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.
Feasibility studies are underway for a marina in
Marina di Varazze and other Azimut Benetti marinas have renewed focus
Marina 21, a new group in Croatia, aims to build a network of Mediterranean marinas
Triple Bay Yacht Club design is unveiled for Amaala in Saudi Arabia
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Smart moves, sustainable goals
Management systems continue to offer smart innovations to streamline your business and enhance customer experience. Here’s a rundown on some features and benefits highlighted in our special feature (p. 39):
• Use of QR code instead of a credit card. Pay at fuel pump with QR code is now available for guest customers or account holders.
• Interoperability – integrating your entire marina management system to better track reservations has huge benefits, giving you accurate data on visitor berths, ability to create house accounts for your customers and providing data on their total spend.
• Real-time feedback maximises berth occupancy as you always know which berths are empty.
• Billing information, contracts, receipts, estimates etc. can easily be communicated via email to customers.
• Annual and seasonal contracts can be renewed automatically.
• You can operate a cash-free facility.
• Staff and management have more time to focus on customer service rather than admin tasks.
• Up-to-date data enables you to accurately track the performance of your business and thus maximise your profits.
• Putting all financial data in one place helps you streamline your daily operations, generate reports and protect information securely.
• Communication with customers is easy as messages and promotions can be sent direct to their smart phones.
• Branded marina apps centralise communications and make it easy for customers to connect with you at all times.
Software providers argue that, if you are more efficient, your customer automatically receives better service and this, in turn, makes them more amenable to the hospitality you have on offer: another big plus.
Smart thinking often accompanies sustainable thinking. Hence, the upcoming second round of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Rendezvous (25th-28th September), which will put one of its spotlights on designing and innovating in marina and yacht club development.
If being both smart and sustainable is the goal, there is much to be said for the interesting new floating structures projects. Several are featured in this issue –but there are many more out there, if only conceptually – and several dramatic projects that have, alas, been shelved.
The icon of sustainability must surely go to the Oceanix Busan floating city project in the Republic of Korea, which is envisaged with flood-proof infrastructure covering an area of 6.3ha (15.5 acres) of interconnected platforms that connect to land via link-span bridges. The city is planned with systems to produce food, energy and fresh water and to have fully integrated zero waste closed-loop systems. Read more about Busan on p. 32 and other innovative projects within the Floating Structures feature, including the world’s largest floating villa, and a floating hotel concept with satellite villas that can motor to new locations.
Carol Fulford Editor
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MYP becomes M&YTR at IBEX
USA: The 2022 International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), set to take place in Tampa, Florida 27th-29th September, is transitioning its Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) to become an expanded Marina & Yard Trade Route (M&YTR).
Many exhibitors have an interest in being part of the MYP but are unable to change their show location. The trade route allows IBEX to give all marina and yard sector companies the same level of exposure, and gives IBEX visitors many more relevant companies to visit on all three levels of the convention centre.
Show organisers are optimistic that IBEX 2022 will prove a big success. “All early metrics indicate that IBEX
will return to pre-pandemic numbers with exhibit space sold out. Our current hotel bookings have already surpassed 2019 and web views have increased significantly so we know visitor interest is very high,” said show director Anne Dunbar. “We have a terrific schedule of events to entertain and educate everyone who attends IBEX 2022.”
Details of the M&YTR will soon be available at www.ibexshow.com
Health of Industry report
AUSTRALIA: The Marina Industry Association (MIA) has released its latest Health of the Australian Industry Survey Report (HAMIS). Conducted every two years since 2011, the survey continues to provide a comprehensive, comparable and evolving perspective on the economic, social and environmental performance and contributions of Australian marinas.
Conducted in late 2021, the findings are based on a sample of over 46% of the country’s 290 club and commercial marinas.
Performance highlights indicate industry turnover exceeding $730 million, direct employment of over 3,300 people, government tax and lease payments of $95 million, along with capital investments of over $183 million. The industry engaged nearly 8,700 independent contractors and provided tenancy to over 1,900 businesses.
MIA president, Andrew Chapman, said: “The findings indicate inadequacy of supply in many locations around the country. It shows that strong occupancy rates and waitlists have continued to grow over the last decade despite an increase in storage spaces. This bodes well for the future of our industry as it indicates further opportunity, particularly given the increasing pipeline of new vessels on order from manufacturers – they are all going to need somewhere to store their boats.”
JDC progresses mega project
SAUDI ARABIA: Plans for the Jeddah Central Project have progressed with a development contract awarded by Jeddah Central Development Co (JCDC) to Modern Building Leaders.
The project spans a land area of 570ha (1,410 acres) overlooking the Red Sea.
Terms of the contract include
demolition of around 400 existing buildings and creation of a worldclass marina with over 2.5km (1.5mi) of fixed and floating berths.
CLEAN WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
PierPump – Trouble-free disposal of waste and bilge water from boats and yachts.
When installing a wastewater management system harbor operators have to make several decisions depending on the location, number of berths and size to find the optimal system.
The Vogelsang PierPump is a customer-oriented high-performance solution, which is easy to operate and allows bilge water or black water to be pumped directly into the sewage system. The integrated rotary lobe pump means that the PierPump is resistant to foreign matter, so that the vacuum extraction process does not come to stop if the wastewater contains foreign matter. Wastewater tanks are vacuum extracted in a very short time, and the voyage can continue.
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Revised costing for St George’s
BERMUDA: The St George’s Marina, a new development centred around a repaired dock on the south side of Ordnance Island, is subject to increased costs and slight delays.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on 20th May, David Burch, Minister of Public Works confirmed that structural engineers Brunel had been forced to raise cost estimates for the project from US$2.7 million to US$4.12 million. This reflects current inflationary pressures and significantly increased material and shipping costs.
The new marina will feature an area for visiting yachts; the newly repaired
Ordnance Island facility; 650 linear feet (198m) of moorage for small boats; ten stern-to berths for superyachts; a marina reception, lounge and café; a duty free fuel dock; and pump-out services.
The marina is the subject of a 21year leasing arrangement between the Corporation of St George and the developer, and gross proceeds of the marina revenue will be shared. Completion is anticipated in December.
Marina mooted in the east
THAILAND: A new luxury marina in Bang Saray near Pattaya in eastern Thailand is being considered by the Transport Ministry.
According to Chayathan Promsorn, permanent secretary for transport, a three-phase feasibility study will be conducted to determine possible locations, the economic benefits and environmental impact.
Marine Department figures claim that Thailand has 13 tourist ports that can be properly classified as marinas. Four of these are in the eastern region. More are needed to help boost tourism.
Planning for Enviro Officer course
BELGIUM: European Boating Industry (EBI), together with the German Ocean Foundation, Sea Teach, the National Technical University of Athens, the German Marine Federation (BVWW) and Frederick University, is developing the EnviroNaut project to create the first ever environmental qualification for the nautical tourism sector.
The curricula will respond to targets set by the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to sustainably manage recreational boating and nautical tourism to become a means of protecting marina and coastal ecosystems.
Over the next two years, EnviroNaut partners will develop a course for an Environmental Officer qualification.
18 MAJOR ACTIVE PROJECTS IN NEW ZEALAND IN 2021
It will be available online, free and accessible to marinas, water sports companies, skipper services, nautical schools, other training institutions and charter companies.
EBI secretary-general, Philip Easthill, comments: “The EnviroNaut project will be a game-changer for the industry. The Environmental Officer qualification will take sustainability to a whole new level for nautical tourism companies.”
• WESTPORT & GREYMOUTH
• HALF MOON BAY MARINA
• WAIKAWA MARINA
• WHITIANGA FUEL DOCK
• PAHI PONTOON & GANGWAY
• MOSELLE DRYSTACK
• GULF HARBOUR
• HIGHBROOK
• DARGAVILLE WHARF A SAMPLE OF THE PROJECTS
NEW for Marina World readers
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The June/July highlights:
• The Boat Works in Australia doubles the footprint of its North Yard
• Port of Port Townsend, Washington, USA receives $7 million breakwater grant
• Karpaz Gate, Cyprus, boosts landside amenities
• Marinas22, Australia – inspiring and successful
• Shakespeare Marina opens in UK
• Aquavista rebrands its Castle Marinas
• Tobago makes plans for new superyacht marina sites …and a flyover of plans for Gibraltar Eastside
More cats welcome in Kemah
USA: In its continuing efforts to meet the growing demand for dock space to accommodate 50ft (15m)+ catamarans on the Texas Gulf coast, Kemah Boardwalk Marina in Kemah recently modified its B Dock to create one long 450ft (137m) alongside dock.
Not only has this improved the marina’s flexibility to accommodate larger catamarans but the project has also widened the fairway in between A
and B Docks, increasing the value of A Dock catamaran slips, which can now host larger vessels.
“With most catamarans larger than 45ft unable to access most of the region’s marinas due to their mast heights and bridge restrictions, we decided to take advantage of our
location on Galveston Bay to offer these larger yachts an ideal homeport for exploring the bay and the Texas Gulf coast,” said marina manager Brad Grace. “The additional alongsidetie dock will now offer catamaran owners a Texas homeport option instead of being forced to keep their yachts in Florida.”
The Kemah Boardwalk Marina has become known throughout the region’s boating community for its hospitality, guest services and varied amenities, including a spacious pool and hot tub, poolside grilling area, numerous picnic pavilions, and clean docks with spacious walkways.
The Kemah Boardwalk itself and the Kemah Lighthouse District, just steps from the marina, offer visiting boaters over 34 restaurants, more than 27 shops, live entertainment, hotel accommodation, yacht charters and family amusements and attractions.
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
Berth boost at BYC
AUSTRALIA: Work has begun on a 113-berth extension at Bellerive Yacht Club (BYC) in Bellerive, Tasmania. The new berth mix allows for vessels of 10-20m (33-66ft), and the project also includes a two-sided 36m (118ft) long fuel dock.
