Superyacht Eco Association Index

What Superyacht Eco Association Index does

The Superyacht Eco Association Index (SEA Index) is a Monaco-based nonprofit founded in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse (now UBS Group), with the support of the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco. It operates a CO2 benchmarking and certification program for superyachts, issuing a 1–5 star rating based on emissions intensity per gross tonne per hour using IMO-aligned methodology. Phase III covers vessels over 25 meters via installed engine and generator power; Phase IV, launched in September 2024 with Azimut Yachts, covers vessels 0–24 meters using fuel consumption. Third-party verification is conducted primarily by Lloyd's Register, with Bureau Veritas added in 2025 to expand scope.

The organization has certified nearly 100 yachts and built a partner network of approximately 20 Mediterranean ports plus locations in the Seychelles, Japan, and the Caribbean. It monetizes through quote-based certification fees on multi-year contracts and corporate/institutional memberships, while channel partners — ports, shipyards (Sanlorenzo, Azimut|Benetti, Monaco Marine, MB92), insurers (Jutheau Husson offering up to 20% premium reductions, Pantaenius, Generali), class societies (RINA), and yacht managers (Y.CO, Sirius Maritime) — distribute the certification and tie it to operational benefits such as Fast Check-in, berth priority, and eligibility for restricted marine zones. The program expanded in March 2026 with an Air Quality Certification module developed with AtmoSud, and is extending into underwater radiated noise assessment with Bureau Veritas.

Name

Superyacht Eco Association Index

Legal name

Superyacht Eco Association

Website

https://sea-index.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Monaco-based nonprofit founded in 2020 that issues independent, third-party verified 1–5 star CO2 ratings for superyachts via Lloyd's Register, working with 20+ port partners and the Yacht Club de Monaco to certify nearly 100 yachts globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Environmental Certification

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Classification Society & Flag-State Liaison / Plan Approval Support (IMAJAGAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Marine Service Provider Coordination (Diving, Inspection, Class/Survey Support) (TLAHAJAI)

Keywords

• Superyacht CO2 certification
• Maritime sustainability rating
• Yacht environmental benchmarking
• Emissions certification services
• Marine eco-labeling

Headquarters

HQ city

Monaco

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Yacht Certification Services: Revenue generated from CO2 certification services for superyachts, where owners pay for assessment and certification of their vessels' environmental impact

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Superyacht Eco Association Index (SEA Index) provides independent CO2 certification and benchmarking tools for the superyacht sector, assigning vessels a 1-5 star rating based on emissions per gross tonne per hour. The methodology aligns with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and is third-party verified by Lloyd's Register, with the organization operating a digital platform that includes an online estimation tool and a partner port/marina network.

Product overview

The Superyacht Eco Association Index (SEA Index) operates as a single unified platform — the SEA Index® CO2 Rating & Sustainability Certification tool — for measuring and rating the environmental impact of superyachts. The core tool, launched in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, uses a phased methodology: Phase III evaluates yachts over 25m based on installed engine and generator power, while Phase IV covers yachts 0–24m based on fuel consumption. A confidential online estimation tool provides an initial simulation as the first step toward formal third-party verified certification by Lloyd's Register. The program expanded in March 2026 with a separate Air Quality Certification module developed in collaboration with AtmoSud, and further scope extensions for underwater radiated noise (with Bureau Veritas) and operational CO2 tracking (with RINA) are in development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SEA Index CO2 Rating & Sustainability Certification The primary certification tool measuring a yacht's CO2 emissions per gross tonne per hour and assigning a 1-5 star rating. Phase III covers yachts above 25m; Phase IV covers yachts 0-24m based on fuel consumption. Certification involves document submission to Lloyd's Register for independent third-party verification, taking approximately two weeks.
• Online Estimation Tool A free, confidential online simulation tool that provides a preliminary assessment of a yacht's environmental footprint based on vessel type, length, year of build, gross tonnage, installed power, speed, and auxiliary engines. Serves as the initial step toward formal SEA Index certification.
• Air Quality Certification A pioneering certification launched in March 2026 to assess and rate air quality emissions from superyachts, expanding the SEA Index program beyond CO2 to atmospheric pollutants. Developed in collaboration with AtmoSud, the regional air quality observatory for southeast France.

