Marina World - Issue 110 - Nov/Dec 2018

WELCOME BY AIR, BY LAND AND BY SEA.

LA DOLCE VITA FOR HELICOPTERS, CARS AND SUPERYACHTS

In a setting surrounded by art, history and tradition, the marina in Porto Lotti offers all the magic of “la dolce vita”. SF Marina has delivered a pontoon that welcomes you no matter how you arrive, the 13 meter wide pontoon includes a helicopter landing pad, two lanes and parking for cars and superyacht facilities that welcomes yachts of all sizes. SF Marina

Salpisti

George Vernicos in the run-up to

Portopiccolo Sistiana in Italy is a new ecofriendly marina village development poised to eventually also welcome superyachts. Donatella Zucca

the cover: Flisvos Marina, one of several destinations on the agenda for the 2018 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference field trip, is located 6km (3.7mi) from the centre of Athens, Greece. It is

Marina Agana, Croatia – the 100th

Marina World

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Engaging with Gen Z

Generation Z will surpass Generation Y (otherwise known as Millennials) in 2019 as the most populous generation. Just reaching the age of 21 and making up roughly 32% of the global population, they are a new target for marketing and sales.

It’s hard to find concrete data for Generation Z as opposed to Generalisation Z. But that goes for most statistics. The best route seems to be to read the surveys and reports, and highlight similarities. The result is intriguing.

Most important is the fact that Gen Z was born in a digital world; hence also being referred to as the IGen. They grew up not only with advanced technology at their fingertips but in the shadows of economic turbulence and, potentially, unlike Gen Y they are seeking greater core security.

Many reports suggest they drink less alcohol, take fewer drugs, are more healthconscious in general, and are careful with money. They aspire to owning rather than renting their homes and cars, are less interested in long-term relationships, are open-minded, entrepreneurial and think globally.

A new study by UNiDAYS and Ad Age Studio 30* reported that 97% of recipients owned smartphones – but their relationship with technology is complex. Only 22% use the devices to make purchases (60% prefer a desktop although 93% own a laptop) but mostly prefer to shop personally for brands (they are 23% more likely to visit shopping centres than other age groups). They use their mobiles to compare prices, check for nearby stores, sleuth out products, and for TV, videos, music, games – and social media.

Although reported to be social media obsessed, Gen Z is more cautious than Gen Y. Studies conducted by Hill Holliday found that 34% of Gen Z said they were leaving social media, and others were taking a break because the platforms made them feel anxious or depressed. On the whole, however, social media is integral to the life of the IGen – but it is used selectively. According to inc.com, smaller community platforms are preferred; the quality of ‘friends’ is more important than quantity.

The UNiDAYS study also revealed that 77% of Gen Z respondents prefer printed books and a recent MNI Targeted Media survey concurred, finding Gen Z heavily dependent on social media but surprisingly reliant on print. ‘They spend more time reading physical newspapers and magazines without interruption than they do on social media, websites and blogs,’ the survey asserts.

This gives us plenty of scope to market to and communicate with an upcoming generation that is tech-savvy and cost-conscious, but embraces all media. Research indicates that ‘fear of being left out’ is a key Gen Z concern so if we are to try to attract them as new boaters we need to help them see what they could be missing.

Carol Fulford Editor

* Study of nearly 23,000 college-age respondents in the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Floating pontoons

- Monaco: new pontoons at Port Hercule

Made in Italy

Pontoons, breakwaters, piers for super yachts, floating bridges and constructions: the best solutions for connecting sea and land by means of strong and reliable structures, in aluminium, concrete or steel, standard or tailor made.

Pontoons and constructions over the water

Montecarlo

Construction starts on first ‘smart marina’

USA: Carroll Properties has broken ground on a new state of the art boat storage facility at Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Gulf Star Marina is the region’s first smart marina and the first in the world to feature Automated Storage and Retrieval (ASAR) technology.

ASAR replaces the forklift traditionally used in drystack marinas with a railed solution thereby allowing for consistent rack-to-water vessel delivery in just seven minutes. Designed by LTW and manufactured for the US market by GCM Contracting Solutions, ASAR is also being used by companies such as Mercedes and Ikea to optimise storage and reduce risks of damage.

“Boat owners are challenged with finding dry boat storage in this area and concerned with protecting their boats from environmental damages such as diesel soot from forklifts and from the sun, if kept outside,” said Todd Carroll, owner of Carroll Properties and Gulf

Star Marina. “Owning a boat is a big investment and this new technology greatly minimises those risks and the associated maintenance costs. There’s also a huge convenience factor because, with the push of a button, your boat is in the water and ready for a day of boating in a matter of minutes.”

GCM Contracting Solutions, an industry leader in commercial construction and design-build services, will construct the 29,000ft² (2,694m²) structure using the tilt-up concrete method, which offers supreme sturdiness, fire safety protection and hurricane resistance in addition to a quicker build time.

“The previous facility on the Gulf Star Marina property was built in the 1950s and had metal siding, which kept boats dry but didn’t offer much protection from tropical storms and hurricanes,” said Robert Brown, owner and president of GCM Contracting Solutions. “The new storage facility is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 200mph [322km/h] –a Category 5 hurricane.”

GCM has selected MHK Architecture & Planning of Naples, Florida to provide architectural services for the marina project (CGI above), which has an estimated completion date of May 2019.

Are you ready for the MYP at Metstrade?

NETHERLANDS: Exhibitors from all over the world are preparing to welcome visitors to the Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) at Metstrade 2018 in Amsterdam 13th-15th November.

Now an established must-visit for marina professionals, the MYP attracts an increasing number of international visitors year on year and has become a key annual meeting point.

For 2018, the MYP will boast in excess of 60 exhibiting companies, at least seven of which are new to the show. And it is the chosen venue for specialist marina gatherings such as the HISWA Marina Symposium for HISWA members and the new Global Marina Institute (GMI) Networking Event for GMI members and invited guests.

‘Cleaner, Healthier Oceans and Waterways’ is the theme for expert panel discussion on the Innovation Lab Stage at 13.00 hours on Tuesday 13th. The session, which explores how marinas, yacht clubs etc., are contributing to environmental sustainability and ocean conservation, is moderated by Albert Willemsen, environmental consultant, ICOMIA. The panellists are Lonneke Holierhoek, The Ocean Cleanup; Tony Browne, Adriatic Marinas; Pete Ceglinski, Seabin Project; Dan Reading, World Sailing; and Sara-Jane Skinner, Blue Marine Foundation.

Remember to pre-register for attendance at www.metstrade.com. Marina World – exclusive media partner for the MYP at Metstrade –welcomes you to stand 05.500.

Robert Brown (left) with Todd Carroll.

FLOATING

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You know that many clients already know what they want, they do their are looking for the most modern material combinations, sold by the most knowledgeable industry leaders. We love what we do, and we appreciate our partners. Together we can replace outdated methods by solutions to our clients. We are the winning team, together we can make S ea e s ibl e from

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WORLD NEWS

Drystack expansion sets new regional standards

USA: Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin, Florida is to significantly expand its drystack facilities so as to better handle and accommodate larger vessels. The project, which should complete next month (December) incorporates the use of a new 52,000lb (23,587kg) Wiggins Marina Bull forklift.

The new drystack building will hold over 350 vessels of up to 45ft (m) in length in a specially-designed secure

structure. Marker 1 also offers custom boat lifts for customers who prefer this option.

GCCM to double in size

AUSTRALIA: Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) is embarking on a stage two development project using an adjacent 20ha (49 acre) site it purchased some years ago. When complete, at a cost of over AU$100 million, the extensive site will be in an even stronger position to handle larger vessels.

“This project is an exciting coup for the Gold Coast’s ever-expanding marine industry, which is developing a global reputation for being a leading destination for marine refit and repair within the Asia Pacific region,” said GCCM CEO Trenton Gay.

“Submissions for this site have been lodged with authorities and, once approvals are in place, construction for the first stage will be imminent,” he continued. “Once completed, GCCM will be able to further accommodate the growing size of our domestic fleet and those coming to the South Pacific region, including superyachts, wide beam catamarans and sailing yachts, thanks to ground breaking new facilities including a 1,000 tonne capacity lift and

undercover refit and repair factories.”

GCCM’s refit and repair facility is growing exponentially each year, with in excess of 80 marine businesses on site employing over 700 of Australia’s most highly skilled marine contractors and servicing vessels ranging from tinnies to superyachts in excess of 70m (230ft).

Meeco Sullivan buys Wahoo Docks

USA: Meeco Sullivan’s parent company, Tuckahoe Holdings, has acquired a majority ownership interest in Wahoo Docks. Tuckhoe Holdings is a family run and family controlled private investment firm that focuses on acquiring successful businesses it can own and invest in on a permanent basis.

Wahoo Docks is a 25-year-old company that has become a leading North American supplier of aluminium residential floating dock systems. Meeco Sullivan specialises in galvanised steel and timber systems.

Tim Osby, who will retain his ownership position at Wahoo Docks and continue in his role as president, commented: “We have always taken great pride in designing and producing the highest quality aluminium dock systems and we are excited to be joining forces with an industry leader like Meeco Sullivan. It will be business as usual for us as we continue to support our nationwide dealer network creating new sales opportunities for them and helping Meeco Sullivan grow its commercial aluminium dock business.”

Ralph Morley, senior vice president sales and business development for Meeco Sullivan, also spoke highly of future prospects. “This is another great example of Tuckahoe Holdings’ commitment to supporting Meeco Sullivan’s growth goals by giving us the resources to make strategic acquisitions,” he said. “Wahoo Docks is a highly respected industry leader and a perfect complement to Meeco Sullivan’s business. When you add Wahoo Docks’ 70,000ft² [6,503m²] state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility in Georgia to our McAlester, Oklahoma and Warwick, New York manufacturing facilities we have more production capacity and expertise in galvanised steel, aluminium and timber dock systems than anyone in North America,” he added.

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Marina Solutions

Golden rebuilds storm-torn marina

USA: Family-owned Moss Marine of Fort Myers Beach, Florida has rebuilt its 49-year old marina following devastation caused in 2017 by Hurricane Irma.

Golden Marine Systems installed 950 double and 850 single e-track docking to create a dock measuring 7,500ft² (697m²). Made of 6061 T6 marine grade aluminium with stainless steel components, the innovative system allows for adjustable cleats, finger piers

and pile guides. With rubber FlexiBlock Connectors, there’s no creaking. Service troughs provide exceptional utility access. The decking and fascia boards are manufactured from a lowmaintenance, long-life composite.

New design for giant breakwater

CANADA: Marinetek North America has installed a giant breakwater in the challenging waters of Saguenay in Quebec. The project featured the company’s new KH-series breakwater units, which weigh in at 86 tons apiece at the top of the range.

The City of Saguenay set a demanding brief for a floating breakwater system that could remain in the water during the harsh, icy winters and offer protection from aggressive waves and tides during the summer operating season. Daily tides can stretch up to 6.9m (23ft); water depths vary from 6 to 24m (20 to 80ft); and waves can reach 2.2m (7.5ft) high. In

addition, the installation has to sit in brackish water with up to a metre of thick ice, and withstand winds up to 75mph (121km/h).

