Monaco, APRIL 17th 2026
The Superyacht Eco Association (SEA Index®), established in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse (UBS Group), and the Port de Marseille Fos has today formalised a partnership aimed at reducing yacht emissions and enhancing the environmental appeal as France’s leading Mediterranean port.
The official signing took place at the Yacht Club of Monaco, in the presence of His Excellency Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco, Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club of Monaco and President of the SEA Index, Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Port of Marseille Fos; along with leading institutional and port representatives.
Photo Credits © Mesi – Yacht Club de Monaco (His Excellency Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco; Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club of Monaco and President of the SEA Index; Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Port of Marseille Fos; Jérémie Lagarrigue, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Development; François Daure, in charge of PACA–Monaco relations at the Yacht Club of Monaco; Romain Simmarano, Chief of Staff to the President of the Sud Region; and Samy Touati, Secretary General of Monaco’s Department of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning.)
A Strategic Partnership for the Environmental Transition of Yachting
The Port de Marseille Fos continues to strengthen its environmental commitments by joining a network of 23 ports already partnered with the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA Index®). This initiative expands the international reach of the SEA Index and positions the Port de Marseille Fos within a recognised network of environmentally engaged ports across the Mediterranean, as well as the Seychelles and the Caribbean.
The partnership aims to:
- provide yacht owners with clear insights into the carbon footprint of their vessels;
- highlight and promote the most environmentally responsible yachts;
- encourage the arrival of lower-impact superyachts, in line with European and regional environmental objectives.
As part of this momentum, the SEA Index® has recently enhanced its CO₂ framework by introducing a new air quality certification, developed in collaboration with AtmoSud. This certification assesses emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM), based on the installed power of main engines and generators. It complements the existing CO₂ assessment tool, certified by Lloyd’s Register, offering a comprehensive environmental evaluation, enabling ports and yacht owners to better understand and reduce the true environmental impact of large yachts.
Thanks to this dual approach, CO₂ and air quality, the partnership equips the Port de Marseille Fos with a unique toolkit to guide and incentivise the reception of yachts with a lower environmental footprint. The partnership agreement notably includes the promotion of the SEA Index® and the creation of targeted incentives to attract the most responsible vessels.
Strengthening Mediterranean Cooperation
As one of the France’s leading port and a major Mediterranean hub, the Port de Marseille Fos is actively pursuing an ambitious ecological transition within the maritime sector.
This partnership with the SEA Index® positions the port as a benchmark destination for the reception of responsible superyachts, whilst anticipating future European regulatory requirements. It is a genuine differentiating tool that enhances its attractiveness.
The joint deployment of CO₂ and air quality certifications further reinforces this positioning by establishing a reference methodology applicable across the Mediterranean basin.
A Long-Term, Mutual Commitment
The SEA Index® grants the Port de Marseille Fos status as an institutional member, increasing its visibility within the international network of committed marinas and shipyards.
In parallel, the Port de Marseille Fos commits to promoting SEA Index® initiatives among local yachting stakeholders, thus contributing to the development of a collective movement in support of more sustainable yachting practices.
A shared roadmap will define measurable objectives and operational steps to reduce emissions associated with superyacht activity in the Marseille area. This approach will rely on a comprehensive environmental assessment, integrating CO₂, NOx, and particulate matter (PM) criteria.
The analysis of emissions (CO₂, NOx, PM) will guide the implementation of tailored solutions, with a view of achieving a concrete reduction in the environmental impact of visiting vessels.
“We are delighted to welcome the Port de Marseille Fos into the SEA Index® community. By adopting a multi-criteria measurement tool—covering both CO₂ and air quality—it positions itself as a true pioneer. By joining forces with leading ports such as Marseille, we can collectively drive the adoption of ambitious and meaningful environmental standards. Only through this shared effort will we transform the yachting industry into a more responsible, measurable, and transparent model.”
– Bernard d’Alessandri, President, SEA Index®, Secretary General, Yacht Club de Monaco
“This partnership with the SEA Index® strengthens our commitment to more responsible yachting. By joining this international network, we are equipping ourselves with concrete tools to encourage the reception of lower-impact vessels and to affirm our role as a leading Mediterranean port in the ecological transition.”
– Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Port de Marseille Fos
About the SEA Index® – Superyacht Eco Association
Founded in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse (UBS Group), the SEA Index® develops scientifically rigorous environmental certifications for superyachts. Verified by independent third parties, the SEA Index® is a cornerstone of the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, is present in 23 ports, marinas worldwide and supports the sector’s transition toward more sustainable operations.
About the Port de Marseille Fos
A key player in global trade, the Port de Marseille Fos handles nearly 10,000 vessels and 4 million passengers each year, processes close to 75 million tonnes of goods, and manages 10,400 hectares with a strong commitment to environmental excellence.
Serving 500 ports across nearly 160 countries, it offers extensive infrastructure to support maritime, logistics, and industrial activities. Its capabilities span a wide range of cargo operations, including liquid bulk, containers, minerals, and food products.
As a fully integrated multimodal platform connected to rail, river, road, and pipeline networks, the Port de Marseille Fos provides direct access to both the French and European hinterland. It efficiently links the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, serving over 15 million consumers in Southern France and reaching more than 70 million people along the Rhône–Saône corridor and across Western Europe.
About the SEA Index®
Founded in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco (Y.C.M.) and Credit Suisse (UBS Group), the SEA Index® certification (Superyacht Eco Association) is a pioneering initiative designed to assess and reduce the environmental footprint of vessels. Based on recognized scientific methodologies and supported by independent third-party verification, the SEA Index® brings together a growing network of more than twenty ports partner, primarily in the Mediterranean, as well as in other regions such as the Caribbean and the Seychelles.
It stands as one of the key pillars of the collective initiative “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting,” led by the Y.C.M., whose ambition is to position the Principality as a global benchmark for innovative, sustainable, and responsible yachting, contributing to ocean protection and the development of the yachting of tomorrow.
Press Contact : Florence PELTIER
+33 6 15 70 37 39
florence.peltier@marseille-port.fr
www.marseille-port.fr
For press inquiries, interviews, or details about SEA Index certifications and network benefits for rated yachts: info@sea-index.com
