Marina World

WHAT LIES BELOW

Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina, the Bahamas; Civitanova Marche, Italy; and Derecktor Ft Pierce, USA

Marina Punat in Croatia is a constantly evolving facility that is approaching its 60th anniversary. Charlotte Niemiec invited CEO Renata Marević to talk shop

The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference for 2021 was a successful

BUILDING BLOCKS

As our product range has evolved, it now has many applications. Together with our clients, we have the luxury of choosing the right pontoon, in the right materials, for the right job. By developing the heavy-duty end of our portfolio to always be a step stronger, we’ve also become experts in ﬂoating breakwaters, able to incorporate the strongest of building blocks when designing and engineering a marina that will withstand the test of time. Marinetek.net

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Face to face

As we move towards the end of 2021, many of us will have – at last –experienced the opportunity for live, face-to-face contact with industry colleagues, and enjoyed real industry networking in both formal and social environments. And, while hosting events has been challenging and risky, fortune has favoured the brave.

In the September/October issue we previewed two upcoming events – IBEX and Metstrade. While, as I write this, Metstrade is still to come (16th-18th November) IBEX (28th-30th September) exceeded expectations, with positive visitor and exhibitor feedback. The show attracted over 560 exhibitors, including 80 new companies, and more than 3,200 visitors. As IBEX show director, Anne Dunbar, emphasised: “We all needed this event to reconnect and experience the new innovations that will move the industry forward.”

Innovation was the key theme for an ambitious new industry event, Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina (see p. 52) held on 20th September after the launch of an impressive competition to find start-up companies offering tech-savvy sustainability solutions that could be adopted by marinas.

Over 100 applications were received for the awards, and 55 companies from 30 countries shortlisted. A Grand Oral followed, giving each start-up the chance to explain and promote its product. Fifteen finalists vied for three best start-up prizes and four coup de coeur awards.

Presentation of the awards formed a highlight of a day of wide-ranging presentations on climate change, coastal protection, electric power and green energy, regulations, smart building materials, sustainable marina development, cybersecurity, and more. The event will run again in September 2022.

October heralded the return of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) series, with the delayed 2020 event taking place – live – in Dubai for autumn 2021 (see p. 36). Sporting a strong theme – ‘marinas empowering tourism and economies’ – the three-day event featured high-powered conference sessions, active debates, a field trip, gala dinner aboard the QE2 liner and another first-of-class award – the Golden Cleat.

Participation, considering international travel challenges, was good, with over 200 delegates from 24 countries. Marinas were evaluated through the eyes of a young sailor and an experienced superyacht captain; they were examined as investments and in terms of property-based development; and as new destinations in old commercial ports. Speakers outlined ways of using nautical sport to drive tourism, and create smart cities with smart marinas. IT and digitisation and the advantages of the circular economy were also explored, and detailed reports on different geographical marina markets delivered.

Next up is Metstrade, another event that couldn’t run in 2020, but one that looks good for a big bounce-back with more than 1,300 exhibitors, including over 50 in the Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP).

Face2Face B2B is back.

Carol Fulford Editor

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Suntex moves into Las Olas

USA: Suntex Marina Investors has assumed control of Las Olas Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will now commence plans to develop the marina.

Las Olas Marina is a centrepiece of the world-renowned Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Suntex looks forward to it becoming a showcase element of the show once redeveloped. The transition of ownership and operation commenced 1st October and the redevelopment will begin in the first quarter of 2022.

“Everyone at Suntex is extremely excited to have achieved all the prerequisite milestones and we look forward to working with the City of Fort Lauderdale to deliver an iconic and world-class facility,” said David Filler, investments partner – Florida and southeast regions. “We are thankful for all the support we received from constituents, the City of Fort Lauderdale and City Commissions in completing this process and embracing the vision of what this facility will provide to the city, county and marine industry.”

Suntex’s initial bid was selected by the City in 2016 and the lease was signed in May 2018. The City Commission gave final site plan approval in July 2019. Suntex will own and operate Las Olas Marina for 50 years in partnership with the City.

The multi-million dollar project is in addition to the US$70 million redevelopment the City has already invested to create waterfront and beach access, public parks and new parking facilities.

The marina will include 68 slips able to handle vessels up to 250ft (76m) and two buildings – a two-storey high-end restaurant with spacious outdoor seating and a three-storey marine services building with a casual restaurant, dockmaster’s office, ship store, offices, and a captain and crew lounge with a rooftop gym, swimming pool, chef’s kitchen, recreational spaces and substantial crew amenities.

CLEAN WASTEWATER DISPOSAL

PierPump – Trouble-free disposal of waste and bilge water from boats and yachts.

When installing a wastewater management system harbor operators have to make several decisions depending on the location, number of berths and size to find the optimal system.

The Vogelsang PierPump is a customer-oriented high-performance solution, which is easy to operate and allows bilge water or black water to be pumped directly into the sewage system. The integrated rotary lobe pump means that the PierPump is resistant to foreign matter, so that the vacuum extraction process does not come to stop if the wastewater contains foreign matter. Wastewater tanks are vacuum extracted in a very short time, and the voyage can continue.

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Drystack phase starts at Port32

USA: Port32 Marinas has broken ground on the upland phase of its Port32 Fort Lauderdale marina and drystack facility. The marina is located just west of I-95 on the north side of the New River.

The upland phase will consist of a new drystack for around 700 boats of up to 55ft (17m) in length. It will also include a service boatyard with a 150 tonne hoist able to haul vessels of up to 120ft (36.5m), and enclosed and climate controlled commercial services and office bays available for lease to marine contractors and vendors.

The drystack system will be built to sustain wind loads of up to 175mph and will be fully equipped with a fire suppression system. The drystack is being built with an emphasis on storing large vessels and is designed to exceed current industry standards. The facility will be full-service, with numerous vendors on site catering to all the needs of the drystack customers and their boats.

Additional amenities include 24hour security, an on-site fuel dock and access to the Port32 proprietary mobile

app for a convenient and streamlined reservation experience.

Joe H Miller IV, CEO of Port32, commented: “Fort Lauderdale is the epicentre of boating in the United States, yet there is a meaningful shortage of dry slips for the typical centre console and express cruiser owner in this trade area. We are addressing this deficit by building a large, modern drystack facility with state-of-the-art slips of size to satisfy current needs in the marketplace. Once completed, the facility will house dry slips ranging from 20 to 55ft (6 to 17m), thereby giving us the ability to accommodate the majority of boat sizes in this market segment.”

“We are excited to present this project to the market,” added Port 32 COO Alex S Drouin. “We have just begun presenting and are seeing very strong demand.”

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Marinas22 –Call for Papers

AUSTRALIA: The Marina Industry Association (MIA) 2022 conference –Marinas22 – will take place on the Gold Coast 23rd-24th May.

While much of the content planned for its 2021 event has been rolled over to 2022, the MIA makes a further call for relevant content for presentation at the conference. MIA CEO, Suzanne Davies, noted: “While the programme was almost finalised prior to our postponement late last year, we recognise that the world has changed a lot in the last 12 months. Many countries around the world are seeing a boom in recreational boating, the labour market has tightened and supply chains have been disrupted.”

“Add to that the announcement that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games and the huge interest from superyachts coming to Australia and the Pacific, and we recognise the need to review what we had planned to ensure we are providing delegates

with the most relevant and topical conference content available.”

Mike Harvey, chair of the Marinas22 organising committee, added: “We are also planning a focus on the elimination of single use plastics within our exhibition space. We seek to showcase products that can assist marinas to eliminate single use plastics. Subject to approval from the committee, there is no charge for product-only display. In line with this theme, we would like to hear from and will consider the presentation of papers that provide solutions for industry as we head towards 2050 net zero emissions.”

Submissions should be sent to Suzanne Davies – ceo@marinas. net.au. The conference website www.marinas22.com is now live and delegate registrations are open.

Waterfront project progresses

NIGERIA: The futuristic Aqua Marine Boat Club project in Lagos, the fourth most populous city in the world, is making progress. The aim is to support private construction investment along the city’s channel-based waterfront.

Piers, gangways and fingers of varying sizes, as well as all accessories required for completion of the structures, are being manufactured in Italy by Ingemar and will be sent to

Lagos by sea in containers.

A local construction company will install the structures, which will be anchored to the seabed with special steel piles.

Belle Classe goal for Jeddah marina

SAUDI ARABIA: Monaco Marina Management (M3) has signed a collaboration agreement with Sela to deliver the first superyacht marina on the Saudi coast of the Red Sea.

The contract is based on operational management and promotion of Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina. M3 will support Sela in the process of obtaining “La Belle

Classe Destinations” label from Yacht Club de Monaco. This aims to identify and acknowledge yacht clubs of excellence as places that offer a yachting lifestyle.

La Valletta Loano Hammamet Stora Palau

Fiskardo Aqaba Dubai Port Gogek Khiran

Castellammare di Stabia Lefkas Tripoli

Venezia Spalato Maratona Salerno Piskera La

Maddalena Gouvia Muggia Maratea Gedda

Capo d’Orlando Tremezzo Doha Tivat Trani

Lixouri Procida Al Fintas Carrara Brissago

Genova Rodi Dammam Sistiana Locarno

Cagliari Atene Lacco Ameno Palermo

Manfredonia Novi Vinodolski Montecarlo

Viareggio Rab Alassio Farasan

Budva Ravenna Portorose Bari

Villasimius Taranto Biograd Cala di Volpe Trieste

Jesolo Savona Lisbona Portovenere Novigrad

Bisceglie Aiaccio La Spezia Portoferraio

Lustiça Montecarlo Santa Manza Riva del

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Haquel Napoli Marsaxlokk Jesolo Aci Trezza

Taranto Mgarr S. Teresa di Gallura Grado

Rovigno Chioggia Vibo Valenza Mitilene

Imperia Como Agios Kosmas Monfalcone

Further expansion for Southern

USA: Southern Marinas Holdings II, a partnership between a Denver-based investment firm and Southern Marinas, has added Hayden Lake Marina in Idaho and Millstone Resort and Marina in Missouri to its portfolio.

In the midst of beautiful forests, crystal-clear waters and 40 miles of shoreline, Hayden Lake Marina offers the only public moorage on Hayden Lake, one of the most popular lakes in the Coeur d’Alene region of North Idaho.

The full-service marina includes covered wet slips, winter storage, an extensive boat rental fleet, ship’s store, fuel dock, a boat service centre, restaurant and bar.

Hayden Lake Marina is ideally located 45 minutes from Spokane, Washington and is nestled in one of the hottest property markets in the US, known for its gorgeous summer weather and an abundance of outdoor activities.