Breakwater units, each measuring 6m (20ft) wide x 20m (66ft) long x 2.4m (8ft) high, were built for the project, which was designed by Marinetek from start to finish. “One of the main challenges was to anchor

Golden Marine Systems led the project, coordinating everything from obtaining the permits to scheduling and overseeing the installation of the docks, utilities and fuel system.

Amsterdam 2018, 13 - 15 November

Remember to register for Metstrade 2018 at metstrade.com. Visit Marina World in the Marina & Yard Pavilion on stand 05.500. See you there!

these immense floating breakwaters in deep water with the large tides,” explained Richard Murray, Marinetek North America managing director and head engineer. “After reviewing all the design criteria and site conditions, we decided to use heavy duty steel chain with massive anchor blocks on the longer section and large steel vertical H-beams along the seawall for the shorter section.”

The breakwater units were shipped from Marinetek’s Croatian factory to Canada, towed to the project site and installed in August 2018 using 80 concrete sinkers and chains. Four vertical steel H-beams were secured to the seawall.

The KH-series is the result of over 12 months’ R&D including extensive research, design and engineering, and tank tests conducted by VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland, one of the leading companies of its kind in Europe.

Luxury offerings at new-look marina

UK: The redesign project at MDL Marinas’ Ocean Village in Southampton is now complete. Notable innovations include new pontoons that link to a luxury spa hotel complex, a floating dock office and Platinum Package benefits. many restaurants nestled alongside, or checking out new and classic releases at the on-site cinema.”

At the edge of Southampton Water, with easy access to the Solent, Ocean Village’s basin was previously used by commercial ships and has the benefit of being the only marina in the area able to accommodate superyachts. This factor has undoubtedly been a driving force for decisions to upgrade the facility to an entirely new level.

“Ocean Village Marina is one of a kind on the south coast,” says Adrien Burnand, MDL head of marketing. “Visitors are immediately encased in a world of luxury whether they’re accessing the five-star facilities at Harbour Hotel straight from the pontoon, one of the

into extended five-star hotel bedrooms with VIP room service (including fresh bed linen and interior cleaning), hotel to boat wine and champagne delivery, complimentary upgrades on hotel room bookings and use of the five-star gym and spa.

“We’re delighted with the transformation of Ocean Village Marina,” Burnand continues. “We’ve been working on the project for quite a while and it’s wonderful to see all of the hard work pay off. This is a mixed leisure, commercial and residential development and MDL is delighted to have led the project to such a successful outcome. We’ll have stunning silver and black signage installed in the next few weeks, and other work will continue until 2020.”

Plans approved for Noss on Dart

UK: Premier Marinas has been granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Noss on Dart Marina in Devon and plans to invest £75 million in the site.

Noss on Dart was acquired by Premier in 2016 and comprises 37 acres (15ha) of foreshore and woodland set on the banks of the River Dart, just below Kingswear and opposite Dartmouth. The site was formerly a shipyard but has operated as a marina and boatyard since shipbuilding ceased in the late 1990s.

Much of the site is currently derelict and the existing marina infrastructure is in a poor state. Premier plans to create a waterfront hub with a new marina of around 232 berths; a drystack for 100 smaller motor boats; a boatyard with a 75-tonne boat hoist; 21 marine trade commercial units; a 50-room hotel with two restaurants and a spa; new car parking arrangements; and a Heritage Centre to celebrate the site’s history. A passenger ferry link to Dartmouth town centre, for access to shops, restaurants and

places of historic interest will also be established.

Demolition of the site’s many derelict buildings has commenced, and work on

the replacement boatyard, car park and commercial buildings will follow. Renewal of the floating marina is scheduled to begin in the winter of 2019/20.

Key to the offering is the Platinum Package, which effectively turns boats

Themed attraction planned for Caribbean marina

USVI: IGY Marinas has leased the landmark ‘over-water’ 360 building at Yacht Haven Grande in St Thomas to a private group that intends to transform it into a premier, mixed-use themed attraction.

The group includes Dr Kiran Akal, former creative consultant for Walt Disney and Warner Music writer and artist, and Dave Goodman, former vice president and executive producer of entertainment for the Walt Disney Company (The Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort and the Walt Disney Special Events Group) and Anheuser Busch Theme Parks.

The rich history and culture of the USVI and greater Caribbean, as well as the natural resources that make this region so sought after, will be part of the narrative of the attraction and Kiran Akal promises a result that “will not be found anywhere else in the world”.

The project has the support of the USVI Department of Tourism, FloridaCaribbean Cruise Association and

IGY Marinas. It will provide jobs and on-site training at the highest levels in the hospitality, retail and technical

sectors, contribute significantly to the local economy, and further diversify the USVI’s tourism offering.

SPECIAL FOCUS

SF MARINA: 1918-2018

Celebrating a century

SF Marina team members, guests and partners travelled to Gothenburg, Sweden from all over the world as August tipped into September to take part in the centenary celebrations of one of the industry’s most innovative marina design and build companies. Instrumental in introducing the concept of floating concrete construction, SF Marina has continuously broadened its brief and its product reach. To mark the occasion, Marina World explores the company’s achievements, objectives and philosophy.

Looking back

Opening for business as Brandholmens Shipyard in 1918, SF worked on floating

concrete R&D and, before long, the floating concrete pontoon was its number one product. In 1935, SF built a marina system for the Royal Swedish Motor Yacht Club (RMK); and returned to expand this marina as recently as 2012.

Left: The SF Marina team and guests ‘aboard’ the giant floating pontoon on the island of Donsö, which was installed in May 2018. Below: Marking the occasion at the factory in Wallhamn. Others: Centenary celebrations included lunch on the island ferry and a lavish evening banquet in Gothenburg.

Although the business grew and encompassed projects from floating pontoons to floating bridges – including the diverse contract to construct a temporary bridge in 1953 in Stockholm while an extension to the underground system was taking place – major strides forward were made in the 1970s. SF supplied pontoons for the Olympic Games in 1972, and towards the end of the decade made its biggest leap by launching a range of floating breakwaters. This expanded the market to include new and more exposed locations and deeper waters without harming the environment. SF takes positive pride in not undertaking invasive construction work on the seabed, and in the marina ‘nurseries’ that are created under and around its floating structures as water flow remains uninterrupted.

Going global

SF set its sights on the international market from its earliest days, partly due to a realisation that its products could withstand all climates and weather conditions. Today, the company operates in over 50 countries and has in excess of 1,000 marina references.

production site at Wallhamn on the Swedish west coast has access to a deep water quay for optimum shipping options and there are around 20 worldwide licensed production sites.

SF systems form the basis of marinas as diverse as the Russian hub of Sochi Grande and the idyllic sanctuary of Tyrell Bay, Grenada. They dominate strategic sailing routes at Palmarina Bodrum in Turkey and Linton Bay Marina in Panama. They moor up superyachts at OneOcean Port Vell in Spain and Provincetown Marina in the USA, and are cleverly angle jointed to follow the multiple corners of the fixed breakwater at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda.

Floating products

Quality control is strict. Almost all concrete pontoons and breakwaters are custom built and often exceed their 50-year life expectancy and, as each system comprises modular units, rebuilds and reconfigurations – as well as new marinas – are easier to plan and more cost-effective. Every marina system or floating solution is designed using precise calculations that are based on PIANC guidelines and national recommendations, and manufacturing follows Eurocode for concrete designs.

In the 1990s SF hit the headlines when it installed a 4m (13ft) - as opposed to the normal 3m/10ft - wide breakwater at Mayflower Marina in Plymouth, UK but today it has the technology to manufacture breakwater units up to 10m (33ft) wide. The key is supreme core strength, low centre of gravity and thick layers of quality concrete, factors which also apply to its 2.4 to 10m (8 to 33ft) wide range of concrete pontoons, which are offered in any length, any angle and any configuration.

Continuing development

Always with an eye to developing new solutions, SF has looked at alternative materials and construction methods over the years. Most recently, it has patented two new product lines –ProDock and X-line – which rely on basalt (volcanic rock) as opposed to steel for reinforcement. Basalt rebar is tough, stronger than steel and has a higher tensile strength. It is also lighter in weight making products easier to handle and less expensive to transport.

All projects are undertaken by means of SF’s trademarked SAFE Marina System: Secure, Adapted, Flexible, Environmentally friendly. These core factors owe their

strengths to one hundred years of knowledge and experience in perfecting floating concrete systems. By listening to customers, making thorough site assessments, delivering eco-friendly systems that are built to last, and continuing to perfect and innovate, chairman Lars Odhe, CEO Michael Sigvardsson and the international SF team are more than ready to take the company into its second century.

Boosting customer experience

UK: Premier Marinas, owner of nine marinas on the south coast of England, has revised its plans to complete the regeneration of Swanwick Marina. The move follows its £5.8 million investment in the construction of Swanwick’s new state of the art boatyard in 2014.

The marina’s new plans represent a further investment of £8 million and incorporate a number of innovative features, including: a modern renewal of the floating marina to make accessing and using the pontoons safer and easier; a welcoming marina bridgehead building; and a dedicated berth holders’ lounge. At the heart of the site, overlooking the water, a new food and beverage building is proposed and, close by, there are plans for an impressive Pavilion building to house boat sales and marine business (subject to planning approval).

The eastern side of the marina will be cleared to create additional boat storage ashore and dedicated berth holder parking. For the future, Premier is considering a range of marine based options for this land.

Innovative design

The new floating marina will create 333 berths of 6 to 40m (20 to 131ft) – an overall increase of 59 on the current configuration. The pontoons will run east-west and, uniquely, all berth holders will enjoy a berth measuring at least the length of their boat. This feature, coupled with fairway and pontoon specifications that exceed industry standards, will make berthing easier and safer – particularly for power boat owners stepping directly onto their pontoon from the back of their boat.

One of the most innovative aspects of Premier’s plans, however, lies at the

centre section of the marina (D to C) where the berths will be set 700mm (27in) above water level (200mm [8in] above standard height) to reduce customers’ deck to pontoon ‘jump down’ when berthing the vessel.

In the new configuration, all the pontoons will be accessed via a single central bridgehead, which has again been designed to make life easier by presenting a substantially lower access gradient than the current bridgeheads. During the in-water redevelopment the marina basin will be dredged.

At the top of the bridgehead berth holders will find a new undercover bridgehead building providing a customer service and information point, trolley station, bin store and secure access to the pontoons. Dedicated drop off/pick up parking for berth holders is planned in front of the building to ensure that customers can get close to the bridgehead when provisioning up.

Renewing the floating marina

Phase one of the redevelopment began last month (October) with the renewal of the pontoons on the eastern side of the marina and the build of a 40 slot dinghy rack at A Pontoon. This phase will be completed in April 2019. Phase two of the renewal, to take place in the winter of 2019/20, will

Due for complete refurbishment, Swanwick Marina will ultimately offer 333 generously sized berths.

see the rest of the pontoons in the plan renewed and the bridgehead building constructed. The new Pavilion is also scheduled to be built during this time, and the new food and beverage building will be completed in 2021. All the new pontoons will be equipped with an improved supply of 32amp sockets and better WiFi access.

Walcon Marine has been contracted to supply the walkways, finger pontoons and bridge and will install the new piles. Its System 2000 pontoons will be used throughout the whole project for maximum flexibility. The Walcon Wizard barge, with a second piling rig, will be available to come and assist as required.

