The Brussels-based International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) has been offering Blue Star Marina certification for marinas for several years. From May 2025, a completely revised certification system will now be launched, including a new catalogue of criteria that has been adapted to the current requirements of marinas, customers and other stakeholders.
The established Blue Star Marina certification system offers a transparent quality assessment with a star rating, comparable to the well established hotel classification. If desired, the Blue Star Marina award can even be combined with the ISO 13687 series classification for marinas. This makes it easier for water sports enthusiasts to find the best yacht harbour and helps marina operators to optimise their work processes and make their service more efficient. Blue Star Marina certification also helps operators to present themselves to other stakeholders such as banks, insurance companies and authorities.
The first certifications according to the new catalogue of criteria are already underway and there are further enquiries from various marinas in different countries.
Intensive cooperation with the ADAC
Another important step is the new cooperation with the ADAC, a German automobile club that also supports boaters. Marinas that
receive Blue Star certification benefit from preferential presentation in the new ADAC marina catalogue. At the same time, ADAC
premium customers enjoy discounts in the Blue Star Marina certification process.
For more information, please contact Falk Morgenstern (also the TransEurope Marinas representative in Germany): falk.morgenstern@imci.org
