications' journey as we proudly announce the acquisition of Saltwater, the leading PR agency for the marine leisure, white boat, and superyacht sectors.    This strategic move further strengthens BLUE’s position as the leading B2B specialist in the maritime industry, combining our deep sector expertise and networks, with a fully integrated brand and communications offering.    BLUE’s Managing Director Alisdair Pettigrew comments: “For us, this acquisition makes complete sense – marrying two highly-respected agency brands to open up the opportunity to expand into another growing maritime sector. We’re excited to work with the amazing team at Saltwater to help supercharge and invest in its growth with our additional services and resources.”    Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/exAvJzF2   #Communications #Marine #Yachting #MaritimePR

The 119th Annual National Service for Seafarers took place last week at St Paul’s Cathedral in London - a heartfelt event that celebrates the dedication of seafarers to our global economy and those who support them. The service reinforced The Mission to Seafarers’ global impact in supporting more than 1.89 million crew members worldwide, and its initiatives that provide vital support across more than 200 ports in 50 countries, operating around the clock, 365 days a year. Account Manager Natalie Makin and Account Executive Isobel Hodges attended the service representing BLUE, commenting that the atmosphere was truly uplifting and was made even more special by the presence of HRH Princess Anne, President of The Mission to Seafarers. #Seafarers #MaritimeCommunity #MaritimeIndustry

🌍 "We’re all on the same side of the climate change battle. And what a massive battle it is." 🌍 The outcomes of MEPC 82 leave much to reflect on. From the global carbon levy to the much-anticipated renewable marine fuel standard, the discussions were promising, but the road ahead remains challenging. Following the event closely was our Consultant, Peter Prest, who penned his thoughts on how, despite progress being made, significant work lies ahead for the global shipping industry to align on regulations that truly combat climate change in the near term, because “In the long run, we’re all dead”! Read our latest blog for an in-depth look at what MEPC 82 means for the future of shipping and sustainability, here: https://lnkd.in/efXdXvD7 #Sustainability #MEPC82 #GHGReduction #RenewableFuels #ShippingIndustry #ShipsandShipping