The Superyacht Eco Association SEA Index, founded by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse – now UBS Group – in 2020, has formalised a partnership with the Port de Marseille Fos aimed at reducing the environmental impact of superyachts calling at France’s leading Mediterranean port.
The signing took place at the Yacht Club de Monaco in the presence of Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, SEA Index President and YCM Secretary General Bernard d’Alessandri, and Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Port de Marseille Fos, alongside institutional and port representatives.
Marseille joins a network of 23 ports already partnered with the SEA Index across the Mediterranean, the Seychelles and the Caribbean. The partnership gives the port access to the SEA Index’s environmental assessment tools, with the aim of attracting lower-impact superyachts, providing yacht owners with clearer data on their vessels’ carbon footprint and positioning Marseille ahead of tightening European environmental regulations.
A new air quality certification
The partnership coincides with a significant expansion of the SEA Index framework. Working with AtmoSud, the association has developed a new air quality certification that assesses nitrogen oxide (NOx) and fine particulate matter emissions based on the installed power of main engines and generators. This complements the existing CO2 assessment tool, certified by Lloyd’s Register, creating what the association describes as a comprehensive dual approach to environmental evaluation.
“By adopting a multi-criteria measurement tool covering both CO2 and air quality, the Port de Marseille Fos positions itself as a true pioneer,” said d’Alessandri. “Only through this shared effort will we transform the yachting industry into a more responsible, measurable and transparent model.”
Castaner said the partnership equipped the port with concrete tools to encourage the arrival of lower-impact vessels. “We are affirming our role as a leading Mediterranean port in the ecological transition,” he said.
A shared roadmap will set measurable targets and operational steps to reduce emissions associated with superyacht activity in the Marseille area.
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Photo source: YCM