SEA INDEX® – A BENCHMARK FOR THE YACHTING INDUSTRY

As the yachting industry moves towards a more sustainable future, its focus extends beyond design, technology and operational performance to include the environmental impact of each vessel. SEA Index® was developed as a tool to assess and compare the carbon emissions of superyachts, encouraging more responsible choices for the oceans.

What Is SEA Index®?

SEA Index® is a carbon footprint assessment system for superyachts, developed by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with Credit Suisse and launched in 2020. As part of an initiative to promote sustainable yachting, it provides yacht owners and industry stakeholders with a clearer basis for assessing the environmental impact of individual vessels.

SEA Index® is based on the methodology adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with specific adaptations for yachts over 24 metres in length. Through this assessment system, the environmental impact of yachts can be evaluated and compared on a more consistent basis, rather than relying solely on vessel size, age or onboard technology.

What Does SEA Index® Measure?

One of the core criteria of SEA Index® is carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, expressed in grams of CO₂ emitted per gross tonnage (GT) per hour.

GT is a measure of a vessel’s enclosed volume, rather than its weight. Expressing emissions in relation to GT helps assess CO₂ output in the context of a vessel’s size.

The assessment process is based on a yacht’s official documentation and technical specifications, which are analysed using the SEA Index® tool. The official CO₂ certification is verified and issued by Lloyd’s Register, an internationally recognised maritime classification and technical assessment organisation.

SEA Index® continues to expand its assessment capabilities. Since September 2024, the system has incorporated the analysis of fuel-cell technologies into its CO₂ certification, broadening its scope to consider emerging energy solutions in the yachting sector.

A Shift in the Yachting Industry

As environmental responsibility becomes an increasingly important topic in the global maritime industry, initiatives such as SEA Index® reflect a shift in how the value of a superyacht is perceived. Alongside experience, design and performance, environmental impact is becoming a factor worthy of greater consideration.

For the yachting ecosystem, sustainability is not solely the responsibility of individual vessels. It also depends on collaboration among yacht owners, shipbuilders, operators and marinas. Transparent assessment tools can help raise awareness, support informed decisions and create further opportunities for more responsible maritime solutions.

SEA Index® also brings together yacht owners, marinas and stakeholders across the yachting ecosystem who share a commitment to more sustainable practices. According to the Yacht Club de Monaco, yachts awarded a SEA Index® certification of three stars or above may access certain benefits, including reduced berthing fees at participating locations and opportunities for sustainability-focused training.