Marseille Fos Port Joins Monaco's SEA Index Network to Drive Environmental Yachting Standards
The Port de Marseille Fos is accelerating its environmental transition within the maritime sector through a strategic new partnership with the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA Index®). This collaboration positions the French port as one of the most proactive Mediterranean hubs in promoting lower-impact superyacht traffic, marking a significant step forward in sustainable maritime practices.
Expanding International Reach of Environmental Measurement System
The agreement, formalized at the Yacht Club de Monaco, brings Marseille into an established network that already includes 23 ports across the Mediterranean, along with destinations in the Seychelles and Caribbean. The SEA Index®, founded in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse (UBS Group), continues to broaden its international presence as a leading reference system for measuring and promoting environmental performance in the yachting industry.
"This partnership with the SEA Index® strengthens our commitment to more responsible yachting," stated Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Port de Marseille Fos. "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."
High-Level Collaboration and Comprehensive Environmental Framework
The signing ceremony brought together prominent institutional figures including His Excellency Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State for the Principality of Monaco; Bernard d'Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco and President of the SEA Index®; and Christophe Castaner, alongside leading port and sector representatives.
"We are delighted to welcome the Port de Marseille Fos into the SEA Index® community," said Bernard d'Alessandri. "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."
Enhanced Methodology for Comprehensive Environmental Assessment
At the core of this partnership is the implementation of a structured framework designed to quantify and reduce the environmental footprint of superyachts. The initiative will provide yacht owners with clearer insights into vessel emissions while encouraging the presence of yachts with lower environmental impact, aligning with European and regional sustainability objectives.
A significant development supporting this approach is the recent enhancement of the SEA Index® methodology. In addition to its CO₂ assessment tool, certified by Lloyd's Register, a new air quality certification has been introduced in collaboration with AtmoSud. This system evaluates emissions of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter based on installed engine and generator power, delivering a more comprehensive environmental assessment of large yachts.
Dual Evaluation Model and Future Incentives
By integrating carbon metrics with air quality indicators, the Port de Marseille Fos gains access to a dual evaluation model capable of guiding both policy decisions and operational choices. The agreement also includes plans to promote the SEA Index® among port users and introduce targeted incentives aimed at attracting more environmentally responsible vessels to the region.
This partnership represents a concrete advancement in the maritime industry's environmental efforts, combining measurement tools with practical incentives to create meaningful change in superyacht operations across the Mediterranean and beyond.