Bellingham Marine Australia is the lead contractor and Bellingham’s Marc
Spit plan contract
AUSTRALIA: Gold Coast Waterways Authority has awarded Aldar Construction and Bellingham Marine Australia the contract to build the Marine Stadium Pontoon and Jetty as part of the Spit Master Plan implementation on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Paul Sorrell CMM, Bellingham Marine’s Queensland manager, said: “This project shows our commitment to the local community and our passion to provide our most up to date pontoon system in collaboration with a leading civil and infrastructure company well known for its innovative approach to construction, logistics and build ability.” Sorrell is working closely with the
managed the demolition, piling, marina construction and installation of services.
BYC general manager, Scott Steadman, said the Club is excited about the additional membership opportunities and the extra activity the marina will attract.
Carney is working with BYC project manager Richard Gilbert. Carney has
team to ensure the pontoon caters well for both recreational and commercial
users. Work is expected to complete in November.
Bellerive Yacht Club (BYC) in Bellerive, Tasmania.
La Valletta Loano Hammamet Stora Palau
Fiskardo Aqaba Dubai Port Gogek Khiran
Castellammare di Stabia Lefkas Tripoli
Venezia Spalato Maratona Salerno Piskera La
Maddalena Gouvia Muggia Maratea Gedda
Capo d’Orlando Tremezzo Doha Tivat Trani
Lixouri Procida Al Fintas Carrara Brissago
Genova Rodi Dammam Sistiana Locarno
Cagliari Atene Lacco Ameno Palermo
Manfredonia Novi Vinodolski Montecarlo
Viareggio Rab Alassio Farasan
Budva Ravenna Portorose Bari
Villasimius Taranto Biograd Cala di Volpe Trieste
Jesolo Savona Lisbona Portovenere Novigrad
Bisceglie Aiaccio La Spezia Portoferraio
Lustiça Montecarlo Santa Manza Riva del
Garda Castiglioncello Kastela Al Faw Portofino
S. Margherita Ligure Volme Methoni Livorno
Haquel Napoli Marsaxlokk Jesolo Aci Trezza
Taranto Mgarr S. Teresa di Gallura Grado
Rovigno Chioggia Vibo Valenza Mitilene
Imperia Como Agios Kosmas Monfalcone
Resource consent for Te Rāhui Herenga Waka
NEW ZEALAND: The Environmental Protection Authority Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (EPA) has granted resource consent for the development of a boat harbour in Keepa Road in Whakatane.
John Rae, chair of Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne 2021 Limited Partnership, welcomed the news: “The project team has worked closely with stakeholders on this project including our project partners to develop a project that will address the lack of maritime
infrastructure in the town and provide opportunity for the region through the maritime and tourism industries, whilst delivering the project with a very sound environmental proposition,” he says.
Sustainability considerations have been top-of-mind from the beginning,
APCC wins Jubail contract
UAE: Jubail Island Investment Co (JIIC) has awarded a $40 million contract to Al Dhafra Pipeline Contracting Co (APCC) for its new 66-berth marina in Marfa Al Jubail. Completion is set for mid-2023.
APCC, one of Dubai’s leading ground engineering contractors, will be responsible for construction of the quay wall and associated infrastructure along the perimeter of the marina.
The marina is being built as part of the grand Marine District, which will offer luxurious residential space, a yacht
club complex, and boardwalk containing restaurants and outdoor cafés.
The Jubail Island project, owned by JIIC and developed by LEAD, will be home to a collection of six residential village estates located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
notes Te Rāhui Lands Trust chairman Brian Simpson. He explains this includes both human and environmental aspects of sustainability. “The boat harbour will start to restore both the mauri of the river, and the wellbeing of our people through employment and training opportunities, for future generations,” he believes.
“We are excited about what this means for the future of the region,” adds Mayor of Whakatāne, Judy Turner. “The idea of a fit for purpose sustainable facility for berthing vessels has been considered for some time because it enables the region to be home to a commercial marine hub that will create long term job opportunities in the maritime and tourism sectors, and provide critical infrastructure that many marine businesses in the town require to support their ongoing businesses in Whakatāne.”
“Construction and operation of the boat harbour will need locals to get involved with it, as the project is going to need people to operate the boats, to fix boats, to work in the boatyard, on the docks, in the marine training centre, to make and supply ice, to help run the fuel station, and to work in any food and beverage businesses that open up. We anticipate it will lead to hundreds of associated jobs in the coming years.”
Boat harbour project director, Phil Wardale, says the region was supported by the fast track consenting process which provided certainty of timing. “We thank all submitters who answered the call from the EPA to provide their views on the project,” he says. “Many contributed their knowledge of the area, which has helped us to refine the project design to ensure it will perform to a very high level, particularly in relation to environmental matters regarding local water quality and ecology.”
The consent is issued with a robust package of over 100 consent conditions. Subject to construction timelines, the first boats could move in early in 2025.
New life for neglected peninsula
ESTONIA: Scandium Kinnisvara and Everaus Kinnisvara have acquired a unique peninsula in Haapsalu on the left bank of Suur-Viik. They plan a development centred on luxurious seaside villa apartments, a marina, restaurants and a spa hotel.
“The peninsula by Suur-Viik is a unique place in Estonia where a total of 20 low-rise apartment buildings can be built, with virtually all windows offering enchanting sea views,” says Maido Lüiste, CEO of Scandium Kinnisvara.
“Due to the elongated shape of the peninsula and the established detailed plan, the houses will be located only 30m [98ft] from the sea, which means that the views will be exceptional both
to the sea and to the nearby islands and peninsulas.”
At the beginning of the last century, a popular port was located at the top of the peninsula and several heads of state and important visitors landed there. The existing deep water will enable developers to rebuild a marina in the second stage of the development for locals and visitors. A swimming area, café and personal boat bridges for apartment owners are also planned.
Everaus Kinnisvara CEO, Janar Muttik, comments: “The Haapsalu
• Full line of hydraulic boat handling equipment
• Yard, self-propelled, and highway models
• Open frame design to maximize flexibility and efficiency
project is truly large-scale in terms of the whole of Estonia. We want to reopen the area, which has been forgotten for decades, to the people of the city, so that it becomes a diverse urban space with a place for homes, summer resorts and many recreational opportunities – from health sports to sea sports and authentic food culture.”
In order to protect the buildings from possible floods, the ground will be raised, a move that will further enhance the views.
Image credit: 3+1 Architects
INNOVATION QUALITY COMMITMENT
Kropf Industrial also supplies mobile boat lifts, as well as steel or HDPE pipe floating docks, and steel floating breakwaters.
New all-tide marina to enhance leisure mooring
GUERNSEY: UK-based Marina Projects has been appointed by Guernsey Ports to support the preparation of a detailed feasibility into the development of a new all-tide access ‘Pool Marina’ scheme in St Peter Port.
The creation of an all-tide marina seeks to maximise the potential of the currently under-utilised pool moorings area and enhance the leisure berthing offering at St Peter Port with the introduction of modern berthing arrangements and improved customer facilities.
Outline proposals include a new marina that is centrally located within St Peter Port. It would have permanent walk ashore access to strengthen the harbour’s immediate connection and proximity to the town centre and attractive waterfront. Proposals also include the introduction of a breakwater structure to improve wave protection within the harbour confines and provide notable secondary benefits to existing operational assets. Other work streams include breakwater studies, dredging assessments, navigation studies and an extensive programme of marine boreholes.
In response to significant market demand for additional pontoon berthing, Pool Marina would be the first all-tide berthing facility in the town, enabling residents and visitors to enjoy unrestricted access to the excellent
nearby cruising grounds of Herm and Sark. Likewise, the geographic location of Guernsey provides an advantage for boaters cruising between the UK, Jersey and northern France.
Marina Projects is providing specialist marine advice for the feasibility, concept design and technical design of Pool Marina and will undertake
NEWS FOCUS
Left & below: St Peter Port, Guernsey, is a popular mooring spot. An all-tide marina is proposed to maximise the potential of the currently under-utilised mooring area.
a comprehensive programme of stakeholder engagement and marina financial modelling. Working closely with the Guernsey Ports client team and consulting engineers, and in order to establish the optimum marina solution that will make best use of the waterspace, the concept design will aim to integrate Pool Marina with existing landside uses and marine infrastructure without compromising existing marine leisure and commercial port operations.
The scope of services includes undertaking extensive market assessment of the regional area, including the cruising grounds of the Channel Islands, Solent and northern France, to identify the scale and nature of market demand applicable to Guernsey. The information and conclusions drawn from the study will be used to inform and confirm the market opportunities for berthing and user groups, and guide expectations in terms of support services for local berth holders and visitor facilities.
The concept design for Pool Marina will seek to balance the market research findings, the client’s vision and the constraints and opportunities present at the site. Furthermore, consideration of the existing harbour operations and assets through extensive stakeholder engagement will ensure the development proposals are complementary and provide wider
NEWS FOCUS
The strategic and geographic advantages of St Peter Port and its attractive waterfront have been leveraged for the marina study.
benefits to marine related activity within the harbour.
Doug Wright, ports commercial and estates manager for States of Guernsey, commented: “Marina Projects bring a wealth of marine leisure knowledge and experience to this exciting project. We have a rich and diverse leisure boating community here in Guernsey and our consultants have understood the challenges associated with the site and engaged with local stakeholders to identify clear direction and are assisting us with the strategy to develop the proposals for a new all-tide marina scheme.”
As part of the ongoing viability assessment, Marina Projects will undertake financial modelling of Pool Marina to measure the impact of the new berthing asset on the existing operations in terms of income, overhead costs and capital expenditure. The key assumptions and outcomes will serve to identify the investment case for the marina.