Premier Marinas CEO, Pete Bradshaw, explained the rationale behind the investment: “Swanwick Marina was constructed in the late 1960s/early 70s when boats tended to be smaller and narrower. The current pontoons do not meet modern industry standards – or the quality expected by our berth holders. Alongside that, the water depth in some areas of the marina is becoming challenging for deeper keeled vessels. For these reasons we recognise that we need to invest further in Swanwick to secure its future success and to add value for our customers –with better food and beverage provision, more lifestyle facilities and safer, easier access to pontoons.”

“Premier’s vision for thoughtful marina design will greatly improve our customers’ experience and safety. Our plans for Swanwick will set a new standard for marina development,” he added.

Cross Sea challenges for marinas Setting

CONFERENCES

Sharing and learning: Greece hosts IWMC 2018

Marina World’s Greek correspondent, Eliza Salpisti, interviews George Vernicos in the run-up to the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) 2018 in Athens, Greece.

Eliza Salpisti (ES): This year, the Greek Marinas Association proudly hosts the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference, placing Greece under the international spotlight of marina and waterfront development. Kindly share with us your message to the global marina industry.

George Vernicos (GV): We are very happy and proud that ICOMIA decided to organise the World Marinas Conference in our country and share expertise, innovation and technology with developed and traditional yachting markets. The Greek islands and the Greek archipelagos are recognised as a yachting paradise and it is obvious that all people who love to sail give priority to Greece. This is true both for small boat owners and superyacht owners and charterers; an area of international growth. Greece is a world class centre for marine tourism and we want to improve upon this. We believe that this conference will be of great help in expanding our knowledge.

ES: Greece has unique potential to become a world class centre for marine tourism bound to attract significant capital and turn our country into a leading international marine tourism destination. Currently, however, we need more marinas, upgraded marinas, regional networks of shelters/anchorages and related services. How do you think Greece can improve its infrastructure?

GV: We all know that significant marina construction poses many problems: environmental considerations, local community reactions and interests, as well as funding issues. Perhaps technology will help to create new potential. In the meantime, we have to constantly try to improve existing infrastructure and offer increasingly better quality of services. We urgently need new ideas regarding trends and development.

ES: How would you prioritise the basic

steps for further enhancing Greece’s competitive position with regards to marine tourism?

GV: Constant update of the institutional framework, investments and quality services by the public and private sector. We are at the beginning of a new era for the development of marine tourism globally and especially in Greece. New technologies help us move in the right direction and, at the same time, more and more people discover the significant advantages of marine tourism. It is important that we prevent illegal charter while encouraging common regulations for the Mediterranean regarding the security and protection of the seas, the mobility of people, and uniform tax and customs regulations. I refer specifically to the conference’s topics with respect to security issues at ports and marinas, oil pollution, crisis management and updates on drystack technology and practice.

ES: Greek yacht clubs preserve the country’s tradition of seamanship and also create a network of highly experienced sailors who constitute a promising human resources capital for the marina and yachting industry. How do you perceive the relationship between the three?

GV: You are right to say that the cluster associated with marine tourism, including the yacht clubs, the marinas and the yachting industry, needs to work in close cooperation. European Union and Greek legislation encourage and finance synergies and clusters.

ES: Please comment on investment incentives for both local investors (e.g. hoteliers) and foreign potential investors with regards to waterfront development, be it for small or large scale projects (i.e. floating docks, boat shelters, marinas).

GV: Investors know far better than

George Vernicos

anyone else if an investment is likely to bring rewards. There are a number of financing tools that assist investors but, as I mentioned earlier, there are a number of problems such as environmental and local reactions that particularly affect large scale projects. In Greece, including Attica, there are plans for significant waterfront development and marina projects that will be presented and further analysed during the conference.

ES: The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference offers insight into the latest trends in marina and waterfront sustainable development, such as floating infrastructure (e.g. service buildings, houses, pools etc), electric boat propulsion and solar piers. How do you think Greece’s legislative framework can effectively adopt such trends?

GV: ICOMIA contributes significantly in terms of information and proposals for marine tourism development. Its proposals are of considerable importance and make a significant contribution to decision making. The ICOMIA policy papers, the Environmental Guide and the issues for marinas are greatly appreciated. I am sure that all of us, including the wider public sector in Greece, will benefit greatly from ICOMIA’s World Marinas Conference.

George Vernicos is president of Vernicos Yachts, president of the Economic and Social Council of Greece (OKE), General Secretary of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), honorary president of the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association (EPEST) and represents yachting as a member of the board on the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (NEE).

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

Smart standards in Sistiana

A model of beauty, sustainability and nautical sports, the marina of Portopiccolo Sistiana has been developed in an ancient limestone quarry that dates back to the second century AD and was in use until the 1970s. The project, for the marina and associated village of Borgo, is to be completed with a second marina in Sistiana Bay that will be dedicated to superyachts. Donatella Zucca reports

Covering a water area of 30,000m² (322,917ft²), the marina offers 120 berths for boats up to 25m (82ft), and forms part of a 350,000m² (418,596yd²) site that is easily accessed by land and sea. The development has been realised by world leading construction company Rizzani de Eccher at a cost of around €350 million. “Over €45 million alone has been allocated to technology so as

Borgo homes (top); Terrazzo homes (below); the Pavilion convention centre (centre); and the Spa by Bakel.

to guarantee the highest standards of safety, accessibility and sustainability,” explains Luigi Candida, head of real estate. “Construction work started in 2011, the opening took place in 2014 and, today, due to its natural beauty and the high level of residential and service offerings, it can be compared to the French Riviera,” he adds. The architect Francesco Luparelli was also surely inspired by high profile destinations like Portofino and Porto Cervo.

Located in Friuli Venezia Giulia on a stretch of coastline between the castles at Miramare and Duino, Portopiccolo has been developed on a site that could be considered private because it is technically inland rather than coastal. If this is so – and the matter is currently being discussed – it would not be subject to state concession fees and rules, and the sale of berths would be possible.

Sustainable design

The prime mover for all plans, from waste management to energy, and landscaping to traffic control, has been consideration of the environment.

A geothermal heat pump system with sea water exchange supplies 70% of the total heating requirement of the entire complex, and systems for delivering air conditioning and non-potable water use 45% less energy than the norm.

Facility manager Davide Carrier expands.

“The 50m² [538ft²] studio in the Case del Borgo, the terrace house and the Four Winds penthouses of over 600m² [6,458ft²] with large terraces and private swimming pools, all enjoy Class A and A+ energy classification. They are equipped with thermal-acoustic insulation, controlled mechanical ventilation, low-emission windows, green roofs and hanging gardens.”

Portopiccolo also has clean air because there is no carbon dioxide from motor vehicles. “Cars can only be driven through hidden tunnels to parking spaces reserved for residents, marina guests, hotels and day visitors. Above ground, we only use electric vehicles; electric cars and an electric shuttle that

Portopiccolo Sistiana is located at an enviable site in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Luigi Candida

Marco de Eccher

Giorgio Martin

transports guests between the village, hotel and the other side of the bay,” Carrier adds.

“The sustainability of the whole operation started with the realisation that the project sat on the remains of a quarry whose aggregate could be re-used for all the concrete structural work, resulting in virtually zero need to plan for materials disposal.”

Serviced lifestyle

The village of Borgo and its marina offer 454 apartments, 1,220 underground parking spaces, three swimming pools, beach clubs, a spa, yacht club, restaurants and the only 5-star hotel in Venezia Giulia. The hotel also houses the region’s most modern convention centre.

Around 65% of the residential property has been sold. “In 2017 we sold 32 apartments to Italian, Austrian, German and Russian buyers who have discovered Trieste and the beauty of Friuli Venezia Giulia,” Candida confirms. American visitors are also on the increase thanks to the Hotel Falisia Resort and Spa, which belongs to the Marriott hotel chain.

The buying pattern is varied. “The most expensive and spacious properties like the villas facing the marina and the large terrace houses all sold first. Today, however, demand is less for the terrace and more for the ‘Case del Borgo’ closer to the dynamic hub of the marina,” he adds. There is also an active rental programme that is enjoying great success. “It’s an attractive hospitality formula with fully furnished apartments. Occupants take advantage of dedicated services, it’s all ready for use and is very successful.”

Nautical passion

Sports events are in the Portopiccolo DNA and its yacht club enjoys a rich season of regattas that are favoured by sailors of international renown. This year, it hosted the ORC Sportboat European Championship and, despite its newfound club status, is already well

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

acknowledged by the Offshore Racing Congress and Italian and international sailing federations. Giorgio Martin, who is director of the marina and sports director for the yacht club, is a world championship yachtsman.

Transient yachtsmen are welcome at the marina and 12 berths are reserved for visitors. At least 105 of the remaining berths are leased out to permanent berth holders, usually on a 12 month contract. The standard of service is high for all who moor up at the marina and the availability of car parking is a bonus. “It’s a plus for those with a seasonal or annual contract,” says Martin, “especially when you consider the invasion of cars along the Costiera di Trieste. In addition, those who live at the marina can take advantage of a 10% discount on the excellent services offered by the Portopiccolo Spa by Bakel, which includes access to the wet area, Bakel treatments, Maxi’s Beach Club – the most exclusive bathing establishment in the Upper Adriatic – and the Pizzeria Oro di Napoli.”

Portopiccolo offers visitors, holidaymakers and sporting sailors

good onsite amenities and technical services can be found in the port of Sistiana, close to the site of the planned superyacht marina.

Supersized plans

Rizzani de Eccher, primarily the contractor and, ultimately, the owner of Portopiccolo, now plans a €150 million superyacht marina on a 250m² (2,691ft²) site within the bay. The company’s winning card will once again be the power and determination it enjoys as an international giant. In 2017, the company recorded a billion euros in revenue, 95% of which was for overseas projects. Work has included the Central Dynamo Stadium in Moscow at over €500 million, the Four Seasons Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan and the Central Station in Milan.

Are these two marina projects a diversification or are they forerunners for further yacht harbours? Marco de Eccher, Portopiccolo stakeholder and president of Rizzani de Eccher, answers: “We’ve gained expertise that has certainly enriched our company’s knowledge base. We have several ongoing negotiations with developers for the implementation of similar ventures. Portopiccolo has become a sort of showroom: our customers can actually see the quality of our construction.”

The Sistiana superyacht marina is currently under development and, when complete, will make a big contribution to the development of the entire area, and enjoy strong synergy with Portopiccolo.

Above: the vibrant Portopiccolo Square is central to the development. Below: the Beach Club (left) and Maxi’s restaurant and beach bar.

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INTERNATIONAL

Marinas of all types and sizes are increasingly focused on service, style and destination appeal. Since Marina World was launched nearly 20 years ago, increased attention has been paid to perfecting facilities and infrastructure, preserving the environment, liaising strongly with local communities, and obtaining certification that reflects standards of quality that meet the needs of discerning boat owning customers.

Modern marinas are grasping the need to make use of the latest technology, responding positively to the increasing software options now available to manage wet and dry berths, dockside power and water, boatyard equipment, and more.

