SEA Index receives endorsement from Lloyd’s Register
The Superyacht Eco Association’s (SEA) Index has been endorsed by Lloyd’s Register. The endorsement of the free-to-use superyacht environmental ratings tool was announced by the SEA at the tenth La Belle Classe Superyacht Environmental Symposium, part of Monaco Ocean Week, which took place last month.
“All SEA Index ratings will be endorsed by Lloyd’s Register, ensuring data is verified by a specialist firm with unprecedented experience and credibility,” said Michel Buffat, Head of Aviation & Yacht Finance, Credit Suisse.
The not-for-profit association was established in September last year by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation, and co-founders Credit Suisse, after a growth in demand from yacht owners wanting to know their environmental impact.
Lloyd’s Register, which dates from 1760, specialises in the validation, certification and accreditation of maritime businesses and infrastructure with a strong focus on the environment. The endorsement is an important step for the SEA Index ratings tool, said the association.
During the symposium, held at the Yacht Club de Monaco, Buffat confirmed that the SEA Index is being further developed to include other environmental criteria, besides CO2. Currently the index relies on a formula based on the energy efficiency rating used by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Factors taken into account are CO2 emissions at full load, the yacht’s speed and number of certified passengers. The result is expressed by a star rating, from one to five.
“The SEA Index was created to raise awareness among shipyards, owners and captains to create a collaborative commitment towards protecting the environment.” said Bernard d’Alessandri, Yacht Club de Monaco, general secretary and SEA board member.
As well as Lloyd’s Register’s backing, support for the index has come from across the industry including engineers from shipyards such as Nobiskrug.
Buffat added: “There is much still to be done, but what the SEA has already shown is that by working together with others we can proceed at speed on a path towards a healthier environment and respect of the oceans for the good of everyone.”
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