Marina Projects managing director, Mike Ward, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Guernsey Ports to bring forward well-considered proposals for an all-tide marina facility in St Peter Port. The strategic and geographic advantages of the location, and the immediate connection to the fabulous waterfront of St Peter Port,
are key strengths that the study will look to leverage. An all-tide facility will change the face of marina berthing in Guernsey. Notwithstanding an array of complex challenges, we have the necessary experience to help our client deliver a scheme that creates significant benefits for the local residents and harbour users.”
MARINA UPDATE
Revamping and regeneration: heading up Azimut Benetti marinas
Marina di Varazze has placed its bets on ambitious ventures. Now managing Marina di Valletta in Malta and Lusben Varazze – and set to manage the new Marina di Livorno in Tuscany – it is gradually ramping up to lead all of Azimut Benetti’s tourist ports. Donatella Zucca reports
During COVID19, Marina di Varazze Srl took the opportunity to completely renovate its facilities so as to offer the maximum possible to boaters. Positive results were swiftly seen: in 2020 visitor numbers grew by 25% compared to 2019, and in 2021 there were over 20% more permanent berth holders. The regeneration was a courageous move at self-examination and created greater synergy between the leisure, commercial and residential elements of the site.
The extraordinary renovation work of eight buildings at the 15 year-old marina completed last year. Decking was also replaced on the breakwater and the piers, which offer 800 berths for vessels up to 45m (148ft) long, and video surveillance systems, WiFi and webcams were enhanced so that owners could view boats even if they were not allowed to visit them. New companies, including Scanner,
Settemari Yacht, Beneteau and Cranchi dealer Bellini Nautica, have opened new offices at the marina.
Lusben Varazze, a repair and refit yard, was established in 2016 in infrastructure formerly belonging to Baglietto Shipyards. It joined Azimut Benetti’s Lusben network in 2019 and has also been important to the regeneration, giving Marina di Varazze
Giorgio Casareto
control of a repair facility on its doorstep.
Focusing on an events programme has also been crucial, and the Varazze season made its debut in June with the Classic Cars 2022 competition. Artisans in the Marina, a food and shopping gallery featuring over 20 restaurants is another notable initiative, as are environmental moves to include eight supercharge points for Tesla electric cars. This charging facility will likely be expanded to suit other car brands and also electric boats.
Add the 250-berth Marina di Valletta and Livorno Porta a Mare in Tuscany in the mix and Marina di Varazze is all set to reflect the entrepreneurial vision for which the Vitelli family – Azimut Benetti founders and owners – are renowned.
Giorgio Casareto, CEO and general manager at Marina di Varazze, sums up: “The Varazze, Livorno and Malta marinas have logical positioning. They allow us to take customers in different geographical areas and offer them a navigation experience along the coasts and in port that is similar to their marina homeport.” He notes, for clarification,
Above: Significantly renovated Marina di Varazze has enjoyed a big boost in customers (photo: Sergio Bolla). Right: Marina di Valletta in Malta, another Azimut Benetti port, is well positioned to attract more visiting boats.
Lusben Varazze, the adjacent busy repair facility, will be renovated in line with the marina if approvals are secured.
that Marina di Livorno is still “on paper” but 95% of the way towards being awarded a state concession.
Despite the benefits of the networking experience, Casareto realises the huge importance of local tourism. The Piedmontese and Lombard tourism component is crucial for Varazze, and Valletta has its own strategic reach on an island that is experiencing strong economic growth.
“Varazze is performing well and is close to 100% occupancy,” he confirms. “In 2021, we inaugurated an office and dealership for Azimut Benetti, a harbour office, restaurants, bars etc. Livorno will have the same and will cater for boat owners from Romagna and Tuscany, have moorings for large boats, and benefit from the presence of the Azimut Benetti and Lusben shipyards, as well as the availability of the Livorno port drydocks, for which Azimut Bennetti has a ten year concession.
Q: Are your green initiatives the same for all marinas?
A: In principle, they are similar – and we have some interesting solutions. For example, we use sea water to cool the air conditioning systems, use electricity instead of gas to eliminate emissions, and now – of course – offer charging points for electric cars.
We have an agreement with Tesla but we hope that Tesla will open the market to everyone thus making the technical and logistical management of the facility easier. We are also ready with charge facilities for boats but what we are missing are the boats. Currently, hybrid boat projects are being worked on but the shipyards are moving towards electric.
Q: Have you seen an increase in permanent berth holders at marinas other than Varazze?
A: All of our marinas have a high level of long term berth holders. This gives them economic stability. Varazze has, however, reached saturation point. For Valletta, and in the future for Marina d Livorno, the transient component will have greater significance. In Valletta we can accommodate up to four visiting superyachts. This means a lot in a marina with just 250 berths. Livorno will have 20 to 25 berths for boats over 40m [131ft].
MARINA UPDATE
A: When the marina opened, it was 1215m [39-49ft]. Today, it’s from 16/17m [53ft] to 24/25m [79ft] and all berths of this size are pretty much occupied. In the medium range of 10-15m [33-49ft] we have some difficulty filling berths but we are at full occupancy for berths up to 10m [33ft].
Q: How does Lusben Varazze fit into the Lusben-Azimut Benetti circuit, and how much has been invested in redeveloping infrastructure?
A: Lusben Varazze was established four years ago with a licence agreement to use the Azimut Benetti brand name. This applies for boats up to 50m [164ft] but not below 30m [98ft] so as not to compete with the local yard in the marina. By the end of the 2022 season, Lusben Varazze will have managed 24 to 25 projects as we had a full yard all winter.
We are currently in discussion with the local municipality for approval of a site renovation project for which we foresee an investment of around €7 million. There are difficulties and delays but we are trying to get agreement. This will cover demolition of the old buildings and construction of one new facility that will be aesthetically in line with the marina. This is an important step for Varazze, which has long been involved in urban redevelopment of an area that is now increasingly residential.
Q: How do you manage berths and customer relations?
A: The booking systems for transients
and permanent berth holders at Varazze and Valletta are managed independently but there is collaboration for cross over activity. Each marina has experts in the commercial office who handle long term contracts, from the first meeting with customers through to their overall marina experience. We favour direct contact and a personalised approach as clients, although used to using digital communications in their daily lives, still prefer simple experiences with a strong human component. We are, however, developing a tool that will enable this relationship to be digitised especially in the small scale operational management phase.
Q: How are the shipyards located in the marina?
A: To the west of Marina di Varazze we have a complete range of shipyards and small artisan facilities. These range from the yard that lifts a boat from the water to those who repair, transform and maintain them. We also have engine, upholstery and painting workshops etc.
Q: What is the mix for sail and motor?
A: Sailing boats have dedicated space with Beneteau Vela and the technical and commercial office of Solaris. Italia Yachts delivers boats to the marina and, like other sailing brands, takes advantage of our marina and yard facilities. In the marina, our average water depth is 3.5-4m [11ft 6in-13ft] but we also have 6m [20ft] depths, which is important for sailing yachts. However, around 60% of the vessels we moor are motorboats, which makes us aligned with the market in general.
Q: What is the average sized boat moored in Varazze?
MARINA GROUPS & NETWORKS
Ambitious plans for a 21st century network
Marina 21, a new group in Croatia, aims to build a network of modern, firstclass marinas in the Mediterranean region. With three marinas in Novigrad, Trogir and Pula, the network currently boasts a combined 859 wet berths and 206 dry berths, with ambitious plans for more along the Adriatic coast. Charlotte Niemiec reports
Last year, Czech investment group EMMA Capital signed acquisition contracts for three Croatian marinas located on the Adriatic coast. It named the newly emerging group Marina 21, as a nod to both the year and its aim to build a modern network of marinas “fit for the 21st century”. Each marina offers berths in attractive yachting and tourist destinations, complemented by excellent customer service.
Group director, Paulina Ilić, explains what attributes the group looks for in a marina when considering adding it to the network: “In general, we are looking at marinas in Croatia and Greece, ideally with more than 200 berths, good accessibility, sufficient service area and dry dock. It’s hard to find a marina that fits this criteria, but we are in the due diligence stage with some of them.”
Pavel Horak, partner in EMMA Capital, explains the history behind the group: “It is linked to the passion for sailing of one the partners in the investment group. This partner understands nautical tourism and wants to do it sustainably, taking into consideration the protection of the sea, the coast and the entire ecosystem.”
Boat service focus
Chief among the network’s vision over the next ten years is to build a group of marinas offering reliable, excellent boat maintenance and repair services to a high standard of quality. “We are proud of the quality of maintenance and repair services at our marinas,” Ilić says. “We’re here not only for our clients with annual berths, but also for external clients. This is a key focus for us and an area in which we’d like to improve further. We’re not just a ‘parking place’
Left & below: Marina Nautica in Novigrad is a shell-shaped first-class marina offering 365 wet berths and 50 dry berths. Full yacht service and maintenance facilities are on site.
for boats – we provide complex services. As every boat owner knows, regular maintenance is the best and cheapest way to prevent any future difficulties.”
In recent years, the dry dock at Trogir Marina achieved a unique position in the field of yacht service and repair – now the group is expanding its know-how to its other marinas.
In addition to boat services, Marina 21 hopes to offer charter services that allow boaters to charter a vessel from one marina to another, as long as the member has a berth agreement at one marina.
“Because Marina 21 is a new group, we’re just at the beginning of our journey,” explains Ilić. “We’ve not yet gone in the direction of creating an app for boaters to use across the network, but depending on how quickly we expand, we might go this way.”
Ilić’s extensive experience in the sector makes her perfectly placed to direct the group. “Since 2006, I’ve been actively involved in nautical tourism. In my many years of work, I’ve followed the design, construction and management of four marinas. In 2021, EMMA Capital appeared as a new stakeholder in nautical tourism in Croatia and bought Marina Nautica in Novigrad, launching the transaction process for Marina Trogir at the same time.
