24 | WATERLINE September 2026 INSURANCE SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN A CHANGING MARINA INDUSTRY The Nautilus Marine Insurance team shares insights into environmental sustainability and risk management for marina operators The marina industry is changing. Customers are becoming more environmentally aware, technology is evolving, and marina operators are increasingly focused on protecting the waterways and environments in which they operate. Responsible environmental management is fundamental to maintaining a sustainable marina environment. For marinas and yacht clubs, preventing pollution, managing risks and ensuring everyone operating on site understands their responsibilities are key parts of building a sustainable business. Lyndon Turner, CEO of Nautilus Marine Insurance, says environmental risks vary between sites, but operators need to understand the potential exposures within their own operations. “Each environment has different exposures,” he says. “Common environmental issues from an insurance perspective include pollutants escaping into the environment.” Key elements of environmental risk management include: • Protecting waterways through effective prevention and response procedures. • Ensuring berth holders, contractors and marine trades operate responsibly. • Adapting to changing technology and customer expectations. MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS ACROSS MARINA OPERATIONS Fuelling activities remain a key area of focus for marina operators, extending beyond spill prevention during refuelling. Fuel storage systems, tanks, pipework and transfer equipment all require regular inspection and maintenance. Operators might also consider informal fuelling activities, such as the use of portable containers away from designated fuel facilities. “The responsibility of having fuel on your site is making sure there are robust processes in place and that equipment is adequate and inspected regularly,” says Turner. Other areas requiring attention might, among other things, include: • Vessel incidents, including fuel leaks, salvage and wreck removal. • Marine trades, including painting, maintenance and waste handling. • Run-off, pollutants and waste management across land and water areas. While marina operators cannot control every activity on site, they can establish expectations for berth holders and thirdparty operators through agreements, inspections and insurance requirements. Marina operators should, as best practice, proactively consider the insurance arrangements in place for vessels berthed at the marina. This includes, but is not limited to, confirming that berth holders maintain adequate vessel insurance, with sufficient protection for salvage, wreck removal, pollution clean-up and environmental remediation. Comprehensive boat insurance helps reduce the exposure faced by both boat owners and marina operators when incidents occur. “Comprehensive boat insurance will cover sudden accidental discharge of pollutants, but also in a salvage situation, mitigate those costs,” says Turner. If a vessel sinks, leaks fuel or requires removal, the immediate priority is to contain the incident and minimise environmental impact. “Marina operators should act quickly and start the process to help mitigate the loss,” says Turner. “As soon as you take control of the site, contact the appropriate authorities and your insurance provider.” SUPPORTING A CHANGING MARINE LANDSCAPE The marine industry is adapting to changing customer expectations, with electric vessels, charging infrastructure and cleaner products becoming increasingly common. For operators considering electrification upgrades, early discussions with insurance providers and specialist advisers can help ensure changes are properly managed. “Any material change to the site can affect a marina’s risk profile and should be disclosed through the broker,” Turner says. David Seckold, Senior Portfolio Underwriting and Product Manager at Nautilus Marine Insurance, says appropriate planning and specialist advice are important when introducing new electronic charging infrastructure, such as battery charging stations within marinas. “It’s important marina operators engage the right electricians to install the infrastructure,” he says. “As an example, one of the biggest exposures with the charging of batteries is overcharging and overheating.” The same principle applies to existing marina infrastructure. Regular maintenance programs and proactive inspections remain essential tools for reducing risk. “We look for inspection reports where appropriate,” Seckold says. “Often the risks are in corrosive areas, so it’s really important that there is a good maintenance program in place to prevent things before they happen.” EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION SUPPORT BETTER OUTCOMES Environmental management is an increasingly important part of marina operations. Industry programs such as the International Clean Marina Program, along with Marina Industries Association (MIA) environmental training and resources, help operators improve their practices and demonstrate a commitment to responsible operations. For smaller marinas and clubs, accessing industry knowledge and support can be particularly valuable. Good risk management does not need to be complicated, but it does require regular review, staff awareness and clear processes. Turner says operators should make use of the resources available through the industry. “The MIA provides fantastic opportunities for members to strengthen their business and risk management practices, regardless of the size of their marina or club,” he says. “Good marina industry practices benefit everyone.” As customer expectations and technology continue to evolve, environmental responsibility will remain an important part of a sustainable marine industry. By improving risk management, investing in education and preparing for change, marina operators can protect their businesses while supporting healthier waterways for the future. Scan the QR Code to access insurance resources on the MIA website or visit marinas.net.au/resource-centre Disclaimer: Content is general information only. It is not legal, safety, operational, financial, or insurance advice and does not consider your individual circumstances. Regulatory requirements may vary by jurisdiction. Readers should seek professional advice relevant to their situation. Nautilus Marine Insurance and the author accept no liability for reliance on the information provided. External resources linked via QR code are provided for convenience only.
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