“As we continue to expand our geographic footprint into the western US, Hayden Lake Marina complements our recent acquisition of Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle,” said Andrew Gendron, principal and chief investment officer with Southern Marinas. “Being able to acquire the only marina on such a beautiful lake is a rare occurrence.”

Millstone Marina sits at the heart of Lake of the Ozarks, one of Missouri’s premier vacation destinations. It is the largest and most tenured marina on the lake and is the only RV resort with direct waterfront sites. The facility comprises covered wet slips, RV sites with utility hook-ups, an extensive boat rental fleet, ship’s store, dog parks and two onsite restaurants.

Southern Marinas has now acquired five marinas this year. It has plans to close on several others before year end as it continues to build a geographically diverse portfolio strategically located across the USA.

Revamping the Leesburg waterfront

USA: An ambitious public waterfront revitalisation project has been completed in Leesburg, Florida. The project includes a mix of Golden Marine fixed and floating docks.

Situated on Venetian Gardens, a tranquil park-like cove on Lake Harris, the installation expands public boating access in the area and enhances recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Golden supplied its durable 9 Series aluminium system for the fixed docks. Designed for greater piling spacing than can be achieved with a comparable timber structure, it saved the City of Leesburg significant costs and made the location more attractive from the shore, as well as from the water, as fewer piles are needed.

Manufactured to ISO 9001:2015 standards using fully welded 6061 T6 marine grade aluminium with stainless steel fittings, the system has a life expectancy of over 35 years and is backed by a ten-year limited warranty.

For the floating dock section, Golden used its 850 aluminium series. Highly stable, it has the same premium build quality as the fixed dock and features adjustable pile guides, cleats and 22 finger piers with power pedestals,

water service and a fire suppression solution.

The docks feature WearDeck composite decking, a virtually maintenance-free solution with the appearance of real wood. Golden also supplied four heavy-duty gangways and a security gate.

“The docks turned out great,” said John Folker, City of Leesburg project manager. “We host several bass fishing tournaments that have a lot of boating and pedestrian traffic. Plus, the area ties into many popular islands within Lake Harris and its adjoining lakes. The revitalised waterfront with new docks will be a huge asset for the city.”

CLARIFICATION

Idan Cohen’s article (p.36 Marina World September/October) states he is the representative of the Marine Innovation Association in ICOMIA. He is the representative of the Marine Innovation Association, which is a member of ICOMIA.

Broadlands extension ready for new season

UK: A package of pontoons, delivered late last year by Walcon Marine, has played a big part in transforming Tingdene’s Broadlands Marina in Oulton Broad near Lowestoft.

The pontoons and their fittings were installed by Irvins to create two new 43m (141ft) long piers, each with eight finger pontoons and a hammerhead.

This created berths for 40 boats of up to 10m (33ft). A third pier was built with a 38.5m (126ft) walkway with eight fingers, and moors eight boats of up to

Registration opens for AMI Conference & Expo

USA: Registration for the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference & Expo (formerly IMBC) is now open. Entering its 20th year, the conference will be held 1st-3rd February 2022 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

AMI is planning a face-to-face event in 2022. Conference fees include unlimited access to educational seminars, regional round tables, workshops, food and beverages, entry into the exhibit hall and admission to all networking and social events. It also includes entry to the AMI member meeting, followed by a first-time attendee reception and the opening night exhibit hall party.

The conference has five tracks:

• Building your own dream team: what does the future hold?

• Customer experience: lessons from the masters

• Leading your organisation for

positive impact

• Marina and boatyard management and operations

• Marina design and engineering

These sessions will offer training on hiring top performers and developing industry leaders, give customer service lessons from Disney and NASCAR, explore the future of drystack architecture and engineering, provide COVID updates for the industry – and more.

For an additional conference fee and pre-registration, delegates can attend pre-conference workshops: a Marina 101 session, focusing on entry-level education, safety protocols

10m (33ft) and six vessels of up to 12m (39ft).

Walcon also supplied an aluminium bridge with landing pontoon.

The marina site presented a challenge as it is inaccessible to heavy vehicles. The system components were therefore transported by lorry to Tingdene’s Brundall Bay Marina, around 20 miles (32km) to the northwest. Once delivered, they were moved down river over the course of five weeks using motor launches.

The initial stage involved some testing navigation given the many twists and turns of the River Yare and an escort was provided by local rangers to ensure that their path was unobstructed and other river users were not inconvenienced.

“It all went well, despite the complexity,” said Steve Arber, operations director at Tingdene Marinas. “Walcon delivered everything on time and their service was exemplary as always. The works were completed well ahead of the start of what has so far been a very busy and successful season. With an additional 54 berths on brand new, fully-serviced floating pontoons we are able to welcome even more leisure boat owners to join our friendly community.”

and best practices, marina design and engineering.

The dozens of conference keynotes, breakout sessions and workshops offer a broad selection of training opportunities targeting all levels of an organisation’s team – from entrylevel to top-level management. Each day of intense learning closes with receptions and socials, providing the opportunity for continued industry networking.

“In-person events are back, and we are excited to be a part of that!” says AMI chair Chris Petty. “This will be our first year in our new location and with our new name, the AMI Conference & Expo. Although the name has changed, the conference has not. It continues to be the place where marina and boatyard professionals come for personal and professional growth and networking that can build lifelong relationships; it is the annual event for our industry…[and] we are ready to get down to business.”

Re-imagining Hurricane Hole as the jewel of the Bahamas

For more than 50 years, Hurricane Hole Marina at Paradise Landing in the Bahamas has been a favourite destination for yachts cruising the tranquil, turquoise waters of the region. Now, as work nears completion on its world-class redesign, the marina is set to offer some of the most exclusive superyacht berths in the Caribbean.

Before its US$250 million overhaul, the original 90-berth marina could accommodate relatively few yachts up to 200ft (61m), with fixed docks and approximately 10ft (3m) of water depth, while a single restaurant on site represented the extent of visitor amenities. However, the newly redeveloped and renamed Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina is set to be the “jewel” of Paradise Island’s newest master-planned marina community, says David Kosoy, executive chairman and founder of the project developer, manager and owner, Sterling Global Financial.

The island sits just off the shore of Nassau city, on the northern edge of New Providence in the Atlantic. With its year-round tropical climate, the region is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, with the Atlantis Resort – a 153 acre (62ha) waterscape featuring fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools, marine habitats, water slides and

Work nears completion on the marina basin, which will shelter a marina system custom-designed and manufactured by Bellingham Marine.

river rides – one of its biggest draws for tourists.

Work on the five-star marina and village is on target to complete in the fourth quarter of the year (see Marina World, July/August 2021, p17). Ahead of development, Sterling Global realised the fantastic potential for a superyacht marina on Paradise Island, the gateway to some of the best waters in the world, including the Exuma island chain. However, the existing marina

Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina is being re-imagined as a vibrant centre for a new master-planned community in the Bahamas.

Signing the contract for the floating dock system, l to r: (standing) Stephen Tiller, CEO Sterling Global Financial; Khaalis Rolle, president Sterling Global Advisory Services; (seated) David Kosoy, executive chairman and founder Sterling Global Financial; and Steve Ryder, senior project development manager Bellingham Marine.

was not set up for superyachts. “Yachts continue to get larger and require modern docks, power, water, fibre and amenities,” says Kosoy.

Paradise Island has long been a magnet for global buyers, celebrities and jetsetters seeking tropical island seclusion along with exciting nightlife. The marina is only a short flight from South Florida. By sea, the crossing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Nassau is 164nm (304km). The island provides superior cruising by day

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES

With over 6,000ft (1,828m) of floating concrete docks, the marina has tremendous flexibility to accommodate multiple yachts of up to 420ft (128m) in individual slips.

and round-the-clock access to the Atlantis Resort’s 40 restaurants and bars, luxury shopping, waterpark and casino, just a short walk away. “The new Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina will provide a venue on par with the expectation of the world’s elite,” Kosoy adds.

Working with an international team of development experts, architects and designers, the marina and village have been fully re-imagined to include luxury dockside residences, world-class retail, fine dining and extensive amenities designed for owners, guests and yacht crew.

But making the dream a reality has taken significant work. A Bahamasbased construction team skilfully removed the marina’s original barrier sea wall, allowing crews to dredge inland and dramatically expand the new superyacht marina’s perimeter to 2,812,071ft² (261,249m²) from its original 190,901ft² (17,735m²). New, specifically engineered metal and concrete sea walls have been installed to eliminate currents and to reduce wave action and potential storm surge.

In addition to extending the marina’s circumference, crews carefully dredged the basin to a depth of 14.5ft (4.4m) from average low tide, making it one of the deepest marinas in the Caribbean. The redesigned marina will also feature a 240ft (73m) wide turning basin, ideal for navigating larger superyachts.

It now boasts a perimeter of more than 6,000ft (1,828m) of floating concrete docks with slips for yachts up to 420ft (128m). “With power pedestals

every 50ft (15m), the marina has tremendous flexibility to accommodate multiple yachts in individual slips, which will provide enhanced service to transient customers and value to its dock owners,” says Kosoy.

The deep-water floating docks, custom manufactured by Bellingham Marine at its Jacksonville, Florida facility, have been designed and built to handle tidal changes and provide optimal flexibility for superyachts, sportfishing boats and smaller vessels. Bellingham’s Unifloat concrete floating dock system has “proven ecological benefits, including a small carbon footprint from manufacturing, and water quality benefits through marine habitat creation,” Kosoy says.

At berth and onshore

In addition to superyacht-specific offerings, the marina will offer all modern amenities, including in-dock fuelling and pump-out services, shower, dressing room, laundry facilities, highspeed Internet, 24-hour manned and monitored security, long-term parking, boat detailing, interior cleaning, golf cart and car rentals, and on-site customs and immigration services.

Working with the government-owned electricity company Bahamas Power & Light, the marina’s developers have also made a substantial investment to upgrade the power infrastructure. Clean, reliable 400-amp, 480-volt power will be readily available for yachts, residences and commercial properties at Paradise Landing.

Sterling Global has also teamed up with the Bahamas National Trust to support and promote its work to protect

the national parks, reefs and waters that the yachting community enjoys.

The Residences

Alongside the marina, new luxury units will be available at The Residences at Paradise Landing, with two and threebedroom marina-front layouts featuring dramatic water views. Owners at The Residences will also have special membership opportunities at the Ocean Club Golf and private Beach Club.

Additional amenities at Paradise Landing include waterfront bars, restaurants, a gourmet grocery store, executive office space offering daily/ monthly rentals, yacht provisioning, a wine and liquor superstore with dockside delivery, a full-service gym, a dry cleaner, a medical clinic and pharmacy. Visitors can enjoy state-ofthe-art fitness facilities, swimming pools, a crew lounge, private meeting spaces and charter management services. A separate pool, lounge and gym facilities dedicated for yacht captains and crew add to its unique appeal.