Marinas have long been the focal point of new waterfront developments, coastal and inland resorts, and take centre stage in the rehabilitation of disused brownfield sites within the world’s port cities. As such, they have been developed sensitively to reflect local architecture and ambience, meld with local culture and help coastal cities extend seamlessly to the water’s edge.

Marinas, whether privately owned or the responsibility of municipal authorities, are increasingly seen as good investments. There has been a marked rise in ‘networks’ – marinas under varied ownership that band together to offer cruise-between programmes and shared customer benefits – and the rise of serious USbased companies who are amassing portfolios of marinas and boat clubs that supersize anything the industry has seen before. The opportunity to create strong visible brand names at valuable waterfront sites has made marinas an increasingly attractive investment.

No industry is without challenges. The boat owning customer base is ageing; marinas are focusing on attracting children to boats, offering training and free fun days on the water. The length and cost of marina concessions or leases remains a stumbling block to maintaining or improving many sites; industry is fighting back with the persuasive weaponry of hard facts and figures that prove marinas make significant financial contributions to local markets and employment. The environment is challenged and water quality is a specific focus; marinas are organising community clean-ups and environmental awareness days.

Established marina markets in North America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand, for example, are brand

conscious, image conscious and eager to welcome the new style of boater where space permits. Trends towards shared ownership, either privately or via boat clubs, and charter are being accommodated – some marinas in Europe are 80% occupied by charter fleets – and berthing for increasingly larger vessels including superyachts and megayachts has become the jewel in many a marina crown. Superyacht berths are in high demand and this trend is set to remain for years to come, attracting customers with high levels of spending power.

There is also plenty of growth. While the Middle East focuses on iconic palm tree fringed marina cities, South East Asia is further developing new cruising circuits, with marinas in Indonesia,

AUSTRALIA

Accreditation programmes, such as Gold Anchor, Clean Marinas and Fish Friendly Marinas, are showing strong growth and retention with increased awareness and attributed value from consumers and government agencies alike. There are now 34 Gold Anchor Marinas in Australia and Empire Marina Bobbin Head in Sydney has recently been awarded 5 Gold Anchor Platinum status, the first in Australia. There are 61 marinas currently accredited as Clean Marinas and a further five going through their initial accreditation process. There are 320 marinas and yacht club marinas in Australia.

The industry is continuing to see

South Korea and Vietnam vying with the established markets of Hong Kong and Singapore, where more berths are now needed. Newer markets take time to develop but the drive created by increased leisure time, tourism and greater overall wealth is the driving force for marina development and expansion.

Boating, above all, gets top PR – and boat owners need berths. As any international boat show calendar reveals, whether it’s Phuket, Chicago, Helsinki, Croatia, Moscow, Shanghai, Gothenburg, Sydney, Taiwan, Colombia, Miami, Genoa, Cannes or one of dozens of other venues, recreational boating continues to attract leisure spend.

Carol

Fulford

Australian marinas continue to show steady and sustained growth as evidenced by independent research undertaken from 2012 to 2017. The Australian Health of the Marina Industry Survey by the Marina Industries Association (MIA) in conjunction with Dr Ed Mahoney from Michigan State University is the most comprehensive study of its kind in the world. With 44% of all marinas responding to the 2017 survey and 25% having participated in all surveys over the last six years, the survey provides a wealth of information and benchmarks on the state of the industry. Key take-outs include continuing growth in marina revenues year on year, increasing trend on capital investment in marinas, increased investment in environmental initiatives with national marina revenues now exceeding AUD$1.4 billion and direct employment of over 23,000.

growth in marina-specific education demand and attendance. The MIA’s IMM and AMM accreditation courses are being delivered twice yearly, and specialised courses including MSC operations and emergency preparedness courses are seeing increased demand. There is also a move to deliver more on-line content to attract a wider audience. Attracting young people into the marina industry and the boating industry more generally continues to be a challenge.

There are a number of major marina projects either under way or planned around the country, including Shellharbour Marina (greenfield

Carol Fulford

Darren Vaux

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site) just south of Sydney, which will deliver 270 berths (see Marina World September/October). There are also a number of marinas that have undertaken or are under way with refurbishment or extension including Birkenhead Point Marina in Sydney and the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Broken Bay. All of these projects are responding to the increased demand for higher quality facilities and larger berths. The largest projects currently planned in Australia include a number of regional marina and marine infrastructure projects proposed by the Department of Transport in Western Australia and the proposed AUD$50 million upgrade of the d’Albora Marinas portfolio. D’Albora is Australia’s largest marina group.

The Australian marina industry remains challenged by government regulation and inconsistencies in relation to government planning regulations and seabed leases and rents. Consequently, sourcing financing and capital for marina investments remains difficult. The industry continues to work with government to deliver a regulatory framework that promotes private investment in these key elements of public infrastructure. At the same time the industry is adapting to changes in consumer behaviour (for example shared ownership of boats, boat clubs and the sharing economy) and the need for marinas to transition to tourism offerings to attract new customers.

Darren Vaux

GLOBAL INDUSTRY OVERVIEWS

ITALY

Italian marinas are slowly recovering from a long period of crisis and a weak market for moorings. This started in 2011 with the introduction of boating taxes by the government and became even worse due to the global financial crisis, the weakening of the Italian middle class and the construction and opening of new marinas which were planned in the 1990s.

22,000 new marina berths (around 40 new marinas) were put into operation all around the Italian coast in the middle of the crisis. Some investment and management companies failed or were unable to repay bank loans

Marasi Marina, the first of four planned for the Marasi Business Bay project in Dubai, has eight interconnected architecturallythemed floating concrete piers. The marina is managed by ART Marine.

because of the lack of expected customers and the lowering of average mooring fees.

Since 2015, the average income per berth has started to rise again (at an average rate of 5% per year) for the 170,000 marina berths we now have in Italian marinas. This is especially the case in favoured Italian coastal areas like North Sardinia, Liguria, Tuscany, Gulf of Naples, Sicily, Puglia and Gulf of Venice, which have also taken advantage of the fast growing demand for transient and residential superyacht berths.

Roberto Perocchio CMM

USA

The USA has vast coastlines, numerous navigable rivers, and lakes ranging from small to massive, presenting a smorgasbord of boating opportunities and types of marinas.

Marina chains continue to grow, buying the larger and well located facilities in high demand coastal and lake areas. To some extent, this is inflating expectations for higher pricing of smaller marinas. There is some consolidation of small facilities in various regions into small chains.

Roberto Perocchio

Gold Coast City Marina in Australia, already a premier Gold Coast site, is set to double in size (see World News).

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY OVERVIEWS

Facilities that are commanding the highest prices for slips (in-water or upland) are those that have been refurbished, rehabilitated, and are catering to the changing demand in boating. At the same time, the degree of deferred maintenance and refreshing of facilities continues to grow throughout the country, particularly with respect to non-visible infrastructure.

For coastal areas and large lakes where there is deep water, the megaand superyacht facilities continue to grow, which attracts other large boats. Demand for boats in the 40 to 70 foot (12 to 21m) range also continues to be growing. The heretofore sweet spot of the 28 to 38 foot (24 to 11.5m) long boats continues to languish, although there is a resurgence in the smaller boats up to 28 feet (24m) long for multipurpose and specialty recreation.

Vertical marine (rack) storage is continuing to gain in popularity, particularly in metropolitan and other areas where there is a lack of upland space.

Specialty boats, for wakeboarding, waterskiing, etc., are flying off the showroom floors, as are the very high

Offering excellent shoreside leisure amenities and swift access to the city, Moll Vell Marina offers moorings in the heart of Palma, Mallorca.

powered racing boats. At the same time, multi-purpose pontoon boats have led the growth rate, with strong sales ranging from the smaller but more luxurious models to many house boat models up to and above 100 feet (30m).

Realising that all of the more desirable spots for marinas have already been built upon in the US (and developed countries), redevelopment of existing marinas and previous industrial waterfront locations provide the most significant opportunities for growth. Private and public partnerships continue to provide attractive opportunities, particularly in metropolitan areas, improving and increasing access to and into the waterfronts.

Boats are becoming more and more expensive and new boaters are increasingly demanding resort-type

approaches in their marinas. Marinas that are reorienting themselves to this changing market will do well. It requires accommodating larger boats, upgrading amenities and making the facilities more attractive.

Dan Natchez CMP

FRANCE

After years of an easy-going business approach, with saturated marinas and waiting lists everywhere, France is waking up! Very few marina managers have been prepared to face new challenges but, as the demand for berths is now reducing due to ageing boaters and international competition is more aggressive, action is needed.

Public operated marinas (the vast majority in France) have never been accustomed to marketing or customer care and are thus now obliged to highlight their assets in order to move forward.

To be honest, the present situation is still enviable and marinas are still full in the most coveted places, but those in areas with less appeal (geographically speaking or with strong tidal constraints) are now in search of berth holders.

Dan Natchez

Marina d’Arechi in Salerno is one of the finest marinas in southern Italy offering 1,000 berths for vessels up to 100m (328ft) in length.

Jean-Michel Gaigné

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY OVERVIEWS

Privately operated marinas on the French Riviera also have to face tougher competition with other Mediterranean destinations, especially those dealing with the superyacht sector, notably due to fluctuating state regulations which discourage superyacht owners from making lasting plans for the future. Also on the Med, many concessions granted to private operators a few decades ago are now coming up for renewal and this is sometimes leading to uncertainty.

Good news comes from the fact that boating remains a pretty popular activity among the middle class and incentive discounting solutions are offered to berth holders within marina networks in order to retain custom.

New concepts like ‘boat clubs’, shared ownership and peer-to-peer boat rental that could seduce younger generations of consumers are also emerging.

In any event, there is no longer any opportunity to develop new facilities from scratch as all new proposals are impeded by environmental coastal planning. In the most attractive areas, however, some existing famous marinas are going to be refurbished or even totally revamped in order to gain new berths, update their layout and freshen up their image.

Drystack solutions are still relatively scarce except for a few racks here and there as subsidiary solutions.

Obviously, despite a still fairly satisfactory global berthing occupancy, the present situation shows that the French marina industry is no longer as buoyant as it was a few years ago. But very few stake holders are really prepared to challenge themselves as nobody has a clear vision of the midterm future.

Jean-Michel Gaigné CMM

SPAIN

Berths and moorings in Spain total some 135,000, distributed in 380 marinas. Spain has two geographical areas in which most of the country’s marina activity is concentrated. These are the Balearics and Catalonia, which together host 28% of the marinas and 39% of the berths.

It is a difficult place to develop a marina business for several reasons:

• The business environment is often patriarchal and a small group of traditionally minded people has too strong an influence with the local government. Marina industry knowledge is appreciated but is not a high priority.

• There are two different administrations with different laws depending on whether a marina is a state or regional harbour. Two marinas separated by just two or three miles can be subject to different laws (and government fees).

• Harbour authorities only look at their bottom line, ignore market research indications and give no value to creating jobs, driving the economy, and the value of good tourism image. Nautical business is seen as Midas gold.

• Bureaucracy is complex, long and tedious. The government has no time limits on issuing an administrative decision.

• Yachting is not popular in Spain, and

Marina da Glória in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has 300 wet slips and drystack for 100 boats. It is part of the BR Marinas network.

populist type politics veer away from approving facilities for fear of being seen as ‘helping the rich’.