“During this transaction process and our frequent communications, we recognised our compatibility,
MARINA GROUPS & NETWORKS
Marina Trogir in the central part of the Adriatic coast has extensive wet and dry berths and very comprehensive boatyard facilities.
finding we had the same goals and visions. As a consequence, Marina Nautica was added. I must point out that the management of our three marinas includes two other key people – Nenad Jurić and Tudor Bilić, who have exceptional maritime abilities, knowledge and skills and are involved in all levels of the business operation.”
Sustainable roots
With sustainability a driving force behind the establishment of the group, Marina 21 has a laser focus on the environment, aiming not only to create a pleasant atmosphere for clients but also to have operations that preserve the long-term beauty and viability of the places where the marinas are located.
“All our marinas are adapted and equipped with ecological yards to receive various types of waste, special places to dispose of hazardous waste and, in all our marinas, we have pumps for emptying vessel tanks. Hotel Nautica just received a ConsumelessMed award for Sustainable Tourism in the Coastal Areas of the Mediterranean. We have significantly reduced our energy and water consumption and we are part of the Green Sail Association, regularly holding training for employees on proper waste management, care for the environment – and we conduct exercises in case of pollution.”
The first phase of all-new Marina Polesana opened in Pula in April with 262 wet berths. When phase two completes, the marina will have well in excess of 1,000.
Marina 21 Group
The marinas
“Croatia is justifiably called the ‘land of the thousand islands’, with more than 1,200 Croatian islands offering natural beauty, a rich culture and gastronomic luxuries,” Ilić says. The mild Mediterranean climate, with its 2,400 to 2,800 hours of sunshine a year, ranks among the sunniest in Europe. “Guests at our marinas will find a safe and quiet place, as well as the opportunity to enjoy our excellent food and staff willing to help them with whatever they need,” she adds.
Located on the north-western coast of Istria, Marina Nautica in Novigrad is an exceptionally equipped first-class marina with a unique, shell-like pier arrangement offering 365 wet berths and 50 dry berths. It boasts full yacht service and technical assistance with all maintenance needs. A travel lift can accommodate vessels up to 80 tonnes. Other services include restaurants, a hotel, wellness centre with pools and saunas, and conference facilities.
3 859 206 1 331 221m²
Marinas Total sea berths Total dry berths Hotel Combined marinas surface
Novigrad has a rich history, with narrow ancient streets and secular architecture nestled in the medieval layout of the city centre.
Spacious and modern, Marina Trogir in Trogir sits in the central part of the Adriatic coast, nestled in a bay protected from winds and storms. The marina has 232 wet berths and 114 dry berths. It boasts 600 tonne and 100 tonne travel lifts, 300 tonne and 60 tonne self-propelled trailers, boat service and maintenance, a nautical shop, charter agencies, grocery market and a restaurant.
The historic city of Trogir, dating back to the 3rd century BC, tops the list of places to visit not only in Dalmatia, but in the whole of Croatia. The Trogir archipelago, dotted with islands, islets and tranquil bays with accessible land routes, has attracted numerous conquerors, seafarers, traders and chance travellers since ancient times.
The 10ha (25 acre) Marina Polesana in Pula has 262 wet berths and 42 dry berths, a crane, boat maintenance services, premium facilities and services, with a restaurant opening soon. The seafront city of Pula sits on the top of the Istrian Peninsula. Nearby, the national park of Brijuni Archipelago is an attractive group of islands open to visitors. The majority are left untouched, with smaller islands almost completely covered by an ancient holm oak forest.
The first phase of Marina Polesana completed in time for a grand opening in early April with a 262-berth floating marina delivered by Marinetek Adriatic (see Marina World May/June 2022). Around 900 additional berths and a hotel are planned for phase two.
PLANNING & DESIGN
Free-flow club design links land to sea
Amaala, the ultra-luxury development located along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, has revealed an iconic HKS design for its Triple Bay Yacht Club.
Set within the Triple Bay Marina of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve, the new yacht club is a keystone development with a captivating free-flowing structure that aims to create a one-of-a-kind meeting point between land and sea.
“Amaala is one of the flagship Saudi Vision 2030 projects and remains central to the kingdom’s ambition to become a global tourism leader. We anticipate that Amaala will become an international hub for luxury yachting and, as such, the yacht club required a world-class design, influenced by the surrounding natural elements and Arabic heritage, and underpinned by our commitment to sustainability,” said Amaala CEO John Pagano.
Drawing design inspiration from two sets of geometry, HKS first looked to the unique rock formations on the Saudi Red Sea coastline to create the club’s bespoke cantilevered terraces, which echo the natural shape of the surrounding cliffs, eroded over time by wind and sea.
“We were clear from the outset that we wanted to create a building of its place, with the design drawing inspiration from local landscapes
and culture, alongside the nature of the marina lifestyle. The team wanted to re-imagine the yacht club as a modern concept, a home from home for nautical enthusiasts from all backgrounds, from leisure to
Above & below: Set within the Triple Bay Marina, the new yacht club at the Amaala development has been designed to reflect the unique rock formations of the Saudi Red Sea coastline and draws further inspiration from mankind’s relationship with the sea.
elite sport,” said Dan Flower, HKS design director and lead architect for Amaala Yacht Club.
The second inspiration is drawn from mankind’s relationship with the sea and maritime history. This nautical edge will ensure the building sits seamlessly within the marina as a central hub and focal point.
Alongside the ‘sea meets land’ concept, the design references the look of a traditional Arabian house, with a simple smooth white exterior that is cut back to reveal luxurious metal. Internally it features a rich palette of natural and locally sourced materials, such as stone, timber and leather.
“Amaala offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape a new tourism destination and a new home for yachting on the Red Sea. It is a
privilege to be involved as designers of this iconic yacht club, which is a centrepiece for the marina and set to evolve guest experience,” explained Kevin Underwood, global head of hospitality at HKS.
“We brought together the global expertise of our firm, using our experience of creating luxury destinations to create something truly innovative and contemporary. Sustainability in all aspects is at the heart of our design, seamlessly integrating the building with the stunning mountain and marine landscape of the Red Sea,” he added.
Covering 7,900m² (85,000ft²) and arranged on four levels, the ultraluxurious club is set to create a home from home for its members whether to do business, relax, entertain or take part in a calendar of yachting events.
Arrival is a key moment for guests
Curved roof details of an upmarket restaurant and (below) hotel facilities
PLANNING & DESIGN
by land or water, with the entrance set within an arch that forms a shaded plaza and frames dramatic views to the Red Sea. The area has a mirrored vaulted ceiling over a star-lit floor which creates an alternative night sky for guests in the evening.
The interior of the club, also designed by HKS, along with the landscaping detail, is as visually stimulating as the exterior, with unparalleled attention to detail to ensure guests remain connected to the landscapes around them. Utilising local materials, with a focus on stone, timber and metals, and embracing a luxurious, yet authentic brass champagne colour
scheme, the lounges and restaurant blend seamlessly together with an infinity loop-like shape throughout.
Complementing the yacht club’s functions, the 10ha (25 acre) basin hosts a 120-berth marina for yachts up to 130m (430ft) in length, and is designed for residents as well as yachting events, regattas and launches. Deepwater superyacht berths, fuel dock and personalised service ensure Triple Bay’s future rating as a destination for visiting superyachts, international regattas and domestic cruising.
Set across 4,155km² (1,604mi²), and due to welcome first guests in 2024, Triple Bay spans three natural bays along the coastline. The destination is designed to create a one-of-a-kind global wellness hub and is underpinned by a commitment to sustainability.
The whole development is targeting a minimum LEED Gold standard for environmental sustainability.
Phase One of Triple Bay is on track to complete in 2024. It consists of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,300 hotel keys and will also feature a range of luxury food and beverage outlets, retail and leisure facilities.
Work is well underway with more than 1,000 workers already on site. More than 250 contracts for the project have been awarded to date. An RFP for the Utilities PPP has been issued to the market to ensure the development meets its sustainability ambitions. The destination will be off grid, powered solely by renewable energy.
Aerial CAD image of the coastal resort development.
featuring natural materials.
Big Challenges Big Decisions
Plan your participation in this unique global marina event
The biggest meeting of the recreational boating industry
Flexible marina investment for maximum returns
Over the past decade, marina properties have become an increasingly recognised asset class with many changing hands from private to group ownership or from municipal to private sector. Property agents and private equity companies specialising in the sale of waterfront assets have happily experienced more peaks than troughs but determining the true value of a marina as an investment potential requires a financial specialist.
Enter Marine Project – a Mallorcabased European leader in maritime investments, with particular expertise in the marina sector and a unique ability to operate at a global level.
Marine Project has swiftly established itself in a rapidly growing market but, although the marina asset class is enjoying high popularity, team members are keen to stress that its true value is significantly underrated when compared to other marine investments. Marinas generate above average returns with a high degree of security.
Marine Project maximises all investment opportunities by offering a variety of programmes that cater to virtually every budget. These can be angled to suit the novice private
investor, experienced investment firms or globally-invested institutional investors.
Programmes can also be tailored to suit a specific investor. “With high interest rates, usually in the doubledigit range, and short maturities of two to eight years, this form of investment is an economically very attractive alternative to classic forms of investment, especially for investors with a short investment horizon and different exit strategies,” says Marine Project CEO Darius Wozniak.
A major part of the company’s mission is to undertake specific searches for marinas to meet individual criteria and it employs a sourcing team of specially trained and experienced staff in the relevant countries. So, which marinas are of interest to which investors?
“Institutional investors tend to focus on large newbuild projects, or fully operational and profitable marinas
with a solid business performance and good management. The financial performance is much more in focus here than the asset itself,” notes senior consultant Christian Hausser.
Private investors are mostly interested in smaller marinas that are easy to oversee and manage. They usually have between 100 and 300 berths and have good year-round occupancy rates in regions that are not season dependent.
