Marine industry associations ICOMIA, EBI and NMMA are to develop a global recreational marine lifecycle assessment (LCA) framework.
The partnership will be the first-ever global collaboration to assess, measure and report the industry’s environmental performance of recreational boats.
The announcement was made at boot Düsseldorf 2025 with the associations saying they recognise that ensuring the long-term resilience of the recreational marine industry requires forward-thinking sustainability strategies that balance business growth with responsible practices.
The aim of the LCA project will be to develop standard inventory databases, tools, communications materials and educational initiatives to help manufacturers and other marine organisations.
The associations say that developing a global approach to assessing the full lifecycle of products is a critical step in helping manufacturers make informed decisions that strengthen their operations, supply chains, and product design while meeting evolving market expectations.
The LCA builds on the associations’ Propelling Our Future initiative.
We look forward to introducing the new LCA as a resource to empower the industry.
Frank Hugelmeyer
“Developing a standardised LCA, a continuation of the industry’s Propelling Our Future initiative, is an important step in advancing this work, ensuring there is a consistent path for measurement and self-regulation across our industry,” explained Darren Vaux, president of ICOMIA.
Robert Marx, president of EBI, added: “EBI has been developing an LCA methodology for the European market given some of our members’ more immediate needs and the collaboration with ICOMIA and NMMA provides a long-term globally aligned solution.”
He continued: “A harmonised lifecycle assessment is crucial to moving the industry forward in lockstep – from eco-design to navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring we continue to do our part to protect the environment.”
And Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of NMMA, concluded: “We look forward to introducing the new LCA as a resource to empower the industry to consistently measure, communicate and self-regulate their environmental performance.”
ICOMIA, EBI and NMMA will now complete a review of LCA methodologies to identify the most relevant approach, building on the projects already completed or underway with EBI’s Blue Boat Horizon project and ICOMIA’s Marine Engine Committee (IMEC).
The associations will also convene a global task force with involvement from associations and companies around the world to prepare for a successful rollout of the final LCA.