Over the last five to 10 years, the marina business has changed for the better but the lack of knowledge of a second language keeps Spain away from overseas exhibitions, seminars or conferences. Marina industry professionals interact mostly with themselves. This means they learn about the preferences of their many foreign clients (mostly English and German) by the trial and error method. This is totally unnecessary in 2018 with easy, cheap travel and communications to hand.

In the Balearics, the authorities grant facilities to yacht clubs as non-profit organisations and heavily tax marinas as commercial entities. This makes integration impossible. This is less of a problem in other regions of the country. Catalonia, for example, has an excellent yacht harbour association, which should be seen as an example of how to manage a nautical environment.

Oscar Siches CMM

SOUTH AMERICA

For the past decade, since the 2008 global financial crisis, the nautical sector has not made much progress in South America as a whole, with one honourable exception: Colombia. This should come as no surprise as the country is close to the effervescent nautical tourism in the Caribbean and has experienced moderate but consistent economic growth, relying both on external and internal demand to develop new boating facilities. Venezuela, with the same privileged geographic location, has not been able to harness this potential for obvious reasons.

Away from traditional boating destinations and with stagnant economic performance, all other countries in the continent lack these two main drivers

Oscar Siches

Klaus Peters

Five Gold Anchor Marina, Saint-Quay Port d’Armor in Brittany, France, berths over 1,000 boats and is popular with visitors.

to push the leisure marine market and, consequently, there have been few new marina developments in the region.

Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, with the highest GDP per capita in South America, have been able to maintain par relying mostly on the domestic market and visitors from neighbouring countries.

Brazil, the largest economy of the continent, has been hit hard since 2014 by a recession caused by mismanagement and political crisis. This has had a devastating impact on the nautical sector, from boatbuilders to marinas. But it is worth mentioning that the refit of Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janeiro, to host the 2016 Olympic Games, has set a great example of how well-designed and well-operated public marinas can positively impact the city and draw attention to boating. This iconic urban marina will certainly stimulate similar projects along Brazil’s 8,500km (5,282mi) coast as soon as the local economy recovers.

Aside from demand, another factor that hampers the development of new marinas in the region continues to be the lengthy and tortuous process of obtaining the required environmental licences and permits. This will only change when marinas are officially classified as infrastructure of public and social interest, like motorways and

GLOBAL INDUSTRY OVERVIEWS

ports, and the social and economic impact of these facilities is thus recognised. A recent study sponsored by the Secretary of Development of the State of Sao Paulo (Brazil) has concluded that, on average, a boat kept in a marina generates 2.6 jobs with an impact of US$120,000 per year on the local economy.

Nonetheless, assuming that all necessary conditions for leisure marine developments - from location to demand - are met, it is still imperative to work with local authorities to establish a strategic plan to achieve long-term growth. We do not need to look too far for a good reference, as Colombia has already shown.

Klaus Peters

PORTUGAL

The Portuguese marina industry is a fairly new and challenging market with very specific trends.

Portugal is a country with a great maritime history that goes back to the 15th century when the caravels set sail to discover the world. Boat construction, navigation, science and technology related to boating were in the blood of all Portuguese people. At that time our knowledge extended as far as Brazil, India, Macau, many African countries and islands.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the country, being part of the EU, still struggles to overcome the challenges and scars of many economically difficult years. Boating as a sport is still not accessible (and still seen as an elitist activity) for many Portuguese, leading to insignificant boat construction and sales.

During the crisis of 2008-2016 the boating market fell by about 40%. The

Marina de Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal has boosted local tourism and offers good shoreside leisure amenities.

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY OVERVIEWS

marina business itself did not suffer as much and fell about 20% all over the continent and islands (Azores and Madeira).

During the last two years we have seen incredible growth in the market, along with a boom in the country’s economy, mainly due to high performance in tourism and the property market.

Marina occupancy levels are back to the record year of 2008 but this has only been possible as most customers come from outside Portugal. UK, German and Dutch boaters are pushing the Portuguese marinas back to high occupancy.

All over the country there has been a phenomenal growth in what is called ‘maritime-touristic activity’, which is basically the charter business of skippered daily trips. The beautiful coastal areas, natural sanctuaries and river estuaries are a must-see for tourists. This new market is now responsible for more than 10% of occupancy at most marinas in the country. At some locations it rises to 15-20% and marinas are already restricting the number of boats authorised for day trip activity.

The outlook of the Portuguese market is now very positive but needs some ‘grow boating’ initiatives in order to bring the Portuguese back onto the ocean.

Martinho Fortunato CMM

SOUTH EAST ASIA

The boating scene in South East Asia is relatively young. The first walk-on walk-off pontoon style marina, Raffles Marina in Singapore, opened for business barely 25 years ago. Today, there is a network of over 50 marinas strewn across Southeast Asia. It has not all been smooth sailing. The Asia Financial Crisis (1997) and SARS epidemic (2003), two catastrophic upheavals, rocked the industry. The damage from the Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004), although costly in terms of lives lost, was more muted where infrastructure was concerned and felt mainly in the islands of Langkawi and Phuket.

In spite of these setbacks, marinas and boating have flourished on the back of relatively strong economic growth in the region. But in common with most developing markets, the growth of the boating population has lagged behind berth supply and consequently the fortunes of marina developers have been mixed. The bright spots have always been Singapore and Phuket. Singapore because of its concentration of wealth, connectivity, infrastructure and security, and Phuket because of its cruising hinterland, laid back ambience and renowned Thai hospitality. The Gulf of Thailand on the eastern seaboard is a rising star. Ocean Marina close to

Pattaya was the only marina for many years, but now several planned marina developments are in the offing.

But the biggest rising star – a supernova in the making – is Indonesia. This archipelagic nation of 17,000+ islands was difficult to access until a policy change instituted by the Jokowi Government that came into power in 2014. The so-called tilt towards a maritime axis focused national development on the maritime sector, of which recreational yachting is part. Legislation has been passed easing visa requirements and waiving the requirement for sailing permits or financial bonds. Boat taxation remains high and few Indonesians own boats. Whether yachting tourism alone can sustain marina development remains to be seen but several marina developments have been announced, mostly on the back of resorts and other real estate development.

Although implementation of policy in a vast country like Indonesia will take time, it is a game changer not just for Indonesia but the region. Its awakening makes the region whole, and opens up the possibility to market the region as a single cruising destination (in the same way that the Mediterranean and Caribbean are single destinations).

Malaysia has come through a political upheaval with Tun Mahathir upsetting the status quo with a return to power. Under his watch in the previous premiership, many marinas were developed (not all successful). Whether nautical tourism will feature in the new government’s economic agenda is left to be seen. In recent years a number of private marinas have been built close to the Singapore border, catering to the overspill from the city state.

The Philippines has not been on the boating radar in spite of its appealing archipelagic geography (it has 7,000+ islands). Boat taxation remains high. As

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the Philippines is in the typhoon belt, naturally protected sites are hard to come by.

Boating institutions are not well developed in Asia (Singapore is the only South East Asian ICOMIA member) but there is talk of other associations being formed. This makes market information hard to come by. ICOMIA has helped by coordinating

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All contributors to the Global Industry Overviews feature are members of the ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG).

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MARKET UPDATE: MALDIVES

Berths - at last - for boaters’ paradise

For the sea-bewitched mariner, the Maldives is an Eden. Its extensive cruising grounds, scuba diving and fishing offer much for the boat owner and non-boat owner alike. The snag? Nowhere to moor up – until now. John Paul, marina operator of the country’s new Crossroads Yacht Marina, tells Marina World how this is set to change. Charlotte Niemiec reports

The centrepiece of plans for the Maldives’ newest and largest resort, Crossroads, is the nation’s first dedicated leisure marina, which will cater for 30 vessels up to 60m (197ft) in length. Developed by Thailand property company Singha Estate and managed by Abu Dhabi-based Jalboot Holdings, it will be located on Emboodhoo Lagoon, a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and the capital city of Malé.

Dedicated marina space

The Crossroads marina will add muchneeded space for boaters. While nearly every resort in the Maldives has some form of luxury yacht offering, these are on a limited scale, Paul explains.

Vessels are invariably owned by the resort or their business partners and pontoons are limited to provision of half a dozen berths. Often, private yachts are not welcomed at these resorts.

“While luxury fibreglass yachts have been built in the Maldives since at least 1979, the fact is that only recently has ‘for personal use’ represented anything more than an exclusive three or four percentage points of the luxury vessel owner base,” Paul says. “Given the Maldives’ reliance on marine transport, this may come as a surprise. However, as key as marine transport is to the lifeblood of the nation – her highways are the inter-island seaways! – the very fact of this as a logistical necessity

Left & below: Crossroads, the newest and largest resort in the Maldives, will feature a centrepiece marina and a variety of landside amenities.

has been a key factor in the late development of a luxury part of the domestic boating industry.”

But times are changing: rising incomes and standards of living, along with an increase in the number of visiting international private leisure craft, has prompted the government to endorse Crossroads with a generous land lease so as to offer a safe and luxurious harbour to this growing owner-segment. While resorts in the Maldives primarily focus on the high-end tourist market, Crossroads is aiming to be more accessible to a wider part of the market, encompassing families and higher middle earners. Not just focused on the Western/ European market, it is designed to appeal to growing numbers of tourists from Asia. A key feature of the project is the connection with an international small luxury ferry operator to connect the resort directly to Malé and the international airport.

Finalising the design

Before joining Jalboot to set up the marina and operation, Paul worked at Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) for two and a half years. “It was here that I witnessed first hand the fruits of what great vision and big plans can achieve. DMYC is arguably the Middle East’s most successful yacht club and most definitely its most profitable marina,” he says.

“When I was presented with the plans

MARKET UPDATE: MALDIVES

for Crossroads I saw great vision at work and an opportunity to play a lead role in its story from the beginning, something I missed with DMYC,” he adds.

The design is now finalised and production of the pontoons has commenced. “The marina went through a few renditions, specifically in the number of berths,” says Anthony LaCapara, senior vice president of the Crossroads project. “A great deal of research went into determining the current 30-berth figure, taking into account the typical boat traffic, international and local yacht traffic and sizes, and identifying an average hull depth to ensure the final marina depth was adequate.” There are options for future expansion, as pontoons and berths can be easily increased.

Berths will include four 40m (131ft) berths and a private jetty available for a 60m (197ft) vessel. The marina will also offer anchoring with associated services in the lagoon near the resort. “We intend to lay infrastructure for a dedicated superyacht pontoon exterior to the main marina, but schedules are not yet confirmed,” says Paul.

Poralu Marine will provide the floating pontoons and Maricer Marine will provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, including the provision of dockside black and grey water pump-out. Pedestals will have remotely managed metering of electricity and water, and Internet will be provided at a number of outlets along the ‘broad walk’ covering the majority of berths.

Environmentally, the developers have chosen a ‘rock boulder’ structure to lend a more natural look compared to sheet piling or concrete, which causes minimal impact to the surrounding waters.

Security options are being considered. “We do expect a high level of footfall in the broad walk, including a proportion of day visitors on the ferry service,” Paul explains. “Hotels and some retail outlets will have CCTV but, for the marina, we want to strike the right balance. CCTV is too invasive for an open space and detracts from the ambience we are looking to create.”

