Three leading international organisations in the recreational marine industry have launched a global survey of boatbuilders and suppliers to develop a common method for assessing the environmental impact of recreational boats.
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), European Boating Industry (EBI) and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) are seeking industry input on adopting a harmonised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology.
The initiative aims to establish a consistent, science-based approach to measuring and communicating the environmental impacts of recreational craft throughout their life cycle.
Building on Blue Boat Horizon
The international project builds on EBI’s Blue Boat Horizon (BBH) initiative, which developed an LCA methodology for the boating industry.
The three organisations are now working towards a globally aligned methodology that is robust enough for environmental assessment while remaining practical for boatbuilders producing craft up to 24 metres.
The survey will examine boatbuilders’ and suppliers’ current understanding and use of LCA, the resources available within their organisations and the obstacles they see to implementing such assessments.
It will also seek information on training and support requirements and current and forthcoming legislation affecting the sector.
The organisations say a common methodology could provide greater comparability and transparency in environmental reporting while helping marine businesses respond to evolving eco-design, market and regulatory requirements.
Industry Input Sought
ICOMIA chief executive Joe Lynch said broad participation would be important to ensure the resulting methodology works for companies operating in different markets and producing different types of boats.
“We want to ensure that our collaboration and the methodology reflect the realities of boatbuilders operating in different markets, building different types of craft, and working at different levels of sustainability maturity,” Lynch said.
“The feedback gathered through this questionnaire will help shape a practical solution that delivers value for the entire global recreational marine industry.”
Responses will be used to identify barriers to LCA adoption, assess training requirements and guide the development of tools and resources intended for use across different markets and boat categories.
The longer-term objective is a common international framework that can help marine businesses assess environmental performance, inform boatbuilding decisions and communicate environmental information more consistently.
Boatbuilders Could Join LCA Trials
Companies completing the questionnaire may also have an opportunity to become directly involved in developing the system. Participating boatbuilders could be invited to join a pilot group testing a trial LCA tool based on BBH Version 1.1.
Trials are planned between October and December 2026, allowing companies to test the methodology and provide feedback on its usability and functionality before the proposed global framework is finalised.
