Why smarter HVAC Is the next big step in superyacht efficiency

Written for Superyachttimes.com by Guest Author

HVAC systems, still largely based on 25-year-old standards, account on average for 50% of total yacht energy use – making them the single largest continuous energy consumer. The future of yacht operation is digital and data-driven, and systems are becoming connected and intelligent. Patrick Voorn, founder of Synergy The HVAC Consultancy, part of the Bond Support Services Group, explains how HVAC is central to this shift.

The superyacht industry is making considerable efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Innovations in hybrid propulsion, waste-heat recovery, and advanced fuel management are gaining traction, driven by regulatory pressure and client demand for sustainable solutions. Yet propulsion represents only a fraction of the energy story. Yachts spend just 7–10 per cent of their time underway. During the remaining 90 per cent of their operational life while moored, at anchor or in port, other onboard systems dominate the energy demand. The largest of these is HVAC, making it the single biggest lever for reducing fuel consumption, cutting operational costs and improving efficiency.

Ready for change

Because the HVAC segment has been largely unchallenged or pressed to develop more efficient systems, a large segment of the market has remained unchanged, aside from the use of waste water for heating. Most yachts still rely on chilled-water Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems or fan coil units with make-up air units sized with generous safety margins.

These systems are robust, but often oversized, left to run in ‘set-and-forget’ mode, and rarely optimised once installed. Because performance data is limited, inefficiencies go unnoticed. The result: unnecessary chiller runtime, overactive pumps, and wasted thermal energy circulating throughout the vessel. This lack of transparency is one of the reasons why innovation has been slow. But the combination of real-time monitoring, digital twins, and AI analytics is now changing the picture.

Bringing data to the surface

Specially designed software is now able to collect over 1.5 million data points every day. From chiller units, pumps, valves, sensors, air handlers, and thermostats, we can see how the system actually performs under real-world conditions. This data feeds a digital twin – a live, virtual replica of the onboard HVAC system. The twin mirrors, among other things, temperature, flow, pressure, and energy use in real time, allowing engineers to see not only what is happening, but why.

This insight allows inefficiencies to be diagnosed with precision. Engineers can detect and correct imbalances between the technical parts; identify unnecessary energy use during low-load periods; adjust setpoints dynamically based on occupancy and climate conditions; and provide full support to ease the workload of the onboard crew. Most of the time, all of this can be done without replacing, or adding hardware, meaning large efficiency gains are possible even on yachts that are mid-life or newly delivered.

From black box to open book

Traditionally, HVAC has been a mystery to many yacht crew. Performance was judged by comfort rather than efficiency. With live data and AI-driven analysis, that is changing. Modern platforms use machine learning to recognise normal operating patterns and flag anomalies early. For example, a subtle pressure drop might indicate a developing refrigerant leak, or a small temperature drift could reveal a faulty sensor or miscalibrated valve, or persistent high energy use under light load can highlight oversized or poorly tuned components.

This turns HVAC from a passive system into an actively managed one, enabling predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making, rather than reactive troubleshooting. Real-world deployments have shown over 30 per cent improvement in HVAC performance, translating into total vessel energy savings of 10–15 per cent when we refer to HVAC consuming 50 per cent of the total energy. That’s not just lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions – it’s also reduced generator runtime, longer service intervals, fewer compressor starts and increase comfort for guests.

How it works

The process begins when the yacht’s HVAC drawings are provided. These serve as the foundation for configuring the software. With expertise in cybersecurity and maritime systems, Delta Digital’s specialists ensure each step is executed securely and efficiently.

In most installations, the onboard technical crew supports the setup by creating a connection to the yacht’s network and hosting a virtual server. Once the system is online, data collection begins immediately.

The first 30 days are designated as the ‘baseline period’. During this time, no changes are made to the HVAC system, allowing engineers to capture accurate operational data under normal conditions. After the baseline is established, Delta Digital’s engineers begin analysing the collected data and fine-tuning system parameters to optimise performance.

