The Monaco Yacht Show increasingly highlights the environmental pressures facing the yachting industry. Concerns include carbon emissions, fuel consumption, noise, disruption of marine ecosystems, and waste. In response, sustainability initiatives are gaining visibility, with shipbuilders presenting hybrid propulsion, alternative materials, and efficiency-focused designs.
A key development is the SEA Index®, launched in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco with Credit Suisse. It is the first independent carbon-rating tool for superyachts, certified by Lloyd’s Register, and measures emissions in grams of CO₂ per gross ton per hour. The index has expanded to include fuel-cell technology and may soon cover noise and nitrogen oxides. Adoption now extends beyond the Côte d’Azur to ports in the Seychelles and Genoa, with incentives such as berthing discounts and insurance benefits for higher-rated yachts.
Electrification is another area of progress. Battery-powered propulsion is viable for tenders and smaller yachts, reducing emissions and noise, though range limitations and charging infrastructure remain obstacles for larger vessels. Hybrid systems and fuel-cell research currently represent more practical alternatives. While not a comprehensive solution, these technologies are becoming part of a broader effort to reduce the sector’s environmental impact.