“We see the marina as the crown jewel in the most popular yachting experience in the Bahamas, with convenience and amenities that no other marina can match,” says Kosoy. The Bahamas is a boating paradise rivalled by few destinations when it comes to unspoiled beauty, clear waters, pristine beaches and the short distance from the US mainland. “For sport fishing, many say there is no better place in the world. For yacht owners, no other waters offer such stunning beauty. Like a string of pearls in pristine waters, its natural harbours, secluded beaches and friendly people make the Bahamas the greatest home port in the world for superyachts.”

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES

Creating a super hub in Civitanova

Plans for a 12ha (30 acre) project to regenerate the waterfront, port and part of the Italian city of Civitanova Marche aim to create a new super hub for tourism and large yachts at the centre of the Adriatic coast. Donatella Zucca reports

Located between Veneto and Puglia, on the maxi yacht route to the Croatian islands, Greece and Venice, Civitanova Marche in Macerata province will fill a gap for a high-end marina to complement the major yacht yards that have long been established in the region.

The project will be built and engineered by Eurobuilding at an estimated investment of €150 million, and is expected to be a lengthy process. Obstacles will include renewal of the state-owned concessions, which expire in 2033 and are in the meantime subject to constant discussion with

varied concessionaires, e.g. nautical clubs, bathing establishments and disused and active manufacturing complexes. Italy is not, however, new to this type of situation and is aware of the need to make each stakeholder understand the importance of changing their perspective and developing new businesses in which the benefits for the community outweigh the sacrifices.

As in other places, the city of Civitanova Marche has developed around a traditional port concept which hampers free access to the sea and new and diversified opportunities. Eurobuilding is thus involved with

private players and the City with a view to creating links between the development of promenades and urban areas to both north and south of the port. As for other great port cities, like Marseille, the project involves improving and streamlining the confluence of roads into the port, which in opening out to the sea requires a greener residential environment. The project, as such, follows the Regional Ports Plan, which includes conversion of the existing port and creation of a marina to the north.

The marine facilities

When complete, the entire complex will offer 758 berths of 6 to 70m (30 to 230ft), 425 of which – with a maximum length of 16m (52ft) – are for nautical clubs and the Naval League. A further 136 (in the 6 to 30m / 20 to 98ft range) will be sub-let, and 170 berths will be managed.

A shipyard district, to include a drydock, docks for mobile boat hoists, and hangars for boats of various sizes, is also planned. The hangar for vessels up to 70m (230ft) will have a quayside with five dedicated berths, a reception, offices and crew village. Nautical clubs, a 4-star hotel, a bathhouse and a large commercial area will also be incorporated.

The southern area has been reserved for residential development and will include another 4-star hotel, branded tourist and hotel buildings, tourist accommodation, a luxury commercial district and commercial buildings.

The implementation of the project

Above left & left: over 750 berths are planned for the nautical complex, in addition to residential and hotel development.

Umberto Antonelli, the owner of Eurobuilding, which will engineer and build the new leisure port infrastructure.

Photo: Guido Picchio

A shipyard district with multiple facilities and boat hoists (right) will be set apart from landscaped leisure and residential spaces (below).

will significantly revive the area through the application of high standards of environmental sustainability, including waste treatment, wastewater recovery, and elimination of polluted waterlogged land and neglected infrastructure.

The new dock to the rear of the port area will be dedicated to shipbuilding, and the residential buildings will comprise six blocks (each of three storeys) and an eight-storey seaside hotel with a rooftop swimming pool. The streets will become tree-lined promenades leading to the sea.

As such, Civitanova Marche will become a reference point for the Mediterranean – 260km (162mi) from Rome via the A24, and via the A4 motorway, which also connects to Falconara Marittima Airport 52km (32mi) away. Milan, which can be reached via excellent roads, is a 460km (286mi) journey.

Speaking to Antonelli

Umberto Antonelli, owner of Eurobuilding, gives extra information:

Q: Who will be responsible for the different elements, e.g. maritime, landscaping, waterfront and residential, essential to the expansion and regeneration of the port?

A: Ours is an application for a state concession. At the time of any concession, the work is done in part by Eurobuilding and is in part contracted out to third party companies.

Q: How long is the state property concession and what does it cover?

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES

A: We are asking for intervention for the entire area affected by the work, with the exception of the stretch of water reserved for fishermen, which remains under state management. Our project provides for the management and evaluation of all the works. The state property agency will then evaluate the economic plan presented in order to establish the length of the concession. We are asking for 90 years but everything is linked to the financial plan. As I say, it will be the state property agency that will assess the number of years of depreciation.

Q: Will there be a private or public marina?

A: The concessionaire will have a series of concession levels. We foresee that all those who have activities related to the current concessions and who insist on a concession within the area we are developing, will be delocalised or relocated within the context of the new project. We will offer them a sub-concession in line with the

terms granted to us by the state property agency.

Q: Are there any further details on the port and the new breakwater?

A: In principle, the project incorporates the regulatory plan approved by the Marche Region in 2010. In addition to giving the port more protection, the project has many positive features, the largest of which is environmental. We have taken the entire ecological transition into account, foreseeing a lot of solar energy and the use of renewables to supply a large part of the port with power. There will also be car parks and large spaces of greenery. But that’s far from all. There are abandoned sites in the area with polluted land that will be drained and reclaimed.

Also, to avoid a dangerous proximity between cars, bicycles, pedestrians and working boat hoists, a dedicated shipyard area will be created. In response to current market needs, we will provide a large mobile hoist, and services and maintenance facilities dedicated to boats of a certain size and level.

Q: How will you create a new tourist district?

A: We intend to create a link between land and sea that not only includes Marche but also Umbria, Tuscany and part of Lazio. In order to make Civitanova the departure and arrival point for tourists, from the sea via the new port and vice versa, the urban fabric of the city has to be rearranged. This matter will, however, be in the hands of the public administration, which will determine space allocation, amount of green landscaping, car parks etc. We have already thought about

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES

all of this and there will be various conferences and themed meetings that will define how much will be granted with respect to the request.

Q: There are plans for fishing activities, maritime services and a fish market on the quay of the breakwater. Do you think that yachts, fishermen and fish markets can coexist?

A: The project combines these elements very well. The fishermen

are already located in a well-defined area that doesn’t interfere with the tourism development of the port and, at the same time, represents a resource.

A port without fishing, fish and shipwrights – and without the existing beautiful seaside village – is no longer a port. The fishermen remain because they do not bother the large yachts and the large yachts, in turn, do not bother them. This is why we deliberately left them out of our concession application.

Most significantly, the regenerated waterfront at Civitanova Marche will have open public spaces.

Every morning when I pass the port and see the fishing boats moored up is a beautiful morning.

Q: What are the project timings and what do you need to do to get started?

A: This is an administrative procedure that has clear timelines but, of course, all depends on the public administrator. The procedure can be completed within a year and a half or maximum of two years. It’s not up to us, but it could be even faster and take us less than 15 months.

Q: Can we say that Civitanova Marche is preparing for a turning point?

A: Yes. Our proposal aims to bring change to the city in coming decades.

Q: Am I right to think it’s a bit like Marseille?

A: Yes. It is even positioned in one of those near-unique situations in which a seaside village sits inside a port. You can imagine what a spectacle it will be when it is completed.

Takingthe toGreenapproach the

SUPERYACHT FACILITIES

Hauling operations begin at newest US superyacht yard

Derecktor Ft Pierce, America’s newest destination for megayacht refit and maintenance, is now open for business, offering the global fleet a muchneeded new port of call. Home to the world’s largest mobile boat hoist for hauling yachts, the yard offers the same expert service and marine industry resources as its Dania Beach facility but in the relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere of Fort Pierce, Florida.

Situated 90nm north of Fort Lauderdale, Derecktor Ft Pierce is in an ideal maritime location. Specifically designed and developed with megayachts and large sailing yachts in mind, the facility has a unique US offering – efficient and safe hauling for megayachts up to 250ft (76m) and deep-keeled, tall-rigged sailing yachts.

The biggest hoist

The centrepiece of the facility is undeniably the mammoth 1,500ton customised mobile boat hoist manufactured by Cimolai Technology in northern Italy. Standing 90ft (27.4m) high, the towering machine is the world’s largest for hauling yachts, and Derecktor believes it might well be the most technologically advanced, too.

Derecktor’s team of strap-hauling

experts collaborated with Cimolai Technology during development of the MBH 1500 to consider and accommodate for variance in overall yacht dimensions. Thus, with ease and ultimate flexibility in mind, the world’s first fully adjustable trolley system was developed. The system allows straps

MY Homecoming, a 136ft (41.4m) yacht built by Horizon, was the first yacht hauled out for service at Derecktor Ft Pierce.

The Cimolai Technology MBH 1500 offers efficient and safe haul-out for yachts up to 250ft (76m) long.

to be placed virtually anywhere on the vessel, while the option to haul yachts using as many as 32 straps to equally balance the entire load will prove to be a safe and cost-effective solution.

Special modifications were also made to maximise clearance. The upper crossbeam was built with an exaggerated bump-out for sailing yachts with tall rigs, while leg extensions allow 85ft (26m) of overhead clearance for multi-deck megayachts, and the extra wide stance boasts nearly 50ft (15m) of beam space.

Combining facility and ability

The new Ft Pierce destination offers the same superior service and project management Derecktor clients have come to expect, and is conveniently located near international airports, as well as south Florida’s vast subcontractor and vendor network.

Situated directly inside Fort Pierce Inlet (3nm from the Atlantic Ocean), Derecktor Ft Pierce offers deep-water access (28ft/8.5m) to the Atlantic Ocean with unlimited overhead clearance and a generous turning basin with ample space for large yachts to manoeuvre.

The eight-acre (3.2ha) site offers ample storage on the hard, while the state-of-the-art workshop provides plenty of space for trades, offices and land-based support services. This is paired with the legendary tradition and renowned expertise of Derecktor to give clients a unique combination of facility and ability.

The MBH 1500 at Derecktor Ft Pierce flexing its muscles during load testing of the HMBS Lawrence Major, a 187ft (57m) landing craft built by Damen.

DRYSTACK STORAGE

Swiss drystack is first in Europe for crane and launcher system

The electric crane and launcher system for drystacks has been proven for more than 50 years in Argentina, as our industry colleague Oscar Siches explained in his article in the March/April edition of Marina World. But Argentina is a long way from Europe …

Enter DrySta and GH Cranes & Components, with a mission to bring this proven technology across the Atlantic – and embrace the opportunity to deliver a first-of-kind project as part of the renovation of Port Corsier on Lake Léman in Geneva, Switzerland.

