The Port of Sète, a committed player for sustainable and responsible cruising.

Aware of the environmental impact of cruising, we place sustainability at the heart of our actions. The Cruise Club promotes eco-responsible practices. Our commitment reflects a vision of modern cruising that respects the sea and the surrounding lands.

Sustainable Cruise Environment Charter

Environmental commitments of the Port of Sète

Scroll

Environmental commitment

Sensible and responsible cruising

The port favors smaller ships up to 240 meters in length and with a limited number of passengers.

Environmental incentives

An incentive pricing policy rewards the most environmentally friendly ships based on their Environmental Ship Index (ESI) score.

Electrification of quays

The port is actively involved in electrifying its quays, enabling ships to connect directly to the shore power grid during their stopovers.

Sustainable Cruise Charter

The port is a signatory of the Sustainable Cruise Charter in the Mediterranean, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of this activity.

Greening of spaces

The surroundings of the cruise terminal at Alger Quay will be landscaped to create a greener and more welcoming environment.

Green excursions

The club offers eco-friendly activities such as visiting the Thau Lagoon by canoe or paddleboard.

Objectives and functioning of the ESI

Main objective

To encourage shipowners to voluntarily exceed the IMO requirements on atmospheric emissions.

Advantages

Ships with a high score benefit from reductions on port fees, thereby encouraging eco-friendly practices.

Rating system

A score from 0 to 100 assigned to each ship, based on fuel quality, engine performance, and onboard equipment.

“Sustainable Cruising in the Mediterranean” Charter

The cruise sector (ports and companies) has voluntarily committed to an ambitious energy and ecological transition, supporting European efforts to decarbonize maritime transport. The environmental charter, now signed by 33 companies (up from 15 initially), anticipates future European regulations, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 with concrete measures starting in 2025. Significant investments have been made over the past ten years (new fuels, shore power connections), and the results of the energy transition are already visible. Success relies on strong collaboration with local partners, essential to ensuring the sector’s sustainability. The public-private charter is a key tool for transparency and continuous improvement, adaptable to new standards. Rigorous audits guarantee the credibility of the approach, recognized as a true partnership and a model of constructive dialogue.

Protection of Marine Seagrass Beds

Respect for ecological anchoring zones

Protection of Cetaceans

Speed reduction and anti-collision measures

Wastewater management

Treatment in accordance with international standards

Emission reduction

Use of low-sulfur fuels

Environmental commitments of the Port of Sète

Waste management

Cooperation with local service providers for efficient sorting and recycling of ship-generated waste.

Greening of spaces

Greening of the areas around the cruise terminal for a better visual welcome of transit passengers.

green energy

Development of shore power connections to reduce emissions from docked ships.

Future environmental projects

2026

Electrification of Alger Quay to allow ships to shut down their auxiliary engines and connect to the shore power grid while docked at the port.

2027

Construction of a new cruise terminal with sustainable design (eco-friendly materials, green roofs, etc.).

2028

Acquisition of electric shuttles to implement eco-friendly mobility between the Masselin Pier and the entrance to the commercial port.