A dedicated dashboard provides a clear overview of system behaviour, showing both the original settings and the effects of any adjustments. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) display efficiency metrics for the five most critical subsystems. A separate ‘Savings’ page quantifies energy savings relative to the baseline, offering an at-a-glance view of the improvements achieved. All data is accessible to the onboard engineering team, with historical trends available for any timeframe, from the last five minutes to the system’s first day in operation.

This is the feedback from the owner’s representative of a recently delivered 100-metre-plus yacht: “Despite our HVAC installation being new and ‘state-of-the-art’, we were aware it was not functioning as well as it should and were frustrated by the lack of transparency in the monitoring system. Despite expecting some improvements in efficiency, we are genuinely surprised by the extent of those gains with the added benefit of a much better balanced chiller system. The monitoring and trending the system provides us with have been invaluable for a better understanding of the system.”

New builds and refits

The benefits go beyond operational optimisation. For shipyards and naval architects, real performance data provides a basis for smarter design. Too often, HVAC systems are sized conservatively at every step – thermal load estimation, equipment selection, control strategy – leading to stacked safety margins. The result: oversized chillers, larger pumps, increased piping sizes, larger generators, more weight, larger technical spaced which results in reduced interior volume.

Using operational data from comparable vessels, project teams are able to right-size new systems for real-world conditions rather than worst-case assumptions; reduce equipment footprint, freeing up space for guest or crew areas; and lower generator size and fuel requirements, cutting OPEX and CAPEX.

This approach is increasingly relevant as the IMO and class societies tighten efficiency and emissions targets. Intelligent HVAC design supports compliance without compromising guest comfort. Most systems can be brought online within a matter of days and, importantly, all data is owned by the client and is fully accessible, no proprietary ‘black box’ calculations or locked-in service contracts.

Because we don’t sell HVAC systems, our recommendations are fully objective. The goal is simple: to make existing systems perform better and give crews and owners confidence that decisions are based on facts, not vendor sales targets. This independence has been particularly valuable for yacht owners, fleets and management companies, where consistent reporting and transparent KPIs are essential for benchmarking vessel performance.

This article was first published in issue 9 of How To Build It. You can read all the articles from this edition here, and stay up-to-date with all previous editions here.

Future-proofing yachts: Insights on AV/IT innovations and best practices from Bond TM

Written for Superyachttimes.com by Francesca Webster

Mon, Sep 16, 2024 | 11:15

Bond Technology Management has provided new-build, survey, and refit consultancy services since 2006 and has brought many innovations to the yachting industry. Their sister company Bond Support Services has also been providing expert IT, AV and Satcoms operational support, training, and refit services. More recently, their support group has also added Air Quality and HVAC consultancy to its services. We recently sat down with Zeb Robin, Technical Director at Bond TM, to find out more about the developments in the AV/IT sector, Bond’s unique approach to consultancy in the yachting technology sector and to get his expert insight into future developments.

Technology is developing all the time. How do you future-proof an AV/IT system?

Bond Technology Management has a fundamentally different perspective than an integrator, as our position working directly for yacht owners means we can drive the specification to ensure systems are future proof. Integrators must bid on specifications, we write them.

On a more specific level, we’re always looking 10 and 15 years ahead to make sure the systems we design are future proof, with many completed vessels being the living historical proof that we have been doing it right. Our job often means helping customers to avoid being penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to infrastructure planning. Additionally, we are encouraging yacht owners to simplify and streamline their systems so that long-term maintenance and operational costs are reduced. Starlink was the lynchpin we were waiting for to fundamentally re-invent the onboard AV/IT systems we tailor to owner needs.

AV/IT systems are complex and costly. What is your advice for project managers or owners’ reps tasked with choosing an integrator and speccing a system? 

We respectfully challenge the assumption that AV/IT systems must be complex and costly.  There is a clear trend towards simplification which we at bond are leaning into, and it is possible today to simultaneously shrink systems and future proof them.

Returning to the question, one should first make sure a good team is creating the system specification packages. If you are considering bringing expert consultants onto your team like Bond TM, then scratch the surface to ensure their merit and avoid cronyism. It takes time to build a good specification, and cutting corners at early stages can be costly in the end.

