European Boating Industry (EBI)

European Boating Industry (EBI) are the European umbrella organisation for EU Marine Industry Associations and represent the recreational boating and nautical tourism industry in Europe.  FIND OUT MORE 

British Marine represent UK marine industry interests on a number of international projects being run by EBI including the Blue Boat Horizon Project :

Global Recreational Marine Industry LCA Methodology Project

ICOMIA, EBI and NMMA have partnered to develop the first globally aligned Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for recreational boats and yachts up to 24m LOA — a shared framework to measure environmental performance consistently across manufacturers, regions and vessel types.

Why it matters

Environmental expectations from regulators, buyers, insurers and lenders are rising, and European legislation such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is beginning to mandate evidence for environmental claims. An industry-led methodology allows the sector to shape credible, workable rules rather than have them imposed externally. It also gives manufacturers a consistent basis for comparing propulsion types, materials and design choices across a boat's full life — from raw materials to end of life — rather than propulsion alone.

Where the project builds from

  • Propelling our Future (2023, ICOMIA/IMEC) — the Pathways to Decarbonisation Study, focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and propulsion
  • Blue Boat Horizon (BBH) (2024+, EBI) — all environmental indicators aligned with EU Product Category Rules, European market focus
  • Global LCA Project (2026+, ICOMIA/NMMA/EBI) — full lifecycle, all indicators, global scope

What's being delivered

A methodology (scope, boundaries, functional unit, assumptions), standard inventory databases, a deployable test tool, and communications/education materials to help manufacturers apply the method.

Get involved: global stakeholder survey

A global survey of boatbuilders and supply chain actors (materials, equipment, components) is now open, gathering evidence on current LCA engagement, barriers to adoption, and readiness for regulation. Responses are confidential and will inform the methodology's design.

British Marine members with an interest in the LCA Working Group, or in joining the pilot test group for the LCA tool, can contact EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill (pe@europeanboatingindustry.eu).