Marina World

WHAT LIES BELOW

WHEN MOTHER NATURE HITS YOU WITH A WINTER STORM, WHAT LIES BELOW THE SURFACE CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

SF Marina is a world-renowned expert in the development of new or existing premium marinas. We provide state-of-the-art ﬂoating breakwaters and concrete pontoons to anyone, anywhere, who is planning to build a marina. And who wants it to still be there after the storm.

Jeddah Yacht Club Marina soft opens for the inaugural Saudi Arabia F1 Grand Prix

& Design

One Works’ projects in Liguria and Tuscany; Elements of marina design (Marina Projects); Planning for successful construction (SmithGroup); Decades of design (ATM)

BR Marinas of Brazil focuses on a range of eco-friendly investments at its eight marinas

Charlotte Niemiec sums up regional industry highlights over the past 12 months

On the cover: Superyachts arrived in force at the brand new JYC Marina in Saudi Arabia for prime position at the F1 Grand Prix. The marina has capacity for over 100 yachts and can accommodate vessels up to 120m (390ft) in length. See Cover Story p.17.

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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Buying and selling

Every new year is flush with announcements of buy-outs, and the start of 2022 reinforces this trend significantly. The final quarter of 2021 was evidently a time for concluding a flurry of negotiations that underline the value-driven nature of the marina sector.

Brand building continues in the USA with yet more marinas added to the giant Suntex portfolio. Clever acquisitions have added well-positioned Florida marinas – one apiece on the west coast, east coast and Keys – and an inland marina in California on the destination Lake Tahoe. Expansion and improvement are always on the Suntex agenda, where practicable, and Tahoe Keys Marina is envisaged as becoming “a world-class trophy asset” when redeveloped.

The purchasing power of Southern Marinas II also reached dizzy heights during 2021 and included several end-of-year announcements. Having sold one marina portfolio (as Southern Marinas), Southern Marinas Holdings II set out to create a second, and amassed a group of ten assets in just seven months last year. In total, the marinas offer over 5,650 slips.

Additional news came in from Port 32 Marinas, with its purchase of The Marina at Ortega Landing in Jacksonville, Florida – and the addition of 11 marinas to the UKbased Aquavista group. More details on this in March/April.

Other significant investment was made in Marinetek, one of the world’s leading suppliers of floating marinas. Nordic private asset specialist CapMan Special Solutions has become the majority shareholder with a view to growing the business to the next level. “With the order books of the boating and superyacht industry currently on an all-time high, we expect the infrastructure spending on marina projects to stay elevated for years to come,” commented Marinetek CEO Mika Parviainen.

The heightened interest in boating is further confirmed by BR Marinas, the largest network of marinas in Brazil, and spurs its decision to expand beyond the Rio de Janeiro region. BR has grown by an average of 17% during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic to date, with some of its members registering a 30% increase in membership. The network is confident that this trend will not only continue but actually increase in coming years.

In this issue, in addition to the emergence of the exciting new Jeddah Yacht Club Marina in Saudi Arabia, we give coverage to significant investment projects designed to expand and enhance existing infrastructure. Highlights include: Premier Marinas’ expansion of Noss-on-Dart Marina in the UK; far-reaching projects in Porto di Ventimiglia and Livorno Porta a Mare in Italy; further expansion of Marina Port Vell Barcelona, Spain; and special dock projects at Southport Yacht Club, Gold Coast, Australia and Spring Point Marina in Maine, USA.

It’s a bustling start to 2022.

Happy New Year!

Carol Fulford Editor

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WORLD NEWS

CapMan invests in Marinetek

FINLAND: CapMan Special Situations, a leading Nordic private asset expert, has become the majority owner of Marinetek Group. It will recapitalise the group, and Marinetek’s senior loans have been transferred to CapMan Fund ownership.

“Marinetek is the preferred brand in premium marinas and floating solutions with an unparalleled global reach across Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America,” stated Antti Uusitalo, partner at CapMan Special Situations. “This transaction enables complete restructuring of Marinetek’s balance sheet, and the company will receive necessary financing to strengthen its capabilities and drive future growth.”

Ilkka Seppälä, founder of Marinetek Group, reinforced this: “Marinetek has come a long way since it was founded in 1994. This transaction provides a strong financing backbone for the company to embark on the next wave of expansion after a few difficult years. I am confident that the transaction will enable Marinetek to succeed in its growth plans.”

“I am pleased that the company’s financing now rests on a very solid foundation,” added Marinetek CEO Mika Parviainen. “With the order books of the boating and superyacht industry currently on an all-time high, we expect the infrastructure spending on marina projects to stay elevated for years to come. With CapMan’s support, we are well equipped to grow the business to the next level.”

CapMan Special Situations invests in event-driven opportunities across economic cycles and industry sectors. It specialises in demanding corporate restructurings and operational transformations.

CapMan will actively contribute to Marinetek’s development, together with its co-investors Karri Kaitue and Heikki Westerlund.

UK: Gillingham Marina, a 490 berth facility on a 19.3 acre (7.8ha) site in Kent, England was sold by Savills to a private buyer in December. Kay Griffiths of Savills commented: “Gillingham Marina offered an exciting opportunity for investors to acquire a wellestablished marina. We received strong interest in the sale as the marina has extensive facilities and opportunities to add value, and we are delighted to find an experienced leisure operator that intends to invest and develop the site further to the benefit of the users.”

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New-look Noss on Dart readies for opening

UK: Premier Marinas’ ambitious £75 million regeneration of Noss on Dart Marina in the west of England will make giant strides forward in the first quarter of this year as the new floating marina system completes and the new drystack opens.

Work on the 232-berth marina system, undertaken by Walcon Marine, commenced in winter 2020/21 when all original infrastructure was removed and new piles driven. Due to the density of the shillet rock that lies under the river, the Walcon Wizard piling barge had to use a vibratory piling technique to insert 102 new mooring piles. This task took eight months as the installation team also had to work with strong currents and deep waters in places.

Walkways and finger pontoons are of System 21 type with special features that include premium fendering and extra wide central ducting along the back walkway for heavy duty cabling. The layout follows the line of the river.

Walcon’s heavy-duty Waliflote pontoons with reinforced guides and frames have been used at the upper end of the marina to protect it from debris coming downstream, while the outer pier at the downstream end of the marina comprises five 20m x 3m (66ft x

10ft) concrete pontoons, each weighing 32 tonnes.

In addition to the marina, Walcon also built and installed two access bridges, one for the main part of the marina and the other for the alongside berths adjacent to the shoreside facilities. Additional pontoons have also been installed to serve the new boat hoist built by Teignmouth Maritime Services.

Over the winter of 2021/22 Walcon will complete the marina with the addition of the remaining pontoons and the supply and installation of a new bridgehead and a fuel pontoon.

The new drystack, which opens in March, will accommodate around 100 boats up to 9m (29ft). It is expected to be popular with RIB and motor boat owners.

Other elements of the regeneration plan include a hotel, commercial buildings and a number of residential units.

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Geosyntec buys ATM

USA: Applied Technology & Management (ATM), a waterfront engineering and consulting firm that has handled many global marina projects (see article on p.37) has joined consulting engineers Geosyntec. The buy-out took place towards the end of the third quarter last year.

“The addition of ATM’s specialised expertise in the coastal and waterfront disciplines complements Geosyntec’s core capabilities,” said Geosyntec president and CEO Peter Zeeb. “The combined team’s capabilities offer preferred-provider solutions for resiliency and adaptation of natural and built environments in the vicinity of coastal and inland water bodies for our clients in the USA and internationally. Very importantly, ATM and Geosyntec have

shared values and company cultures, and are unwavering in our commitment to practice leadership and client service.”

ATM’s Sam Phlegar added: “Geosyntec and ATM are aligned in culture and we are excited about the possibility of leveraging the established reputations of both our firms, delivering coastal and marina engineering services to a wider geographic footprint and expanding our service skillsets to our clients.”

Go-ahead given for Larnaca Marina

CYPRUS: Construction is due to start on the long-awaited €1.2 billion redevelopment of Larnaca marina and port. The environmental impact study was approved in December 2021.

Developer, Kition Ocean Holdings, plans a four-phase project over a 12 to 15 year timeframe. The Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) project will see the government receiving fixed rent and a percentage of the revenue through a 40-year concession agreement with the marina. A further 125-year property lease has also been acquired.

The 650-berth marina will cater for

vessels of 5 to 150m (16 to 490ft) with vessel repair facilities, a club house, event venues, sailing and diving schools.

Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary, Stavros Michael, said that the project will be the island’s biggest to date and the goal is to utilise all available means and renewable energy sources for the project while also protecting the biodiversity of the area.

Bids to open for marina concessions

GREECE: At least four marina concessions are likely to be made available within the next six months under the state privatisation fund TAIPED’s Asset Development Plan.

Bids for Pylos Marina are now open, and a deadline for submissions for Aretsou Marina in Thessaloniki has been set at 24th February.

Further bids will be invited for Spilias

Marina in Corfu as well as for the port and marina of Mykonos.

Dozens of further marinas and property assets also form part of a new TAIPED investment programme.

La Valletta Loano Hammamet Stora Palau

Fiskardo Aqaba 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

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Suntex further broadens market reach

USA: Suntex Marina Investors bolstered its property ownership in the fourth quarter of 2021 with the acquisition of more marinas in Florida and California.

At the end of October, the company announced its purchase of the Marinas at Little Harbor (East Marina and West

Marina). Located in Ruskin, Florida and formerly known as Antigua Cove and Village Marina, they offer wet and dry

slips and fill a portfolio gap for Suntex in the Tampa Bay area. Dry storage facilities are up for expansion.

