50Steel Almax by Sanlorenzo achieves SEA Index® certification

The SEA Index®, set up in 2020 by Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse (UBS Group Company), has become the standard of reference for assessing CO2 emissions of pleasure boats. Its purpose is to support yacht owners keen to be more sustainable and accompany them in their transition towards better practices. Certified by Lloyd’s Register, SEA Index® guarantees ratings accuracy through a rigorous procedure before granting certification. Recently recognised by the CAPENERGIES label, the SEA Index® is also now deployed in 15 harbours and marinas in a triangle between Menton, Saint-Tropez and Bonifacio in Corsica, including YCM Marina and Monaco’s harbours (SEPM), as well as the Seychelles (Eden Marina and Port Victoria), the Blue Economy Ministry having recently joined the SEA Index® initiative.

 

Three stars for the Sanlorenzo 50Steel Almax

Yacht Club de Monaco partner, Sanlorenzo, wanted the carbon intensity analysed of its latest addition, the 50m Steel Almax, previewed at YCM. It is the world’s first superyacht to be fitted with a Reformer – Fuel Cell modular system, the technological challenge of integrating it having been developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy. It transforms green methanol into hydrogen then electricity to power the boat’s hospitality equipment without having to store hydrogen onboard. After a detailed study undertaken by the SEA Index® in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register’s recognised technical teams and elements supplied by Sanlorenzo, the boat received official certification.

 

“The Sanlorenzo 50Steel represents an important step on our path towards a more sustainable yachting industry and embodies the passion for challenges that has always guided us. We are adopting ground-breaking solutions to achieve this objective while maintaining our elegant, comfortable lines. Our 2030 roadmap, which is part of our carbon neutrality strategy, is now taking shape and we are keen to bring our new ambitions to fruition. This revolutionary solution allows the yacht to generate up to 100kW of electricity to power all hospitality services around 85% of the time,” says Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO of Sanlorenzo.

 

During a stopover in the Principality, the yacht will welcome onboard participants (startups, scaleups, investors, architects and marina developers) from the 4th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous for a networking breakfast on Monday 23rd September. The ultimate goal of this event is to demonstrate that technology really does encourage development of virtuous marinas.

 

SEA Index® certification: a rigorous process

Based on United Nations International Maritime Organization’s methodologies, with specific adaptations for yachts over 25 metres, the SEA Index® certification is a system to assess energy efficiency, undertaken with the maritime classification specialists, Lloyd’s Register. The environmental impact is expressed in grams of CO2 per gross ton per hour. The SEA Index® continues to build on the many collaborations it has with maritime classification societies and recently collaborated with RINA developing a new non-certifying methodology. This approach is to assess the operational efficiency of yachts over 25 metres and 400 gross tonnage by taking into account the choice of fuel including biofuels. This methodology adopts a ‘Well to Wake’ approach meeting new European Directives.

 

A certification with multiple benefits

Yachts earning the 3-star rating also benefit from exclusive privileges: free membership of the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) in 2024, discounts on mooring fees in the YCM Marina, preferential insurance rates with Jutheau Husson, professional member of the SEA Index®, and a discount for all crew members on sustainability focused courses at YCM’s La Belle Classe Academy training centre.

“The SEA Index® aims to become the internationally recognised non-biased assessment system for superyachts. With SEA Index® certification we are more dedicated than ever to supporting owners in their energy transition, helping them to  always be one step ahead of the rest of the fleet. Deployment of the SEA Index® beyond Monaco is creating a network among the yachting community of those keen to restore a more respectful balance for the Ocean,” explains YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.

 

By incorporating the latest sustainability technologies, the SEA Index® continues to provide independent and impartial assessments. It enables the Superyacht Eco Association to inform, educate and inspire stakeholders in the pleasure boat sector by encouraging more eco-friendly and sustainable practices.