Quantifiable outcome

• Yachts with 3+ stars may be eligible for up to 20% insurance premium reduction through Jutheau Husson
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core, minor and flagship.

• EDEISstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026Partnership with EDEIS, operator of Pampelonne mooring zone, to launch first operational environmental mooring incentive device. Covers the Zone de Mouillage et d'Équipements Légers (ZMEL) of Pampelonne.
• Japan Marina & Beach Association (JMBA)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026Strategic partnership announced May 7, 2026, extending SEA Index global marina network to Japan. Represents expansion into Asian market.
• AtmoSudstrategicTechnology or Integration · 8 July 2025Regional air quality authority integrating air quality emissions into superyacht sustainability metrics. Collaboration to measure and certify air pollution emissions beyond CO2.
• Marina GenovacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 July 2025One of the Mediterranean leading marinas, joined SEA Index network in July 2025 as part of international expansion. Supports sustainable yachting promotion in Italian waters.
• Bureau VeritascoreTechnology or Integration · 7 July 2025Partnership to expand superyacht sustainability certification program. Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore provides additional third-party verification capabilities for the SEA Index program.
• Y.COcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2025Leading yacht company became corporate member in April 2025. Committed to reducing emissions through their management and charter fleet. Y.CO actively enhances sustainability of managed yachts.
• Sirius Maritime GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 March 2025Corporate member as of March 2025. Comprehensive yacht management solutions provider deepening commitment to sustainability through SEA Index partnership.
• Port de Marseille FoscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 April 2024Partnership signed April 17, 2024, to reduce yacht emissions and strengthen ecological attractiveness of the main French Mediterranean port. SEA Index will be deployed to promote sustainable yachting among vessels visiting the port.
• RINAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2023Corporate member since October 2023, working on fuel consumption analysis for yachts exceeding 500 GT and 25 meters in length. Collaboration on Phase III and IV evaluation methodologies and operational efficiency assessment.
• Yacht Club de MonacoflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder and primary institutional partner of SEA Index. Hosted within the YCM facilities and provides event platform for promotion. The organization was created under the initiative of the Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II Foundation.
• Credit Suisse (UBS Group)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of SEA Index launched in 2020. Now part of UBS Group following acquisition. Continues to participate in YCM-organized events including the La Belle Classe Superyachts Business Symposium.
• Lloyd's RegistercoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party verification partner for SEA Index certification. Provides independent validation of yacht environmental data through dedicated platform. Certification takes approximately two weeks with document verification.
• Republic of SeychellesstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInstitutional membership signed June 28, 2024. Ambassador Kenneth Racombo signed agreement to integrate SEA Index into Seychelles port and marina infrastructure. Part of Blue Economy concept promoting sustainable yachting.
• Marina de BonifaciocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInstitutional port member since September 2024. Certified Clean Port aligned with Blue Flag label. Features 14 eco-designed mooring buoys for yachts up to 60 meters, completed in 2021.
• Port de Saint-TropezcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInstitutional member since October 2024, signed by Mayor Sylvie Siri. Part of efforts to promote sustainable yachting across the Mediterranean.
• Ports de MentoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInstitutional member deployed at both Vieux Port de Menton and Port de Garavan. Committed to environmental awareness and lower-impact yachting promotion.
• Port Vauban (Antibes)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading Mediterranean superyacht harbor, launched in SEA Index network in March 2025. Part of CCI Nice Côte d'Azur Riviera Ports group.
• Monaco Ports (SEPM)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConsolidated partnership in June 2024 with Ports de Monaco (Port Hercule, Fontvieille, YCM Marina). Long-standing relationship supporting clean port solutions.
• SanlorenzocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShipyard partner. Almax 50Steel, first superyacht with green methanol reformer fuel cell system, received 3-star SEA Index certification.
• Azimut | Benetti GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor yacht builder partner validating emission targets through SEA Index framework. Collaboration encourages transparency in data sharing for responsible yachting.
• Monaco MarinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShipyard group investing in greener infrastructure including improved waste management, renewable energy use, and digitalization to track environmental impact.
• MB92coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRefit shipyard with 'Refit for the Future' sustainability program. Supports greening of existing superyacht fleet through retrofit solutions.
• Jutheau Husson YachtingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner offering up to 20% premium reduction for yachts with SEA Index 3-star certification or above.
• PantaeniusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner providing coverage for yacht owners in the SEA Index network.
• UBSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBanking partner following Credit Suisse integration. Part of YCM ecosystem and supports sustainable yachting financing discussions.
• Marine Weather IntelligenceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProfessional member since April 2025, helping superyacht owners optimize eco-energy routing through weather intelligence services.
• Yacht Carbon OffsetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarbon offset partner supporting the sustainable yachting ecosystem.
• GeneraliminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner providing coverage for yacht owners in the SEA Index network.
• Région SudstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional government integrating SEA Index into Action Plan for Sustainable Mediterranean Agreements, promoting sustainable yachting across the region.
• CCI Nice Côte d'AzurcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChamber of commerce managing 8 ports in Nice metropolitan area, all certified Clean Ports. Partnership aligned with existing environmental démarche.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• DNV: World's largest classification society with established maritime decarbonization services (Carbon Inset, Pathfinder, FuelBoss). Comparable as a broad incumbent in maritime sustainability verification with the scale to serve as both a partner and a competitor to a niche player like SEA Index.
• Lloyd's Register: Global classification society that provides independent third-party verification for SEA Index certifications today. Directly comparable on the role of impartial technical verification in maritime regulation, and a potential competitor if it chose to launch its own in-house superyacht emissions rating scheme.
• Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore: Global classification society now partnered with SEA Index to expand certification scope including URN. Comparable as an established maritime verification authority with broader regulatory standing; could absorb superyacht environmental rating into its own portfolio of services over time.
• RINA: European classification society that became a SEA Index corporate member in October 2023 and co-developed Phase III/IV operational efficiency methodologies. Comparable as a classification society working on yacht emissions analysis, with deep potential to launch competing yacht-specific ratings.