On the eastern seaboard, Suntex turned its attention to further building its presence in the all-important Fort Lauderdale area with the acquisition of Seahaven Marina (left), a discreet superyacht marina that complements its other megayacht destinations. It is the company’s third asset in Broward County and its tenth in South Florida.

Suntex likewise boosted its hold on the Florida Keys market by buying Caloosa Marina in Islamorada. Situated east of Key West and two hours south of Miami, Caloosa is a destination marina with 32 wet slips and 88 dry slips.

In a final move to close 2021, Suntex announced the buy-out of Tahoe Keys Marina, the largest protected inland marina on Lake Tahoe, California. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and one of the deepest in the USA.

“This acquisition gives Suntex an opportunity to manage and eventually redevelop Tahoe Keys Marina, the premier marina on lake Tahoe, into a world-class trophy asset that all of the stakeholders in the South Lake Tahoe community deserve,” said David Filler, head of investments for Suntex Marinas.

Fast-track portfolio building

USA: In November/December 2021, Southern Marinas Holdings II announced a flurry of portfolio additions:

• Grand Harbor Condominiums and Marina, Pickwick Lake, Tennessee: a full-service marina and resort with wet slips and condominium rentals that is a popular stop-over for boaters navigating America’s Great Loop – a 6,000 mile (9,700km) trip along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

• Tims Ford Marina and Resort, Winchester, Tennessee: located on Tims Ford Lake, a picturesque 10,700 acre (4,300ha) lake with over 265 miles (426.5km) of shoreline, and offering cabin and boat rentals and the popular Hard Dock Café.

• Harbortown Marina (right), Merritt Island, Florida: situated in a naturally protected harbour on the Space Coast with an extensive wet slip marina, covered and uncovered dry storage and a wealth of amenities.

• Four Corners Yacht Club and RV Park, Antioch, Tennessee and Cedar Creek Marina, Mt Juliet, Tennessee: popular marinas located on two prominent lakes in the greater Nashville area. Both offer a wealth of amenities and are in the process of expanding. New slips will be added for the 2022 boating season.

The Southern Marinas portfolio, amassed in just seven months last year, stood at ten assets as of 28th December 2021.

The properties offer a total of 5,670 boat slips and 275 RV sites located across the USA in Florida, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Washington.

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JYC Marina soft opens for Saudi Grand Prix

Jeddah Yacht Club (JYC) Marina, the first marina on the Red Sea coast to offer berthing for vessels up to 120m (390ft) in length, welcomed yachts in early December 2021 to mark the inaugural Saudi Arabia F1 Grand Prix. The official grand opening of Jeddah Yacht Club will be celebrated in late March 2022.

With berthing for over 100 yachts of all sizes, JYC Marina epitomises the future of superyachting on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. It is the first step in a ten year plan to launch major yachting developments from Neom in the north to Amaala and the Red Sea Project further south, in Jeddah and beyond.

Developed by SELA, the national company behind some of the most ambitious lifestyle projects in the country, the marina offers berthing in a safe and secure environment with private helipad, gated entry and easy access for guests, service providers and ship chandlers. All berths either have electricity supply via Rolec Quantum service pedestals, a stylish and slender design that is a popular option in Middle East marinas, or via Rolec MegaMaster units. Rolec also supplied LED deck lighting and a mobile Fire Caddy.

JYC Marina, situated in the northern part of Jeddah, only a few kilometres

from the new King Abdulaziz airport and the city centre, is recognised by the Saudi authorities as a port of entry into the kingdom. As such, it provides customs clearance and immigration services to all vessels, including foreign-flagged superyachts that will charter in the area or stop off to visit this fast-developing destination on their way to the newly opened cruising grounds of the East Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. In addition, once

fully operational by the end of March, JYC Marina will provide repair and maintenance facilities within the marina precinct.

With this highly strategic location, JYC Marina is ready to welcome permanent and seasonal yachts coming from the Mediterranean, the GCC, the Indian Ocean, Asia and beyond.

JYC Marina operates in association with Jeddah Yacht Club, an exclusive members-only establishment. The Club was founded to grow the maritime spirit and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia by providing diverse, world-class experiences across a full spectrum of social, sports and leisure activities.

It aims to provide a major new platform in the kingdom for the development of sailing, boating and every facet of on-water and sporting lifestyle. It also intends to raise awareness of the need to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the preservation of the Red Sea environment for the younger generations and the local community to enjoy and take care of in their turn.

Jeddah Yacht Club’s architecture has been carefully designed to stimulate the senses and offer its members a rich, marine-inspired atmosphere where they can enjoy the numerous social and nautical activities available. Its mastand-sail themed 5,000m² (53,800ft²) club house, located by the entrance channel of the marina, is a beacon of welcome to Jeddah’s shores.

In addition to panoramic views of the city, the club boasts a feast of facilities for its members, including restaurants, a wellness centre, business centre, lounges, concierge services, sailing and nautical activities. Its Beach

Above: JYC Marina sits beside the new Saudi Arabian F1 racetrack. Right: the marina’s 100+ berths have access to power via Rolec pedestals.

Photo: JYC

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The mast-and-sail themed Jeddah Yacht Club nears completion and will open in March.

Club, operated by a team from worldrenowned Omnia Club, features an infinity pool with glorious views over the Red Sea.

The entire project – JYC Marina, the Jeddah Yacht Club and a collection of retail and food and beverage outlets on the marina boardwalk – was built in record time; an incredible six months from breaking ground on an inland site to welcoming some of the biggest yachts in the world.

The combined marina and club are anchored in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan aimed at contributing to its economic growth and creating career opportunities for Saudi Arabian nationals while promoting culture, entertainment and sport participation.

“We’re delighted that the world of yachting now has its first home address on Saudi Arabia’s Red Coast. All the teams have worked very hard to give birth to this great marina and magnificent club house in record time,”

said Mohideen Nazer, director parks and resorts for SELA. “This is a small step in our contribution to the realisation of Vision 2030 for the kingdom but it is nonetheless a major first step to turn the Red Sea Coast into a compelling destination for yachting aficionados to enjoy our amazing cruising grounds.”

Oliver Rees, general manager Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina added:

“JYC Marina and the Jeddah Yacht Club will be a perfect home port for private yachts but also a great place to meet, enjoy sailing and water sports and revel in the quality of services we have on offer. It will also be a gateway to the wonders of the Red Sea, and we are confident that this fantastic new facility will rapidly become a prime waypoint on the global yachting map.”

Since 1963 Walcon has proven itself to be a worldwide leader in the design, construction and installation of marinas and berthing facilities, with renowned

Shepperton Marina

Image: JYC

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Italian marinas in the broader context

Design studio One Works has been commissioned to undertake two new urban waterfront regeneration projects in different parts of Italy. The contracts are just two of many awarded for wide-ranging infrastructure in recent years to a firm with an increasingly global reach. Donatella Zucca reports

Based in Milan, with offices in Venice, Rome, Dubai, London, Singapore, Chennai and Bangkok, One Works is an architecture and engineering firm specialising in master planning and design of well populated urban spaces. The company’s team of over 150 people has worked on planning and design for airports, ports, railway stations, subways, shopping centres, and varied buildings in both public and private sectors.

Recent work includes the redevelopment of the Marco Polo airport terminal in Venice, the Tre Torri City Life Square in Milan, the Transport Education Centre in Qatari capital Doha, a luxury outlet in San Marino and the King Abdul Aziz Boulevard in Mecca.

The new marina projects are located in Liguria (Porto di Ventimiglia) and Tuscany (Livorno Porta a Mare). The former project was awarded by Marina Development Corporation (MDC) and the latter by listed company IGD SiiQ.

“Marinas are a tool for urban regeneration,” says Leonardo Cavalli, founder and managing partner of One Works. He explains that in a highly urbanised country like Italy, where around 30% of the population lives in coastal cities, marinas regenerate

areas and boost tourism.

“Our work in Ventimiglia and Livorno focuses on these aspects, leveraging the opportunity that maritime infrastructures offer and on the regeneration of the areas that host or overlook the marinas so as to integrate the specific function of the marina with a general enhancement of the overall context.”

Porto di Ventimiglia and MDC

For Porto di Ventimiglia, also known as Marina Cala del Forte, One Works has

Above: Livorno Porta a Mare is designed to revitalise redundant port space. Right: Marina Cala del Forte is the hub for a high level tourist attraction.

Leonardo Cavalli

“Ocean Reef Marina”, Panama

Porto di Ventimiglio will have extensive landside facilities.

provided a masterplan for urban/ environmental procedures, which was presented to the municipality in April 2021. MDC, advisor to the BDF investment fund managed by Narmia SGR, will deliver €200 million in urban and residential developments around the marina, which was officially inaugurated in July last year.

Marina Cala del Forte sits within the Ports de Monaco group (a joint-stock company 100% owned by the state of Monaco) and is owned by the Société Monégasque Internationale Portuaire, created in 2016 to find ways to provide berths close to Monaco’s fully subscribed marinas.

The work covers an area of 5.7ha (14 acres) and, like the marina, is directed at creating a high level tourist/ accommodation destination of benefit to the entire city. The main focus will be on the Borgo del Forte area, which will have 70 branded apartments and a 5-star hotel that will manage a further 60. La Roca restaurant, west of the residential complex, and the former Automobile Club Italia (ACI) building, will be transformed into a Club Italia food and beverage outlet.

The developers will build a campus known as Borgo del Forte set back behind the Nervia waterway. This will comprise an international school, with space for events, tennis courts, an Olympic sized swimming pool and accommodation for students, athletes and teachers.

Founded in 2020, MDC provides consultancy and property management services for destinations related to Mediterranean marinas. Key players involved include the Dutch tycoon Rob Thielen, founder of the Waterland Private Equity Investments Group and special advisor to MDC.