Next, there has been a downsizing trend in the last decade which has allowed us to return space back to the interior, but it relies on good communications with the owner in terms they can relate to. If you ask an integrator or anyone really who doesn’t know the client, you will get over-spec’d systems containing everything plus the kitchen sink. However the systems we’ve been working with our customers to specify are smaller, cooler and more capable than those of the past, because customers today are rejecting a lot of the complexity which in the past was under-utilised or never used at all.

Armed with a solid specification, one can then of course go to tender. If done right, you will get good apples to apples offers, and you can select your suppliers based on price and compliance to specification.

Some superyachts now have a full-time ETO (Electro Technical Officer) on board. Generally speaking, is there sufficient training for crew to run and maintain the AV/IT systems properly?

A well trained and knowledgeable crew will always make the guest experience onboard better, zero doubt. For over a decade, Bond has offered a variety of technical and cyber training courses to help crew enhance the skill set they bring onboard.

Furthermore, our push to simplify and streamline the AV/IT systems means that these systems simply cause fewer headaches for the crew to begin with. The interesting caveat however is IT system administration. Switches and Wi-Fi over the next decades will always be required, as will the need for IT specialists who are experts in keeping the network secure and performance.

Our Support Services group has been delivering expert technical assistance to crew for over 15 years, exactly to reinforce the crew and ensure they have access to all skills necessary to keep their yacht running smoothly.

In an increasingly connected environment, how important is it to have a cybersecurity management plan when designing an onboard IT system?

A Cyber Security Management Plan is a vital operational matter that crew must attend to; it is not a tangible thing one can design into a system or pay cash up front for. If experts have designed the IT system to adequate standards using sound best practices while not cutting important corners, then it will be possible to operate it safely and securely. However a system packed with the most exotic security technologies in the world will amount to nothing if it gets hacked due to being operated and maintained incorrectly, or because the crew was not trained adequately to understand and avoid cyber threats.

If the worst does come to pass and there is a cyber incident onboard, the crew need to have a good plan they can follow to ensure they immediately do the right things to mitigate harm and/or loss, while quickly bringing the vessel back to a secure state. This is what good cyber policies and plans can do.

Bond serves the Cyber needs of yachts at every level. Our build management group ensures systems are designed and delivered to robust standards.  Our service and support group maintains those systems at a secure state and helps crew to craft world class cyber policies that are well tailored to their needs. Lastly, our training team routinely conducts Cyber Awareness courses for entire crews to help everyone level up their operational security. Daily vigilance is needed in the face of the threats out there, and a well-prepared crew is the first and best line of defense.

Fast connectivity at sea can be elusive. Are 5G, Starlink and other low earth orbit satellites taking over from traditional VSAT technology?

This is not elusive any more since virtually every yacht on the sea has already installed Starlink. This constellation of satellites has fundamentally changed everything. Since 2014 when Greg Wyler and Elon Musk first started planning a Low Earth Orbit constellation called WorldVu, and when O3B went online, we have been preparing our customers to be ready for low and medium earth orbit systems.  We are therefore proud to have had SpaceX as a guest on our stand at the Monaco Yacht Show when they first launched their marine service.

It’s not nice to hear for legacy providers, but the fact is that conventional VSAT is now only a backup service, and one that will be in decline for the next decade. On the new-build side, we are now working on the first generation of yachts that will not have any large satellite radomes, resulting in a stunningly sleek exterior.

Some in the industry made mistakes over the last decades, recommending unripe technologies that were obsolete before they were even installed. However, we at Bond steered our clients to avoid this error and can today assure anyone reading this that those days are over.Internet at sea is now abundant and more affordable than ever, and as more services come online to complete with Starlink in the next years, it will only become more so.

AV/IT upgrades are commonly requested during refit or maintenance periods when time is limited. What do crew and shipyards need to be aware of?

