News

The European Boating Industry (EBI) – the trade’s own organisation – is celebrating after scooping the ‘Impact’ category at the European Association Awards 2025.

At the ceremony took place in Brussels, EBI was recognised for its pioneering Blue Boat Horizon project, which aims at promoting sustainability based on Life Cycle Assessment in the recreational boating sector.

Organised by the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), the awards celebrate excellence within the association community, wit winners chosen by a jury of leading association professionals. 

EBI was nominated in two of the four award categories: Event Innovation together with boot Düsseldorf for the Blue Innovation Dock and Impact.

The latter acknowledges initiatives that have made significant contributions to society, aligning with the Summit’s 2025 theme, “Association Excellence in a Shifting Society”.

Blue Boat Horizon is the biggest project in EBI’s history and an ambitious industry collaboration. For the first time, it brings together key players to develop a common approach to improving environmental performance.

It has galvanised the sector with the same mission: Making Life Cycle Assessment the building block to improve environmental performance and transform the boating industry.

It now approaches the next steps of the project, which sees the collaboration with leading international marine associations, such as the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). It focuses on quantifying and improving the environmental performance of recreational boats.

EBI secretary-general Philip Easthill said: “We are honoured to receive the Impact award, which underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability in the recreational boating industry.

“Blue Boat Horizon exemplifies our dedication to environmental stewardship based on a strong business case and our proactive approach to addressing the challenges of a shifting society.

“We have enormous gratitude for the boat building businesses and national associations that have been leading this project over the last year and will now embark on the next steps with us.”