MDC is also currently working with the Pisa in Progress property fund on an urban regeneration masterplan for areas around the tourist port. The project aims to create a high-level tourist destination, bring economic growth to the area and take advantage of the city’s global connection via the Galileo Galilei International Airport. The areas of work will cover 16ha (39.5

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

acres) along the delta of the River Arno and will integrate well with the tourist port. It will enrich the urban fabric of Marina di Pisa with greenery, renovated buildings and new structures.

“The Ventimiglia project – in a border city – aims to redefine the positioning of a stretch of coastline that is popular with tourists,” Cavalli explains. He says that the new marina has created opportunities to rethink development of areas not just connected to the marina but in the underdeveloped local urban catchment.

“The value generated will thus be redistributed not only for strictly tourist purposes but to serve the collective interests of the city more generally,” he adds. “The project will actually be an economic and social accelerator as the impact on the local economy is expected to be three to five times greater than the investment in addition to generating long term value.”

The areas involved and the plans for each are very different but are all guided by three fundamental principles of sustainability: environment, economy and social sphere. Borgo del Forte, built behind the marina, will consolidate the land with the water and boost tourist accommodation. It will increase the service offering to marina users while also boosting the city’s tourism offering.

Construction of this new residential/ reception area will be accompanied by the restoration of the former Campasso railway station as well as the education and social functions of the Borgo del Forte campus. All will be achieved by enhancing existing buildings, especially

those in disuse, and adding just two new buildings, green public spaces and community sports facilities.

MDC’s general programme also provides for other intervention in the existing urban area so as to start a process of general redevelopment of the city’s fabric and facilities. To facilitate the reconciliation and integration of new port infrastructure with the rest of the city, Borgo del Forte will complete regeneration of the urban waterfront to the west. A mechanised walkway will connect the latter and the marina with the old city on the hill behind. The sports and landscaped areas will close the circle of recreational spaces offered in the city’s eastern section, interacting with the Nervia river and with cycle paths beside the waterway and along the coast.”

Livorno Porta a Mare and IDG

Livorno Porta a Mare in the Porto Mediceo area of Livorno in Tuscany covers an area of 4.5ha (11 acres) and will incorporate residential and hospitality buildings. The project is funded by IGD SiiQ, one of the first Italian groups in the property retail sector to be listed on the Euronext STAR Milan segment of the Italian Stock Exchange.

“The proposal for a complete transformation of the Porto Medicco area in Livorno stems from a joint public and private interest and the determination of the project promoter IDG,” Cavalli says. “It is being developed around a stretch of water that will host the Porta a Mare marina.”

Developed around a new 800-berth marina, Livorno Porta a Mare is set to attract vessels of all sizes.

With a history of over ten years, the project has already achieved several transformations, with the construction of a commercial and residential destination in the Piazza Mazzini area. More recently, One Works has been involved in the revision of the general masterplan and of other areas not yet realised.

“The aim of the project is the redevelopment of an abandoned area that was once occupied by shipyards,” Cavalli explains. This will help the city reposition itself along the tourist stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast and better attract leisure boats and cruise ships.

The programme includes the establishment of hotel, hospitality and leisure businesses and will enable the city to regain its access to the sea. An idea has also been mooted to create a sealife museum in collaboration with the city’s university given the proximity to the Cetacean Sanctuary that covers the stretch of sea between Livorno, Corsica and Liguria.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Everything will be developed around the construction of a new 800-berth marina, which will include berths for large vessels. The latter will benefit from the close proximity of the Azimut Benetti shipyard for repair and maintenance services.

The result will thus be an urban marina where a stretch of water used a century ago as a seaside destination once again becomes a new public space. The development of new surrounding functions and services, such as pedestrian and cycle paths,

will reinforce the connection with the historic city and the rest of the coast.

Livorno Porta a Mare is also another example of the bid to transform and enhance abandoned industrial areas to boost economies and reclaim waterfront land for public use. It will respond to all key environmental, economic and social principles and be consistent with the PRNN National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which was launched by the Italian Government in response to the COVID pandemic.

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MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Considering all the elements

by Simon Goodhead

Marina designs are complex and informed by several considerations. They require thorough research and planning to ensure all design and environmental matters are realised at an early stage. It is important to consider many aspects including the technical feasibility, the market opportunity, marina operational requirements and commercial viability when designing a new marina.

Let’s highlight some of the elements that need to be considered with new marina designs, and the evolving detail that comes forward as part of the design process.

The design process

It is important to recognise that every marina is different from another and that there are a multitude of factors that influence the scale and type of marina development that is delivered. Notwithstanding the range of different outcomes, the process is relatively consistent, whether we are designing a marina development on the east coast of England or a marina development associated with a new mega-project in the Red Sea.

Each and every site is assessed on its own merits. For example, in terms of the boating opportunities that the site provides access to, and the user groups that will be attracted to the marina and any associated development. This is typically identified through a market study, tailored to the location to

Hotspots in the Bahamas: consideration of extreme design conditions, such as climate and Sea Level Rise, are key components to the engineering of a marina structure.

determine the opportunities for boating activity. In addition, the proposed site is assessed to establish the physical site constraints and opportunities for the potential introduction (or enhancement in the case of a redevelopment) of marine leisure activity. The factors to consider are varied but site exposure

A marina is often a single component in a much wider development scheme that involves extensive urban planning and infrastructure.

and creating an acceptable wave climate and good navigable access are often prominent.

A key consideration of any scheme is the clear understanding of the client’s vision, aspiration and objectives for a site. This essentially provides the cornerstone for the marina design and helps to define some of the main design parameters in terms of market positioning.

The initial stage of any marina design process is the marriage and balancing of the following critical factors: the market opportunities; the physical site constraints and opportunities; and, of course, the vision and aspiration for the development. This provides a clear understanding of the objective and establishes a sound basis for progressing a design that is well considered and appropriate for the location.

Simon Goodhead

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Layout and design considerations

Robust market intelligence and bankable data is extremely important to help inform the design of new marina developments and the redevelopment of existing sites. The outputs of the studies are used to identify gaps in the market that can be ‘targeted’ through design development, as well as identifying the potential user groups and type of marina operation that is most suitable for the site. The superyacht sector is often an area of interest and through fleet tracking it is possible to establish the regional and local superyacht fleet, the nature of activity, seasonality etc. A detailed understanding of fleet activity and industry trends from closely monitoring and tracking the global fleet provides unparalleled market intelligence to help inform market sector opportunities in any location.

It is often the case that the delivery of a marina is a single component in a much wider development scheme that involves extensive urban planning and infrastructure. In this regard, it is important to have a clear understanding of the landside uses and allocations so that the ‘on water’ activity and anticipated set of user groups are matched appropriately, creating synergies across the marina development. Commercial viability is enhanced where premium value uses on the water and on the land can be married together.

The marina zoning becomes an important aspect of the concept design process of new facilities but is also very relevant for existing sites where landside activity is already well established. An example of this might include an area of the marina waterfront which is vibrant and activated through the presence of commercial activity such as retail and food and beverage operators. In this situation, it may be more appropriate to align adjacent berths for more active marina use, such as day boats or commercial vessels as opposed to, say, superyachts.

The marina design must respond to the wider development masterplan and/or existing land uses, particularly with regards to any elements that may influence and impact on berthing arrangements. The presence and location of operational facilities, residential properties, amenities,

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

yacht clubs or sailing clubs, hotels etc., all have the potential to affect the nature of activity within the marina and surrounding areas.

Design development

As a marina scheme is taken through the design process, consideration of ‘the look and feel’ of the development starts to take shape, as well as consideration of detailed operations and environmental initiatives. From a masterplanning perspective, the design stages can be aligned to the RIBA plan of work, which provides a notable benefit to a marina scheme that is developed as part of a wider large scale mixed-use development.

Integration with primary architectural principles, marine engineering, landscape design, critical infrastructure, mechanical and electrical (M&E) etc, are all areas of design development where the marina design requires careful consideration to ensure the interfaces with each of the various disciplines are appropriately managed.

A good example of this would be the design of marina basin quay walls. This relatively ‘simple’ element of marina infrastructure requires detailed consideration of a number of elements which often requires multidisciplinary coordination:

Operational requirements: The height or level of the quay wall is extremely important for berthing operations. In a scenario where vessels berth directly alongside or stern-to a ‘fixed’ structure,

height or level of the quay wall is extremely important for berthing operations. When vessels moor stern-to a ‘fixed’ structure, the level must relate to the design berth mix.

the finished level (relative to water levels) must be related to the design berth mix otherwise access to vessels will be potentially compromised. A floating pontoon could be introduced as part of the design evolution, but that too requires consideration in terms of berthing operations, design interfaces and access arrangements (gangway or similar).

Marine engineering: Consideration of extreme design conditions and, in particular, Sea Level Rise (SLR) is a key component to the engineering. Establishing the design requirements and their potential impact on operations is a significant and important aspect of the process. Likewise, the engineering design parameters need to be established in the context of the likely berthing scenarios, particularly when proposals for superyacht berthing are promoted.

Infrastructure: The access and movement strategy around the marina basin needs to be understood at an early stage due to the influence on the wider scheme. It may be the case that certain marina user groups require vehicular access to their berth, whether that be for deliveries, refuelling, emergency access etc. Other users may only require pedestrian access but that could be complemented with golf cart access. In all situations, the

The

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

design of quayside structures will need to accommodate the potential for varying requirements, as well as security around the marina (software and hardware). This too is an important element to the design process and will require integration into the wider development requirements.

Landscape design: Working with landscape design architects, the process requires a detailed understanding of the spatial requirements and ‘set back’ for the operational equipment and layout along the quayside. Extending the look and feel of the landscaping out onto the marina to create a smooth transition can ensure the marina feels truly integrated as part of the development. For areas where berthing is promoted this is likely to include mooring bollards (and ancillary equipment), utilities equipment (power and water), wastewater management systems, lighting etc. Ensuring the operational elements are identified and properly integrated into the landscape design is an important element in the design process.