Firstly, if the vessel has good infrastructure (quality ship run cabling, well built and cooled technical racks, etc..) then absolute refit costs will be much lower over time. It costs a bit more upfront to build good infrastructure, but it pays off in savings *forever*, while increasing the longevity and reliability of all systems.

Therefore, if the vessel’s infrastructure is poor, with intermittent faults and outages, overheating equipment, etc.., it may be a wise long term investment to improve said infrastructure. It might not provide any new flashy capabilities for guests, but it can pave the way for more robust and affordable systems in the long run.

Next, to get the best prices and ensure a smooth refit period, start developing your scope of work early and be realistic. Instead of trying to do everything at once, we have seen a trend with several customers whereby they prefer to develop an evolutionary upgrade strategy for their vessel with us. By breaking the upgrades into discrete chunks of work, it can result in lower costs and higher quality outcomes which don’t require the vessel to be out of service for any one long block of time.

Lastly, logistical aspects such as hardware lead times, labor logistics and access to refit shipyards should not be underestimated. When these things go wrong they can cripple a refit, so they are best considered well in advance.

Get in touch with Bond

If you’d like to discuss AV/IT innovations, training, or support on your yacht, reach out to the Bond TM team:

• Website: www.bondtm.com
• Email: info@bondtm.com
• Phone: +357 25 24 89 35

Level Up Your Superyacht Skills: IT & AV Training for 2026 Is Here

Technology on board superyachts is evolving fast, and the crew who understand it best are the ones who stand out, progress quickly, and keep vessels running smoothly.
That’s exactly why our IT & AV Training Programme exists: to give crew the confidence, competence and real-world understanding needed to manage today’s increasingly complex onboard systems.

2026 dates are now confirmed, and whether you’re brand new to onboard tech or ready to take things to the next level, there’s a course designed for you.

Why IT & AV Training Matters More Than Ever

From cinema systems and guest WiFi to navigation networks, CCTV, PMS, control systems and Starlink connectivity, yachts rely on seamless technology — and crew who can support it.

Investing in your technical skills means:

• becoming indispensable to the vessel
• troubleshooting issues faster
• reducing reliance on shoreside support
• improving guest experience
• adding a recognised qualification to your CV

These courses are built specifically for life at sea — practical, real, hands-on and immediately applicable.

? What You’ll Learn (In Plain English)

Level 1 (IT or AV): Your Foundation

Perfect for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of onboard systems.

• How networks on yachts actually work
• The building blocks of AV systems
• Common faults and how to solve them
• Understanding signal flow, bandwidth, devices and cabling
• What to do (and not do!) when something stops working
• Real situations you’ll face on board

Prerequisite for L1: No technical background required, just an interest in onboard technology.

Level 2 (IT or AV): For the Tech-Minded Crew Member

Designed for engineers, ETOs, AVIT’s and tech-focused crew ready to deepen their knowledge.

• Network configuration
• VLANs, routing, WiFi optimisation
• Server & rack fundamentals
• Signal distribution
• Advanced troubleshooting
• System architecture & design logic
• Understanding how all technologies onboard connect

Prerequisite for L2:

• Level 1 certificate OR a short assessment call with one of our trainers

Level 2 is taught live, in-person in Hamburg, Germany with hands-on activities, real equipment, and team problem-solving.

What You’ll Gain

By the end of your course, you’ll walk away with:

• A clear understanding of how yacht technology really works
• Confidence to diagnose and fix common problems
• Accredited certification to boost your career
• Practical skills you can use immediately
• A deeper understanding of how to support guests and crew
• Tools to communicate more effectively with ETOs, integrators and shoreside teams

? Ready to Enrol?

1. Sign up
2. Receive your invoice
3. Secure your place with payment
4. Get your pre-course materials and join us for training

 Enrol here

Questions? Email training@bondtm.com — we’re happy to help you choose the right level

Maritime Cyber Training: Choose the Format That Works for You and Your Crew

Superyachts are more connected than ever – AV, IT, navigation, communication, guest networks, crew networks, PMS systems, CCTV and third-party devices onboard. With this connectivity comes risk. Human error remains the number one cause of maritime cyber incidents. A small mistake – a bad password, a suspicious link or an unapproved USB stick – can lead to stress onboard.