Emerging players

• Poseidon Principles: Industry framework under which banks report the climate alignment of their ship finance portfolios against IMO trajectories. Comparable as a maritime-sector environmental benchmarking initiative that uses independent methodology to influence financing decisions — conceptually aligned with how SEA Index seeks to influence yacht finance and insurance.
• Sea Cargo Charter: Maritime industry disclosure framework for charterers to report shipping emissions intensity. Comparable as a voluntary, industry-led environmental accountability framework aimed at changing behavior via transparent reporting — parallel in spirit to SEA Index's rating approach for yachts.
• Yacht Carbon Offset: Carbon offsetting service specifically designed for superyachts, already partnered with SEA Index. Comparable as an adjacent yacht-specific sustainability service targeting the same owner base, with the potential to be bundled with SEA Index certification or to evolve into a competing offering.
• Clean Marine Energy (CME): Provider of alternative fuel and emissions-reduction solutions for the marine sector. Adjacent peer focused on the underlying technology decarbonization side of yachting — useful as a partner or ecosystem participant rather than a direct rating competitor.

Direct peers

• RightShip: Maritime digital platform providing vessel environmental ratings (GHG Rating, Qi) used by charterers, ports, and financiers to assess ships. Highly comparable on the rating-as-product concept and the use of an A-G grade system to drive behavioral change among vessel operators, though focused on commercial shipping rather than yachts.
• Water Revolution Foundation: Independent foundation established to drive sustainability across the superyacht industry, producing the Water Revolution Code and a Yacht Sustainability Assessment. Most directly comparable peer: both are non-profit, Monaco-anchored superyacht sustainability certification/benchmarking organizations targeting the same owner and shipyard customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/superyacht-eco-association

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Superyacht Eco Association Index