The resort will offer the staples of spas, treatments, water sports including jet ski rental, banana boats, windsurfing, diving and snorkelling. There are around 25 food and beverage outlets operating on the same island, as well as two hotels – Hard Rock and Hilton Curio. There will be a marine conservation centre, a dive centre and a large convention/event centre. While the marina will not have a yacht club, there will be a chandlery and a 100m² (1,076ft²) marina office and guest amenities space, including a boardroom available to marina members.

The marina will soft-open in midDecember this year and become fully operational in January 2019 with the first two of what will eventually be a nine island resort chain, including residences, convention space and marina(s), set to complete in 2029. Paul says: “The year 2029 might be a long way off, but we know already that Crossroads will redefine how the

Maldives is perceived and experienced as a tourist destination.”

And growth is expected. ”Initially, we expect primary growth will be in shortterm visitors – transiting yachts, locally run charter boats and international superyachts,” says Paul. “Over the midterm, we hope to develop the facilities and services to cater for large vessels. Currently, superyachts over 60m (197ft) can anchor off the resort and use the tender and victualing services. This is a key growth market for the marina.” As visitors, room leases and boat traffic increases, he expects to see interest from charter operators to operate out of the marina year-round.

Elsewhere in the Maldives

Plans for the construction of a 300berth marina, on the western side of Hulhumalé Island, are shaping up, according to Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives director, Mohamed Hameed.

With plans first floated in 2016 to develop a marina on the man-made island, phases one and two have seen a total land area of 432ha (1,067 acres) reclaimed. The island is connected to an international airport and will soon be complete with a number of new facilities, including a water theme park, a yacht marina, a football stadium and an international cruise terminal.

Hulhumalé Yacht Marina’s amenities will include retail shops, food and beverage outlets, a yacht club with exhibition space, dry berth facilities and a boat dock. It is expected to open in 2020.

Artist’s impression of Hulhumalé Yacht Marina, expected to open in 2020.

Luxury at Crossroads, at the water’s edge.

MARINA MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT

Optimising an asset class property

If managed correctly, marinas can be a sound investment. Brett Bolton of Coriolis Marine gives pointers on what to look for when buying, operating or preparing to sell.

Surely, running a marina can’t be that much different to running a pie shop, hotel or car park? Although I wouldn’t try to guess what challenges are involved in those businesses, I do know that I would never look at any marina and assume I know everything there is to know about that business or the market it attracts.

Marinas are quite a unique asset class as they are typically operated on government land or seabed, have strict permitted use zoning requirements, sit in an aggressive environment and have many business facets. These may include wet berths, dry storage, haul-out and service, retail and marine tenancies, hotels, and food and beverage offerings. Each of these

Facilities such as Scarborough Marina (above), one of Brisbane’s premier boating hubs, benefit from sound management.

Right: good and not so good? Well presented docks make for happier customers and give a better impression if you are trying to sell the marina.

elements is a business in its own right and requires different techniques and approaches if all the opportunities are to be maximised. The most successful marinas are usually those that can tie all the elements together to coexist and enhance each other.

If you are lucky enough to operate a freehold marina, you are off to a great start as the number one risk in your business – tenure - is eliminated. Having mostly operated marinas through a head lease on government land, I know first-hand how this issue can continually jeopardise your business through rent reviews, end of lease renewal or change in government policy. Without certainty around tenure and rent payments, it is difficult to

Brett Bolton

hold property valuations, obtain funding and reinvest in the property. From an investor’s point of view, investing in a commercial or residential development on freehold land is a much easier and lower risk proposition than owning and operating a leasehold marina.

In simple terms, building developments have a lot more known factors, fewer community and environmental objections, and you can cash in on your investment in a reasonably short timeframe. Marinas are typically longer holds as making changes through the government approval frameworks and building up the business can take time. Why bother owning a marina I hear you ask? Barriers to entry is one answer. Once you have one, you will typically have a sound income that can’t be threatened by a competitor popping up next door without notice. New greenfield marinas in established populated areas are becoming more and more difficult to get off the ground as any vacant waterside land is being quickly rezoned to residential as governments or private owners cash in on residential developments. And one thing that also often gets missed in the blinding headlights of the dollar signs, is that smart planning principles that activate the waterfront for public use such as marinas, deliver great community outcomes and can greatly enhance the unimproved or improved land values.

MARINA MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT

When you have your marina, what’s next? Don’t assume that everything is known about the site and the operation of the business. Even if staff have been there for 20 years, they can be conditioned to the inherent operating risks, dilapidating infrastructure, Health and Safety and Environmental laws. They could also be oblivious to changes in government policy and your head lease obligations as owners often keep this confidential.

of approved buildings and marina structures, staff competency, staff contracts and pay rates, management and accounting software, and safety and environmental legislative compliance including risk management systems.

So, if you committed the biggest of acquisition sins and didn’t already do it prior to sale, complete thorough due diligence. Once completed, initiate an action plan to prioritise and correct what needs improving. If you do this intelligently, you can actually create revenue opportunities from your works and get your landlord on side as you will be seen as a diligent operator. Key items to look for are anything submerged in water or the tidal zone, fuel systems, contamination hotspots from fuel or boat servicing, electrical systems and capacity to upgrade, plant and equipment maintenance history and code compliance, development

Ensure you have allowed for enough working capital and human resources to address items needing attention. Transitioning a business and undertaking projects is not the same as day to day operations. Assuming the existing staff have the expertise and time to do both might bring you unstuck and cost you. Don’t forget to tell everyone about the improvements you make and how this benefits client, safety, environment, community or government outcomes. Having good relationships with your clients, neighbours, community and landlord and showing them how you are improving things for the local community gives you great credits for doing things in the future.

When it comes to optimising your business, the four key areas of focus should be people, systems, strengthening your brand and creating an environment where your sub-tenants thrive. Never underestimate the value of good people to your business and the relationships they build with your client base. Remember, you are the custodian for many of your clients’ most prized possession; their boat. Trust does have a value. Ensure you implement business systems that not only provide you with financial information and manage your safety

Care for the environment is paramount in the modern marina. Smart, easily accessed fuel docks and dedicated recycling centres (below) are a must.

and environment risk but, most importantly, are easy for your staff to use and interface seamlessly with your clients. Brand is the image of your business to the marketplace, so it pays to review this with your own goals and strategies for the business to ensure it is aligned. Tenants can make or break you. Providing an environment and developing positive relationships with tenants provides a positive experience to your clients for everything that occurs at your marina.

If you are ready to sell your business and you have done all of the above well, you have positioned yourself for an efficient sales process and for achieving the optimum price. If things are not quite as polished as you would like, then a two-pronged approach should be adopted. One – reduce purchase hurdles including any non-compliance to head leases, industrial relations, safety and environmental. If you have any structural or contamination issues, eliminate or reduce them. Two – ‘mow the front lawn’. Like selling your house, make it look as good as it can for inspections as first impressions do count. A splash of paint, some landscaping, new staff uniforms and just simply cleaning up the site can make a big difference. Preparation of Due Diligence Data Room prior to going to market with all relevant information and being transparent helps buyers arrive at their decision more quickly. Engagement of the right sales agent who has contact with investors who might be interested in this asset class or specific site and a law firm and taxation agent who are experienced in sale contracts of this nature are also imperative as these areas can materially affect your end ‘cash in pocket’ result.

The good news is that if you are lucky enough to acquire a marina, have a passion for the asset class and what the hidden opportunities are, and follow good business practices, marinas are great medium to long term investments. Brett Bolton runs Coriolis Marine consultancy in Queensland, Australia (www.coriolis.com.au). He has spent 15 years in the marina industry and directly managed 13 marinas in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria as CEO of d’Albora Marinas.

DOCKSIDE PEDESTALS & LIGHTING

Fin gains international following

Rolec has announced that its Fin marina service pedestal range (examples above), which went into production just six months ago, is already selling well worldwide.

Kate Broom, Rolec global marina sales manager, commented: “We are thrilled with the way the marina industry has embraced our new Fin pedestal range. These high impact polyethylene pedestals have proven to be exactly what we intended, possessing as they do an aesthetically pleasing shape and well received ambient lighting element.”

The Fin recently won an industry magazine ‘Pedestal of the Year’ award, with judges rating it highly for its ‘innovative design, practicality and usefulness to marina operators’.

One of the Fin’s most popular features is its cathedral-style twin LED lighting design, which subtly illuminates its electricity and water services, elegantly and safely lighting marina walkways. Other features include:

• A unique thermos-encapsulating fixing point system, which enhances the complete segregation of electric, water and lighting compartments

• 16amp single phase to 125amp three phase socket variants

• 1/2in to 1in water tap variants

• Ability to accommodate all switching and monitoring management solutions

• Date clock for batch identity

• Ease of installation and maintenance

• Compliance with BS7671 wiring regulations and to the IPX6 weather proof rating

• Integrated N-350 UV15 additive for UV protection

• CE certification

• Corrosion resistance

• Recyclable materials

Rolec managing director, Kieron Alsop, is delighted with the sales figures so far and describes the winning formula: “The range’s high quality, fused with its extreme cost effectiveness, strong and durable nature, and wide range of colours, have proven a perfect combination for marina operators –with projects already utilising them in Italy, France, the Middle East, the Far East, etc.”

The Fin range also includes SOS, sanitation, emergency telephone and pier ID pedestals.

E: rolec@rolecserv.co.uk

Colour under the water

A batch of 24 DV59 underwater dock lights manufactured by Underwater Lights USA is now installed at Port Adriano, Mallorca. A blue lighting option was selected to create special ambience at the Philippe Starck designed facility.

The DV59 is purpose-built for robust underwater use in both saltwater and fresh water environments. It is manufactured in aluminium bronze and incorporates the latest LED high density chip technology with a borosilicate marine grade glass lens and GFCI protection.

The light can be mounted horizontally on any structure or can simply be placed on the seabed, and the driver box can be ordered with an attached photo cell for automatic switching at dusk. An optional mounting bracket is also available to attach the light to fixed structures. Depending upon the clarity of the water, the light beam can reach up to 30m (100ft).

The DV59 is available in blue, red, green and colour changing RGB, or as white light, 95 of which have recently been fitted at Papeete Marina in Tahiti.

E: sales@seavision.com

DOCKSIDE PEDESTALS & LIGHTING

Safety, versatility and certification

Italian company Gigieffe continues to hone its highly popular Domyna range of power pedestals which, along with other products in the portfolio, has IMQ certified energy distribution.

In business since the early 1980s to specialise in the design and production of electricity and water pedestals for marinas, campsites etc., Gigieffe has focused on innovation. The top of the range Domyna can feature sockets from 16A to 600A and its external housing can be replaced at any time if needed without putting the pedestals out of service or disrupting the electricity and water supply.

Particular emphasis has been placed on safety and versatility. Construction meets EN62208 standard and has enhanced

fire safety, with self-extinguishing polycarbonate doors that also protect

SpecialAhestetic finishes

sockets from rain and bad weather. All pedestals can be supplied with

multiple solutions for the supply of electricity and water that ensure sufficient supply without waste. This is achieved using a prepaid electronic key system that has become an increasingly popular marina operator choice over the past decade. The system enables the end-user to pay for exactly what has been consumed and meters have visual read-outs for consumer protection that are approved by the European MID (Measuring Instruments Directive). The pre-paid system is self-managed but can also be connected to the network. E: info@gigieffe.com

A SMART STORAGE SOLUTION

DOCKSIDE PEDESTALS & LIGHTING

Swift take-up for Harbour Commander

Over the past few months, the team at Croatia-based Marex Elektrostroj has been concentrating on fine tuning the development of its all-new Harbour Commander system. Claimed to elevate the management of electricity and water in marinas to a whole new level, the product is now available in two versions.

