Yacht Class n°45 (june-july-august)
Superyacht Eco Association introduces an unprecedented certification measuring NOx emissions and fine particulate matter from superyachts. A decisive step forward for a sector under mounting environmental pressure.
Written by : Anaïs Riu – Photos : Yacht Club de Monaco
The luxury yachting industry is entering a new phase. Having already established its CO₂ Rating as a market benchmark, the SEA Index now unveils a certification dedicated to air quality, developed in partnership with AtmoSud, the regional air quality observatory for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
A public health imperative
Superyachts spend a significant proportion of their time at anchor or berthed, in immediate proximity to marinas and residential areas. The NOx and PM₂.₅ emissions they generate have direct repercussions on the health of local residents, crew members and passengers alike. Pierre-Charles Maria, President of AtmoSud, underscores this point: “Air quality is a major public health concern.”
Five stars for the best performers
The rating, ranging from one to five stars, assesses NOx and PM₂.₅ separately before producing an overall score. Three stars correspond to the average performance of a modern yacht; four or five distinguish vessels equipped with advanced technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), diesel particulate filters, and methanol-based propulsion. The methodology draws upon AIS data from 2,000 Mediterranean yachts and is aligned with the 2023 EMEP/EEA reference framework.
Towards responsible excellence
Bernard d’Alessandri, President of the SEA Index and Director General of the Yacht Club de Monaco, encapsulates the ambition: “This marks a further step towards a future in which excellence in yachting is fully aligned with a commitment to environmental responsibility.” With this dual focus on air quality and climate, the SEA Index is establishing itself as one of the sector’s most comprehensive tools. Beyond performance, air quality is now emerging as a new hallmark of prestige — a quiet yet decisive change of course.