The resulting drystack, which has been fully operational since the summer months, is a first-of-class use of the DrySta system in Europe and is equipped with a three-ton floor crane to move boats to and from the racks and a five-ton launcher to lift and lower boats to and from the water. The facility can store up to 100 boats with a maximum length of 8m (26ft) on a three-tier racking system. DrySta and GH advised on the design, and installed all of the equipment.

The system offers many advantages

over alternative boat moving systems, including:

• Fast operation, as in less than three minutes the boat is available in the water and ready to sail

• Silent handling, thanks to the electric motors, which also make the system suitable for use in residential areas

• Efficient energy consumption as there are no combustion engine fumes

• Minimal maintenance

• Low combined operating cost

Why the JV?

The DrySta team cut their teeth on drystack in Argentina. In 2014 they designed and built what is to this day the largest drystack in the world, with five sheds, each housing 440 boats up to 8m (26ft), and ten electric cranes and launchers. The facility – in Buenos Aires – is planned to ultimately have space

for 3,500 boats. In 2017 they founded their own company in Barcelona, Spain in order to bring the effective crane and launcher drystack combination to Europe.

In 2019, DrySta and GH joined forces to develop the electric bridge crane and launcher system, utilising their joint skills of engineering consultancy, design, manufacture and installation to create quality equipment certified to European standards. They also pooled an extensive network of technical service and commercial assets.

GH has long enjoyed its own solid international reputation for the design and manufacture of cranes for marine and industrial processes, offering all kinds of marina equipment, such as boat launchers, boat hoists and marine jib cranes. It is present in over 70 countries, employs over 850 people and has sold and installed more than 120,000 cranes worldwide.

The company is also committed to the future: undertaking continuous research in environmental sustainability; transforming its machinery into smart devices via monitoring; and making use of the most advanced communication technologies to ensure the reliability that is essential for the marina industry.

DrySta is in the business of consulting, designing and building drystacks, for marina owners, licensees and engineering firms, as well as commercially representing GH for its drystack machinery worldwide.

Today, DrySta and GH are working on different projects around the globe – in Spain, Portugal, the UK, UAE, Greece, Australia and New Zealand. www.drysta.com www.motion.ghcranes.com

An all-electric three-ton floor crane and five-ton launcher swiftly and safely move, lift and lower boats.

The drystack building at Port Corsier stores up to 100 boats and gives immediate access to the waters of Lake Léman in Geneva.

TALKING SHOP

Marina Punat: A pioneer in the Croatian Adriatic

Now approaching its 60th anniversary, the multi-award-winning Marina Punat is the oldest marina on the Croatian Adriatic Coast and a vital part of the Marina Punat Group – a nautical ‘hub’ that also comprises a shipyard, resort hotel and shop. With over 30 years’ experience in the sector, Renata Marević CMM has been CEO of Marina Punat since 2011. Charlotte Niemiec invites her to talk shop

Marina Punat sits on the island of Krk, the northernmost and largest island in the Adriatic Sea. Since its initial setup as a small winter storage facility within the adjacent shipyard in 1964, it has grown to become one of the region’s premier marinas. “It has an excellent location in a bay naturally protected from all winds,” says Marević, and is surrounded by waters that regularly reach 30°C in the summer months in one of Europe’s sunniest spots.

Today, the marina boasts 850 fixedpier berths for boats up to 45m (148ft) on the sea and 500 additional spaces on land. Offering all modern amenities, including restaurants, accommodation, a wellness centre and spa, fitness and leisure facilities, and a charter scheme, it has ambitious plans for further development in both the short- and long-term.

With the shipyard an intrinsic part of the marina’s success, one of its biggest draws is its boatyard, which offers state-of-the-art yacht servicing facilities for vessels up to 50m (164ft) in length. The slipways can accommodate vessels up to 600 tons and a 100-ton boat hoist. The yard has a covered working area of 2,800m² (30,139ft²) and specialised and authorised workshops are able to repair all types of boat engines.

Marević is proud of the marina’s humble, environmentally-conscious origins. In its earliest days, it was too expensive for marina founder and naval engineer Dragutin Žic to install concrete piers or a waterfront. Instead, he designed piers using recycled pylons from old railway tracks. These remain the basic building material for berths in the marina. Not only are they very strong, but the small components of manganese in the rails make them resistant to corrosion.

Using the Punat shipyard’s facilities, Žic designed and built a pontoon and hammer for driving a mass of 500kg powered by an engine. The first 11.5m (38ft) rail was driven into the hard rock at the bottom of the muddy

Marina Punat sits in a scenic bay on the Croatian island of Krk, the northernmost and largest island in the Adriatic Sea.

Renata Marević CMM (third from left), CEO of Marina Punat, with members of the marina team.

bay in 1973 and was then covered with wooden planks from above. This construction technique met two goals: environmentally, it allowed for the free flow of the sea under the piers; and its low cost enabled the marina to offer competitive prices compared to overseas marinas. “Today, we drive rails with a modern pontoon and a hydraulic hammer, which is much faster and safer, but the system is basically the same,” says Marević

After this, the marina design was modelled on existing marinas in Italy and France. For six months, Žic and three employees rammed enough rails to moor 450 boats and boaters began flocking to Punat, without any advertising. The marina quickly compiled a waiting list.

In the following decades, the marina grew from one pier to an impressive 217 piers with an average length of 180m (590ft) and land infrastructure and facilities were added. The last major reconstruction of the sea part of the marina was carried out in 2014, when the piers were extended up to 200m (656ft) and five breakwaters were built. Improvement projects continue. For example, the marina has recently completed an upgrade to its sanitary space, which now comprises a modern 700m² (7,535ft²) facility with 20 luxury bathrooms and showers. A special feature is a separate bathroom for pets; the first of its kind on the Adriatic. This

complements the dog parks and dog swimming pools available on-site.

Other improvements include upgrading the restaurant kitchen, expanding the parking area and installing multiple dock ladders for emergencies.

Plans to 2030

The marina, the shipyard and the hotel resort are set to benefit from significant new investments, reconstructions and improvements to services. This includes expanding capacity in a bid to raise the category of marina services to five stars.

“In doing so, we do not intend to build new berths in the sea or on the land,” confirms Marević. As vessels today are on average larger in size, both in width and length, the reconfiguration will

TALKING SHOP

slightly reduce the number of berths in the marina but make them appropriately sized and more easily accessible. Extra dry berths will be built and finger piers added to wet berths. In the long run, and at a gradual pace, the marina intends to equip most of its berths with finger piers that facilitate access to the vessel (sideways on). “This will make for savings because mooring ropes will not be needed, and thus the sea basin among the piers will expand for easier vessel manoeuvring when entering and leaving.”

Another important investment will improve facilities for the resident charter fleet of 150 boats. These occupy around 10% of the berths at the marina and are in the hands of ten charter companies. “We cooperate intensively with our charter partners,” Marević says. “Their guests are also users of our services – parking lots, restaurants and shops.” She knows how important it is to support charter initiatives as “many of today’s boat owners had their beginnings in sailing precisely through experience in charter.”

Charterers waiting to board and check in and out need a waiting area, luggage storage, parking and refreshments. “Without expanding the inland part of the marina, we cannot provide them with a full service. Therefore, the part of the coastal zone in the marina that we do not use because it is shallow and unusable, we intend to fill in to get a larger land area, so we can offer our charter partners a new space for their operations,” Marević outlines. This will include new offices along the piers where their fleets are

The shipyard is an intrinsic part of the marina’s success and boasts a 100 ton boat hoist.

Newly upgraded sanitary facilities include 20 luxury bathrooms.

TALKING SHOP

moored, storage space and a larger parking area for charter guests.

One of the biggest projects in the master plan is the construction of a new restaurant on the site of the existing one, with plans for a lounge bar, club space and conference hall, all with a pleasant, nautical ambience. “We have all the project documentation ready and permits for the restaurant, as well as for most of the planned investments,” Marević says.

The plan envisages further landscaping and improvement of the existing asphalt surfaces. The grocery store and the nautical equipment shop will also be expanded and reconstructed.

Preparations are in hand to transform the hotel opposite the marina into a wellness and active hotel with 64 beds, finely blended into the natural ambience of olive groves and shaped like stylized Punat houses in a row. A swimming pool complex, a children’s playground and a recreational zone will complement the revitalised accommodation, alongside an olive growing museum and refreshed marina beach.

“We want our guests to be better connected with the village, as well as to bring our marina closer to the locals, so we want to arrange and enrich the promenade that leads from the marina, around the shipyard to the city centre and back, with the aim of opening and connecting people. Everyone is welcome in our catering facilities, parking is free for service users and customers in the restaurants and shops,” adds Marević

The entrance to the marina will

be completely reconstructed, traffic regulations will be changed and a bypass promenade will be built that will follow the new, future road and bicycle path.

Although the depth in the marina is sufficient, the entrance to the bay is shallow. Marina Punat has worked to deepen the seabed at the entrance but, as the seabed is rocky, the work is extremely expensive. The aim is to continue, but co-financing is required. The goal to increase the water depth is not to facilitate the arrival of superyachts but to improve the water area in the bay. So far, the work has significantly encouraged flora and fauna to flourish and improved the seawater quality.

Other plans also include continuing to

support Yacht Club Punat, a children’s sailing club set up to educate and encourage the next generation of boaters.

Future vision

“We face great challenges in our small environment where we are the leading employer,” says Marević. Plans to carry out large projects must be flexible and have the support of the local community. “We are already a huge marina with 1,400 boats in the port,” she adds, “and thoughtful invention is needed to best utilise the available space.”

“A very important factor in achieving our goals is the extension of the concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of Croatia. Modification of local urban spatial development plans and extension of the concession for the marina and shipyard are mutually conditioned and are the basic foundations for further growth and development. The process of achieving change is not simple and takes a long time, but we are optimistic. Our goals are clear and sustainable and it is in the interest of local and regional communities as well as at the national level.”

“This is a key moment in the development of our society, extremely important for the sustainable development of society and employment. For decades, the Marina Punat Group has been supporting the local economy and community by investing in sustainable projects and employment, but also by numerous donations to associations, institutions and needy individuals. We want to be a part of it for many decades to come!”

The hotel resort, with its stunning pool, is being transformed into a wellness centre.

IWMC: DUBAI

Marinas empowering tourism and economies

admirably for years so as to become official in 2020.

Ready for action

Moderator, Sally Robertson, kept all in timely order and didn’t let the pace of the debates slow for “one single second”.