“Somewhat more courageous investors enquire directly about promising turnaround candidates where the substance is right and a turnaround is realistic under the right management. We often apply our ‘Fix & Flip’ strategy here, in which Marine Project takes over the management and leads the marina back into the profit zone,” Hausser explains. “Once occupancy, turnover and profit are maximised, the marina is usually sold again at a high profit, which often justifies the slightly higher risk. As a rule, such an investment takes about two to three years until the exit.”
Marine Project accompanies investors throughout the entire life cycles of their investment – from the preparation of meaningful plans and decision-making bases, to the clarification of legal and environmentally relevant aspects, and finally to the exit. Clients can invest in individual marinas or in managed portfolios.
“The time is ripe for the development of new and attractive forms of investment and the entry conditions in the marina sector are currently very favourable,” Wozniak observes. “Due to the high capacity utilisation of almost all shipyards and the increasingly popular yachting sector, the very high demand for berths will not abate over the next ten to 15 years but continue to increase. We are already seeing a high shortage of supply, which is having a positive impact on marina occupancy rates and profits.”
www.marine-project.com
Darius Wozniak.
Above: The sale of Quinta do Lorde Marina in Madeira was recently negotiated by Marine Project. The company reports that current interest is particularly high for marinas in Greece, Portugal and Spain.
FLOATING BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Building the first sustainable floating city
UN-Habitat, Busan Metropolitan City in the Republic of Korea, and blue tech company Oceanix unveiled the design of the world’s first prototype sustainable floating city on 26th April. Oceanix Busan aims to provide breakthrough technology for coastal cities facing severe land shortages that are compounded by climatic threats.
Coastal cities are on the frontlines of climate-related risks. Flooding is destroying billions of dollars worth of infrastructure and forcing millions of climate refugees to leave their homes. The challenge is huge: two out of every five people in the world live within 100km (60mi) of the coast, and 90% of mega cities worldwide are vulnerable to rising sea levels. The floating city is envisaged as a flood-proof infrastructure that rises with the sea
and produces its own food, energy and fresh water with fully integrated zero waste closed-loop systems.
The unveiling, which took place at UN headquarters in New York, follows the signing of an historic agreement in November 2021 to build a sustainable floating city. Busan was selected for the initiative as it is one of the world’s most important maritime cities and is bidding for World Expo 2030. Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean
peninsula, Busan has a population of 3.4 million. Its deep harbour and gentle tides have helped to make it the largest container handling port in the country and the fifth in the world.
“Sustainable floating cities are a part of the arsenal of climate adaptation strategies available to us. Instead of fighting with water, let us learn to live in harmony with it. We look forward to developing nature-based solutions through the floating city concept, and Busan is the ideal choice to deploy the prototype,” said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, executive director of UN-Habitat, stressing that the battle to achieve the sustainable development goals would be won or lost in cities.
Coastal cities are facing unique demographic, environmental, economic, social and spatial challenges. With nowhere to expand, rapid urban population growth is pushing people closer to the water, driving housing costs to prohibitive levels and squeezing the poorest families out.
“With the complex changes facing coastal cities, we need a new vision where it is possible for people, nature and technology to co-exist. There is no better place than Busan to take the first step towards sustainable human settlements on the ocean, proudly built by Korea for the world,” said city mayor, Park Heong-joon.
“Sea level rise is a formidable threat, but sustainable floating infrastructure can help solve this looming catastrophe. We are excited to make history with Busan and UN-Habitat in ushering in humanity’s next frontier,” said Oceanix co-founders, Itai Madamombe and Marc Collins Chen, adding that the prototype would be approached at a hyper-local level, taking into account the rich social, economic, political and cultural uniqueness of Korea as the host country.
Oceanix CEO, Philip Hofmann, described 26th April as “a pivotal milestone for all coastal cities and island nations on the frontlines of climate change.”
The Busan prototype
Oceanix is leading a team of the world’s best designers, engineers and sustainability experts in designing the flood-proof prototype. The BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and Samsung-owned Samoo were the lead architects.
“Oceanix’s modular maritime neighbourhood will be a prototype for sustainable and resilient cities. As our first manifestation of this new form of waterborne urbanism, Oceanix Busan will expand the city’s unique character and culture from dry land into the water around it. We believe Oceanix’s floating platforms can be developed at scale to serve as the foundations for future resilient communities in the most vulnerable coastal locations on the frontlines of climate change,” explained Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director for BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.
Oceanix Busan will comprise nearly 6.3ha (15.5 acres) of interconnected platforms to accommodate a community of 12,000 people. Each neighbourhood is designed to serve a specific purpose – living, research and lodging. There are between 30,000 and 40,000m² (322,900 and 430,600ft²) of mixed-use programmes per platform.
The floating platforms connect to land with link-span bridges, framing the sheltered blue lagoon of floating recreation, art and performance outposts. The low-rise buildings on each platform are defined by their soft lines and feature terraces for indooroutdoor living to create a network of vibrant public spaces.
FLOATING BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
The concept will organically transform and adapt over time based on the needs of Busan. Starting from a community of 12,000 residents and visitors, it has the potential to expand to accommodate more than 100,000 people. The floating platforms are accompanied by dozens of productive outposts and greenhouses.
Oceanix Busan has six integrated systems: zero waste and circular systems, closed loop water systems, food, net zero energy, innovative mobility and coastal habitat regeneration. These interconnected systems will generate 100% of the required operational energy on site through floating and rooftop photovoltaic panels. Similarly, each neighbourhood will treat and replenish its own water, reduce
and recycle resources, and provide innovative urban agriculture.
All images courtesy Oceanix/BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.
FLOATING BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
A shared vision for the future on water
A major European shipbuilding consortium has teamed up with one of the world’s most acclaimed floating projects companies to form Meyer Floating Solutions. Together, the new Finland-based ‘dream team’ will combine its expertise to focus on designing and manufacturing high quality, luxury floating real estate on a grand scale. Charlotte Niemiec reports
Meyer Group is a leading shipbuilding consortium with three modern, largescale shipyards in the German cities of Papenburg and Rostock, and the Finnish city of Turku, while Admares Marine is the name behind eyecatching projects including nine floating villas at Marasi Business Bay and the Burj Al Arab Terrace extension – both in Dubai – and the world’s largest floating villa.
Both companies share the vision of a future on water. They expect the floating sector to grow exponentially, as it offers a whole new opportunity to develop high quality property in valuable locations. Moreover, because floating properties have a modular, easily-transportable design, building on the water is swiftly becoming more desirable than building by the water. With their minimal impact on the environment, Admares’ floating projects have proved a viable alternative to reclaiming land. The units are equipped with the latest green technology for power generation, sewage treatment and water production, and are able to
operate independently in areas where city infrastructure is not available.
Over the next ten years, Meyer Floating Solutions CEO, Kaj Casén, envisions: “There will be real floating cities and the floating solutions market will be on the same level with shipbuilding. We, as a floating solutions pioneer, naturally want to be there supporting this growing industry to our maximum extent.”
“I’m a naval architect myself and always had the sea close to my heart,” Casén explains. “I spent most of my childhood on a boat with my family and a career in the marine industry was a natural choice for me. After spending the early days of my career in shipbuilding where we also delivered floating staff accommodations for a variety of different industries, we realised that there are tremendous opportunities to create floating products that are also architectural masterpieces for residential, commercial and hospitality purposes. I’m a big believer in this developing industry and want to do my best to allow new sustainable
The world’s largest floating villa can be moved anywhere on water. It is entirely self-sufficient but can also be moored permanently at a waterfront location.
lifestyle opportunities on water for all people.”
A strategic alliance
Meyer Group quickly identified Admares Marine as the market leader in this developing industry.
“At the same time, Admares Marine was looking for a strategic partner to strengthen its capabilities and maximise its potential in the market,” Casén reveals. “The new venture combines the strengths of both companies and allows us to compete for the mega projects being built on the water.”
For Meyer Group, the joint venture boosts its core shipbuilding business, which has always focused on manufacturing products offsite in a controlled factory environment –and will continue to do so. Compared to conventional construction work, this allows for shorter delivery times and minimises the impact to the environment.
“The traditional construction industry is a slow adopter of new technologies. With the two companies’ strengths combined, the joint venture accumulates unprecedented expertise in the field of developing and manufacturing floating solutions,” Casén explains.
Meyer Floating Solutions will inherit Admares Marine’s product portfolio and patents, giving the new company a head start on offering market-ready concepts, from standard floating villas and hotels to fully customisable overwater solutions. Admares will continue to offer its full service from design, manufacturing, transport and final installation at the destination.
The company expects to have a busy year ahead with multiple exciting overwater projects in sight. Its plans include a “first of its kind floating eco-resort without any need for land installations.”
“Additionally, we are working with the world’s largest overwater installation that hopefully will be announced later this year. Again, something that the world has not seen before. The enquiries we have on our table are mind-blowing,” Casén says.
Sustainable solutions
Meyer Group has built cruise ships for international shipping companies at its production and construction docks for several decades, including more than 50 luxury liners. The group recently set a goal to develop a climate-neutral cruise ship concept by 2025 and to achieve carbon neutral shipbuilding by 2030. The newly formed Meyer Floating Solutions will also follow this path and has defined sustainability as one of its core values.
“Floating real estate solutions offer great potential in going into fully energy neutral solutions, where electricity is generated by solar panels and heat pumps use water to ensure both heating during winter and cooling during summer,” Casén affirms.
The entire lifecycle of the products is designed to minimise their environmental impact. Overwater buildings are designed with sustainable materials and manufactured in controlled manufacturing facilities, which the company says can reduce waste by over 70% and provide significant cost benefits.
FLOATING BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Eye-catching projects
Admares’ turnkey project at Marasi Business Bay included nine stateof-the-art floating water homes. Admares manufactured these unique architectural structures in its purposebuilt facilities in Rauma, Finland, before transporting them to Dubai and finally towing them to Marasi Business Bay (see Marina World, January/February 2018, p25).
