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SEA Index® steering yachting sustainability at Yacht Club de Monaco 17th Business Symposium

Monaco, February 13th 2025

Each year, the Yacht Club de Monaco unites leading figures from the international yachting community for the La Belle Classe Superyachts Business Symposium. Held as a dinner debate under the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, this exclusive event explores the industry’s most pressing challenges. For its 17th edition, discussions centered on “The Impact of Geopolitical and Economic Tensions on the Yachting Industry.”

As the global yachting industry navigates geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency has become more pronounced. One of the key tools shaping this transformation is the SEA Index®, a benchmark for assessing the environmental impact of superyachts. The Yacht Club de Monaco (Y.C.M.) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing responsible yachting through this initiative, witnessing it being integrated into financial decision-making processes and industry-wide sustainability efforts.

SEA Index: A standard for Sustainable Yachting

Developed to measure the energy intensity of superyachts, the SEA Index has emerged as an essential instrument for owners, shipbuilders, and financiers. By providing a transparent rating system, it enables stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with evolving environmental regulations and market expectations. Financial institutions have also begun incorporating SEA Index ratings into yacht financing criteria, reflecting a broader trend toward sustainability in high-value asset investments.

Banks and insurers are increasingly incorporating sustainability criteria into their financing decisions. Today, greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of yachts are key elements in project evaluations,” explained Ernesto De Marzio, Managing Director – Head of Front at UBS Monaco. This shift signifies a growing recognition of the importance of energy-efficient solutions within the yachting sector.

Recognition for Pioneers in Greener Yachting

The Business Symposium highlighted the importance of sustainability, with two superyachts, M/Y ASLEC 4 and M/Y GALENA, receiving the SEA Index label. Achieving a three-star rating on the independent third-party verified SEA Index scoring system, these vessels exemplify owners’ commitment to lowering carbon footprints and advancing eco-friendlier innovation.

Such recognition underscores the increasing demand for environmentally responsible yachting. Owners are not only keen to maintain the freedom that yachting can procure and performance, but are also integrating energy efficiency and reduced emissions in their decision processes. The SEA Index serves as a crucial framework in this transition, encouraging shipbuilders to integrate greener technologies and innovative designs that enhance fuel efficiency.

A Growing Influence on Yacht Financing

With sustainability becoming a key consideration in financial evaluations, the SEA Index is influencing how banks and insurers assess yacht purchases. Financial institutions are looking beyond a buyer’s financial capability, considering environmental impact when approving loans. This marks a significant departure from traditional financing approaches, reinforcing the necessity for sustainable investment in yachting.

The growing emphasis on responsible yachting aligns with the broader movement towards global environmental accountability. “Investing in a yacht is becoming a conscious decision, influenced not only by economic factors
but also by environmental considerations,” added De Marzio. 

M/Y ASLEC 4 owner's representative Ms. Benedetta Iovane, SEA Index President Mr Bernard d'Alessandri, General Secretary N.Quévert

Future Prospects for SEA Index

The momentum behind SEA Index is set to continue, with industry leaders recognizing its unbiased role in fostering long-term sustainability. The Yacht Club de Monaco remains committed to its “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, positioning itself at the forefront of responsible yachting innovation.

As part of its ongoing efforts, Y.C.M. will host the 14th Environmental Symposium on 6 March 2025, dedicated to sustainable solutions and technological advancements. This event will further explore how industry stakeholders can adapt to climate challenges while maintaining the freedom and innovation that define yachting.

With increasing adoption of the SEA Index and a collective push towards better practices, the yachting industry is on course for a more sustainable future. By integrating environmental considerations into every stage of yacht ownership and construction, stakeholders can ensure that yachting and responsibility can coexist in the evolving maritime landscape.

To find out more, get in touch with our team, start the SEA Index certification process and your sustainability journey now!

For more information on Yacht Club de Monaco’s 17th Business Symposium full press release.

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