M&E design: The infrastructure requirements are relative to the berth layout and vessel requirements. In the situation where superyacht berthing is promoted, supplies for utilities are often significant and need to be realised at an early stage so that they can be incorporated into the landside design requirements for electrical capacity. Furthermore, routing for services and drainage through quayside structures is important from an engineering and infrastructure perspective, as well as landscape design.

These capture just a few of the common design issues that can occur within a single element of the marina design. Taking the marina from concept design, through a developed design process requires understanding of the operational requirements and, of course, the needs and demands of the end user.

Designing the right marina

Each site presents its own set of unique and complex design challenges that will impact the layout and design of the marina.

In addition to the ‘on water’ berthing arrangements, the marina will require various landside components to assist with the operation of the marina. In all areas of the design, the nature and type of boating activity expected at the site is a key point of reference through the design process.

As a minimum, the marina design should give due consideration to the following:

Berthing arrangements: With reference to industry design standards, ‘good practice’, knowledge and experience, the marina layout should promote a berthing arrangement that is relative to the design berth mix (identified through concept stages). Berth dimensions should be based upon current industry trends and incorporate a degree of future proofing.

Berthing equipment: The fundamental decision between ‘fixed’ or ‘floating’ berthing equipment is determined by a range of factors, not least site conditions, change in water levels, vessel types and berthing configurations. Additionally,

Creating marina zones where vessels of similar size are moored is an important aspect of the design process.

environmental influences can play an important factor in areas where extreme weather events can occur. Further consideration of vessel mooring equipment is also a key component. Ancillary equipment: The type, layout and specification of equipment must be developed with the operator and end user in mind. Consideration of the interaction between operator and user is critical and the opportunity to introduce convenient and ‘Smart’ solutions can be considered.

Marina servicing: From fuel berths to slipways and boatyards, due consideration must be given to the specific requirements of the marina users and how this might inform the design of related infrastructure and equipment. Environmental initiatives should be factored into the design of such facilities, including opportunities for spill prevention and response, ‘closed-loop’ wash down when lifting boats to prevent particulates entering the water column etc.

Landside operations: The marina design must extend to providing all aspects of operational support, services and facilities as necessary for a successful marina development. In addition to the primary marina management and operations centre (capitanerie building), the marina design includes the potential introduction of customer facilities (toilets and showers), car parking, security arrangements, communications infrastructure, refuse and waste disposal etc.

The design of any marina is not just about creating a berth layout for boats or repeating the design of another marina. It is far more complex and involved, requires a site- and projectspecific approach and presents unique design issues that require forward thinking and a degree of specialist knowledge. Providing an opportunity to bring together industry-wide experience enables the design to be fully considered and fully integrated to establish the optimum solution for both operator and end user.

Simon Goodhead is senior project manager, Marina Projects Ltd, UK. www.marinaprojects.com

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MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Plotting a course for successful construction

by Mauricio Wesson

The long-term performance of marina facilities and infrastructure hinges on how well they are constructed. This requires much more than specifying individual products, such as docks, and assuming they will be installed correctly. Given continued increases in material costs and the high demand for experienced marine contractors, plotting a course for construction success is more important than ever. There are three key steps that owners and operators can take to manage the construction process more effectively – and maximise return on investment.

Evaluating feasibility

The lack of a proper technical study derails more projects than the typical investor knows. Whether the project involves planning for a new marina or rehabilitating an existing one, the first question to address is technical feasibility.

This analysis is essential for new marina development since inadequate understanding of a site’s water depths, waves, currents, sediment transport, environmental constraints and constructability could lead to spending a lot of money on beautiful plans and renderings that can’t be built in that location or for the budgeted amount. However, it is also important to revisit this step for rehab or expansion projects since many coastal areas can expect shifting operating conditions due to water-level changes, land subsidence, shoreline erosion or navigation changes that increase the wake impacts of passing ships.

The most important conditions to assess are water depths, wave climate and sedimentation. Any surfer knows that wave conditions along a coast vary substantially depending on water depths and exposure. Shoals increase incoming wave heights, while areas that are naturally sheltered by headlands, islands or bays see reduced wave heights. Understanding how the current and future wave climate will impact your site is critical to establishing the right construction and cost parameters.

Along open coasts, the required size of a protective breakwater system can make or break feasibility. Wave forces increase almost exponentially with respect to their height; the difference between a two-meter or a six-meter wave height determines whether that breakwater requires 3-ton or 60-ton armour stone for stability (or more likely concrete armour units). Depending on water depths, that breakwater could be unrealisable unless you have the

Responding to unforeseen seafloor geology, the modified low-crested breakwater design for Ayia Napa also maximised views and lowered costs.

budget to build a pharaonic structure.

Breakwaters are also designed for a given lifespan, over which they will begin to settle and break down. When rehabilitating a facility, a conditions assessment of the existing protection structures should always be part of the process. Inspections of a breakwater’s condition are also recommended on a yearly basis or after any large storm.

It is extremely helpful to avoid or minimise dredging, both for initial construction and during ongoing operations. Maintenance dredging is expensive and poses many permitting and environmental issues. Siltation of the basin or the navigation channel (or periods of low water) can render a marina unusable – and is life threatening when you have waves breaking through a harbour entrance. Accounting for sediment impacts – or reanalysing them if shoreline conditions have changed – can head off costly difficulties later.

Climate change must also be considered when evaluating technical feasibility. While sea-level rise and more severe storms are major concerns in many locations, climate change can pose other risks to marina operations, including lower water levels and upland fires. As sea levels increase, relatively minor storms can suddenly become damaging events. In the Great Lakes and historically colder regions, reduced ice cover allows winter storms to devastate areas that were protected by ice sheets 20 years ago. Addressing these emerging risks is essential for long-term resilience.

The contracting/ delivery method

In addition to the traditional designbid-build process, marina owners are increasingly opting for other delivery methods such as design/build or construction manager at risk (CMAR). There are advantages and potential limitations to all these approaches. Understanding the trade-offs and selecting the right one is just as important for the construction of a new megayacht facility as it is for the rehabilitation of a small transient marina.

Given all the components that can go

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

into a marina project, it is necessary to determine a complete design programme and technical basis of design during the initial planning phase – particularly if a design/build contract is pursued for the entire marina works. Establishing clearly defined performance expectations is the best way to set up a successful design/build outcome.

Having one party clearly accountable for turnkey delivery is advantageous when docks, earthwork, dredging, water-based fuelling and dockside utilities are all involved. Hiring individual contractors to work on the same project in the hope of saving money can create chaos. Without a lead contractor, a quay contractor and a floating dock provider can both argue that their work meets specification when their components aren’t lining up. If the project is under a single general contractor umbrella accountable for everything, the finger pointing, delays and cost overruns that multiple independent contractors potentially create can be avoided.

Unforeseeable conditions are common when working in a dynamic marine environment and one must be prepared for change orders. However, proper contract language and a high level of clarity in construction documents and specifications can help minimise this. In a design/bid/ build situation, it is especially important to carefully evaluate and qualify the low bid for a project – knowing that a contractor’s previous experience is the best predictor of future success.

Inspection and oversight

Qualified construction oversight and inspection is pivotal to getting things built right. An on-site administrator can provide real-time clarifications and assist the contractor and client with changes that benefit the project, as well as identify opportunities to save time and money along the way.

The ability of inspectors to dive and use underwater cameras to verify that everything below the surface is being built correctly is more important than ever. The ongoing global shortage of skilled construction workers can bring highly varying experience levels to your job. Catching and correcting issues

Underwater inspection of construction is essential to ensure things are installed per specifications.

early on, particularly those that aren’t easily seen, is the best way to avoid redoing work and make sure what gets built lasts.

The value of inspection can start before materials reach the site –especially for breakwater stone, which must meet specific quality and size/ density specifications to perform under extreme conditions. A quarry visit and inspection of stone before it ships helps ensure the right stone for the job shows up on site.

It should also never be assumed that on-site stone can be reused without carefully inspecting and testing it first. In colder regions, freeze and thaw cycles can create fractures that allow stone to shatter into pieces. In saltwater environments, wetting and drying cause salt crystallisation within hairline cracks that can split the largest armour stones in just a few years.

When managed effectively, the inevitable changes that occur during construction have the potential to be

Quarry visits and inspection/ sampling help identify quality stone versus material that will be more likely to break down or readily degrade in saltwater.

gains rather than setbacks. For the Ayia Napa Marina in Cyprus, a geological feature uncovered after construction started posed a challenge – as well as an opportunity. Because the design/bid process had been completed, we were able to draw on precise costs to not only adjust for seafloor conditions but to value engineer the breakwater profile, taking advantage of the lower cost of small core stone versus the large concrete armour units.

While contractor mobilisation and development of breakwater access continued, we were able to physically model and design a lower but wider breakwater alternative that provided the same level of protection from 6 to 7m (20 to 23ft) waves. The reduction in the breakwater’s crest elevation significantly reduced the concrete volume required, saving the client millions of euros and improving views of the Mediterranean from within the marina basin.

While having a project come in on time and on budget is always the goal, it is imperative that everything gets built correctly. Managing construction issues and goals throughout the entire process lays the strongest foundation for longterm success.

Mauricio Wesson, PE is senior coastal engineer for SmithGroup, USA, www.smithgroup.com

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Evolving design over the decades

by Esteban Biondi

The evolution of marina planning has come up a lot in recent conversations with my colleagues and I thought that reflecting on the changes that we have observed over the last three decades, and our personal milestones, could be interesting. This article summarises stories and general reflections by several of my colleagues, each with ten to 33 years of experience working with ATM in marina planning, design and construction.

