boot 2023: "Bringing together as many players as possible" - boot boss Michelidakis on the "blue innovation dock"
Boote Redaktion
· 20.01.2023
In August, there was already a virtual preview of the bid as a livestream, and now it will take to the stage for nine days. What can you expect from the bid?
We have had this idea for some time, but unfortunately were unable to realise it due to the pandemic. The blue innovation dock is intended to intensify the dialogue between the industry and politicians. We want to emphasise the importance of the water sports industry and encourage a legal framework in which the industry can grow. The bid's content partner is the Brussels-based European Boating Industry (EBI).
Attention as the primary goal?
Among other things, of course. The course must now be set for the future. Our virtual premiere in August already resulted in the EU developing a water sports roadmap, which will be presented for the first time at boot. I'm a little proud of that.
What role does the boat play in the bid?
We are the world's largest water sports trade fair and therefore offer ourselves as a platform. We have both B2C and B2B visitors, and all the major shipyards are here. That's why boot is predestined to intensify dialogue. We are not pioneers in this field, but we are ideally suited to bringing together as many players as possible.
What topics are on the table?
It will cover the whole spectrum. How useful are e-fuels? How suitable is hydrogen as a fuel? How can marinas be digitalised more quickly? Can I involve water sports enthusiasts to protect endangered areas? How will we be travelling by boat in 30 years' time? In order to set the right topics and at the same time obtain an opinion poll, we initiated a study, surveyed 1500 boaters with the ADAC and also members of our boot.club. The bid is therefore very close to the market and I hope that politicians and other decision-makers will follow it closely. 100 exhibitors with sustainable drive solutions are already exhibiting at boot 2023.
boot is dedicating Halls 13 and 14 to the so-called "Destination Seaside". This coastal tourism is currently on everyone's lips. Will it also be integrated into the bid?
The topic of coastal tourism is indeed very topical and important. It, i.e. tourism in the immediate vicinity of the coast up to eleven kilometres inland, generates 240 billion euros in Europe every year. The water sports industry generates between eleven and twelve per cent of this, i.e. 25 to 30 billion euros. We compiled this survey together with the European Tourism Board. A small note on this: Incidentally, boats only contribute 0.1 per cent to total CO2 emissions in the EU. And we are talking about 6.5 million boats up to 24 metres in length that are registered in the EU. Average operating hours per year: 35 to 50.
These seem to me to be reasonably good values in terms of emissions.
And they are. However, as an industry we sometimes have to go the extra mile because we are in the public eye, especially the larger yachts. But I see them as part of coastal tourism and like to compare them to a hotel - people live on them, eat on them, there is entertainment. And: How many yachts are moored in marinas that serve as accommodation? In Greece, for example, this is very popular.
In other words, is it also about social change?
Absolutely. Let's take a look at how we will most likely live in the future. We will have a four-day week. Young people will choose the employer who offers this. The boat industry is also fighting for this one day. We have to think about the use of boats and yachts. We need to become much more digital and invest in the current favourable market situation. We have also created the bid for inspiration in this respect.
Is the willingness for change there?
I can see from the response to the bid that there is a great deal of interest from the industry. The figures also speak for themselves. We are a market worth billions, which probably still has room for expansion if society changes in the way many experts are predicting. As a shipyard, I could think about how I can participate even better with my product. However, this will probably not work through design and motorisation, but through use.
We need to enter into dialogue. It's not about who is in the right, but about preserving the hunting grounds"
Can visitors to boot actually follow the bid without having to register?
Yes, exactly. Just sit down, listen and be inspired. We will provide around 40 to 50 seats and already have 60 speakers and panellists who will be present on stage. On the first day, there will be a direct session between politics and business to set the initial course. The daily updated programme is available on our website and will also be played via boot's social media channels. On the opening day, for example, politicians will be exchanging views with shipyard representatives. Some very prominent guests have announced their attendance.
Ideally, what would the blue innovation dock look like after nine days, what results would you like to see?
That we have communicated sufficient information about the industry to political decision-makers so that developments in sustainability can be driven forward more quickly. Although we water sports enthusiasts are only responsible for 0.1 per cent of EU-wide emissions, it is important that we play a major role in ensuring that our waters remain clean and become cleaner. It would be fantastic if we could create a framework that works across all sectors and throughout the EU. Why do the Spanish and Germans protect seaweed in their own way and the Greeks - and you know I'm Greek - don't protect it at all? We need to start a dialogue. It's not about who is right, but about preserving our areas for future generations.
What do you call out to young people who are concerned about this very issue?
That the water sports industry in particular is dependent on a clean climate and clean waters. As a networking platform, boot will continue to drive forward the sensitisation of society, whether young or old. Above all, we will promote dialogue with decision-makers in politics in order to ensure the necessary transformation and create the appropriate framework conditions.
- More about the blue innovation dock at boot.de