Harbour Commander measures the electricity and water used by each individual boating customer and allows payment to be made in advance or after usage. Marinas can opt for either an Online or Offline version to best suit their requirements.

In the Online version, all the power pedestals are connected with the marina office and the current status of every unit can be viewed on an interactive map. This is backed up by a database containing details of the consumption of individual users (the user identifies himself with an RFID card), information about each of the connectors, and alarms and status checks for the condition of the equipment. The system can also generate email notifications or warnings, connect to cash register software, automatically change to

one of many different languages and remotely control all pedestals.

Harbour Commander Offline, by contrast, is entirely autonomous. The user identifies himself with an RFID card that holds information on the amount of credit available. Credit levels can be checked at any pedestal as the system measures usage per person/ card and not per pedestal. The credit reading is protected using a secure algorithm and any unused amounts can be refunded to the customer.

The new system is already provoking interest on Marex’s home market. Five gold anchor rated marina ACI Rovinj has been refitted with 22 of the company’s Mega Tango and 53 Tango pedestals fitted with Harbour Commander Online, and the port authority at Mali Lošinj has opted for the Offline version to accompany its

Tango units. Over 150 power pedestals have also been recently installed at

E: info@marex-es.hr

Global expansion builds momentum

Maricer’s growth in the global market gained significant pace in the third quarter of this year with projects in Australia, the Falkland Islands and Dubai.

Having placed an initial order with Maricer’s partner Dash Symons for 40 Europa service pedestals, Sanctuary Cove Marine on the Gold Coast, Australia, became a returning customer. Happy with the quality and performance of the installed pedestals, the marina ordered a further 20 units.

It is unusual for power pedestal manufacturers to secure orders in the Falkland Islands but Maricer was contracted to manufacture and supply ten bespoke pedestals for a project in Port Stanley. The client asked for a ‘hybrid’ product that offers distribution of metered power to remote points and at pedestal source via socket outlets. In the Middle East, Maricer won a noteworthy order for the newly refurbished Jebel Ali Beach Hotel & Golf Resort in Dubai. Europa pedestals with a striking silver anodised matt finish were selected for the new 80-

berth marina that caters for vessels up to 45m (148ft) in length.

Installation at Jebel Ali was carried out by one of Maricer’s two-man teams who were sent from the UK to work with the support of Maricer’s Dubai-based partners. Marina manager, Andy Savill, was impressed with the result. “The support provided by Maricer throughout the design and build process was excellent, with all involved being great ambassadors for their company,” he said.

Maricer’s Nigel Draper speaks positively about the mood in the UK company. “With the completion of Jebel Ali Marina and two further large overseas projects currently on our order books, these are really exciting times,” he noted. “Being awarded these prestigious projects further enhances our presence as a true global supplier of high quality products and services

that afford value for money.”

“Our research and development department is working tirelessly developing new products which will be launched over the coming weeks,” he continued.

E: sales@maricer.com

ACI Marina Šimuni, Marina Agana, ACI Marina Piškera and ACI Marina Rab.

Europa pedestals at Jebel Ali Marina, Dubai.

Tango pedestals are available in different versions.

Everyone wants to get what they paid for. Marina World is independently verified by ABC, because we want our advertisers to know they’re getting the exposure they’ve been promised. ABC. See it. Believe it. Trust it. To advertise contact Julia Hallam- juliahallam@marinaworld.co.uk

DOCKSIDE PEDESTALS & LIGHTING

SmartCloud software and marina projects

New SmartCloud software, purpose-designed pedestals and further consolidation of export success marked out a good 2018 for Italian manufacturer Plus Marine. It has been an active year, with delivery of wide-ranging dockside packages to marinas as far apart geographically as Spain and Vietnam.

Lustica Bay Marina in Montenegro ordered AISI316 stainless steel pedestals with a stand-alone metering system and Marina di Valletta in Malta opted for the same pedestals with a customised logo, Cloud software and remote metering. A mix of stainless steel (for megayacht use) and HDPE pedestals was ordered by Ana Marina in Vietnam, with remote metering, customised logos, Cloud software and vacuum pump-out.

Cloud software packages with stainless steel pedestals continued to dominate orders in the second half of the year – for Dubai Creek Harbour, Ayia Napa Marina in Cyprus and Portonovi in Montenegro. Dubai Marina

Yacht Club ordered 278 pedestals, remote metering and Cloud software as part of a refurbishment project. Portonovi and Ayia Napa also installed pump-out systems.

Smaller projects were completed in prestigious locations such as Porto Pozzo, La Maddalena and Palau in Sardinia, Porto di Verbania on Lake Maggiore, Alicante Marina in Spain and Palm Marina in Vietnam.

SmartCloud technology has become a key discussion point with customers. Plus Marine’s product was developed in-house to allow marina operators to remotely monitor the status of individual sockets, instantly identify any alarms, faults or breakdown in communications,

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and switch units on and off via a simple web interface.

The product also allows users to monitor consumption and residual credit at any time at their own pedestal using log-in credentials and any internet enabled device.

To round off the year to date, the company took a break from software R&D to build a new-design stainless steel pedestal named SDP700. Units have already been installed at Marasi Marina in the Dubai Canal. E: info@plusmarine.com

AmsterdamMetstrade Marina13/15November2018 andYardPavilion Hall5–Stand05.208

Stainless steel pedestal on the docks at Lustica Bay Marina.

First winners in Awards programme

Winners of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA) new awards programme, established to recognise and celebrate excellent practice in the marina industry, have been announced.

The title of NZMOA Marina of the Year 2018 was awarded to Westhaven, New Zealand’s biggest marina, and Tutukaka Marina’s Seabin project received the Best Environmental Initiative Award.

The 2018 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award was presented to NZMOA’s incumbent chair, and general manager of Far North Holdings, Chris Galbraith. Galbraith received the award for his continuous endeavours to advance marina management, and

his proactive and considered approach on behalf of both marinas in Northland, and NZMOA.

He received a trophy that was handmade by Brent Shipman of Total Marine Services and created in honour of the late Graham Ade who made a decades’ long contribution to the marina industry in New Zealand and Australia. The trophy will be presented to future recipients of the award as a piece of marina industry history.

The awards programme

was sponsored by Total Marine Services, Allied Fastenings, Marsh Insurance Brokers and Bellingham Marine.

Tel: 44 (0)1255 440297

info@duracomposites.com www.duracomposites.com

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Duct Covers NEW

Award winner Chris Galbraith (left); the Westhaven team (above); and Tutukaka Marina representatives (below).

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Wiggins launches Yard eBull

Wiggins Lift Co has launched the Wiggins Yard eBull, its first large zero emission forklift. With capacities ranging from 30,000 to 70,000lbs (13,608 to 31,751kg), the new lift is fully electric and is now available to order.

Wiggins has partnered with battery supplier Thor Trucks, a fellow southern California company that was recently chosen by UPS to provide electric delivery trucks for field tests. Thor provides batteries and electrification system integration enabling Wiggins to reduce R&D effort and development time.

Steve

“We’ve been innovators in the material handling field for over 50 years, so producing the first commercially available large capacity zero emission forklift in the industry was a logical next step for us,” says Micah McDowell, Wiggins director of sales. McDowell points to the

Sammes CMM

Mulpha Australia has appointed Steve Sammes as the new general manager of Sanctuary Cove Marina. His appointment follows a 12 year posting as general manager of corporate services at Gold Coast City Marina.

Sammes has impressive career credentials as one of the founding directors of the Global Marina Institute (GMI), a former board director of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and the third ever marina manager in Australia to become a Certified Marina Manager (CMM). Now a current Boating Industry Association (BIA) Queensland Council member and chairman of the Queensland Marina Division, he looks forward to his future with Mulpha and

the Sanctuary Cove Marina team.

“The Sanctuary Cove Marina is the premier marina of the Gold Coast for recreational vessels, offering unparalleled amenity as part of an integrated resort, retail, entertainment and marina destination,” he said.

company’s previous projects, including the continued evolution of the Marina Bull, the crab-steering Marina FLX, the nuclear waste handling vehicles, and forklifts designed and built for rolling and pitching conditions on board the US Navy’s littoral combat ships as evidence of its ability to innovate and build new vehicles from the ground up.

Wiggins is using high voltage lithiumion batteries, which are more resilient and longer lasting than the lead-acid batteries typically used on smaller warehouse forklifts.

Due to the higher costs associated with battery electric power, Wiggins has been working with state authorities in the USA on available grants designed to ease the financial burden of customers who purchase electric forklifts. Many states have put such programmes in place to incentivise operators to adopt zero emission material handling solutions. Many predict that advances in battery technology will significantly reduce costs of batteries within the next few years.

The company is also working on designs for a forklift that runs on hydrogen fuel cells, the technology and infrastructure for which it estimates will be available in the next few years. It will build all of its battery-electric Yard eBulls with the capability to convert to hydrogen power in the field when that technology is available. For now, Wiggins offers its entire product catalogue in electric, including marina and industrial forklifts, tyre handlers for mining, and other all-purpose and agricultural equipment.

E: info@wigginslift.com

Mulpha intends to broaden the service offer and undertake significant reinvestment in the marina to position it as a first choice for berth holders of

recreational vessels well into the future. A key component of this will be to integrate other Sanctuary Cove assets, such as the golf course, village and hotel, to make the overall experience even more enjoyable for marina berth holders.

Heavy-duty Pile Ring option

New Zealand company Marinaquip has launched a heavy-duty version of its innovative all-tide, all-weather, monitor-free Pile Ring mooring system. The device keeps lines for boats and watercraft constantly tight by automatically rising and falling with the tides, waves and water levels. Initially available in two sizes to cater for pilings of 400mm (16in) and 550mm (22in) to suit the majority of vessels, the latest PR750 heavy-duty option now provides for piles up to 750mm (29in) and mooring rope sizes up to 50mm (2in), making it suitable for larger yachts and workboats.

The system is being utilised extensively throughout Australasia and was introduced into the North American market in 2016, where it has been particularly successful as a costeffective way of reducing boat damage and docking disasters caused by bad weather, storm surges and fast rising flood waters.

Designed using multiple components, Pile Ring is easy to carry and can be installed at water level on a tall freestanding pile without the need for lifting gear, or under an existing wharf or dock where access is more restricted.

E: info@marinaquip.com

Remember to register for Metstrade 2018 at metstrade.com. Visit Marina World in the Marina & Yard Pavilion on stand 05.500. See you there!

Key professionals launch marina consultancy

Two well-known industry professionals, James Beaver and Bill Green, have formed a ‘next generation’ marina and waterfront consultancy business called Marina Solutions International (MSI). The duo will work with other key industry figures to offer a turnkey service.

