Catching the wind of change
Natalie Quévert from the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) explains the ethos of the organisation towards reducing superyacht carbon emissions.
Created for superyacht owners and their captains, the SEA Index CO2 emissions calculator tool and the Superyacht Eco Association are examples of the Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting* initiative, led by the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Natalie Quévert, SEA Index project leader at the Yacht Club de Monaco explains: “At the vanguard of sustainability and superyacht CO2 discussions, the Yacht Club de Monaco is the premium meeting place for superyacht owners to share ideas about their yachting experiences in a safe and neutral environment.
Through events such as the Business Symposium, the Environmental Symposium, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and the Explorer Awards, club members are put at the centre of yachting’s future. From such events and open discussions, the SEA Index and the Superyacht Eco Association were born in 2020. Now in Phase II the SEA Index was developed alongside Lloyd’s Register in 2021.
Over 330 vessels were sampled to create the Phase II benchmark. The result is a rating ranging from 0 to 5 (5 being the least impactful on the environment) and calculates the amount of CO2 emissions in grams per gross ton / per hour.
The SEA Index methodology is based on the engines and generators installed onboard. We have developed a typical operational profile to account for anchor, berth and cruising time and includes hybrid and alternative propulsion systems.
As a member of the Superyacht Eco Association, the initial confidential rating is independently verified by Lloyd’s Register and the Superyacht Eco Association issues the certification.
This can be the starting point for any superyacht owner to determine what action is needed.” Natalie continues, “Our benchmark tool helps superyacht owners of 40m + quickly visualise on a graph the carbon intensity of their yacht compared with the rest of the average fleet. This snapshot is a useful comparative tool for superyacht buyers.”
“The appropriate balance of power between gross tonnage, installed engines and generators is paramount. However, this does not exclude older SEA Index-rated yachts which do not necessarily fare worse. SEA Index Phase II -rated yachts of 3-stars or above may fly the blue pennant SEA Index flag.”
“In the past year we have seen an increase in a variety of solutions proposing to reduce CO2 emissions. Biofuels, engine descaling, fuel optimisation, which increase yacht performance. It is fascinating to see industries share their practices such as generator peak- shaving in shipping and other innovative solutions from the automotive industry. Emerging solutions which reduce CO2 emissions, are also reducing other types of pollution such as NOx and SOx.”
Through exclusive events at the Yacht Club de Monaco, members are guided towards more sustainability and energy efficiency, discover the latest innovations, speak with industry specialists, the shipyards, refit yards, designers, and innovators. Integral to the Yacht Club de Monaco’s drive is to include all members and their yachts in the shift towards more sustainability.
By aiming to provide as much information as possible for all superyacht owners, the goal is to facilitate Monaco’s yachting energy transition, and ensure all the members are prepared and ready to catch the wind of change.
Other initiatives under the aegis of Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting are ‘La Belle Classe Academy’ & ’Cluster Yachting Monaco’.
For more details visit www.sea-index.com www.monacocapitalyachting.com