The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) took place at the Address Dubai Marina, Dubai 12th-14th October. Despite the current COVID-19 travel restrictions, the event was truly global – attracting over 200 delegates from 24 countries. Oscar Siches* reports Everybody involved was nervous. All of the international members of the organising committee felt a heavy responsibility on their shoulders having decided to move forward and take the calculated risk to make the conference happen – live. The last month (September) was nervewracking as people in certain parts of the world were still banned from travel, much needed sponsors failed to show up, registered delegates were too few, and previously confirmed speakers apologised for cancelling their participation.

I have never known of more work behind the scenes for an IWMC event since my baptism at IWMC Oostende in 2008. But it was a tacit shared certainty that only persistence and team work could make it happen – if it happened. Three industry bodies were involved and responsible for the feat –ICOMIA, P&O Marinas and the Leisure Marine Association MENA; the new local marina association that planted seeds in 2008 and worked solidly and

“…the perspective of those rectangular tags aligned on the table was the first real sign that IWMC 2021 was happening.”

We all arrived in Dubai. The science fiction-style buildings surrounding us increased the feeling that we were dwarves about to be sacrificed. But, suddenly, we were doing some PR while the credentials were handed out

to delegates and speakers, and the perspective of those rectangular tags aligned on the table was the first real sign that IWMC 2021 was happening. There were eight stands in the hall, spacious and with excellent visibility, and the usual set-up of tables for the coffee breaks and lunches. The conference venue was very comfortable, with dressed seat rows separated enough to walk between, a generous stage, and excellent audio visual quality, including for the remote participations. On the stage, a large lounge-type seating arrangement was ready for the interactive debates after the sessions.

Eagerly awaiting the start of conference proceedings in a generously sized and comfortable environment.

Sally Robinson of Olympic fame was engaged as presenter/moderator for the whole three days of the conference; a first for IWMC. And suddenly, IWMC “Marinas Empowering Tourism and Economies” was a reality.

First conference day

We started the programme, all eager to share and to listen. Welcome remarks were given by the local authorities and key operators.

In alignment with the topic of the conference, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, stressed the importance of the nautical industry in empowering tourism and lifestyle and confirmed the full commitment of the Dubai Government in the implementation of a long-term strategy, which envisages the promotion of Dubai as a boating and yachting destination. Hamza Mustafa, COO of P&O Marinas, lead sponsor of the conference, confirmed the importance of supporting conferences that aim to discuss and develop the recreational marine industry, and to facilitate its growth.

The first session, with its key focus on sustainability, drew plenty of attention because its three pronged focus on social, economic and environmental is relevant to everybody. The World Tourism Organisation’s Alessandra Priante zoomed in to give a magnificent speech on how post-pandemic sustainability must be the central role that marinas play in maritime tourism destinations. She was followed by Holly Manvell, a young sailor who gave us a snapshot of yacht harbours through young people’s eyes. It was daring and refreshing, and transmitted the message of how much the industry and users can do to make nautical activity a sustainable hobby and sport with little compromise. Patricia Casewell, a very experienced superyacht captain, gave her perspective on how superyacht facilities should become a more commanding segment of the market, accommodating both owners and crew.

The business opportunity of investing in a marina was the central subject of session number two. Fadi Shaher El Borno highlighted the importance of having a property/real estate project as a central profit centre of a marina in his presentation on property-based

marina development. But marinas can also be a great way of rehabilitating, transforming and creating new centres of attraction in old commercial ports that are no longer in use. Hamza Mustafa showed us great examples of how new leisure destinations can be created out of these transformations.

After these two fantastic presentations, we engaged in a talk about handling the expectations of various stakeholders, such as investors, authorities, users and the public, and being inclusive of their interests and demands. Alberto Sonino shared how an investor decides to go ahead with his dream and Billy Canellas focused on how to transform the waterfront into spaces of value-added recreation while managing investment certainty and attraction, and delivering within reasonable timeframes and expectations. The discussions also highlighted the potential strain the marina industry is facing with boat

manufacturing at capacity and how to engage new boaters and increase berthing demands.

The last session of the day also centred on the main topic of the conference. Industry leaders from established destinations talked about successful ways to develop marinas in the Mediterranean (Roberto Perocchio), Australia (Farrokh Golchin) and Saudi Arabia (Richard Haws). This was followed by a speech from Daniel Schaffer about sustainable marine tourism. He encourages a comprehensive approach towards climate change, protecting biodiversity and reducing pollution while simultaneously engaging with local communities and helping to positively shape the image of the industry.

The session ended with an insightful presentation by sailing enthusiast Andrew Pindar, who explained how yacht clubs and watersports can drive lifestyle and tourism in marinas.

Welcomes from the host industry associations l to r: Sara Anghel, president ICOMIA; Martinho Fortunato, chair ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG); and John Paul, chair Leisure Marine Association MENA.

Winning the Golden Cleat

Newly created industry accolades – the Golden Cleat Awards – made their debut at IWMC. Devised by ICOMIA’s IMG Group, the distinctions honour outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a true commitment to the global marina community throughout their careers.

Three industry professionals judged entries submitted during the July/August period, and voted in marina industry consultant Oscar Siches for the Lifetime Achievement award and Lars Brandt, CEO of Seaflex, for the Sustainability and Innovation award.

The award ceremony took place on the historical aft deck of the Queen Elizabeth 2, under the stars that Arabs charted over 1,000 years ago. ICOMIA Secretary General, Udo Kleinitz, and Dr Fabiana Maccarini, Head of P&O Marinas Research and Development Department, led the ceremony. Both recipients were surprised and delighted to be winners.

What the judges said: Oscar Siches

“Oscar Siches has an outstanding track record of voluntary work and public involvement for the betterment of the marina industry, encompassing a wide range of community, systemic and technical topics that are critical for the future of the marina industry.

Oscar also encourages us to think outside the box and embrace change where change is for the better and, very importantly, he is a ‘people person’ in an industry where people are the most important asset.”

What the judges said: Lars Brandt

“Lars Brandt has developed and commercialised an innovative product, which now has a long track record of being used to reduce environmental impacts of boating infrastructure, and [we, thus recognise] his longterm promotion of environmental sustainability.”

Special Mention

Udo Kleinitz also relayed the judges’ decision to give a Sustainability and Innovation Award Special Mention to Kresimir Zic from Sense 4 Boat. The judges said they wanted to recognise his achievements to date and his bright future, encourage him to continue his development and innovation, and inspire other innovators.

A buffet dinner at the prestigious Bulgari Yacht Club was well attended, and small clusters of four to five people immediately got together and talked shop in a very relaxed atmosphere. It was a marina industry social at its best.

We all slept better that night. Our worst nightmares were behind us, the conference was flowing through spot-on speakers with full content presentations, and delegates were satisfied, participating and enjoying themselves. Sally Robinson proved to be an amazing moderator, keeping us all in timely order and not letting the pace of the debates slow for one single second. The validity and existence of IWMC 2021 was assured.

Second conference day

Just after 9.00am on Wednesday morning we were all enjoying breakfast onboard boat. This led to an interesting slow sail through four marinas, with a couple of stops to disembark and enjoy a walk about. The vast size of Dubai’s facilities dwarfs the perspective details, the limited views of the marinas seeming more like sectors of coastline than enclosed communities for nautical enthusiasts.

The second marina, Dubai Harbour, is part of a massive development, including two cruise terminals, a 700-berth marina with free access (no bridges to reach the Persian Gulf) and a masterplan of large residential buildings – not yet built but undoubtedly set to grow and flex their muscles within a short timeframe. Dubai has, of course, more than demonstrated that it can make these developments happen.

This thought leads us to Palm Jumeira Marina, now 11 years old, and proof positive that daring concepts of the time have worked extremely well. Floating islands with power stations, illuminated bollards, toilets and maintenance storage, extra wide pontoons (6m/20ft), underwater illumination, satellite electrical sockets at the end of the fingers for those who want to berth bow-to, and Seaflex moorings that are still performing well. The marinas (one at each side of the main trunk) are being upgraded to catch up with new customer preferences and recently developed technologies.

Sailing through Dubai Marina is like floating through 5th Avenue in NYC: towers shining day and night, fully occupied berths along the

L to r: Fabiana Maccarini, Oscar Siches, Lars Brandt and Udo Kleinitz.

IWMC: DUBAI

sinuous 2.5nm of artificial canal, and a broad offering of F&B surrounding all and creating a very pleasant side promenade enjoyed by locals and foreigners. It is particularly popular in the early morning (joggers) and in the evening (family strolls).

While on board we all listened in to state of the industry presentations from around the globe. There were a few technical glitches when it came to the visuals but the speakers graciously improvised with viva voce presentations, all much enjoyed by the attentive audience.

Later on we were transported to P&O Mina Rashid Marina, visiting the facility with the last light and admiring the colossal mass of Queen Elizabeth 2, resting there close to the centre of Dubai and reminding us of the maritime glory of years gone past. We embarked on the transatlantic liner to have our gala dinner – hosted by P&O Marinas – and, for the first time, the ceremony of the Golden Cleat Award (see p.39).

Third conference day

Idan Cohen from Pick a Pier showed us how to benefit from connections between marinas, and Kevin Desmond presented great examples of electric systems from other industries that can be applied to marinas. Kresimir Zic from Croatia followed up by explaining how IT can be applied very efficiently in marina operations, resulting in

The sponsor booth area, where lunch and refreshments were served, was the perfect spot for extra networking.

contributing to economy and tourism and also what areas to expect as regulatory development progresses.

Session seven focused on operational trends. Niklas Dahlstrom from Emirates Airlines explained the challenges around human resource training, a key consideration in a world in constant transformation, especially with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mika Parviainen of Marinetek discussed how the growing demand for floating residential developments in marinas will impact new layouts and operations. Dean Smith of D-Marin outlined the requirements associated with the size increase of yachts and Vasco de Cet reminded us about the important role of marinas as the frontier between land and sea in terms of infrastructure and operational impact.

In summarising the conference – and remember the theme is empowering tourism and economies – the organising members pointed out two main conclusions: priority number one is the human element. Priority two is digitisation. It’s a must, but has to be handled carefully, and we must all learn how to live with it.

Greener and sustainable marinas were the matters up for discussion. Emmanuel Delarue, an architect with vast experience designing and building in Asia, talked about making smart cities with smart marinas work, both benefitting from the interfacing. Circular economy advantages, pointed out by Kellie Covington, gave valuable insight into what needs to be done for the future of the sector. Great presentations

significant improvements in terms of quality and safety, as well as having financial benefits. The final presentation of this session offered delegates the opportunity to learn about and view the results of the anti-sedimentation system called Life Marina Plan, developed by the University of Bologna.

Sara Anghel, Martinho Fortunato, Udo Kleinitz and I then outlined the areas of engagement with authorities that need to be recognised as

Each IWMC conference usually closes with a glimpse into the future of the series, and delegates from Vilamoura in Portugal did not disappoint in delivering an enticing presentation for the 2023 conference venue.