Three

decades ago

In the 1990s, marina design was driven by applying engineering and environmental technical knowledge, coupled with the facility owner/operator requests. Existing marinas were likely built by owners or contractors, but regulatory requirements were imposing a more professional involvement. This early approach soon evolved into comprehensive analyses for marina planning and design.

- Charleston City Marina

After the “storm of the century” destroyed the Beaufort, SC city marina in 1993, “we began to rethink marina layout, planning and design from a boater’s perspective, in addition to regulatory and engineering issues,” recalls Sam Phlegar (with ATM since 1989). This sparked ATM’s holistic approach to marina design.

Not long after, ATM was retained to assist in preparing a redevelopment

Designing Charleston City Marina in South Carolina, USA was an early example of ATM’s working with nature policy.

plan for what later became Charleston City Marina. Robert Semmes (with ATM since 1988) recalls, “after we assisted our clients with their successful proposal for a public/private partnership, we had to determine the appropriate replacement slip mix for the new and emerging market, and they needed a financial study to help secure bank financing.” ATM then started formalising its marina market studies and implemented its marina financial models.

The old marina was completely silted in due to concrete wave panel walls. The first phase of the project removed some walls to restore natural tidal currents and located slips out in deeper, naturally flushed water to minimise dredging. This is an early example of what we now call engineering (or working) with nature.

Years later, a similar solution was implemented for the Fernandina Harbor Marina in Florida, when redeveloped after damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. “We completed studies in 1996 that were partially implemented in 2001, but we were finally able to align all of the docks and boats with the currents in the posthurricane rebuild,” recalls Semmes. When the right conditions are in place, we have seen that reconstruction allows for marinas to “bounce forward”, not only by fixing the physical defects of old facilities, but also by accommodating to new market conditions and improving resilience.

The new century

After pioneering master developed projects in the 1960s, such as Harbor Town Yacht Basin in Hilton Head (USA) and Port Grimaud in Provence

Photo: ATM

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

(France), the approach of marinas integrated into complex property projects and the concept of recreating a “marina village” expanded significantly by the turn of the century.

- Puerto Los Cabos

In 2002, the master plan of Puerto Los Cabos (Mexico) helped us elevate the principles of integrated marina planning. After a thorough market study, the 500-berth marina concept was completely overhauled to create sectors that targeted different user profiles. “The original concept plan was largely a rectangular ‘boat parking lot.’ The synthesis of a market study, coupled with engineering considerations and coordination with the upland planner, allowed us to create a unique facility from aesthetic and functionality perspectives,” says Tim Mason (with ATM since 1993). Within a large, excavated basin, specifically designed water and land areas were planned to target residential boats, transient yachts, sportfishers and megayachts, while also creating a basin dedicated to local small fishing boats, a service yard and drystack area. This project had the first drystack facility in Mexico.

- Yacht Haven Grande

Another major evolution of marina design was the establishment of the superyacht as a market segment. In 2003, ATM was approached to implement the vision of a new superyacht-only marina in the Caribbean. “The lack of available geometrical design guidelines was a significant challenge, but was secondary

to developing a market study with sufficient justification to turn this vision into a plan for a thriving investment,” Phlegar and Semmes recall. This was a major undertaking at the time. “We profiled the few facilities in the Caribbean that could accommodate superyachts, interviewed captains and produced the first analysis of the megayacht migratory patterns in the Caribbean and their connections to the North American east coast and the Mediterranean. This was the genesis of Yacht Haven Grande (US Virgin Islands), the award-winning IGY flagship marina completed in 2007 for 48 superyachts up to 350 feet (107m) in length.

Before the Great Recession

The first few years of the century experienced an explosive growth of boating, luxury yachting and marina development. ATM participated in scoping, planning, permitting and

Yacht Haven Grande in the US Virgin Islands is an early example of the superyacht-specific marina concept.

construction of hundreds of projects throughout the US and the Caribbean. In the US, Pete Peterson (with ATM since 1996) recalls that “many stakeholders collaborated seamlessly in the redevelopment of the Washington Sailing Marina (Washington DC), to complete a top-notch public marina.”

Superyacht owners, guests, captains and crew were yearning for new, specially designed marina destinations to meet their very specific needs. One of the marina projects in the Caribbean was the redevelopment of Rodney Bay (St Lucia), which added superyacht berthing capacity to an already successful sailboat marina, recalls Kirby Marshall (with ATM since 2003). The Marina at Christophe Harbour (St Kitts) started planning in 2005 and now includes berthing designed specifically for vessels in the 150 to 300 feet (46 to 91m) size range, says Justin Davis (with ATM since 2006). But probably nowhere was this change faster than in Dubai.

- Dubai

Marina development in Dubai was driven by a vision of unparalleled luxury. In 2005, the largest team ever assembled by ATM for a site visit and planning charrette was mobilised to evaluate the marina development strategy for the largest waterfront property developer in Dubai. We recommended the identification and protection of natural yachting destinations while the largescale manmade boating infrastructure system was implemented. In response to new requirements, we also developed new analytical tools for potential demand

Photo: IGY

Large-scale manmade boating infrastructure, as at Dubai Marina Yacht Club, is typical Dubai-style development.

Photo: Emaar

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analysis at a large scale.

We were also challenged to find new features and luxury design standards, which needed to be built in record time. Palm Jumeirah Marina East and West, with 582 berths that were designed to have a specific role in the overall system, were part of the initial studies. They included specially designed floating concrete pontoons, underwater lighting, stainless steel cleats and bollards, modern utility pedestals (with proximity cards for adding utilities to your berth), utility trays cast into the top of the pontoons, energy-saving LED illumination and wireless Internet connections. “With a continuous physical presence of professional staff in the Middle East since then, our team has been involved and remains engaged in some of the most iconic projects in the region,” says Dave Canfield (with ATM since 2004).

Missing decade

This summary is still missing more than a decade of recent projects and innovations, as well as too many stories

and quotes. We are now experiencing a new emphasis on sustainability, environmental design and social responsibility. We are in the midst of an unprecedented shift in propulsion systems and new decarbonisation regulations. Addressing the design challenges of climate change is now unavoidable due to the looming implications of financial performance

WIGGINS MARINA BULL

and user demand. However, we also learned over more than three decades that there are fundamentals that do not change, and we intend to continue developing new best practices that will enable sustainable growth into the future.

Esteban L. Biondi is a principal at ATM and has been with the company since 2002.

Photo: Nakheel

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Green initiatives top expanding Group’s agenda

BR Marinas, the largest network of marinas in Brazil, has grown by an average of 17% during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic to date. Some of its eight marinas even registered a 30% increase in membership during the months of social isolation. Prior to this global health crisis, the annual growth rate ranged between 5% and 7%.

The network is confident that this trend will not only continue but actually increase in coming years as it continues its plan to expand its marina portfolio beyond the five municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro to other regions of the country. “During the pandemic, Brazilians seem to have realised that life at sea offers leisure and safety. And we have some of the most beautiful spots in the world on our coast of almost 11,000km [7,000mi],” says BR Marinas CEO Gabriela Marins.

The field for action is immense. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the country has 279 municipalities facing the sea, with coastal waters offering thousands of kilometres of water area (approximately 2.9% of the territory). With this degree of opportunity, BR Marinas’ aim for expansion is perfectly positioned and the plan commenced in 1999 with the inauguration of Marina Piratas in Angra dos Reis.

Today, the group has eight marinas in five municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, including Marina Verolme, the

largest nautical hub in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, and the iconic Marina da Glória. Together, the marinas offer around 2,000 dry and wet berths with complete infrastructure that includes restaurants, repair services, boat sale points, shops and companies that offer boat rentals.

All berthing points (Marina da Glória, Verolme, Ribeira, Bracuhy, Piratas, Búzios, Itacuruçá and Paraty) offer modern vessel operation systems and are managed according to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Best environmental

Marina Verolme is the largest nautical hub in Latin America – and one of the largest in the world. Its desalination project, which started in 2020, aims to supply the entire local nautical centre with water.

practice is high on the list of the company’s priorities and its current initiatives and innovations make for impressive reading.

Gabriela Marins:

“Our values have always involved sustainability, long before the topic gained relevance.”

Desalinisation

BR Marinas is taking saltwater from Rio de Janeiro’s picture postcard Guanabara Bay and transforming it into drinkable water. Marina da Glória has already started to use the desalination plant for all the water consumed at its facilities. By mid-2022, the plant will be able to meet 100% of the local demand, which is around 134m³ (4,730ft³) of fresh water every 24 hours.

The seawater desalination project started in 2020 at Marina Verolme in Angra dos Reis. The objective is to supply the entire local nautical centre with water, an innovative and effective solution to combat the growing shortage of drinking water from traditional sources. In addition to benefiting the environment, the initiative also generates a 22% saving for the company. The desalination plant installed at Verolme has a production capacity of 7m³ (247ft³) of fresh water

Renowned for its picture postcard beauty, Marina da Glória is self-sufficient in water courtesy of a desalination plant.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

per hour (168m³/5,930ft³ in 24 hours). This surpasses the demand at the marina, which currently registers an average daily consumption of 150m³ (5,300ft³). In addition to the quantity, the quality of the water that results from the process is extremely clean and totally free from organic components. BR Marinas’ objective is to extend this initiative to other mooring points in the state.

Renewable energy

Guided by ESG criteria, in the second half of 2021 96% of the energy consumed at BR Marinas’ eight marinas came from clean sources, combining ‘free market’ and solar energy.

With panels installed on the roofs of the hangars and on floating piers, solar energy is in place at Bracuhy, Piratas and Paraty. This project started in 2018 and is ongoing. Verolme Marina will also have solar panels to meet its energy demands, and Marina da Glória uses free market, a model whereby energy is obtained from generators from renewable sources.

