Boot Düsseldorf has announced it will be introducing a new stage at the show focussed on shaping the future sustainability of the industry.
The Blue Innovation Dock (BID) will be a forum made up of a series of companies, investors and policymakers, and will be led by boot Düsseldorf and the European Boating Industry (EBI). Most notably it has received the backing of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which has announced it will be chairing a “high-level political panel” on the development of sustainable coastal and maritime tourism.
Boot has revealed it intends the forum to focus on new, future-oriented approaches in the industry and to encourage politicians and the industry to take action and develop plans. Current topics planned to be discussed range from new propulsion systems to investment opportunities and sustainable boating tourism, as well as the future development of marina infrastructure.
Boot Düsseldorf Project Director, Petros Michelidakis, expressed his pleasure at the new stage: "I am very pleased that we will be taking another step towards sustainability with boot” he said. “With the Blue Innovation Dock we will offer companies, international associations and global organisations a public platform where they will present innovations, the latest propulsion technology or sustainable materials for boat building.”
“In order to be able to present the topic to a broad public beyond the fair, the highlights from the BID will be streamed and can be followed live on boot.com. In this way, we are giving the idea of sustainability the space it deserves beyond the boating sector."
Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of the EBI, added: "Our industry is aware of the need to move towards sustainability. The Blue Innovation Dock is an opportunity to showcase this shift, discover the latest innovations and collaborate within our sector and beyond. We are very excited to launch this project with our partner boot Düsseldorf and take a big step towards sustainability."
In 2018 the show launched the ‘Ocean Tribute’ award for marine conservation and also introduced a “Love Your Ocean Stand” for sustainable and visionary projects in the industry.
Boot Düsseldorf is the largest indoor boat show in the world, covering over 220,000 square meters in 17 different halls at the Messe Düsseldorf. Each year it attracts around 2,000 exhibitors with everything on show from luxury superyachts to canoes and kayaks.
The 2022 show is set to run from 22 January to 30 January, if you would like to find out more about it you can read our guide to boot Düsseldorf.
Alternatively, to get a taste for some of the yachts that are likely to be on display, you can view all new and pre-owned yachts for sale.