Bond IT Staff along with Dr. Paul Hunton of Maritime Cyber Solutions have created cyber awareness training designed specifically for the superyacht environment: real-world scenarios, everyday crew responsibilities and practical takeaways you can use immediately onboard.

And now, you can choose the training format that fits your vessel.

Two Ways to Get Cyber-Smart

Self-Paced E-Learning

Perfect for busy schedules, crossing periods or rotational crew.

✔ Complete in 2–3 hours
✔ Accessible on any device (tablet, laptop, mobile)
✔ Stop, start and learn at your own pace
✔ Ideal for vessels with mixed schedules or high turnover
✔ Same certification, same content — just more flexibility

Instructor-Led Training

Live. Interactive. Vessel-specific.

A great choice if you prefer structured learning or want to get the whole team trained together.

✔ 4-hour live session via Zoom
✔ Private to your vessel
✔ Led by a Bond maritime cyber expert
✔ Ask questions, share scenarios, and tailor the discussion
✔ Strengthens team understanding of your yacht’s specific systems

Flexible, Remote, and Built for Life at Sea

Whichever format you choose, both options are:

• NCSC-approved for the superyacht industry
• Designed by Bond’s team of marine cyber specialists
• Focused on real risks yachts face every day
• Delivered fully online – no downtime, no travel, no hassle

Explore both formats and enrol your team here:

? https://bondtm.com/enrol/maritime-cyber-risk-awareness-course/

If you’d like advice on which approach suits your yacht, Bond is always happy to help. Send us an email – training@bondtm.com

Cyber training shouldn’t be difficult, disruptive or time-consuming. It should simply work for your crew.

Monaco Yacht Show 2025: Round Up

The Bond team had a great week at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. Based in the Quai Albert tent, the Bond Technology Hub once again brought together leading partners, clients, and colleagues from across the superyacht technology sector.

The Bond Technology Hub

Throughout the week, we were joined by our partners Qualtron GmbH, MTN Global, and Synergy – The HVAC Consultancy, with Crestron Electronics as our neighbours. Together, we discussed the latest developments in connectivity, HVAC efficiency, refit support and crew training.

It was great to reconnect with industry friends, connect with clients and meet new faces.

This MYS also marked the official launch of the Bond × MTN Alliance, combining MTN’s connectivity solutions including private network capabilities and flexible plans such as those using Starlink, with Bond’s full suite of onboard technology and IT support services. The alliance provides yachts with a unified, end-to-end solution for managing connectivity, AV/IT infrastructure, and technical support worldwide.

Networking Events at the Monaco Yacht Show

On Thursday evening, we hosted informal Technology Hub Networking Drinks on the Bond stand – an opportunity for guests, clients, and partners to come together in a relaxed setting after a busy day at the show. The evening was a highlight of the week and a great way to celebrate the Technology Hub collaboration.

Beers for Engineers

We were proud to support this year’s Beers for Engineers event, hosted by John Percival Marine Associates (JPMA) and Wilson Halligan, alongside fellow sponsors Pendennis Shipyard and Cornerstone Crew Management.  It was a great evening connecting with ETOs and Engineers.

Bond Networking Breakfast

To close the week, we hosted our annual Networking Breakfast at the Bond office overlooking Port Hercules. This year’s breakfast supported ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network), whose work for crew wellbeing remains essential. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Thank you to everyone who visited the Technology Hub or joined us during the week. These face-to-face conversations are what make the Monaco Yacht Show such a valuable part of the calendar.

To learn more about our support services, consultancy, or crew training, contact us at info@bondtm.com.

5 Cybersecurity Myths Putting Superyachts at Risk

Busted by Bond Support Services for National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Superyacht cybersecurity is no longer optional.
As vessels become increasingly connected through onboard networks, cloud platforms, and satellite systems, the risk of a cyber incident grows every year.

To mark National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re debunking five of the most common myths we still hear when it comes to cyber risk management at sea.