Marins sums up the importance of the objective: “We originated from the sea and our values have always involved sustainability, long before the topic gained relevance.”

Environmental monitoring

The environmental monitoring of species that inhabit the waters of Marina Verolme in Angra dos Reis started in April 2021. The survey, carried out by specialist biologists, focuses on analysing an artificial breakwater that borders the marina

and serves as a refuge for local fauna and flora. The structure is populated by species that find its conditions suitable for colonisation in a similar manner to a natural environment, such as a rocky shore.

The objective of the environmental monitoring BR Marinas is financing is to carry out a constant survey of the biome within the region. This is a way to closely assess, with the support of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the environmental quality of the breakwater and its surroundings and thus always guarantee the health of this ecosystem. It is also an important parameter for comparisons of marine life conditions in Ilha Grande Bay as a whole.

Recycling

Garbage that harms sea life is, nowadays, one of humanity’s biggest problems. BR Marinas is doing its part with selective collection, recycling and collection of floating waste. More than 35 tons of recyclables have already been sent to the Light Recycle Programme. The energy discount bonus accrued is transferred to Gastromotiva, a global entity examining the transforming potential of food.

Mangaratiba. In addition to benefiting the environment, the activity directly generates income for the families of the collectors involved.

Collective efforts

With the support of BR Marinas, Associação VagaLume Va’a promoted five collective efforts to clean up Guanabara Bay in the first half of 2021.

The objective of the volunteers, who have been carrying out this work since 2018, is to remove the floating garbage that pollutes the banks and waters around Marina da Glória. During the six month period, thirty 200 litre bags of waste were collected in the five joint efforts. The objects collected in greatest quantity were plastic caps (1,904), cups (696), straws (411) and PET bottles (203) among other items. All the garbage collected was delivered to Marina da Glória for proper disposal.

In addition to this work, VagaLume Va’a promotes the planting of native species around the Bay. “We, who love the sea, [and are] enchanted by natural beauty, with the huge number of turtles and fish that we see daily around Marina da Glória, were deeply touched when we realised the need and urgency of the commitment we all have [to have] with the environment. This is increasingly necessary. After all,

In addition, with its Zero Plastic Project, BR has eliminated the use of disposable plastic cups at its marinas. In Itacuruçá, a selective collection agreement has been signed with the Cooperative of Collectors of

anyone who loves the sea should take care of it,” says Giselle Leal, president of VagaLume Va’a, which is a Hawaiian canoe association founded by women. Other initiatives had to be temporarily suspended due to the pandemic but will be resumed as soon as COVID-19 is controlled. These actions include Environment Week, the Clean Beach Action and environmental education in schools.

Marina Paraty is an idyllic haven in clean, unspoilt waters.

Solar panels at Marina Bracuhy help meet energy demands. Around 96% of the energy consumed at BR Marinas’ eight marinas comes from clean sources.

GLOBAL REVIEW 2021

Swift bounce back despite COVID challenges

Despite the ongoing disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty as to how it would affect the marina industry, the sector bounced back remarkably quickly and began not only to thrive but to grow over the last year. As a naturally ‘socially-distanced’ activity, boating has seen a renaissance and, with construction industries around the world largely spared from lockdown mandates, developments have been able to continue with few setbacks. Charlotte Niemiec rounds up some of the best…

In Europe, France’s Marina Baie des Anges made ready to undergo a radical €63.6 million transformation to update and refurbish its entire site. The newly named Coeur Marina will be reconfigured, reducing berths from 525 to 515 but including more for vessels of 20m (66ft) and above.

In Spain, construction work began to upgrade infrastructure at IGY Marina Málaga, which will offer superyachts up to 180m (590ft) convenient, high quality berthing in the centre of one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. The marina was set to be developed over the summer of 2021 and fully open before year end so as to offer winter berthing options.

Portugal completed inaugural projects to renovate the Lisbon waterfront by creating safe, easy access piers for tour boats. Lindley supplied new nautical infrastructure and

delivered a 30m (98ft) long landing pier for tourist boats in front of the iconic Praça do Comèrcio. A second project, a few hundred metres upriver, is at Doca da Marinha – a former navy basin now converted into a small harbour and berthing area for tourist boats.

Al Qana, a newbuild for 2021 in Abu Dhabi, has a boulevard-style layout and bridges.

Across the Mediterranean Sea, Italy began work on an ambitious waterfront development project – the public marina of Molo Pagliari in La Spezia. An investment of over €15 million will see a gigantic Ingemar breakwater installed, the size of which is “unparalleled” in Europe, exceeding 600m (1,970ft) long and protecting a 5.6ha (13.8 acre) basin. Ingemar pontoons and floating gangways will moor over 850 boats of 8-15m (26-49ft) in length.

Belgrade’s unique boutique marina on the Danube will be the first modern full-service marina in the Serbian capital.

GLOBAL REVIEW 2021

The Genoa Superyacht Hub project also began, comprising two marinas: Waterfront Marina, to cater for vessels of 8-110m (26-360ft) and Marina Genova, with berths for yachts up to 130m (430ft). Waterfront Marina, with a long offshore breakwater, will accommodate superyachts requiring maintenance and help establish Genoa as a home port for very large yachts. Additional work to revitalise Genoa’s waterfront will start in mid-January 2022 and should be complete in 2028, costing €350 million – one of Italy’s most significant urban redevelopment works.

Plans for a 12ha (30 acre) project to regenerate the waterfront, port and part of the Italian city of Civitanova Marche also aim to create a new super hub for tourism and large yachts at the centre of the Adriatic coast. Eurobuilding will build and engineer the project, to comprise 758 berths of 6 to 70m (30 to 230ft), at an estimated investment of €150 million.

In Greece, a plan to develop a new marina in the north of Corfu progressed despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction was to take place in two stages to eventually comprise a 400-berth marina able to accommodate yachts of 80m (262ft) and above.

D-Marin Global Marina Network welcomed Marina Tribunj as the fourth destination in its 1,760-berth Croatia cluster. Located on the Adriatic coast, it is a peaceful marina with 220 wet berths and 50 dry berths. In Montenegro, Drydocks World made plans to transform the former Bijela Shipyard in Boka Bay into a world class superyacht hub in

a major move to drive the maritime industry forward in the region.

In neighbouring Serbia, Sebre Marina Dorćol appointed UK-based consultancy Marina Projects to help with the design and delivery of a new marina and waterfront development in the capital Belgrade to offer space for boats up to 14m (46ft). Located on the River Danube, it will be the first modern fullservice marina in the city and involves a €300 million regeneration of a site previously used as a power station.

In northern Europe, Sweden’s Värmdö Municipality opened the first phase of its new marina at Stavsnäs Vinterhamn (Winter Harbour). Offering slips for 70 boats, the marina is protected by a 70m (230ft) SF Marina breakwater. Phase two will begin in spring 2022.

In the UK, Cornwall-based CAD Architects was appointed to draw up new plans for the £100 million transformation of the waterfront at Holyhead in Anglesea, Wales, to include

IGY Marina Málaga will offer much-needed superyacht berthing in the centre of one of Spain’s most vibrant cities.

a 250-berth marina. Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River in Hampshire, England, also reopened with 66 new marina berths, including larger ones to suit vessels up to 20m (66ft).

Premier Marinas purchased Universal Marina on the River Hamble, which provides 249 berths, a 130 boat drystack facility and a full-service boatyard, including a 75 tonne travel hoist.

Developments down under

Developments continued apace in Australia, where superyacht charter helped boost the market considerably, with vessels attracted to the country and its buoyant domestic charter market.

Queensland saw the majority of developments in 2021. Proposals for a new $200 million maintenance and refit hub at Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, Queensland are perfectly timed and will enable the yard to service large luxury yachts over 50m (164ft) in length.

The expansion will include a syncrolift capable of lifting superyachts of up to 3,000 tonnes.

North Harbour marina in Moreton Bay near Brisbane will be transformed into a world-class waterfront destination, boasting a 400-berth marina and 500 dry storage slots, set within 570ha (1,410 acres) of prime waterfront land.

Superior Jetties progressed work on new marina berths at the Sanctuary Cove Resort. Since the project began in late 2019, the AU$10 million redevelopment has seen the addition of 61 new berths, including a dedicated superyacht arm catering for vessels over 50m (164ft). The covered marina berths

Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point, California received the green light for an ambitious redevelopment.

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

2-DAY CONFERENCE

TRADE EXHIBITION

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Showcasing innovations in new marina and boatyard products and services.

PROGRAM

Sunday 22 May - Welcome reception. Cruise the Broadwater on the superyacht YOT Club

Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th May - 2-day Conference & Trade Exhibition

Monday 23rd May - Cocktail Reception with Exhibitors

Tuesday 24th May - Gala Dinner

Wednesday 25th May - Technical Tour visiting 3 of Australia's best marina facilities

GLOBAL REVIEW 2021

– the most dramatic feature of the build and a first for the Australian recreational marine industry – are now complete and will accommodate vessels with an air draft of up to 15m (49ft).

In Western Australia, companies were appointed to build two breakwaters for the redeveloped Ocean Reef Marina in Joondalup, Perth. The AU$60 million breakwaters, each of which is 2km (1.2mi) in length, will be the longest in the state and completion is timed for mid-2022.

In New Zealand, the first stage of the development at Orams Marine completed. Extensive dredging and construction works took place before the installation of a 1.2ha (3 acre) hardstand, three 90m (295ft) marina piers, a new 820 Marine Travelift, and a new 85 tonne Marine Travelift. The marine centre features a haul out and refit facility, commercial buildings (due to complete in the fourth quarter of 2022) and a residential tower. It will target marine vessels up to 800 tonnes.