They are each equipped with the latest technology and are the United Arab Emirates’ first water homes with both pedestrian and boat access. Located at the heart of the marina taking shape at Marasi Business Bay, they are set to become the development’s main architectural trait. From the start of the project, Admares and Dubai Properties established a close collaboration that enabled the milestone achievement more than a month ahead of time. The finished products combine centuries of shipbuilding heritage with cutting-edge design and are set to transform waterfront living in the emirate.
Another major project is the world’s largest floating villa, which can be moved anywhere on water. It generates its own power, has its own waste treatment facilities and draws on green energy with minimum disturbance to the environment. It can also be moored permanently to a waterfront location, where it functions like a conventional building with normal access via road and walkways, with regular connections to land-based power and utilities.
The villa’s most spacious and luxurious rooms are the three Owner’s Suites, which enjoy stunning sea views as well as expansive outdoor terraces with sun loungers and waterfront Jacuzzis. Featuring wallto-wall and floor-to-ceilings windows throughout, the modern architecture allows uninterrupted panoramic sea views – with the unique floating building featuring 6,000m² (64,583ft²) of floor space over three floors, with a separate service basement and technical area.
The company also delivered a terrace expansion to Dubai’s iconic luxury hotel, the Burj Al Arab. The building sits on an island of reclaimed land 280m (918ft) offshore. Opening to guests in May 2016, the 10,000m² (107,639ft²) terrace extension offers far-reaching views across the Arabian Gulf, while a second level provides 5,000m² (53,819ft²) of high-specification retail space, VIP areas, locker rooms, shower and other facilities, as well as technical spaces.
Right: One of nine floating homes at Marasi Business Bay. Below: A floating terrace extension to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, which sits on reclaimed land.
FLOATING BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Kempinski to manage one-of-a-kind hotel
When it opens in 2023, the Kempinski Floating Palace will usher in a new era for the floating hotel concept, with a range of floating satellite villas that can “motor” away to other anchorages.
Moored next to one of Dubai’s most exclusive stretches of beach on Jumeirah Beach Road, the hotel, with its 156 rooms and suites, along with 12 villas, is accessed by speed boat or private yacht. A connected floating helipad is also installed alongside a mooring dock for up to 16 yachts.
Reflecting contemporary lifestyle in the UAE, the principal building is formed of four parts, connected in the middle by a glass pyramid through which large yachts can sail in and out. Every five-star luxury is included, such as exclusive gourmet restaurants, bars, spa, pools, boutiques and banquet areas.
The 12 luxury villas, connected to
the main hotel by walkway pontoons, are for sale and also for rent to hotel guests, and benefit from all the services offered at the hotel. Arranged over two floors, each is of high quality elegant design with two, three or four bedrooms, crew and staff rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor living rooms, a roof terrace and infinity pool. Large panoramic windows are a special feature, along with all the technical elements of a smart home.
Cruising at a maximum speed of 6nm, the villas are equipped with solar panels and are designed to be environmentally friendly.
“We are delighted to be able to offer our guests in Dubai such a
first experience from 2023 onwards, combining the destination’s reputation as a high-tech city with the timeless European elegance of Kempinski Hotels,” said Bernold Schroeder, CEO of Kempinski Group and chairman of the management board of Kempinski AG. “The highly innovative project by Seagate Shipyard convinces not only by its high-end technology but also through impeccable style and design.”
Mohamed El Bahrawy, CEO and founder of Seagate Shipyard, added: “We are proud of what we have achieved so far, especially at the Floating Palace in Dubai, where we have partnered with a global leader in the hospitality business. I am so grateful to Bernold Schroeder and Kempinski Hotels for their trust. It is thrilling to see that, for the first time, a brand of the calibre of Kempinski will manage a floating hotel of such magnitude and we are confident that our hotel will soon be one of the top tourist attractions in Dubai. It will undoubtedly occupy an iconic position among floating hotels all over the world.”
Bernold Schroeder, chairman Kempinski AG and CEO, Kempinski Group
THE FUTURE OF MARINA MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART TECHNOLOGY
Revolutionising time at the fuel dock
Further progress in fuel payment systems gives the customer better security and a faster, more efficient time at the pump. Vance Young of Scribble Software tells us more.
Back in what people like to refer to as the “good ole days”, purchasing goods using a credit card was a very different experience. Perhaps it was due to a seemingly more trustful world, but there was a time when credit card purchases would require producing a physical imprint of a credit card by placing the card in a machine and the merchant would manually swipe an arm or lever with a sheet of carbon paper thus creating an exact copy of the card. My, how times have changed. Can you imagine a store doing this today?
As with most other tasks in life, technology has empowered the ability to simplify and provide a much easier and secure processing of credit card sales using encryption and chip technology.
The marina fuel dock is no exception to advancing technology. Scribble Software pioneered the fuel management integration into a marina management solution nearly two decades ago. To this day, we continue to lead and provide advanced integrated fuel management solutions in both desktop and cloud-based marina management solutions. This allows marina fuel docks to better serve their boating customers. After a significant design and development process, we have again revolutionised the marina fuel dock with mobile pay at the pump fuel purchasing.
Pay at the pump activity traditionally requires the insertion of a credit card into a card reader located directly in
the fuel dispenser. One of the downfalls of this technique is that thieves can place a card “skimmer”, which can copy and record card information, and use that information fraudulently. To help combat this, card processing regulations are moving to require PCI and EMV readers (chip & pin). This can be a timely and costly process for many marina fuel docks.
So, just as the old “knuckle bashing” manual credit card machines evolved to electronic processing, we have transformed the fuel pay at the pump process to a contactless mobile electronic payment process.
Scribble’s new mobile pay at the pump fuel system allows marina fuel docks to place QR code stickers on their fuel dispensers. Boaters who would like to purchase fuel can then pull up to the fuel dock and scan the QR code with their mobile phone. Scanning the QR code pulls up the fuel system on the phone which then guides the boater through a stepby-step process in purchasing fuel.
Simplifying matters even more, the boater has the option to purchase fuel as a guest or sign in and purchase fuel with a stored payment method. Purchasing fuel as a guest provides a fast and easy way to pay for fuel by entering or scanning a credit card with the mobile device.
The advantage of signing in and purchasing fuel gives boaters who have an existing account with the marina, such as a tenant, the ability to purchase fuel with credit card and/or ACH banking information already stored in their marina account. All of which is safe, secure, and meets all guidelines. www.marinago.com
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART TECHNOLOGY
One system for your whole business
Tracking every aspect of your marina business is a lot of work. Managing a marina with a solution that meets your operational needs does not have to be. Alyssa Jones of Molo outlines the advantages of an integrated system.
Front-end activities regarding customer service, dock maintenance and bringing in revenue, along with the back-end items of reservations, services, payments and more, all need to be taken care of. You must be able to balance your books and manage your marina properly. But are you being efficient in all these aspects?
Integrating marina management systems across your entire business sounds daunting but, with the right technology, you can spend more time focusing on your customer rather than all the back-end items that need to be done.
A good software system will give you the confidence to pull reports, review reservations and take payment at the click of a button rather than writing everything down, translating and copying it into a spreadsheet, and then hoping you did not miss something while collecting all the information from the customer that you needed to get paid. Reducing the chance for error is just the beginning of what you can do and what you will be able to share with your patrons once your system is integrated and you are running more efficiently.
Integration of systems
In the technology industry, the term interoperability is used daily if not hourly. But what does that term mean and how does it relate to the marina industry? Interoperability refers to “the ability of apps, equipment, products and systems from different companies to seamlessly communicate and process data in a way that does not require any involvement from end-users.”
Many marina managers operate each segment of their business – (1) Booking/ Reservations/Contracts (2) Service (3) Pointof-Sale/Ship Store and (4) Accounting/ Reconciliation – out of separate data systems, or on paper. They then need to pull reports from each system so as to reconcile business data (financials) nightly or weekly. This is not only extremely time consuming but
“Integrating marina management systems across your entire business sounds daunting but, with the right technology, you can spend more time focusing on your customer rather than all the back-end items that need to be done.”
is frustrating and leaves room for error. Additionally, the separate systems do not “talk” to each other.
Integrated systems play a key role in facilitating organised and effective data exchanges between information systems in a business. With this crucial functionality, you will be able to see benefits in efficiencies, costs, and ultimately your revenue. You will be able to better track your reservations, and with up-to-date data on when transient boats are out, know when you can book a slip or have a vacancy. Without integration, you cannot create “house accounts” for your customers or look at a customer’s total spend very easily.
Your entire business
Molo offers a marina management system that allows you to focus on your customers making the most of their experience at your marina rather than worry about the backend items. It is a marina management system on your iPad and web browser designed in collaboration with marina owners and managers. Quick slip reservations with online contracts, email invoicing with online payments, mobile point of sale with digital signatures and email receipts, service and repair management, accounting integration, and 24/7 support are just some of the significant benefits Molo can provide for your marina.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART TECHNOLOGY
With Molo you can offer your customers a “resort-style” feel as they can walk around your property without a credit card. Molo stores payment information and, as most people pay within 24 hours using Molo online payments, you get paid faster!
Having such an integrated system allows you to have the information and functionality that will really set you apart from your competition and enables you
to enjoy running your business rather than sitting behind a computer crunching numbers.
But being adaptable to receiving information quickly and sharing it with your customers effectively is just the start. Better productivity allows you to run your business more smoothly and have data readily available to make decisions and achieve goals.
Obtaining data quickly is one thing, but having data protection is just as important. Information protection is a requirement for any business and having everything in one place, and not written down on paper, protects you and your patrons. Protecting sensitive data and access to shared records through integrated systems instead of manually recording and entering personal information saves time and gives peace of mind as there is less room for error. And, as information systems are connected, the quality of the data and results are better as you are less likely to duplicate and store outdated data.
