Superyacht Eco Association launches CO2 calculation tool SEA Index Phase III
SEA Index Phase III, an initiative designed to measure the carbon intensity of superyachts, has been launched by the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA).
The latest version expands the scope of previous phases to measure the carbon emissions of luxury yachts below 400t and above 25m (82ft) in length.
Initially launched in 2020, the SEA Index aims to provide yacht owners with proactive measures to make informed decisions when buying or chartering a vessel, according to SEA. “The SEA Index’s mission is to promote transparency within the sector and support a more sustainable yachting future,” said the association.
Superyacht captain Malcolm Jacotine, from the sustainable yachting group Superyacht2030 said the Sea Index tool, which is aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), can help owners and charterers make more informed decisions about the energy efficiency, fuel consumption and emissions of comparable yachts. “Rating the energy efficiency is one way the industry can demonstrate a more responsible approach to the climate crisis,” said Jacotine. “It is applicable to new-builds and the legacy fleet. I believe every superyacht should have a Sea Index rating.”
SEA Index Phase III was developed in partnership with Lloyd’s Register. It is based on the IMO EEDI/EEXI index (Energy Efficiency Design/Energy Efficiency Existing Ship). This is said to allow the tool to incorporate new technology such as hydrogen fuel cells or fuels like methanol, which may be integrated into yachts in the future.
According to the association: “The SEA Index invites all stakeholders, including yacht owners, manufacturers, and industry professionals, to take advantage of this essential tool and join the journey towards a sustainable yachting industry.”
SEA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability within superyachting. Led by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and Credit Suisse, SEA Index aims to arm yacht owners and stakeholders with the means to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner marine environment, it says.
Marine traffic is responsible for about 18% of global emissions each year. While superyachting is a minute part of that total, cutting CO2 emissions is seen as a key way to help secure the industry’s future.
Commenting at the launch of Phase 1 in September 2020, Michel Buffat, former head, Aviation & Yacht Finance, Credit Suisse told Superyacht Investor: “Under our lead, together with the YCM, the index was created in collaboration with a specialist consultant firm, the engineers from Nobiskrug and checked by Prof. Dr Ing Moustafa Abdel-Maksoud. It is the bank’s best interest that this new index becomes the industry standard.”
Above: SEA Index Phase III expands the scope of previous phases to measure the carbon emissions of luxury yachts below 400t and above 25m (82ft) in length.
Top: All superyachts should have a Sea Index rating, said captain Malcolm Jacotine, from the sustainability group Superyacht2030. (Image courtesy of Superyacht2030).