Developments were slower in Asia, although plans were revealed to develop 12 marinas in Sri Lanka into a maritime hub by 2030, to form a network of 1,200 berths around the island. In the capital, the Colombo Port City marina breakwater was completed and awaited investment required for berthing infrastructure. Other developments include plans for a marina in Marawila.

The Russian Government embarked on a giant project to build at least 20 marinas in Crimea and the Krasnodar Krai (southern Russia), aiming to ramp up yachting in the southern part of the

country. The investment cost for the first six marinas was estimated at 600 billion roubles (US$8 billion), making it the biggest yachting development programme in Russian history. Crimea has already supported the idea of establishing a joint network of marinas in the south and the Russian Government is to spend 5.1 billion roubles (US$60 million) rebuilding several existing marinas in the peninsula, with more funds allocated to establish at least 17 new ones.

Slower pace in the Middle East

For the first time in many years, work seemed to slow a little in the Middle East although several significant projects were finished. The UAE completed Al Qana Marina in Abu Dhabi, a 107-berth marina for boats ranging from 10-20m (33-66ft). The boulevard-style facility extends across 2.4km (1.5mi) of waterfront that is connected by four eye-catching bridges. Abu Dhabi Ports also completed a marina at the port of Delma in the Al

A premier resort due to open in Marassi will boost Egypt’s Mediterranean berthing options.

Dhafra region, with 160 wet berths and 104 dry berths.

In Saudi Arabia, Monaco Marina Management (M3) signed a collaboration agreement with Sela to deliver the first superyacht marina on the Saudi coast of the Red Sea (see Cover Story p.17).

In Africa, plans were in hand for a turnkey marina installation in Marassi, located 140km (87mi) west of Alexandria on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and one of the country’s premier developments. The project involves equipping a new manmade inner harbour with a range of berthing options. A total of 23 separate docks will accommodate up to 228 leisure craft of up to 45m (148ft) in length at fully serviced berths.

The futuristic Aqua Marina Boat Club project in Lagos, Nigeria also made progress. Ingemar is manufacturing all piers, gangways and fingers of varying sizes in Italy and then sending them to Lagos by sea.

All well in the Americas Florida, as usual, led the way in the US marina sector. Derecktor Fort Pierce opened, home to the world’s largest mobile boat hoist for hauling yachts. A mammoth 1,500 ton customised mobile boat hoist manufactured by Cimolai Technology and standing 90ft (27.4m) high, it hauls boats up to 250ft (76m).

F3 Marina opened in Fort Lauderdale in the autumn, boasting an automated drystack for 240 boats with maximum length of 53ft (16m) and weight of 30,000lbs (13,610kg) within a category 5 hurricane rated building that is 131ft (40m) high.

San Marino near Paracus Bay in Peru has a central marina basin and associated canals.

GLOBAL REVIEW 2021

Space Coast Marinas bought Pelican Harbor Marina in Palm Bay, Brevard County for $1.9 million and will invest at least $10-12 million in redeveloping it as a drystack and service facility and renovating its existing slip system.

Port 32 Marinas broke ground on its Fort Lauderdale marina and drystack facility, comprising drystack for around 700 boats up to 55ft (17m) in length. It also purchased three Florida marinas located in Naples, Marco Island and Cape Coral (the ‘Walker Marinas’) from Walker Marine Group. They include around 1,015 slips and offer a variety of marine-related amenities.

Other noteworthy acquisitions in the USA include Suntex Marina Investors’ purchase of Prime Marina Miami in Coconut Grove, Florida, offering 111 slips for vessels up to 130ft (40m). The company also purchased the 74-slip Faro Blanco Marina in Marathon in the Florida Quays. It also assumed control of Las Olas Marina in Fort Lauderdale and will commence plans to develop a 68-slip marina for boats up to 250ft (76m).

Southern Marina Holdings sold its portfolio of marinas to focus on replicating its success in the marina property sector as Southern Marinas Holdings II. This partnership between a Denverbased private investment firm and Southern Marinas purchased Elliott

Over 750 berths are planned for the Civitanova Marche nautical complex in Italy. Development will be a lengthy process but will deliver a high-end marina in the centre of the Adriatic coast.

Bay Marina in Seattle, Washington. It is one of the largest private marinas on the US west coast with 1,200 wet slips for vessels up to 300ft (91m) and 10 miles (16km) of moorage. The company also added Hayden Lake Marina in Idaho and Millstone Resort and Marina in Missouri to its portfolio.

In California, Bellwether Financial Group received a development permit for the long-awaited US$330 million redevelopment of Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point. The massive mixed-use project, which will include renovating an aging marina as well as constructing new restaurants, shops and hotels, completely re-imagines Dana Point’s 49-year-old harbour.

Plans were envisioned for a fully automated state-of-the-art 500 boat drystack marina facility and 145-berth marina set within the Billfish Bay Marina Resort project, located on the shores of

Hurricane Hole Marina has been relaunched as a superyacht mecca in the Bahamas.

Terry Cove on the Gulf of Mexico. Grand Caribbean Marinas (GCM) purchased Villa Marina, which boasts the only covered drystack on the island and is located about 40 minutes from the capital of Puerto Rico, and renamed it Renaissance Villa Marina. The marina will be completely remodelled along with other significant improvements. GCM plans to invest from $50-100 million in the next five years as it aims to diversify the offering in Puerto Rico.

San Marino, a new marina and waterfront project near Paracas Bay, a two-hour drive from Lima, Peru, is under construction. The modern marina will offer 120 slips and includes a central marina basin surrounded by residential units and club amenities, as well as two canals.

Work to transform Hurricane Hole Marina at Paradise Landing in the Bahamas into a superyacht destination was set to complete by the end of the year after a US$250 million overhaul. With over 6,000ft (1,828m) of floating concrete docks, the marina accommodates yachts up to 420ft (128m) in individual slips. The redesigned marina will also feature a 240ft (73m) wide turning basin, ideal for navigating larger superyachts.

Also in the Bahamas, Island Global Yachting (IGY) was selected to manage a superyacht marina project on Harbour Island. Upon completion, the 27-acre (11ha) Briland Club marina is expected to accommodate a range of vessels up to 250ft (76m) and was targeted to open in the third quarter of 2021. Project completion is planned for late 2023.

Metstrade: good to be back!

On 16th-18th November 2021, industry professionals convened in Amsterdam for the long-awaited return to Metstrade. Despite the implementation of a partial lockdown just days before the exhibition halls opened, the mood amongst exhibitors and visitors was undampened; there was palpable relief and excitement at being back in a face-to-face environment.

Niels Klarenbeek, maritime director of Metstrade, summed up as the threeday event drew to a close: “Metstrade can justifiably claim to be a show like no other, given its unique role within the marine industry’s calendar. However,

the disruptive events of this year took that achievement to a whole new level of significance.”

“My team and I are really proud of the way that we were able to deliver a carefully controlled and effective Metstrade in these unusual COVID-19constrained circumstances. I know, from walking the floor and talking to many exhibitors, that plenty of business deals were made and a lot of networking took place.”

“Best of all though was to see the thrill that was evident on the faces of exhibitors and visitors, thanks to the facility of being able to meet each other in person again,” he added.

Safe networking

A total of 1,105 exhibitors from 44 countries gathered to display all kinds of marine equipment. Exhibitor numbers were just 13% down on original expectations, following the decision of some businesses to withdraw in the immediate days before opening due to pandemic concerns.

During the three days, 14,965 visits were registered by 8,459 visitors spanning 63 nationalities. Nearly 3,500 exhibition personnel were in attendance. Almost 25% of all visitors were in the 18-35 age bracket, which is of particular importance to the future of the industry. Their presence was once again encouraged and supported through the unique Young Professionals Club with its dedicated lounge, industry meet and greet sessions and show tours.

COVID-19 precautionary measures included compulsory vaccination or test checks in a dedicated entry marquee, wide airy corridors on the show floor, controlled refreshment areas and encouragement to wear masks. The one-off show layout spanned eight halls.

At the show - and beyond

Metstrade has a long tradition of hosting excellent seminars and round tables from leading experts in their field. The content has not, however, been available for wider access until now.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

To coincide with Metstrade 2021, RAI Amsterdam launched Metstrade TV, delivered by elite broadcast specialists, and hosted by Dutch TV presenter Pernille La Lau from a purposeassembled studio on the show floor. The channel delivered nine hours of high-quality live presentations and debates, featuring top industry leaders and commentators.

2021 also marked the launch of the Metstrade Connect virtual platform, a connect and research tool that is available 365 days of the year. The timing of the launch was perfect for those unable to attend the show in person and the platform offers equally valuable opportunities for exhibitors and visitors who are time constrained at the event itself.

The platform enables users to browse through exhibitor profiles, see who is joining, start matchmaking, set up

appointments, watch Metstrade TV and more. Access is freely available to all registered visitors and exhibiting companies.

The MYP

The Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) made a strong industry statement with nearly 50 exhibitors, including a French pavilion-within-a-pavilion. Most exhibitors spoke of “quality” over “quantity” with regard to visitors and the mood was positive. Robert Brown of Safe Harbour Drystacks/ASAR, who travelled over from the USA, declared Metstrade was “the place to be” and Boris Miškic of Croatia-based Marinetek Adriatic felt that the event heralded a return to the ‘old normal’. He also pointed out that such events, with an emphasis on B2B activities, are an excellent platform for concluding new business partnerships, negotiating projects and various collaborations.

Metstrade 2022 will be held 14th-17th November. www.metstrade.com

Composite Decking & Bumpers

Southport club invests in Australia’s first ‘ mega ’ dock

Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast has installed Australia’s largest superyacht berth. Measuring 163m (535ft) long – berthing edge of 153m (502ft) – and 4.6m (15ft) wide, it has been engineered and designed by Superior Jetties to welcome and accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels.

To ensure all aspects were suitable for the Club to host 135m (443ft) long vessels – a first for the country – a design workshop was held. Input was given from national industry professionals, local agencies and a client design team.