Mooring Post
Having seamless data communication is a must in a world that is going forward with technology. When it comes down to your business, you want to be equipped with the functionality necessary to meet your scale, your goals and communicate with your systems. Integrating technology into your marina offers productivity enhancements essential to remaining competitive and this technology can replace extra employee expenses, minimise geographic differences, and help project a professional image.
The EcoPile is a fully composite PVC/Fiberglass composite piling with a specialized internal truss system extruded on the inside for increased lateral and load bearing support. Coated in a highly impact resistant and UV stable compound, the EcoPile will stand up to the elements for decades with new 16’’ diameter EcoPile designed for heavier commercial applications with great results.
“When rebuilding our marina, we wanted to ensure the investment would stand the test of time. After looking at several options other than timber pilings, the EcoPile stood out as product, we couldn’t be happier with the result.”
- Kuy Scott, Palmetto Bay Marina General Manager
recommend the
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART TECHNOLOGY
Delivering a digital future for marina management
It’s no question that the future of marina management is digital. With a 30% increase in boat sales since the pandemic, the rise of a younger, more techsavvy boating community is among us. Marinas are now expected to meet the digital era with easy digital communication and the ability to transact online. Marinalife has risen to the challenge. Izabella Dickson tells us how
Marinalife saw the technology gap within the industry and knew it was time to deliver a fully integrated experience
for its customers. Marinalife has been a key resource for boaters and marinas through its curated digital content, quarterly lifestyle magazine and online travel tools since 2000. In 2022, the company realigned its focus with technology at the forefront and completed a major rebrand to provide innovative digital tools and resources for marinas and boaters.
Marinalife now offers a management software platform – Marinalife Manager – that seamlessly
connects the dots between marina customers and a marina’s bottom line. The new product, launched in June 2022, empowers marinas while maximising profits and streamlining the boater experience. Marinalife Manager combines three key marina systems into one easy solution: Dock Resource Management, Financial Management, and Customer Management.
Dock Resource Management
Dock resource management maximises profits by putting boats in recommended slips and enabling you to view an accurate representation of your marina on any given day, including:
• Arrivals and departures
• Boater and slip information
• Float plans and much more...
Financial Management
The management suite puts all of your financial data in one place for streamlined daily operations and easy reporting:
• Secure electronic payments and invoicing
• Bookkeeping and accounting
• Encrypted and PCI compliant Customer Management With a customer management system you can easily communicate with boaters and store all of their information in one convenient place:
• Centralised customer database
• Seamless direct communication
• Broadcast messaging
Marinalife Manager empowers marinas with unparalleled customer service, as well as advanced operations support. It’s a cloud-based management tool that helps recoup missed revenue, reduce operational costs and provide a personalised customer experience.
Marinalife Manager joins SnagA-Slip, a leading online boat slip reservation service, as a Marinalife company. In tandem with the new product offering, Snag-A-Slip’s reservation system seamlessly integrates with the management system, creating an easy process from booking to post-departure.
Marinalife Manager and Snag-A-Slip both align to create a unified company under Marinalife, Inc., dedicated to providing the most innovative technology solutions for the boating community.
www.marinalife.com/manager
Specialists in the design, fabrication and installation of customized aluminum and timber floating dock systems, fixed piers and gangways for marina projects worldwide. From project design and management to manufacturing, installation and maintenance, Bluewater Marine competes globally with fabrication facilities in Hawaii, California and North Carolina.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART
“Mia and Mateo” and the smart marina
A smart marina system introduces a flexible automated process from the boater’s first contact with the marina to his/her stay and use of services. Let’s explore the experiences of Mia and Mateo, boaters visiting a smart marina, to see how the Marina Master solution covers an automated reservation process, berthing payment, boat arrival, stay at the marina, extra services and final departure.
Smart reservation: The digital process begins when Mia makes an online berth reservation via the marina home page. She completes a reservation form that has been customised to suit the marina. The manager is immediately informed about the reservation via the mobile Marina Master app, he accepts it and confirms the boat’s arrival. Mateo and Mia request berth assistance via their mobile device ahead of arrival and are helped at the dock by marina personnel. Immediately after the reservation confirmation, the boat is on a system that is visible to all on-site Marina Master users.
Advanced invoicing: Upon arrival, Mateo and Mia receive a welcome email that outlines the marina services, service level agreement and basic
terms and conditions. Mateo orders a boat lift and painting from his mobile and Mia orders coffee and newspapers. Marina staff trigger automatically generated invoices and send them to Mia and Mateo so that they can confirm, sign and pay.
Automated contract creation: As Mateo and Mia are regular visitors, Mateo automatically receives a contract by email that can be signed digitally. The contract is pre-filled with his customer data and Mateo can review it, along with the terms and condition. Mateo and Mia can also select optional services, such as power or water connections at the pedestals, car parking and more. Mateo is asked to sign each page of the contract and upload additional
documents, such as insurance policy etc. He can also add comments. Marina staff are automatically informed that a new contract has been signed and confirmed, and can read Mateo’s remarks or requests. The fee for the contract and utilities is automatically invoiced and processed in General Ledger.
Berthing control: During Mateo and Mia’s stay in the marina the dockhands will regularly check whether the boat is berthed or not. This can be done in several ways. For example, using CCTV cameras or performing regular dock walks. On the day of departure, Mateo and Mia can simply leave with no need to tell the reception desk. The Marina Master application automatically records the departure and marks the berth as empty on the system. After every departure, Mateo and Mia automatically receive a thank you email from the marina inviting them to share their experience and suggestions.
Unique customer relationship: The boater’s journey through a smart marina results in improved boater experience and increased loyalty. Mia and Mateo have peace of mind knowing that their expectations will always be met. The marina management team is able to keep its promises.
The Marina Master team is constantly developing new smart features. “Every experience with our customers is a goldmine for our strategy,” says CEO Vesna Pavlovic. Happy customers include Darrell Barnett CMM, marina manager at Soldiers Point Marina in Australia (pictured) and Kevin Lussier CMM, regional manager Ocean Havens District Waterfront Properties, USA.
“One of the best things that we have done this past year was to work with the Marina Master team to move our seasonal contracts to automated processing. This one example of the automated process has saved us a lot of time by no longer having to scan and upload the agreements, and the fact that you can email all our agreements by a click of the button is amazing,” says Lussier.
Barnett comments: “The best thing about it is how versatile, cooperative and diversified the app is and, to date, Marina Master has met all our expectations. The software not only improves the day to day operations, but is saving me thousands of dollars a year in operational costs.”
www.marina-master.com
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART TECHNOLOGY
Maximising occupancy – the smart way
Marinas are gateways for boosting tourism revenue and, by functioning properly and offering a warm welcome, they have direct and positive impact on the local economy. It is, therefore, essential for harbour managers to have streamlined management systems in place that meet the needs of today’s boaters.
Created in 2017, Nauticspot is a young French company based in Montpellier and Antibes in the South of France that helps marinas to optimise their management on several levels: berth supervision; safety; and economic and tourism development. Nauticspot founder, Jeremy Ladoux, realised there was a shortfall in marinas due to a lack of technology and he set sail as a pioneer in smart berth management. The company is now working with more than 60 marina partners.
From pen and paper... to smart marinas
Ladoux first became aware that marinas were in need of a management update when he was sailing around the island of Corsica. He was looking forward to mooring up in marinas when he realised that the managers didn’t have current occupancy information so didn’t know what berths were available. This meant he either received negative replies or had to wait hours for a response to his stopover request.
The Nauticspot smart sensor (inset left) detects whether or not a berth is occupied and relays the information to the marina office.
He asked himself why the marina managers didn’t have berth occupancy data in real-time and set about to put this right with a system that innovates and improves the sailing experience for boaters and harbour managers. Here’s the outdated traditional system – often a five-step (minimum) process:
1 Manual inventory
A member of staff walks around the docks with pen and paper to note which berths are available or occupied. This is a time consuming task, especially at large marinas.
The same process is applied in the swing mooring area, but the staff member goes out in a boat to make the inventory and check on all the buoys. This can involve the use of fuel causing release of hydrocarbons.
2 Updating marina software
Once the inventory is finished, another manual update is needed to refresh the marina software. This will be out of date as soon as the first boat leaves the marina.
3 Calling ‘missing’ boaters
Marina staff need to contact boaters who didn’t inform them that they were leaving their berths. The management needs this information, along with the return date, so as to be able to reassign the berth when they receive stopover requests. Unfortunately, once at sea, boaters are often tough to reach.
4 More software updating
Another update is required when the departure and return dates for the ‘missing’ boaters is ascertained.
5 Check on available berths to answer stopover requests
When a berth is requested by a visiting boater, a physical check might be needed to ensure the berth is available as the morning inventory will be out of date.
This method is a recommended solution to ensure the visitor will be well-positioned. During high season, this management process is repeated a
Jeremy Ladoux
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/SMART TECHNOLOGY
few times every day so as to reach maximum berth occupancy.
Achieving maximum berth occupancy
Nauticspot helps marinas to achieve maximum occupancy by offering a smart management system. Smart sensors to detect the presence or absence of a boat at each berth are wireless, fixed to the docks, and linked either to Nauticspot software or preexisting software e.g. Harbour Assist, Pandora, SmartWater, Seaport and others.
The software displays an interactive map, creating new opportunities to boost income from transient boaters, and collects different types of data. Boaters are guaranteed to find their berth available when they return to port and, to take things even further by providing a high level of security, a signal is sent to the boater when the boat leaves its berth.
Nauticspot has continued to innovate in real-time berth supervision with a brand new solution called Marina View.
This computer vision solution comprises synchronised cameras working with AI to supervise the water area, detecting identified events like boat departures or arrivals. This solution can be extended to other applications e.g. intrusion detection or speed control in order to reduce incidents in the marina basin.