Myth #1: “We’re too small to be a target.”

Reality: Cybercriminals don’t discriminate.

With Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), attacks are now cheap, automated, and widespread. Smaller yachts are often seen as soft targets due to weaker defences and limited onboard IT support.

Even a single compromised account can lead to data theft, system downtime, or financial loss – making cyber awareness onboard superyachts more important than ever.

Myth #2: “We’ve got antivirus, so we’re covered.”

Reality: Antivirus helps, but it’s not enough.

Traditional antivirus relies on known threat signatures. Modern malware uses polymorphic and self-modifying code to bypass detection. Some even disable antivirus before launching their main attack.

A strong superyacht cybersecurity strategy requires multi-layered protection – combining antivirus, firewalls, endpoint monitoring, and crew education.

Myth #3: “We can’t be hacked out at sea.”

Reality: If you’re online, you’re exposed.

Whether your vessel is moored in Monaco or crossing the Atlantic, any internet connection can be exploited. From phishing attacks to compromised cloud credentials, hackers don’t need physical access to infiltrate your systems.

Yachts that rely on Microsoft 365, remote monitoring, and Starlink connections must ensure maritime cyber defences are properly configured and continuously maintained.

Myth #4: “The crew doesn’t need cyber training.”

Reality: People are the first line of defence.

Most breaches begin with a human mistake, such as clicking a phishing link, using weak passwords, or leaving devices unlocked.

Regular crew cyber training builds awareness, reduces risk and empowers everyone onboard to recognise and respond to suspicious activity. At Bond, our Maritime Cyber Risk Awareness Course helps crew understand real-world threats and adopt safe digital practices at sea.

Myth #5: “Cybersecurity is too expensive.”

Reality: A breach costs far more.

The financial impact of a cyber incident can be severe – from recovery costs and legal fees to operational downtime and reputational damage.

Investing in proactive protection not only safeguards your data but also ensures compliance with evolving maritime cyber regulations and ISM Code requirements.

Helping You Stay Cyber Safe Onboard

Bond’s support services are designed to keep every yacht protected with cyber assessments, crew training and ongoing technical support to reduce risk across your network.

?️ Learn more or enrol in our Maritime Cyber Risk Awareness Course

Press Release: Bond Support Services IT & AV Training Courses Gain IAMI GUEST Certification

October 2025

Bond Support Services is proud to announce that its AV and IT training courses for superyacht crew are now officially accredited by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) under the GUEST program.

For over a 15 years, Bond has been delivering specialist training for superyacht crew, led by experienced trainers with real onboard experience. This accreditation marks a significant milestone for the company and for the professional development of crew in the yachting industry.

Will Faimatea, Founder and Director at Bond, commented:
“I  taught GMDSS before stepping into my first ETO role on a yacht, so I know how the right training can open doors and shape careers. For me, it was the beginning of a journey that defined my life in this industry. My hope is that the GUEST AV/IT program we are now accredited to deliver marks the start of something equally special for those coming through it – a pathway that helps them build knowledge, confidence, and opportunity in yachting..”

Joey Meen, Director of GUEST, President of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards and Director of the International Association of Maritime Institutions, added:
“We are delighted to have accredited one of the industry’s leading training providers in superyacht technology.  Bond’s approval to deliver the GUEST AV/IT program represents collaboration between experts in the field and sets a new benchmark for education in audio-visual and information technology for yacht crew.”

Developed by yachting’s first ETO, Will Faimatea, together with the Bond team, these courses to strengthen confidence, practical knowledge and long-term career opportunities for crew, while providing management with a reliable way to upskill technical teams. The next series of courses runs this October, available both online and in Hamburg, covering introductory and advanced levels across IT and AV topics. Instruction is delivered by Bond staff with both New Build & Support experience and Microsoft, Cisco and Crestron certifications.

This accreditation underscores Bond’s continued commitment to raising professional standards in the superyacht sector and supporting crew at every stage of their career.

Find out more & register
Visit: https://bondtm.com/bond-tm-training/
Email: training@bondtm.com