Superior developed the product to fit the requirements. “The Superior Super Elite series reinforced fivesided monolithic concrete pontoon is designed to meet the unique needs of these vessels,” explains Superior Jetties CEO John Hogan. “Larger vessels place more demands on the dock to service their needs, especially with wind loads. The high pontoon mass provides more stability and the pontoons cope better against environmental forces.”

With a high freeboard and an excessive deck loading allowance, the massive all-concrete pontoons are designed with heavy-duty hot dipped galvanised or composite reinforcement. The pontoon base has a

fully welded PE base liner system and innovative pontoon-to-pontoon connection system. The structure allows good connectivity for supersized components including large size pile guides, heavy-duty rubber D fenders and mooring bollards to suit commercial marina and superyacht requirements.

In conjunction with this, the new Superior Compression Coupling (SCC) is cast integrally to the pontoon and

PRODUCT FOCUS

heavily reinforced to transfer the loads. The structure does not rely on through rods and walers for structural strength position and eliminates the need to ever tighten bolts.

Hogan adds: “The pontoon construction of the new superyacht berth allows vehicle and forklift access up to 6.1 tonnes with a gangway clearance width of 270cm [106 in], an uninterrupted height and the ability to traverse vehicles at all tides at 5km/hr [3mi/hr] onto the pontoon structure for operational, service and maintenance requirements.”

A heavy-duty 250mm (9.8in) diameter rubber fender is installed around the entire berthing edge, and heavy-duty horn-shaped bollards coincide with the berthing requirements of the vessels envisaged to moor at the location. There are 24 bespoke fabricated steel piles of 730mm (28.7in) diameter with 800mm (31in) plastic sleeves and heavy-duty pile guides.

The facility includes a statement entrance with security gate, fencing, signage, drop off area and an adjacent service lane inclusive of landside refuelling capabilities and crane access for heavy lifts when required.

Pedestal power (up to 600A) is directly connected to facilitate the requirements of international vessels. The pontoon system has been designed in accordance with the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) requirements for hydrants, fire hose reels, extinguishers and alarms to ensure berthed vessels are safely moored and complying with the most stringent marina standards in Australia.

Cat’s-eye lighting installed on the pontoons and gangway decks in addition to courtesy lighting on top of the pedestals provides a clear and safe runway marking for night berthing, as well as an ambient and aesthetically pleasing dock environment for night-time activities.

The development was completed in partnership with MGN Civil and will significantly drive business and welcome vessels previously unable to berth in Australian waters. With over 60 superyachts expected to visit the region for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, the demand for such facilities will continue to grow.

www.superiorjetties.com

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Superyacht marina makes further investment

Marina Port Vell Barcelona, (above) one of the finest new superyacht marinas in Europe, has announced a €20 million investment in landscaping and expansion.

The new project, announced in September 2021, involves a rearrangement of the water basin and mooring configuration to create 23 new berths for vessels up to 70m (230ft); expansion of green spaces to improve the ambience of the marina and emulate city greenbelt areas; and installation of a new system that will deliver fuel directly to each berth. This involves the installation and supply of 510m (1,670ft) of piping connected to a pumping system.

The investment follows a groundbreaking project to install a Flovac vacuum sewer system to collect waste water from marina buildings, and directly from all vessels moored on site.

The system has two vacuum networks: one for urban waste water, and another for bilge water (which requires treatment prior to being discharged into the port sewerage network). The vacuum of the pipe network, placed around the perimeter of the facility, is created by a single vacuum station located in the

marina. No other source of electricity is required for the system, which pneumatically operates Flovac vacuum valves located in different collection pits.

Flovac claims its system is the most economical solution because it is inexpensive to install. The pipe network doesn’t need to be buried at great depths and large scale excavation work is thus avoided. Also, as the system operates by vacuum, intermediate pumps are unnecessary. The solution is ecologically sound as no leaks from the sewer system can occur.

Additional security is provided via a remote control system. This ensures that the operators are aware of everything that is happening at any point in the network, and the software has been designed to control the discharge of wastewater from yachts into marina waters.

The marina has a MARPOL 73/78 certificate in acknowledgement of its pollution prevention system. www.flovac.es

UK group installs electric chargers

MDL Marinas has partnered with Aqua superPower to become the first UK marina group to offer an electric boat charging solution. Chargers will be installed at five of its marinas in the south of England – Cobb’s Quay, Hamble Point, Sparkes, Windsor and Ocean Village.

Each station is built to IP65 standard, providing dual simultaneous DC charging up to 75kW, allowing electric boats to rapidly recharge.

“We are delighted to be working with MDL Marinas, who are widely recognised as a cornerstone of British yachting and known for leading the way in terms of innovation,” said Alex Bamberg, CEO of Aqua superPower. “Aqua’s mission is to reduce the impact of boating on the marine environment and to help marina owners with the switch to electric power as part of their decarbonisation efforts.” www.aqua-superpower.com

Spring Point adds visitor dock

Spring Point, a 275+ slip marina in Casco Bay, Maine, USA has invested in an SF Marina floating concrete dock and walkway.

Installed by Rockland, Maine-based Prock Marine Company, the Spring Point Marina project included seven 66ft (20m) long x 16ft 5in (5m) wide SF 1250 floating concrete pontoons. Built to withstand the nor’easters common in the area, the dock sections are highly buoyant and virtually unsinkable. Moored on internal 24in (61cm) steel piles, they provide extreme stability.

Utilities, such as 50A and 100A power, water and other services are routed through internal ducts. A slightly narrower SF 1240 pontoon

was used for the walkway.

The new SF Marina section adds 1,150ft (350m) of straight transient dock space. Due to its wave attenuating design, it helps shelter the existing dock and slip array from waves and large wakes.

“We love the new docks,” said Port Harbor Marine director of operations Mike Soucy. “Because the SF Marina pontoons are easy to put together, construction went very smoothly.” Spring Point Marina is one of five employee-owned Port Harbor Marine properties. www.sfmarina.com

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Index to Advertisers

AMI Expo, USA 32

ASAR/GCM

Safe Harbour Drystacks, USA 24

American Muscle

Docks & Fabrication, USA 40

Applied Technology & Management, USA 50

Aqua superPower, UK 26

Bellingham Marine, USA 7, 9 & 11

Bluewater Marine & Dock, USA 36

Boat Lift, Italy 35

Capria, Argentina 26

Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 8

Den Hartog Industries, USA 54

DrySta, Spain 52

DualDocker, Austria 20

Eaton Marina Power & Lighting, USA 18

Flovac, Spain 39

GH Cranes & Components, Spain 60

Gigieffe, Italy 25

Golden Manufacturing, USA 14 & 15

Ingemar, Italy 12

Inland & Coastal

Marina Systems, UK & Ireland 44

Inmare, Italy 48

Lindley, Portugal 32

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 37

Marina Projects, UK 59

MARINAGo by Scribble Software, USA 44

Marinas22, Australia 47

Marinetek, Finland 4

Marine Travelift, USA 36

Marex, Croatia 52

METSTRADE 2022, Netherlands 28

Pacsoft, New Zealand 50

Pick a Pier, Israel 16

PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 10

Plus Marine, Italy 40

Rolec, UK 31

Ronautica, Spain 22

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 57

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Seaflex, Sweden 6

Seijsener, Netherlands 22

SmithGroup, USA 48

Sunwalk Docks, USA 48

Superior Group, Australia 50

Swede Ship Sublift, Sweden 26

ThruFlow, Canada 52

Twinwood by Soprefa, Portugal 54

Walcon Marine, UK 19

Wiggins Lift Co, USA 41

PWC launcher for drystacks

Capria has added a PWC launcher to its range of drystack solutions. The first two units have been installed at Marina Puerto Chico in San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PWC launchers are ideal for sites with steep embankments and/or tidal fluctuation where traditional PWC launching methods are impractical.

Marina Puerto Chico has a steep grassy area that ends in a seawall and is thus a perfect candidate for the solution. While their site required vertical travel of only 40ft (12m), the main beam for a PWC launcher can be manufactured up to 100ft (33m) in length. It accommodates angles from 20° to 90°.

Ideal for incorporating into a new or existing drystack operation, a PWC launcher can be loaded via a Capria

Chris Thomas

semi-automated stacker crane or by forklift, like at Marina Puerto Chico. The all-electric device handles PWC up to 1,500lbs (680kg).

Once the boat is placed onto a PWC launcher cradle, it can take as little as five to 15 seconds to reach the water.

Marina Puerto Chico additionally installed two gangways that run parallel with the PWC launchers and terminate in small floating docks. This allows owners to get onto their craft quickly, without the waiting common to traditional PWC launching methods. www.domingocapria.com

Chris Thomas, founder of marina management software specialist Pacsoft International has retired. He hands over the reins to Sean Cocks, who has been development and operations manager for the past 14 years.

Thomas founded the Pacific Softworks company in the early 1980s and has spent the last 40 years dedicated to software design and development. During the last 23 years he brought the marina management solution MMS to life, seeing it evolve into the current NG system. With a love for and wealth of knowledge in the marine industry, he grew the MMS

product to be one of the top internationally recognised marina management solutions in the world.

His extensive travel and global network has created a community of NG customers in over 110 marinas and boatyards in 20 countries worldwide.

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We provide independent, objective advice to our clients, including private developers, commercial organisations and government bodies. Our range of services covers every possible aspect of marina design and waterfront

development, from concept to operation, and our ability to think successfully through any challenge comes as part of the package.

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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With the “Service Mobile” app we manage preventative and corrective maintenance actions.

Client Portal. A platform roviding up-to-date crane information that both GH and the client can access.

Remote monitoring of the crane’s operating data in real time. Making preemptive and corrective maintenance more efficient.