Marine Impact Lab returns to Metstrade 2026 to drive industry collaboration

Bringing sustainability into action

Taking place on 16 November 2026 from 14:00-17:00 at RAI Amsterdam, the Marine Impact Lab has established itself as a unique forum where participants move beyond sustainability theory and into actionable solutions for the marine sector. This year's event introduces new opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, expert-led workshops, and facilitated networking designed to accelerate sustainability adoption across the industry.

“The changes reshaping our industry are real, and for a marine business sustainability is a commercial decision, and a business-critical one, as much as an environmental one,” said Ollie Taylor, co-founder of Marine Futures. “The businesses that act now, before a rule forces the pace, are the ones that will get ahead, and we want to support them. The Marine Impact Lab is an afternoon that brings the industry together to share what works and turn it into action.”

Collaboration remains at the heart of the Marine Impact Lab. Delivered in collaboration with Metstrade, Foxall Munro, and Marine Futures, the sustainability workshops are offered at a subsidized rate, making them accessible to a wider audience across the sector.

"Many of the tools and expertise needed to help the marine industry become more sustainable already exist. The challenge is creating more opportunities to share them," said Michelle Carnevale, president of 11th Hour Racing. "That's why we support Foxall Munro and Marine Futures in developing tools like The Toolbox and MarineShift360, which they'll be sharing during the Marine Impact Lab workshop. By bringing together businesses, designers, engineers, and sustainability leaders to share ideas and solve common challenges, we're helping turn knowledge into action and collaboration into progress across the marine industry."
  

Expanding opportunities for collaboration

A new addition for 2026 sees the Marine Impact Lab offered as a special partnership benefit to DAME Awards shortlisted companies and Yachting Ventures Metstrade Start-Up participants. The Marine Impact Lab provides these companies with direct access to industry experts, practical tools, and valuable peer networks that can help accelerate both business success and sustainability impact.

"Data-backed impact reports and sustainable design principles are still widely missing from the marine industry," said Amy Munro, Co-Founder of Foxall Munro and The Toolbox, and former DAME Awards jury member. "The Marine Impact Lab is designed to educate and upskill sustainability practices across the sector, with an emphasis on helping organizations demonstrate measurable impact and make more credible, evidence-backed sustainability claims."

The Lab is open to all Metstrade visitors, and participants can expect an engaging afternoon that combines strategic insights with hands-on learning. 

“Selling Sustainability” with The Toolbox

Led by Foxall Munro and The Toolbox team, ISO-based sustainability framework, this interactive workshop explores how to effectively communicate the value of sustainability to colleagues, leadership teams, customers, and stakeholders. Participants will learn practical techniques for building a compelling business case, aligning sustainability with organizational goals, developing impactful sustainability policies, and applying proven implementation frameworks that drive measurable results.

Sustainable Design Principles with MarineShift360

Led by MarineFutures, creator of MarineShift360, this hands-on workshop introduces participants to the principles of sustainable design and how they can be applied throughout the product development process. Through practical examples, lifecycle assessment methodologies, and the interactive Eco Design Challenge Simulator by Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, attendees will explore how material selection, manufacturing decisions, circularity, and end-of-life considerations influence environmental impact. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how sustainable design can reduce risk, unlock innovation, and create products that are better for both business and the planet.

The sustainability sprint workshop sessions are followed by interactive, expert-led “Table Talks” on trending topics and emerging technologies, such as alternative propulsion and biomaterials. Conversations continue into the networking happy hour sponsored by St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, closing the event and kicking off Metstrade 2026 with sustainability top of mind before the exhibition officially opens the following day.

Whether focused on organizational sustainability, product development, or future technologies, attendees will leave with actionable frameworks and a stronger understanding of how collaboration can drive meaningful change across the marine industry.

Event Details

Marine Impact Lab 2026
Date: 16 November 2026
Time: 14:00–17:00 (Networking Happy Hour until 18:00)
Location: RAI Amsterdam | METSTRADE 2026
Early Bird Registration: €80 per person, ends September 1

Register here