On the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated yesterday, June 5, 2025, the D-Marin group, a leader in the premium marina sector, proudly presented an overview of its achievements in the domain of environmental sustainability. Through its comprehensive and award-winning ESG program, D-Marin has implemented a series of initiatives over the past year aimed at preserving marine ecosystems in its marinas throughout the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. Continuous investment in advanced technologies, innovative waste management solutions, and strategic partnerships position D-Marin not only as a leader in luxury nautical tourism but also as a key player in shaping an environmentally conscious future for yachting.

A revolutionary approach to waste management and sea cleaning

One of the most tangible results of D-Marin's efforts is visible in the drastic reduction of environmental impact through advanced waste management systems. During 2024, more than 15 tons of solid waste were managed in the group's marinas. It is particularly significant that as much as 30% of this amount was successfully recycled, thereby directly reducing the pressure on landfills and promoting a circular economy. This success is the result of implementing strict waste sorting protocols and educating marina users about the importance of proper separation.

In parallel with its land-based activities, D-Marin has conducted extensive sea cleaning operations using state-of-the-art technology. In operations that included marinas in Greece, the United Arab Emirates, France, and Croatia, innovative systems such as the DPOL2 and Jellyfishbot were applied. The DPOL2, a sophisticated system for inspecting and cleaning the seabed, enabled the removal of waste from hard-to-reach locations, while the agile Jellyfishbots, remote-controlled robots, effectively cleaned the sea surface of floating debris and oil slicks. Thanks to these technologies, more than five tons of waste were removed from the sea, which represents a direct contribution to the health and biodiversity of the marine environment. Activities in Croatian D-Marin destinations, such as the marinas in Sukošan, Šibenik, and Zadar, demonstrate a commitment to preserving the Adriatic Sea, and visitors can find ideal accommodation near these environmentally conscious ports.

Energy transition and digitalization in the service of sustainability

D-Marin has also made a significant step forward in the area of energy efficiency. The expansion of smart pedestals at berths has allowed marina guests to precisely monitor and optimize their water and electricity consumption. This digitalized system not only reduces unnecessary resource losses but also raises users' awareness of their ecological footprint. Every boater can see their consumption in real-time via an application and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.

The group has also invested heavily in renewable energy sources. By installing solar plants in its marinas in Turkey and Croatia, D-Marin currently generates an impressive 4.9 GWh of solar energy annually. This amount is sufficient to supply electricity to more than 1,345 average households for an entire year. To further reduce its carbon footprint, the company has purchased an additional 6.5 GWh of electricity from certified green sources, ensuring that the operational needs of the marinas are increasingly met by clean energy standards. This strategic decision confirms their commitment to decarbonizing their business.

A strategic commitment to global climate goals

One of the key milestones in 2024 was D-Marin's formal commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By joining this global initiative, led by the world's leading organizations such as the UN Global Compact and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), D-Marin has committed to a science-based reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the goal is to reduce Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy consumption) emissions by as much as 42% by 2030. This aligns D-Marin with global leaders who are aligning their business operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

“Environmental responsibility is not just an operational goal for us – it is a fundamental principle by which we shape the future of the nautical industry,” stated Andrea De Santis, Chief Operating Officer of D-Marin. “Through thoughtful investments, strategic collaboration, and a long-term vision, we are creating marinas that not only meet the highest standards of service but also actively contribute to the preservation of our seas for generations to come.”

International awards as a confirmation of excellence

The efforts D-Marin invests in sustainability have not gone unrecognized. Over the past year, the company has received a series of prestigious certificates and awards that confirm their leading position in the industry.

EcoVadis Silver Medal: This recognition places D-Marin among the top 6% of the most sustainable companies in the global leisure industry, which is an outstanding result given the strict evaluation criteria covering environment, labor rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Green Apple Award: This international environmental award was presented to D-Marin in recognition of its excellence in applying environmental practices and innovative solutions.

ISO 14001 Certificate: A group-wide certification, which was recently extended to the Punta Faro marina, confirms that D-Marin's environmental management system meets the highest international standards.

Blue Flag: Almost all of D-Marin's Mediterranean marinas are proud holders of the Blue Flag certificate, a symbol of excellence in sea quality, safety, services, and environmental education. The marinas in Malta and Palma are currently in the qualification process, which will complete the portfolio. This certificate is particularly important for destinations in Croatia, where the purity of the sea is a key value of tourism.

Education and collaboration for long-term impact

D-Marin's approach to sustainability goes beyond infrastructure and certificates, placing a strong emphasis on education and community involvement. In collaboration with renowned organizations such as WWF France, HELMEPA (Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association), TURMEPA (Turkish Marine Environment Protection Association), and the Croatian Green Sail, D-Marin actively conducts educational programs. Initiatives include school visits, organizing marina and coastal clean-up days, and events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preserving marine life. A recent example from the Camille Rayon marina in France, where children and guests gathered to learn about marine protection through interactive workshops, shows the power of this approach.

Membership in the United Nations Global Compact and CSR Hellas programs further confirms the company's commitment to international principles of corporate responsibility, transparent governance, and environmental care. Through partnerships and active participation in global initiatives, D-Marin continues to build a sustainable future, balancing business growth with responsibility towards the planet.