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 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:
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.
As one of the France’s leading ports 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.
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 tangible 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