We all loved meeting up personally once again. The size of the conference allowed for easy direct contact and there was plenty of time to mingle and chat. All the venues throughout were fantastic and, combined with the local efforts of LMA MENA and P&O Marinas, the warm welcome was overwhelming. We moved from fear of the unknown to total fulfilment. The organisers of the Dubai ICOMIA World Marinas Conference did a superb job.

* The above report was compiled using ICOMIA Conference reports and Oscar Siches’ own impression of the IWMC 2021 event

by Christophe Saune and Michael De Jong followed on how to build resilience and sustainability into nautical tourism and marinas.

Control your marina’s utilities, anywhere, anytime on any device

Rolec’s new BerthVend Smart Solutions offers marina operators signiﬁcant control over their marina’s berth services, saving time and associated labour costs.

It can allow berth holders to independently assign their services via a self-service portal, as well as provide an online payment platform so no marina office visit is required.

The options are truly endless, with bespoke solutions available too, enabling marina & waterfront destinations to reap the beneﬁts of advanced, streamlined berth services management systems.

Electric boating in Amsterdam

The reality of electric boating in the Dutch city of Amsterdam has taken a major step forward, underlining the full commitment of the Amsterdam City Council. Seijsener Marina Services won the tender for a major contract.

In 2025 canals in the centre of Amsterdam will only be accessible to emission-free vessels. From 2030 this will apply to the whole of Amsterdam and there is thus a need to provide sufficient charging points. The council hopes that provision of more charge points will also induce a speedier switch from petrol and diesel to electric boats as this will be better for all city residents.

Although only a few residents currently have emission-free boats, those who are considering going electric or have already done so often cite the shortage of charging points as a drawback.

In the summer months, as part of a pilot scheme to gain a better overview of electric boating, Seijsener installed ten new leisure boat charging stations at various locations in the city centre. Each station can charge two boats simultaneously and functions with a Seijsener YoreOn app.

Another pilot scheme launched by

the start-up Stroomboot is, meanwhile, focusing on charging stations for houseboats and possibly waterfront cafés. The first of these is operational in Amsterdam Houthavens and also makes use of the YoreOn system.

By installing the stations, the Council wants to encourage everybody to embrace electric boating while also undertaking a fact finding mission to determine how the phenomenon will work in practice, what kind of charging stations and methods of charging best suit the city, and what boat owners genuinely require. The results of the research will be taken into account for the implementation of the Council’s Air Quality Programme (Programma Luchtkwaliteit).

YoreOn is leading the way in implementing electric systems as, besides safeguarding a location, it remotely monitors all charging stations and provides read-outs of all data. “The app is very simple to use for all operations: connecting, logging in,

Tech advances amidst year of major projects

Plus Marine Italy has introduced Smart Cloud WiFi technology into its range of dockside solutions. The new generation of remote metering systems was developed for Marina di Nettuno in Rome, Italy and installed there in its 512 Smart format.

The system functions via a dedicated WiFi network, sends information to the Cloud, and enables the marina office and marina customers to interact with the dockside pedestals.

Electricity and water can be turned on and off, consumption levels can be checked and credits can be loaded into a virtual wallet.

The new technology was developed in the midst of another very successful year for the company. Highlight projects for 2021 include:

• Marassi Marina & Yacht Club, Egypt: 152 S-line stainless steel power and water pedestals with Epower remote metering system were

delivered. The customer’s logo was engraved on the door of each unit. The customer has also ordered a 3,200amp Mega pedestal. This is very significant for Plus Marine as it will be the biggest pedestal the company has manufactured to date for the superyacht industry.

• Porto Arabia – The Pearl of Qatar: As part of a major marina refit, all of the existing 432 power and water pedestals have been replaced with Epower remote metering pedestals.

• IGY Malaga Marina, Spain: A total of 25 Mega Yacht S1400XXXL AISI 316L power and water pedestals with sockets up to 2,000amps are

charging, logging out and payment,” says Seijsener director Bas Durieux. “It’s very easy and extremely efficient.”

Naturally, Seijsener Marina Services is very pleased with the new collaboration. The company has been a technical specialist in automated services for holiday parks and marinas for almost 60 years and has built up a solid reputation with its numerous ‘green’ innovations, sustainable products and services.

www.seijsener.com

scheduled for imminent delivery to this newly redeveloped Mediterranean superyacht hub. www.plusmarine.com

DOCKSIDE UTILITIES

Fast charging marine network launched

UK-based Aqua superPower is developing a growing marine fast-charge network, supplying and installing future-proof high powered smart network chargers at no cost to the site owner/operator. The timing is opportune.

According to the company, the global electric boat market is expected to be worth over US$20 billion by 2027 and, assuming the market continues to grow in line with historical trends, there are likely to be in excess of one million electric boats by 2030.

Regulation will accelerate this trend as more and more waterspace will only be accessible to electric boats. Access to charging infrastructure offered by forward-thinking companies like Aqua is thus essential in order to give boat builders and customers the confidence to transition away from liquid carbon fuels.

Chargers on the Aqua network provide reliable and ultrafast 25kW150kW DC charging for both leisure

and commercial boats. From jet-skis and superyacht tenders to passenger ferries and cargo vessels, Aqua will own, operate and maintain this network of smart chargers using its own cloud-based back-office system providing secure access to a range of user functionalities. Aqua superPower already supports marinas, boat builders and boat owners in the drive to bring electric power to the water and reduce the impact of boating on marine ecosystems.

The company is rolling out its network with six fully marinised superchargers installed along the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Ligurian Riviera, another in Venice, and a further 20 installations planned this year. In September, it was

the first fast-charge network company to be awarded a grant under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, funded by the UK Department for Transport, and delivered with Innovate UK. Led by the University of Plymouth with Plymouth City Council, Princess Yachts and Aqua superPower as Technology Partner, Plymouth’s Marine e-Charging Living Lab (MeLL) will host the UK’s first charging network for electric maritime vessels.

Most recently, the company was invited by port authorities to host the first electric boat show - St Tropez E-Marine 2021 - as an education industry showcase that was attended by key players, including leading electric boat builders, power train manufacturers, marina owners, port operators and municipal representatives. The event demonstrated that the technology and infrastructure for clean e-marine mobility exists, with the common message coming from all participants that ‘the future is now’. www.aqua-superpower.com

Aqua superPower owns, operates and maintains a network of smart chargers for installation in marinas.

West Coast: San Diego, CA619 499 2007

East Coast: St. Petersburg, FL727 209 7110

DOCKSIDE UTILITIES

Future-proof management system

UK-based Rolec has launched BerthVend, an important update on its previous marina services management system. Completely cloud-based, it enables users to control electric and water services anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

Marina operators benefit from a significant range of features that simplify daily operations. With its modern interactive dashboard, which presents a visual of the marina’s layout, as well as the number of berths occupied, operators can see which berths are available and the status of each, enabling them to clearly understand berth activity.

They also receive individual electric and water meter readings directly to the marina office; can remotely switch sockets and taps on/off; have authority to implement their own tariffs; can manage user accounts; export data; receive remote firmware updates; reserve utilities; get an overview of overall site electric and water

consumption; assign services to boat name; implement pre-pay and post-pay options; and chase bills and payments, including easy flotilla/charter billing.

What’s more, when opting for BerthVend, marina operators can reap the benefits of implementing a futureproof and scalable marina services management system that enables them to increase their hardware (marina service pedestals) as and when required.

API integration of booking systems, accounting and ERP applications also provides marina and waterfront destinations with an all-in-one system, facilitating daily operations for marina operators. RFID cards/fobs can also be allocated to berth holders, again for a seamless service provision.

Berth holders benefit from numerous features, including Customer Dock - a self-service portal which enables them to independently switch on/off their assigned services via their smartphone/tablet. They can also have a

personal account to make payments via a virtual wallet and obtain transaction history via the BerthVend app; make advance reservations for marina services; and receive automated insession low balance alerts via SMS, email or push marketing, along with outstanding payment reminders. They also have pre-pay and post-pay options; automatic top-up facilities; access to any BerthVend pedestal across the world with the BerthVend app, as well as secure payments via Opayo.

Marina and waterfront destinations are able to choose from various packages when it comes to implementing BerthVend, allowing them to opt for the perfect solution to suit their requirements.

For the future, BerthVend will ensure that marina destinations can benefit from over-the-air firmware updates, without the need for engineers to alter the marina service pedestals on-site. And, as technology evolves, BerthVend will evolve. Some of the potential upcoming features include: contactless payment options; expansion to marina management system, including booking berths via the BerthVend app and bespoke solutions; push marketing to promote the marina’s leisure facilities as

well as third party partners (restaurants, cinemas, shopping centres) to generate additional revenue; push notifications to boat owners, as well as roaming user accounts, allowing the use of the user’s virtual wallet across Rolec’s entire smart systems, including VendElectric and PitchVend. www.rolecserv.com

Christopher Odling-Smee,

Locking rings and isolation transformers

Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems has developed a new locking ring design for 30amp and 50amp marine cable sets and stainless steel inlets.

Aimed at marinas and boat owners, the products enable users to quickly and efficiently connect their services to achieve a watertight seal. Features include: increased surface area for better handling; defined ridges for extra grip; inlet hinge that supports its own weight in the open position; and recessed threads for quicker connect and disconnect to ensure a watertight seal.

The rings are compatible with existing inlets and cable sets of the same configurations and are Marine UL and cUL listed.

Also new from Hubbell

Marine is a six-model range of isolation transformers (below).

Available in combinations of 15 and 25kVA and 60 or 50/60Hz, they are engineered to function with 50 and

100amp systems. Pre-wired, they can be installed per ABYC E-11 for either a polarisation or isolation transformer system. The devices carry UL and ABYC approvals.

Units come with either stainless steel or white powder-coated vibrationresistant housings and a drip lid cover that gives easy access to the main module, terminal block and Hubbell Auto-Boost/remote cable receptacle. Sand-filled and topped with epoxy, they are built for long-lasting use in a marine environment. Robust mounting brackets welded to the base ensure rock-solid stability, no matter the sea state.

The Auto-Boost feature runs a check of the electrical system upon start-up. If low voltage is detected, the device will automatically boost the output by 12.5%. It can be configured to run in static mode, or monitor and regulate voltage every hour in dynamic mode during normal operation. With the Auto-Boost control panel mounted remotely, it is simple to programme the device boost power from 190V up to 220V. www.hubbell-marine.com

With a design life in excess of 25 years, d2 Dura Grating features Dura Composites’ bestever gritted surface which has been tested to over 1 million footfalls (in accordance with BS 7976-2:2002+A1:2013).

