Sustainability must be embedded in business
For marina operators, sustainability is no longer a future consideration. Climate pressures, regulatory developments and increasing scrutiny of coastal industries mean that environmental and social responsibility must be integrated into the way marinas are designed, operated and governed.
At D-Marin, ESG has become a strategic framework guiding how the organisation manages risk, invests in infrastructure and measures long-term performance. Korina Kostakaki, head of sustainability and health and safety operations, emphasises that sustainability cannot function as a parallel initiative.
“Sustainability has to be built into the business model,” she explains. “It cannot exist as a communications exercise. It must inform decision-making, operational standards and the way we evaluate performance across the organisation.”
This approach is supported by a structured ESG programme addressing environmental performance, social responsibility and governance across D-Marin’s international marina network.
Building structured ESG governance
In 2025, D-Marin was awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing the company among the top two percent of more than 130,000 organisations assessed globally for sustainability performance.
For Kostakaki, the significance lies in the systems behind the recognition.
“EcoVadis evaluates governance structures, environmental management systems, labour practices, procurement and ethics. Achieving Gold reflects the maturity of the frameworks we have implemented across the organisation.”
Progression from earlier Silver ratings reflects a multi-year effort to strengthen governance, data collection and accountability across a geographically diverse portfolio of marinas.
“When operating across multiple countries and regulatory environments, consistency becomes essential. ESG governance helps ensure that sustainability principles are applied systematically across all locations.”
Decarbonisation as a strategic priority
Reducing operational emissions is one of the central pillars of D-Marin’s ESG strategy. The company has committed to reducing emissions from its direct operations and electricity consumption by 42 percent by 2030, in line with internationally recognised climate frameworks.
Since 2021, D-Marin reports a 22 percent reduction in these emissions.
For Kostakaki, decarbonisation is closely linked to long-term resilience.
“Our marinas operate in environmentally sensitive coastal regions that are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Addressing emissions is therefore both a responsibility and a matter of operational resilience.”
The company has invested in renewable energy generation, installing more than 5 MW of solar capacity across marinas in Turkey, Croatia and Italy. Croatian operations now run on 100 percent renewable electricity supported by Guarantees of Origin.
However, Kostakaki stresses that renewable energy is only one part of a broader transition.
“Renewable energy installations such as solar are an important part of the transition, but meaningful decarbonisation also depends on improving energy efficiency, optimising infrastructure and reducing overall energy demand. The objective is a systemic reduction in emissions rather than isolated initiatives.”
Protecting marine ecosystems
Operating directly within marine environments places a particular responsibility on marina operators to safeguard water quality and biodiversity.
D-Marin has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at protecting and enhancing marine ecosystems. These include the installation of Biohut artificial fish nurseries across marinas in Greece, Croatia, Italy and France, providing protected habitats for juvenile fish in harbour environments.
“Marinas are often perceived as having a negative environmental impact,” Kostakaki says. “Through targeted interventions and collaboration with environmental experts, we are exploring how marina infrastructure can also support marine biodiversity.”
The company has also deployed technologies such as Jellyfishbot robotic systems and DPOL pollution control equipment to remove floating debris and surface pollutants from marina waters.
Waste management remains another area of ongoing focus, with initiatives aimed at reducing waste generation, improving recycling performance and advancing circular practices across operations.
“For coastal infrastructure, protecting water quality and marine ecosystems is fundamental. Our activities take place within these environments, so their protection must be embedded in how we operate.”
The social dimension of ESG
While environmental initiatives often attract the most visibility, Kostakaki emphasises that ESG must balance all three pillars: environmental, social and governance. Employee engagement, health and safety standards and responsible labour practices are core elements of the company’s social commitments. Operating across multiple countries requires a consistent approach to workplace standards and organisational culture.
“Our people are essential to the successful operation of our marinas. Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive working environment is a central part of our sustainability strategy.”
D-Marin also engages with local communities and environmental organisations in the coastal regions where it operates. Initiatives such as beach clean-ups and local partnerships reflect the company’s role as a long-term stakeholder in these areas.
Most marinas across the network have also achieved Blue Flag certification, demonstrating adherence to recognised environmental and safety standards.
“Blue Flag certification requires ongoing commitment and continuous improvement. It provides an external benchmark that helps maintain high operational standards.”
Governance as the foundation
As expectations from regulators, investors and stakeholders continue to evolve, governance has become an increasingly important component of ESG.
For Kostakaki, strong governance enables sustainability initiatives to scale effectively.
“Without clear governance structures, supplier standards and transparent reporting systems, it becomes very difficult to manage ESG performance consistently.”
D-Marin has introduced sustainable procurement policies, strengthened ethical standards and expanded transparency in its sustainability reporting.
“Stakeholders increasingly expect clear evidence of progress. Transparent reporting is therefore an important part of building credibility and accountability.”
The next phase of the transition
Looking ahead, the company’s focus remains on delivering its 2030 emissions reduction targets while continuing to integrate sustainability considerations into infrastructure development and daily operations.
“The coming years will require continued investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy and more efficient operational systems,” Kostaki explains.
Biodiversity protection and marine conservation initiatives are also expected to expand through collaborations with research institutions, environmental organisations and local stakeholders.
“Our ambition is to move beyond mitigation wherever possible and explore how marina infrastructure can actively support ecosystem health.”
Alongside existing initiatives, D-Marin is also exploring partnerships with local maritime communities and industry stakeholders to support efforts aimed at reducing marine litter and improving the health of coastal environments.
Demand for sustainable infrastructure is also growing across the boating sector, including shore power, electric vehicle charging and improved waste management systems. “These developments reflect a broader shift in expectations across the maritime industry.”
A changing industry
For Kostakaki, the marina sector is entering a period of structural change.
“Coastal industries are increasingly recognizing that environmental stewardship and operational excellence must go hand in hand.” Operators who integrate sustainability into governance, infrastructure planning and day-to-day operations will be better positioned to adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges. “Our business depends on healthy marine ecosystems and resilient coastlines,” Kostakaki concludes.
“Protecting them is not optional. It is fundamental to the long-term future of the sector.”
