Marina Port Vell Barcelona, the leading superyacht marina in the Mediterranean, has received the Biosphere Certification for the second consecutive year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), highlights our commitment to sustainability, environmental respect, and the implementation of responsible management practices.
During the Biosphere certification award ceremony, held at the Palau de la Música, Marta Tuñi, Marketing & Communications Director at Marina Port Vell, emphasized the marina’s efforts to improve its impact on society and the environment. “It is an honor to be one of the entities in the city of Barcelona to receive this distinction, and being awarded it for the second consecutive year strengthens our commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness across all our activities”.
Marina Port Vell’s sustainability efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda. To achieve this, we have implemented an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Plan that outlines strategies and actions to reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible operations. Under the motto “All Committed”, the plan is structured around three key areas: a commitment to preserving the Mediterranean, collaboration with the city of Barcelona in developing a sustainable and innovative environment, and valuing people by prioritizing job quality and the services provided.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Marina Port Vell
Additionally, Marina Port Vell has an Environmental Best Practices Manual and holds ISO 14001 and EMAS (“Eco-Management and Audit Scheme”) certifications—a voluntary European regulation for eco-management and environmental auditing that allows organizations to assess, report, and improve their environmental performance. In 2024, the marina renewed both certifications, reaffirming its commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability.
In this context, the completion of Marina Port Vell’s transformation works in July 2024, with a €20 million investment, marked a significant milestone. This project included the reorganization of the water area, a new landscape design creating a green space in the area, and an upgraded fuel supply system, enhancing safety and minimizing environmental risks. With these improvements, we strengthen our position as a leading Mediterranean yachting hub, promoting seamless integration between our operations and Barcelona’s port environment.
Last year, the marina also introduced an electric bicycle service to facilitate sustainable mobility for crew members looking to move around the city, expanded wastewater collection points, and installed electric vehicle charging stations.
These initiatives, along with the renewal of the Biosphere Certification, reinforce Marina Port Vell’s leadership in sustainability and its commitment to integrating its activities with the environment and the local community. With a modern and environmentally responsible infrastructure, the marina continues to establish itself as a benchmark for sustainable tourism and yachting in the Mediterranean.
Biosphere Certification
The Biosphere Certification, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), is a voluntary and independent certification system for sustainable tourism. This certification follows the principles of sustainability and continuous improvement under the Biosphere methodology. It encourages tourism businesses to design their products and services based on a non-aggressive tourism model, ensuring a long-term balance between the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions of a destination. This approach generates significant benefits for businesses, society, and the environment.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the 2030 Agenda and is supported by the Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, the Barcelona Provincial Council, and the Barcelona Tourism Consortium.