It outperforms all other marine walkway products when it comes to durability and anti-slip properties and o ers a superb low maintenance lifecycle which is ideal for marina environments.

The award-winning Mancetter Marina, situated in the Midlands countryside on the Warwickshire Ring.

SMART MARINAS

Catalyst for innovation

Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina, an ambitious one-day, industry-first event aimed at putting the spotlight on sustainable solutions and rewarding and encouraging innovation, was held on 20th September 2021. It was organised by M3 (Monaco Marina Management) and hosted by Yacht Club de Monaco.

With demographic forecasts estimating that over 75% of the world’s population will be living in coastal regions by 2035, and given the yachting sector is expanding swiftly around the world with new destinations and marinas coming on stream, Monaco

Smart & Sustainable Marina presented a unique exchange platform to put forward tangible solutions to build better marinas. The day culminated with the presentation of Innovation Awards to start-up companies that had been evaluated by an expert panel of judges.

Around 250 people (in-person and online), who represented the sector’s most important players (owners, shipyards, start-ups, industrialists and investors) gathered to discuss a

global, collective response to climate challenges and encourage responsible innovation. Among those attending was HSH Prince Albert II, president of Yacht Club de Monaco, HRH Princess Haïfa Al-Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and HRH Princess Sarah Al-Saud, director of maritime development at the Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and first female captain of the Maritime Cooperation Council in the Gulf countries.

The meeting was supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the government’s digital transformation programme, Extended Monaco, alongside Credit Suisse (which has established itself

The Yacht Club de Monaco and its marina was the perfect venue for the inaugural Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina meeting, which was attended by around 250 people. Photo: Ferretti Group

as the yachting bank), Bombardier, SBM Offshore, Teledyne, Xerjoff, NGE Connect and Yacht Club de Monaco.

Promoting innovation

“The global impacts of climate change are expected to continue increasing in frequency and severity and will be irreversible for centuries, even millennia, and are undeniably linked to human activity,” said Marisa Drew, chief sustainability officer and global head sustainability strategy, advisory and finance at Credit Suisse. The financial sector has a role to play, particularly in the blue economy. Investing in sustainable solutions can and should be used as leverage for inspiring strategies for new businesses.

The emergency is now, it is time to act - and in a thoughtful manner as evidenced by new resorts along the Red Sea region “inspired by nature to develop a conceptual resort that will leave the coastline intact,” explained Nicholas King, who is in charge of the Red Sea Development project in Saudi Arabia. Linos Voskarides from the EC’s Directorate General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries confirmed that the European Commission continues to support development projects promoting sustainable maritime ecosystems.

Owners put environment first

Yacht owners have got the measure of the problem. While Richard Attias and Murat Vargi evoked the need for marinas to be pleasant places to live, Georges Cohen emphasised that before that happens it is vital some key aspects be addressed. Appropriate electrification, as in Monaco, use of clean fuel so as to no longer rely

Nicholas King, in charge of the Red Sea Development project in Saudi Arabia, stressed that developments must be inspired by nature so as to leave coastline intact.

Marisa Drew from Credit Suisse stressed that the financial sector has a role to play, particularly in the blue economy, in leading the investment in sustainable solutions.

Lawrence Wang Dafu of Visun Group, China, explained that use of green energy should be a priority and must be combined with a much better use of resources.

When designing and building the Yacht Club de Monaco – a new icon – environmental considerations were paramount. Photo: ycm@mcclic

on diesel generators, application of existing regulations, managing grey and black water, and drinking water, recycling, etc – all are challenges that many marinas need to address, as highlighted by Marco Casiraghi. Both speakers insisted those who do not respect the environment must pay the price for poor conduct. Superyacht captain, Matthias du Verle, also urged that the changes should involve the concept and design of yachts.

The priority of sustainability Concerns about sustainability dominated most of the discussions between marina operators and developers. Beyond talking about practical solutions, often existing but not necessarily implemented, the international panel (Bahamas, China, Saudi Arabia, Monaco) insisted on the need to exceed the regulations.

While everyone admitted sustainable developments involved a big investment, they were seeing the value and not just from an ecological point of view. “Investment in protecting the

Attendees included (l to r): Mr Jean Castellini, Minister of Finance and Economy of Monaco; HRH Princess Haïfa Al-Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism; HSH Prince Albert II, President Yacht Club de Monaco and José Marco Casellini, CEO at M3, the event organiser.

environment should be included in companies’ accounts and incorporated into the overall value of any enterprise, which is not the case,” believes Brendan Jack, director sustainable development at AMAALA (Saudi Arabia). Lawrence Wang Dafu, president of the Visun Group in China echoed what had been said before explaining that use of green energy should be a priority combined with a much better use of resources.

There are many opportunities for smart redevelopment of existing marinas with new building materials,

SMART MARINAS

such as “smart concrete” which helps regenerate marine habitats, noted Christian Denhard, Safe Harbor Rybovich superyachts marina director. There is evidence that solutions could be put into practice now, including those relying on innovations by the start-ups present, on the one condition of really wanting to do so.

Maintenance and refit providers from the shipyards admitted multiple challenges, partly because they are starting from scratch and because, as service providers, they face a complex “dilemma”: big investment in sustainability has an impact on financial returns, as it is not yet possible to turn these investments into higher costs. Although customers are more understanding now, all three believe the road ahead is still long and winding, and say educating crews, workers and even yacht owners is the key.

Smart marinas mirror smart cities

“Most solutions developed for cities can be applied to marinas,” said Philippe Sajhau, vice president IBM France. Regards energy management, Alessandro Pellicano from ENEL-X pointed out that technologies exist and that it is possible to decarbonise a marina by delivering clean fuel to marina users.

The path to sustainable industrial development is through data sharing and transparency as these drive the digitisation tech players. At the heart of these discussions, the Digital Twin concept continues to prove its worth. A system capable of anticipating the

carbon footprint of infrastructure, it can also model the environment and predict how it will evolve with the aid of artificial intelligence algorithms, noted Nicolas Leterrier, CTO at Schneider.

David-Pierre Mangiapan from NGE Connect confirmed that a whole range of solutions exist to “capture” the environment, and that savings of up to 20% can be made on water consumption and 50% on energy. It is important to note that to optimise water resources smart systems are essential, particularly for detecting leaks.

Deploying sensors opens up another group of applications, said Nicolas Leterrier. Taking inspiration from electric vehicles, “rechargeable” yachts can supply the grid when necessary. This so-called “prosumer” approach could be an important element when integrating innovative technologies into eco-responsible boats. One caveat, however, for Mark Brown from Teledyne, is that digital solutions may come with a cybersecurity risk. Earl Presson commented that among startups competing for the Innovation Prize, companies dealing with cybersecurity received their full attention and that this initiative had resulted in them making contact to look at future collaborations.

Winning awards

Although the Smart & Sustainable Marina initiative fostered a day of valuable and focused discussions on what the marina industry needs to explore and implement, its prime goal was to tap into tech-savvy ‘sustainability’ solutions that the industry could adopt.

L to r: Isabelle Gerente, founder Greencity Organisation; Catherine de Roincé, president Terroïko, winner of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marine Awards; Audrey d’Alessandri, M3; José Marco Casellini, CEO M3; Séverine Baudic, managing director new energies and services SBM Offshore; Stéphane Paul, CEO H2X-Ecosystems, third winner; Marisa Drew, chief sustainability officer and global head sustainability strategy, advisory and finance Credit Suisse; Michel Buffat, head of aviation and yacht finance Credit Suisse; Aaron G Frenkel, international investor and philanthropist; and Christophe Degoumois, vice president international sales Bombardier.

Via its international network, innovation specialist Blumorpho attracted contestants with innovative and digital technical solutions that could help make marinas more environmentally responsible.

Blumorpho CEO Géraldine Gustin commented: “Marinas are like condensed micro-cities offering a variety of service and multiple constraints, be they related to energy, environment, or space and resources management. These characteristics make marinas an ecosystem that can pave the way to urban development that is more respectful of the environment, in line with and in harmony with the sea. Innovative solutions proposed by start-ups help reduce the carbon footprint of marinas, from construction to their day-to-day operation.”

From over 100 applications, Blumorpho shortlisted 55 companies from 30 countries. The adventure continued with a Grand Oral of interviews conducted by a jury of experts, which comprised 32 industrialists, investors and representatives from companies who are a reference in their field.

Led by Credit Suisse, Bombardier, SBM Offshore, Veolia, Bouygues Construction, Colas, Bosch, Suez, Holcim, PureTerra Ventures, BtoV, Circularity Capital, SNGLR, SMEG, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Yacht Club de Monaco and NGE Connect, 160 online interviews were

organised over a period of three weeks.

During these orals, each start-up had a chance to defend and promote its project in the hope of winning an award. After a Consensus Meeting on 16th September, 15 were selected in the following categories: equipment, health, energy optimisation, waste treatment, biodiversity and security.

Three best start-up prizes were awarded, and four special ‘Coup de Cœur’ prizes also given to Hospithome, Humint Consulting, Seaflex and Cyrias Technologies.

“We are very proud to be recognised by this award here in Monaco. Monaco is where awareness of the need to protect the marine environment was born, which is our raison d’être at Greencity Organisation,” said a delighted Isabelle Gerente, founder of the start-up which won one of the three awards.

“Personally, I feel it’s a great achievement,” said Stéphane Paul, CEO of H2X-Ecosystems, another winner. “It’s fantastic for the team. It’s a hi-tech project that fits into an ecosystem to review business models and bring on board products that provide more benefits for the environment.”

Catherine de Roincé, president of Terroïko, which also won an award, commented: “It was a very inspiring day with many relevant talks that will help us stand back from our challenges and reflect (…) it’s a pleasure to receive

SMART MARINAS

an award from such a convinced and discerning audience, so I take this as a sign of a very genuine interest in our solutions.”

The winners also have an opportunity to raise their profile even higher, by presenting their company and project at Monaco Ocean Week 2022, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 (Monaco Marina Management) presented the awards. “Promoting young companies who are improving production methods and who through their projects are building the marinas of the future, like condensed Smart Cities, is the essence of this meeting’s philosophy,” he said.

Geraldine Gustin noted that “this first edition brought together an ecosystem of players whose collaboration will make it possible to exploit innovative technologies at the service of sustainable development to achieve carbon neutrality and respect for biodiversity.”

Bertrand Piccard, founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation, announced: “I am not surprised, yet again, to see Monaco’s pioneering spirit. It has proved very insightful to focus on marinas and yachts as there are so many solutions out there to make them more environmentally responsible. All participants have the opportunity to have an impact.”

