As the blue economy gains momentum, now valued at over $2.5 trillion annually and projected to surpass $3 trillion by 2030 (OECD), Monaco reaffirmed its leadership in ocean sustainability during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF). Held under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the event positioned itself as a pivotal platform to advance sustainable finance and innovation across maritime industries.
An official event of the United Nations Ocean Conference, BEFF brought together high-level decision-makers, investors, scientists, and industry leaders to address global challenges tied to financing and accelerating the ecological transformation of the ocean economy.
SEA Index®: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Yachting
Among the highlights of the forum, the SEA Index®, developed by the Yacht Club de Monaco, took center stage during the session titled “Setting Sail to Blue Ports and Shipping”, which explored pathways for decarbonizing maritime transport and port infrastructure.
Presented as a practical and forward-looking tool for the ecological transition of yachting, the SEA Index® aims to align the superyacht industry with global environmental goals. The session’s panel featured global leaders such as:
- Christine Cabau, EVP Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group
- Paul Taylor, Global Head of Maritime Industries, Société Générale & Vice Chair of the Poseidon Principles
- Christophe Castaner, Chair, Supervisory Board, Grand Port Maritime de Marseille
- Stefano Sommadossi, President, NatPower
- Moderated by Nick Brown, Corporate Affairs Director, Bureau Veritas
During the discussion, Rachel Ercole Ribes, Development Manager of the SEA Index®, outlined a bold vision for the yachting sector:
“Yacht owners are often also captains of industry. They possess both the means and the influence to unlock technological barriers. Decarbonization is not just a regulatory obligation—it’s a shared responsibility. With the SEA Index®, we provide a reliable, transparent, and scalable tool and assert pioneering leadership in the sector.”
A Tool for Accountability and Innovation
Launched in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with Credit Suisse (UBS Group), the SEA Index® enables superyachts over 24 meters to independently measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Certified by Lloyd’s Register and labeled by CAPENERGIES, the index includes a lifecycle emissions calculator that factors in fuel type, efficiency, and emerging standards. It is designed to integrate future metrics, including air and noise pollution, and to accommodate new technologies such as fuel cells.
Already adopted by a growing number of Mediterranean yacht owners and port operators — including over 20 ports in the South of France — the SEA Index® is now being internationally deployed, with initial expansions in the Seychelles in collaboration with local maritime authorities.
Beyond Metrics: Inspiring Innovation at Sea
The SEA Index® is one element in the broader vision of the Yacht Club de Monaco, which continues to drive innovation through initiatives like the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (July 1–5, 2025). This global event serves as an open innovation platform that brings together engineering schools and marine industry players to test and showcase clean energy technologies on the water.
In a sector historically viewed as a symbol of excess, Monaco is shaping a new narrative — one where yachting and environmental leadership can coexist, powered by innovation, responsibility, and cross-industry collaboration.