Bill Green, a former Master Mariner and ex-technical and projects director at Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, has been involved in marina design, build and operation projects for over 30 years. He has worked most recently in the emerging yachting markets in Asia and foresees steady development in this sector.

“In the past 24 months or so I have witnessed the South East Asia market taking on an accelerated development rate, and a more considered and sustainable one at that,” he notes. “It’s incredible how much growth and expansion has occurred in such a short space of time. Thanks to certain dedicated individuals lobbying politicians and improved professional services, Asia is now finally embracing yachting and yacht tourism, and not only domestically and regionally, as it is now attracting a greater share of the international market.”

he explains. “That said, in order to future-proof a marina, some further infrastructure, services and facilities would be a wise investment, to ensure it retains its appeal and continues to compete in the Med and internationally.”

The MSI team includes associates and consultants such as Kemal Saatcioglu, former CEO of D-Marin

Marinas, and Philip Jones, marinas director at Orascom. Business in Asia is supported by Joseph Wong, who previously partnered with Bill Green for seven years on projects in this region.

James Beaver, ex-director of marina commercial services with Moffatt & Nichol and previous chief operating officer at Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, has over 25 years’ industry experience. He has worked on global projects, has extensive knowledge on the development of marina related commercial property and has special insight into the European and Mediterranean markets.

He notes that marinas in proven markets also need advice. “Established marinas in prime Mediterranean locations don’t always have the facilities, but they don’t appear to need them to maintain good occupancy levels and command high prices,”

Together, they are in a strong position to offer professional advice at any stage of a marina’s lifecycle, including operational guidance, business planning and detailed design.

James Beaver sums up on MSI strengths: “We regularly travel to marina and yachting hubs all over the world, which presents us with a clear picture of how the global marina market is developing and expanding. This insight enables us to innovate and build-in USPs into our marina designs, whilst ensuring the marina is able to accommodate the yachts of tomorrow in an ever-changing marketplace.”

E: jamesb@marinasolutionsintl.com

Bill Green

James Beaver

Titan Classic Titan X-Series Titan Open-X Series

Clean-up cats with extra features

Pioneering UK-based company Water Witch, renowned for designing and building innovative workboats and dredgers for pollution clean-up, has recently extended its range of Buddy catamarans.

The shallow draft aluminium catamaran craft are now available in 6 to 9m (20 to 29ft) hull options and have a unique interchangeable pod system to support a wide range of day to day jobs.

An additional A Frame makes them even more versatile.

“All our workboats are designed to offer a multifunction capability and this removable A Frame system is the perfect example of how to give owners

the option to expand the operational capabilities of what is a very useful working platform,” says Water Witch director Jackie Caddick.

“Many marina and waterway managers need to bring in sub-contractors to do routine maintenance using heavy lifting equipment so this can be a huge cost saving.”

The Water Witch range is road transportable and vessels can be towed using a custom-built road trailer for rapid deployment and low cost mobilisation.

Over 80 Buddy boats have been built to date and delivered to many prestigious marinas around the world.

The design has been so popular that Water Witch has hulls in continuous manufacture to offer fast delivery, and a range of pod

and drive module options to hand.

Thanks to a unique bolttogether system, they ship economically in standard 12m (40ft) containers for a door to door delivery service worldwide.

E: info@waterwitch.com

A 7m (23ft) long Buddy catamaran with a removable A Frame assembly that is in use for buoy maintenance.

WATER WITCH workboats

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Unique interchangeable pod system allows one vessel to carry out many functions.

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ICMS opens new HQ

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) has opened a new headquarters building in Banagher, Ireland. This follows the opening of a Scottish office in Lossiemouth in 2015 and an English office in Southampton in 2017.

The company, which was formed in 1990, has manufactured and installed over 500 marinas in Ireland, Scotland, England, Greece, France and, most recently, the Seychelles and Mexico. It currently employs around 50 staff in the UK and Ireland.

ICMS has recently been focusing on progressing its extensive product range, which now consists of standard leisure pontoons, heavy duty pontoons, concrete pontoons and wave attenuating concrete breakwaters. All are manufactured at ICMS headquarters to an ISO9001 accredited standard. The company also offers a full range of access options and marina accessories, floating platforms, and various decking options including its own-brand Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) solution.

E: sales@inlandandcoastal.com

Safe launch for paddle boats

A personal paddle sport launch called YAKport that provides a safe and stable cradle for boarding and unloading a personal vessel, is now being distributed by Connect-A-Dock dealers.

The user places the vessel – kayak, paddleboard or canoe up to 34in (86cm) wide – on the launch for stable entry right above the water level. It takes little effort to pull onto the water safely and, once the paddling session is over, the user can pull the vessel back on the launch and enjoy the same stability and convenience when getting out of the water.

The YAKport can be connected

Gael Force wins award for second year

Gael Force Group, parent company of Gael Force Marinas & Pontoons, has scooped the honour of Outstanding Performing Business (25+ employees) at the annual Highland Business Awards in Inverness, Scotland. This is the second year running that the aquaculture equipment, technology and services supplier has picked up the prestigious prize.

Accounts posted for the group revealed a near £7 million rise in turnover for 2017, and around a fourfold increase in pre-tax profits to £1.6 million. In April 2018, Gael Force successfully acquired a 75% majority share in Fusion Marine in Oban, further adding to its breadth of product, geographical reach and highly skilled workforce.

Production director, Stephen Offord, who collected the award, commented:

“To win this award for the second year running is a magnificent achievement and acknowledgement of the enormous progress our business has made in the past two years. Across our highly skilled teams we are aligned in our values and strategic objectives, and this will continue to drive us to deliver trusted products and services for our customers.”

“Of course, special thanks go to the many customers we deal with, without

to floating and fixed docks and is compatible with both 1000 and 2000 series Connect-A-Dock systems. It is available in five colours (light grey, dark grey, tan, blue and black), is salt water safe and has built-in UV protection.

Various accessories are available, such as an overhead assist bar and short or long grab bars.

E: sales@connectadock.com

whom we could not have won this award again,” he continued.

There was also success for owner and managing director, Stewart Graham, as he was crowned Business Leader of the Year. Stewart’s drive for the ‘Scottish Aquaculture Vision for Growth to 2030’ strategy was acknowledged as a defining factor in winning the accolade in a strong field. E: marinas@gaelforcegroup.com

Stephen Offord collects the award on behalf of Gael Force Group.

Cockle

First Roodberg trailer is still hard at work

When Jisk Knijpstra opened a car scrap yard over 70 years ago in Haskerdijken, Friesland, it was to lead to great things. The yard grew to become a specialist supplier of goods to local industry and when Jisk’s son Hette and his wife Froukje took over the company in 1974, they created a top quality machine factory.

New ideas, knowledge, craftsmanship and a passion for quality led the team to develop a variety of innovative equipment for the watersports sector and, in the process, lay the paving stones for the Roodberg brand.

The Knijpstra team’s first hydraulic boat trailer was built as long ago as 1978. It was developed with customer input to offer a new, fast and economical solution for moving boats around a yard. As well as offering low cost operation, it was designed to offer remarkably long service life; over double the normal 15 to 20 year lifespan of an average trailer.

Ongoing operations have proved this to be no idle ambition. Peter de Jong in

Uitwellingerga still uses this very first trailer – 40 years down the line. “You can park so well with it!” he says enthusiastically. “It easily saves 20 to 30cm of space per vessel, which means you can grab an extra meter of rental space.” The trailer is primarily used to move boats in and out of winter storage. Since de Jong made his exceptionally cost-effective purchase, Roodberg has continued to hone and perfect its product line, always with a view to helping customers make best use of yard space and thus maximise income.

E: info@roodberg.nl

DECKING & BUMPERS

ROBIN WALTERS

Index to Advertisers

Bellingham Marine, USA 15

Boatlift, Italy 49

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, UK 12

Capria, Argentina 30

Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 34

D-Marin, Turkey 24

Den Hartog Industries, USA 40

Deep Glow, USA 56

Dock Blocks North America, USA 50

Dock Marine, Austria 46

DoubleTrac by OmegaFlex, USA 39

Dura Composites, UK 59

Drystack Australia 58

Eaton Marina Power & Lighting, USA 41

F3 Marina, USA 18

FGM Technology, Italy 30

GH Cranes & Components, Spain 28

Gael Force

Marinas & Pontoons, UK 71

Gigieffe, Italy 14

Golden Boat Lifts, USA 60

Golden Marine Systems, USA 50

Hazelett Marine, USA 42

HydroHoist, USA 53

IMBC 2019, USA 46

IWMC 2018, Greece 20

Ingemar, Italy 6

Inland & Coastal Marinas, Ireland 34

Lindley, Portugal 66

Lumberock Premium

Decking, USA 42

M-Tech, Australia 22

Majestic Marine Engineering, UAE 32

Marex, Croatia 58

Maricer, UK 32

Marina Cloud, Croatia 68

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 56

Marina Projects, UK 26

Marinaquip, New Zealand 60

Marine Travelift, USA 72

Marinetek, Finland 4

Martini Alfredo, Italy 57

Nautipark, France 58

Orsta Breakwater, Netherlands 60

Pacsoft, New Zealand 50

Poralu Marine, France 36 & 37

Plus Marine, Italy 68

RMCS, UK 56

Rolec Services, UK 10

Ronautica, Spain 40

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 64

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Safe Harbour Dry Stacks by GCM

Contracting Solutions, USA 52

Seaflex, Sweden 8

Seijsener Marina Services, Netherlands 66

Star Marina Solutions, UK 65

Superior Group, Australia 68

Titan Deck, USA 64

Twinwood by Soprefa, Portugal 69

Walcon Marine, UK 28

Waterwitch, UK 66

Wickens Engineering, UK 42

Wiggins Lift Co, USA 45

Robin Walters

Robin Walters BSc, MICE, FIHE, founder and chairman of Walcon Marine, industry colleague and friend to many, passed away on 21st August 2018, aged 86.

Robin was recognised around the world for his contribution to the development of the floating marina concept that has led to the marina systems in use at recreational harbours today. He was a tireless innovator, whose personality and drive, and comprehensive practical knowledge, fostered the growth of the marina industry and promoted boating as a leisure sport.

Understandably, Robin was proud of his pivotal role in the development of boat shows in the UK, advising on and annually installing the temporary marina for Southampton Boat Show and, later down the line, creating a flexible floating marina system for Sydney’s annual event. He also worked with the UK’s Yacht Harbour Association in developing the widely used and much respected Code of Practice for the design and development of marinas.

some of the toughest races, including the Three Peaks and Round the Island race. He was still campaigning his Folkboat, Cidron, in his eighties. His involvement with the Folkboat Association stretched back many years and he did much to help develop the class in the UK.

Never without a joke, a tale or an anecdote, Robin was the life and soul of many an industry gathering. He

Robin travelled widely, and raced hard. He was a keen and very competitive sailor, owning a series of racing yachts and picking up trophies in

was generous with his time, eager to learn and to share and, as many other tributes to him also attest, he was a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed.

Robin (above left) building the marina at the Southampton Boat Show in the early days; at the helm (inset); and with his wife, Pauline, at the Sydney Boat Show (below).

Marine Travelift Hydro M_Drive forklifts featuring:

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HYDROSTATIC DRIVE BENEFITS

• Steadier engine RPM and proportonal control

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