A second event will take place 25th26th September 2022. www.sustainablesmartmarina.com

Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Award winners

Credit Suisse Prize: Green City (France)

Bombardier Prize: Terroiko (France)

SBM Offshore Prize: H2X Ecosystems (France)

Coup de Cœur Prize Monaco Marina Management: Hospithome (Switzerland) and Humint

Consulting (Italy)

Coup de Cœur Prize Credit Suisse: Seaflex (Sweden)

Coup de Cœur Prize Teledyne: Cyrias (USA)

Boardwalk upgrade improves marina access on River Shannon

Leitrim County Council in Ireland has recently improved shoreside access to its Carrick on Shannon public marina by replacing its existing fixed boardwalk with a new 340m (1,115ft) long x 2.4m (7ft 8in) wide floating walkway.

Working with Deane Public Works, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) designed and manufactured the new installation, which includes a 3m (10ft) wide fuel berth and eight access gangways with lifebuoy housings and safety ladders. All are anchored in place by a new piled mooring system.

The heavy-duty pontoon system, topped with ICMS’s unique glass reinforced concrete (GRC) decking, provides safe and non-slip, all-yearround access to the marina’s on-site facilities for the public, all leisure boat users and local boat hire companies.

“Being a very popular cruising area, it was important that we completed the installation with as minimal disruption as possible to the local access,” said Ger Buckley, project engineer at ICMS. “We achieved this by taking a phased approach, closely liaising with all contractors and programming the activities in.”

Wrapping around the entire length of the marina site, the public boardwalk

now connects the quayside to the access road and car park, allowing users to enter the marina via a new gangway on the eastern side, and exit on the northern side.

“We’re delighted with the quality of the new boardwalk, an attractive upgrade to the waterfront providing a strong, stable walkway for visitors,” commented Shay O’Connor, senior engineer with Leitrim County Council.

“Even though conditions were challenging at times with access routes being periodically submerged, the team at Inland and Coastal completed the installation efficiently and without disrupting the activities of the regular commercial users of the marina.”

“The boardwalk will provide a new walking route along the waterfront for both locals and visitors and new access for users of leisure vessels which cruise along this section of the River Shannon, boosting the tourist industry which plays a major role here in Carrick on Shannon’s economy.”

www.inlandandcoastal.com

Storable buys Molo

Self-storage expert Storable has added Molo to its group of companies and taken a first step into the marine sector. As part of the acquisition, the Molo team will remain in place to continue leading the marina business unit.

Molo co-founders Rocko Stojiljkovic and Lucas Isola, both boaters, founded Molo with the goal to bring powerful and easy-to-use tools to the marina industry. The team has always strived to help marinas and similar businesses capitalise on the most modern SaaS tools to help them improve and grow.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Storable. We look forward to leveraging the Storable model to build the most powerful suite of products in the recreational marine industry,” Isola said.

“Storable not only supplies a huge portion of the storage industry with software but they also have a marketplace, a payments product, insurance and a new IoT access control product.”

“There are so many natural opportunities to achieve great economies of scale and provide our customers with enhanced capabilities to optimise their businesses. This is just the beginning and great things are to come,” he added.

Marinas share a lot of key similarities to self-storage. Through integrated products and services, both Molo and Storable plan to empower their customers to create five-star experiences. They have each earned reputations for delivering their respective industries with comprehensive, end-to-end business solutions and increased operational efficiency. www.storable.com

Pouring onsite benefit

Whether transported by barge or truck, getting pontoon sections to their final destination is a significant cost. Golden Manufacturing has addressed this problem by offering an option to bring moulds for its patented Golden Flotation System to the marina location for pouring on-site.

Golden systems are manufactured from reinforced concrete that meets ASTM-94 and A-185 standards with a 28-day compression strength of 5,000psi. Rugged UV-resistant polyethylene pontoons filled with expanded polystyrene provide ample flotation and meet ASTM C-578 and C-272 requirements.

Using premium concrete and Golden’s proven methodology, it is possible to create a dock section in situ that maintains the company’s high

standards of quality. Full documentation is shared with the cement contractor to ensure each unit is as durable and long-lasting as one made in Golden’s own facility.

As the system is modular in nature, the customer can create virtually any configuration. The concrete decking is available in an almost endless variety of

colours and, while the standard finish is a broomed non-skid, it can be moulded to resemble bricks, stone or wooden planks.

Pontoons are connected using Golden’s extruded aluminium whalers with the ability to fit and move cleats, pile guides and finger piers. www.goldenmarinesystems.com

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Floating structure for launch and store

The Norwegian Tourist Association has a new SF Marina floating launching and storage structure at its Breivoll Farm location just south of Oslo. It is now easy for kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders to explore the scenic beauty and calm waters of the Bunne Fjord.

SF Marina in Brazil

SF Marina has opened an office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Led by Ernani Paciornik, SF Marina Brazil functions as the official agent in the country for SF pontoons, breakwaters and concrete structures. The move strengthens the parent company’s global production and distribution network.

“While known for its beautiful beaches, Brazil sees its fair share of tropical cyclones,” said Michael

Sigvardsson. “That’s why our products are so ideal for the region. Built to withstand the most violent weather

Designed by AART Architects of Aarhus, Denmark to float on wellproven, maintenance-free and virtually unsinkable SF Marina pontoons, the 13m (43ft) wide x 16m (52ft) long structure dovetails perfectly with the natural surroundings and the Nordic aesthetic: pleasingly clean and simple with ample use of wood. It is anchored to the seabed using chains and concrete anchors, and is accessed via a short bridge from the floating berths.

The front of the structure has a large preparation area ending in four fingers that create three launching bays. Each finger angles slightly upward, allowing paddlers to ease into a boat safely using both arms. Because of the inherent stability of the pontoons, the wood-decked surface is rock solid.

The building offers storage for 40-50 boats and has a popular rooftop sun deck. Storage rental is completely selfservice; the paddler books online and gains entrance with an access code.

“Breivoll Farm was a fun project to work on,” said SF Marina CEO Michael Sigvardsson. “Collaboration with the AART architects and engineers enabled us to create something unusual and special together that is sure to become a model for other popular paddling destinations.” www.sfmarina.com

events, when the storm passes they’re still there.”

SF Marina Brazil operates under the Grupo Náutico umbrella of marine businesses. The 40-year old firm is the largest nautical-oriented company in the country and has extensive development experience throughout the South American region. www.gruponautica.com.br

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Europe are in the pipeline.”

Recent new clients include Dubai Harbour, Jebel Ali Resort and Al Qana in the Gulf, Sanctuary Cove Marina and Keppel Bay Marina in Australia, and Ocean Village Marina

The company has launched a completely localised product for North America under the brand Marina Assist. An in-market team

Surge in software sales

Marina management software specialist, Harbour Assist, reports a successful 12 months.

“This is an exciting time for Harbour Assist,” explains chief revenue officer Nick Gill. “We’ve invested in our team so that in the last six months [to August]

we’ve delivered innovative new product features and expanded sales. We’ve launched in Australia, New Zealand and the US, and more sales into mainland

dedicated sales and support to US and Canadian marinas and

According to Gill, changes to the global boating environment, including a boom in boat ownership and COVID restrictions, have driven demand for marina management systems that give operators the tools to adapt services, work remotely and expand rapidly. Harbour Assist has responded with new features, such as text-to-pay, smart list bulk communications and customer selfservice. More is in the development pipeline. www.harbourassist.com www.marinaassist.com

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Index to Advertisers

AMI Expo, USA 28

ASAR/GCM Safe Harbour

Drystacks, USA 26

Bellingham Marine, USA 7, 9 & 11

Bluewater Marine & Dock, USA 48

Boat Lift, Italy 16

CMI/Gaterdock/ Lumberock, USA 54

Capria, Argentina 22

Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 10

Den Hartog Industries, USA 60

DrySta, Spain 24

DualDocker, Austria 30

Dura Composites, UK 51

Eaton Marina Power & Lighting, USA 24

Flovac, Spain 27

GC Marine, Australia 47

GH Cranes & Components, Spain 64

Gigieffe, Italy 35

Golden Manufacturing, USA 14 & 15

IMCI, Belgium 60

Ingemar, Italy 12

Inland & Coastal

Marina Systems, UK & Ireland 50

Inmare, Italy 58

Lindley, Portugal 18

Livart Marine, China 22

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 59

Marina Projects, UK 63

Marina World Suppliers & Services, UK 42 & 43

MARINAGo by Scribble Software, USA 28

Marinetek, Finland 4

Marine Travelift, USA 50

Marex, Croatia 58

Pacsoft, New Zealand 60

PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 8

Plus Marine, Italy 54

Rolec, UK 41

Ronautica, Spain 44

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 57

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Seaflex, Sweden 6

Seijsener, Netherlands 20

Superior Group, Australia 58

Swede Ship Sublift, Sweden 22

ThruFlow, Canada 48

Twinwood by Soprefa, Portugal 61

Walcon Marine, UK 20

Wiggins Lift Co, USA 44

Premier footballer champions Premier club

Highly regarded former Premiership footballer Francis (Franny) Benali (above) has become a new member and brand ambassador for the Premier Agapi Boat Club.

“Boating is completely new for me but I really feel in safe hands with the Premier Agapi Boat Club team,” he said during a partnership presentation at the UK’s Southampton International Boat Show in September. “Having been out on the water on one of the top of the range fleet today with my wife Karen at the show, I am even more excited to get started with my [RYA] training later this month.”

Andy Mills, business development director at Premier Marinas added: “We are delighted that Franny is coming on board. We wanted to work with a first timer because we really want to show how quick and easy it is to get out on the water. We’re going to be following Franny’s RYA Powerboat 2 training in just a few weeks’ time.”

The Club has already enjoyed significant growth at its inaugural location at Premier’s Swanwick Marina since opening for business late last year. Premier Agapi Boat Club is now set to expand and preparing to open clubs at both Chichester and Noss on Dart for the start of the 2022 season,

giving members the opportunity to explore even more of the stunning south coast.

With changing attitudes to ownership, boat clubs are a rapidly growing concept in the UK and Premier is already one of the leading club operators. It has a low member to boat ratio to ensure the highest levels of service and availability and scaled up its fleet of performance craft earlier this year in anticipation of a step change in demand following the various lockdowns.

Latest additions include the powerful Agapi 800 and Agapi 950 models, both of which offer sheltered year-round boating and below deck accommodation, on-board toilet and cooking facilities.

The Club’s tailored memberships welcome beginners and more experienced boaters alike with any training requirements also supported. Membership provides the ultimate in hassle-free, family-friendly and affordable boating with no joining fees or maintenance costs to worry about.

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Whatever the requirements, we will exceed expectations to deliver a world leading solution that considers the needs of our clients and stakeholders at every stage.

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