Marina View is tailor made for the marine environment and offers the following:
• Certified quality IP68
• 1 berth = 1 sensor
• Wireless ioT system
• Quick to install features
• Encrypted Lo-Ra network
• Long-range and low consumption signal
• Ultra-resistant materials (antivandalism and impact protection)
• 5-year warranty
• A mobile app
The mobile app
The Nauticspot app enables all administrative tasks to be accomplished remotely. From the dashboard, staff can manage all the information released to users as in a digital marina. A safety module helps to ensure boater safety. The marina manager can also promote the destination by highlighting events, activities etc. The app is branded with the name of the marina or harbour entity - “Port de Saint-Tropez”, “Marina de Valencia”, “SPL Ports de Menton”. The mobile app is also supported by presence sensors – when a boater leaves a berth, he receives a mobile alert no later than 20 minutes after departure. He is invited to respond, giving his return date before he is out of
contact when at sea. The harbour office is thus automatically informed about berth availability and can increase visitor berth capacity.
The marina manager receives statistics relating to navigation flows that can be used to change perspective and better improve management. For example, some marinas establish incentive schemes to reward the most active sailors.
Optimising management benefits
Marinas are now taking full advantage of technology that was previously reserved for very specific industries. IoT (Internet of Things) brings a better quality service offering to yachtsmen while also reducing marina management costs. Optimising marina management is the best way to boost marina activity and enhance the attractiveness of coastal cities.
Here’s how smart marinas benefit by installing Nauticspot equipment:
• Reduced costs
Berth and mooring field real-time supervision saves times and can reduce fuel costs.
• Stopovers
Real-time supervision increases marina berth capacity and efficiency, and available berths can be quickly assigned to visitors. Thanks to the mobile app, boaters can tell the office when they are leaving and returning with just two clicks. The marina office knows the precise availability period for each berth.
• Economic
solution
The cost of purchasing a presence sensor is covered by revenue from the very first visitor to each berth; an immediate return on investment.
•
Circular and blue economy upgrading
By increasing berth capacity, Nauticspot boosts local tourism and enhances nearby economic development.
Remote monitoring
With the APP “Service Mobile” we manage preventative and corrective maintenance actions.
Client Portal. A platform providing 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 prevenptive and corrective maintenance more efficient.
motion@ghcranes.com www.motion.ghcranes.com
GIGIEFFE srl -Via Dell'Artigianato, 2/4 48022 Lugo (RA) Italy tel.(+39) 0545 32900/25413 email: info@gigieffe.com www.gigieffe.com
Marine jib cranes Boat hoists
Motorized Boat Trailer Dry docks
Sign-up surge for marina platform
Pick a Pier, the AI-driven platform for connecting boaters and marinas, gained over 30 new marina sign-ups in the first quarter of this year. They join marinas across Europe already making good use of the platform.
New signings include: Emsworth Yacht Harbour (UK); Marina di San Lorenzo (Italy); the 830-berth Port de La Baule Le Pouliguen (France); Marina de Lagos (Portugal); Jachthaven Waterkant (the Netherlands); and Real Club Náutico Castellón (Spain).
Giorgio Ardito, president of Marina Uno, comments: “We are excited to get onboard with Pick a Pier especially to help in communicating with our existing berth holders and promoting the marina to new visitors.”
One particular benefit of the Pick a Pier platform for marinas is the inclusive payment service that makes the lives of both boaters and marina staff easier and enables the marinas to provide a fast, smooth service.
Tom Marfleet, marina manager at Emsworth, notes: “We look forward to using Pick a Pier to help us optimise our berth availability and reduce admin burden for both us and our boaters.”
Pick a Pier CEO, Idan Cohen, explains: “Our mission is to make boating more accessible, convenient and sustainable. Marinas using Pick a Pier are able to offer an increased level of customer communications and service, resulting in maximised profitability. It also allows marinas to provide boaters with quick responses, excellent customer service and easy access to berthing.”
Phase one portal release
Pacsoft International announced the release of the first phase of its new customer portal app at the Marinas22 conference and exhibition in May. The app bridges the gap between the marina and its customers and offers a gateway for communication.
The portal allows customers to enter/edit details, including customer and vessel information, and upload certificates and similar documentation. It provides functionality for agreement acceptance, allowing contracts, work orders or similar documents to be sent to customers while the user is validated through the app sign-in to accept or decline the agreement. The acceptance, along with user validation data, is instantly recorded against the customer account.
The customer portal would not be complete without a communication layer, which provides both bulk and individual messaging. It allows twoway communication between the marina and the customer without additional SMS costs. PacsoftNG will maintain a complete history of all communication for future reference.
www.pacsoftmms.com
“We are excited to have new marinas onboard with Pick a Pier and know they will instantly benefit from optimised operations and unlocking berths to accommodate boaters. By joining Pick a Pier, these marinas have access to boaters and berth holders in real time using our intuitive platform that provides a new level of transparency, communication and profitability.”
The Pick a Pier platform also includes the exclusive boater loyalty programme, Popeye Sail Club, created to provide the most passionate boaters with a better way to set sail.
www.pickapier.com
Marina Punta Verde, Italy (top) and Emsworth Yacht Harbour, UK (above).
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
European boost for electric charging
UK-based electric boat charging entrepreneur Aqua superPower installed its first marine fast charger in Spain in May and also played a prime role in “powering up” the Venice Boat Show.
MDL Sant Carles Marina at the mouth of the River Ebro near the town of La Ràpita – the first marina in Spain to install Tesla electric car chargers – has also become the first Spanish marina to join the Aqua superPower network.
“Given the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, marinas, ports and harbours are looking to incorporate sustainable technologies and practices into their operations to reduce pollution and mitigate their environmental impact,” said Sant Carles general manager Nicolás González. “We have always aimed to lead the way and our decision to be the first in Spain to join the Aqua superPower network, is to become a leading destination for electric boats and the first charging hub along the Catalonian coast marine fast charging corridor.”
Aqua superPower CEO, Alex Bamberg, commented: “This installation is the realisation of Aqua superPower’s recent partnership with the Catalan Association of Tourist Marinas (ACPET). We are delighted to be working with MDL Sant Carles Marina as the first in Spain and Catalonia to join Aqua’s fast charge network. This also fits well into our partnership with MDL Marinas Group.”
“Access to charging that provides a reliable ‘plug and charge’ experience and offers features like charge point visibility, is essential for boat owners if they are to develop the confidence to transition to electric boats,” he added.
The company also had a notable presence at this year’s Venice Boat Show by teaming up with Italian charge point manufacturer, e-concept, as technical partners. They installed 20 marine chargers within the historic Arsenale.
Electric boats featured prominently in the boat show programme, with 36 electric boats on display and several significant world premieres announced. The show also hosted its second E-Regatta, an endurance competition between a range of electric boats.
Aqua superPower introduced its fast charge network at the Venice Boat Show back in 2021. Since then, it has expanded across Italy, France, Canada and the USA, together with the UK’s first charging network in Plymouth. In Italy, the company has installations in Venice, Portofino and along the Italian Riviera and a roll-out along the shores of Lake Maggiore begins this year.
www.aqua-superpower.com
Canadian club buys stacker crane
Mission Group has purchased a customised eight-ton all-electric semi-automated Capria top-running stacker crane for its Aqua Boat Club on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, BC, Canada.
The machine, which will be installed in a clubhouse due to open in spring 2023, will serve vessels up to 35ft (10.6m) and 17,600lbs (8,000kg). To retain the community’s waterfront view, the 30,160ft² (2,802²) drystack building will be positioned away from the shoreline.
With an aisle width of 116ft (35m), the building design cannot accommodate forklifts but is ideal for Capria machinery. The crane will keep the operator at eye-level with the forks and boat even when reaching the 64ft (19.5m) ceiling. Accidental bumps will be virtually eliminated because of the semi-automation.
When pulled from the racks, boats will be placed on a hydraulic trailer and transported to a ramp for both seasonal and daily launching. The building will provide storage for up to 200 memberowned vessels.
www.domingocapria.com
Launching the marine fast charger at Sant Carles Marina, Spain.
Vacuum sewage system for new Spanish marina
Flovac has designed the sewerage system that will serve both buildings and vessels at the new Gran Marina del Estrecho in Algeciras in the south of Spain.
A single vacuum station and a network of pipes will be installed at shallow depths allowing wastewater to be transported from each discharge point in the buildings and each pump-out point on the pontoons. Waste will flow into the municipal
wastewater network, located outside the concession. Not only does this facilitate the movement and disposal of such water, but it also reduces the cost of transport vehicles. Megayachts will be able to empty their sewage tanks at their own berths.
A second network of pipes will handle bilge water. Water with traces of hydrocarbons that may be found near the fuel station will also be transported via this network – into a second tank located at the vacuum station. In the vacuum station itself, the hydrocarbons are separated before being discharged into the municipal sewer. This facilitates the municipality’s work and helps protect the ecosystem.
The vacuum sewage system will allow Gran Marina del Estrecho to meet the highest standards of environmental protection. Indeed, thanks to the vacuum, even if there is a crack in the pipe, there will be no discharge of sewage or bilge water and pollution is thus avoided. Any air ingress into the system will be detected by the vacuum station and swiftly repaired. Gran Marina del Estrecho is set to be one of Europe’s leading Mediterranean marinas and an exceptional base for superyachts. It will have 80 berths of 30-100m (98-330ft) and two moorings for cruise ships at two different docks. The marina is expected to be operational in 2023.
www.flovac.es
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Index to Advertisers
Aqua superPower, UK 40
Bellingham Marine, USA 7, 9 & 11
Bluewater Marine & Dock, USA 46
Capria, Argentina 40
Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 17
DrySta, Spain 54
DualDocker, Austria 10
EcoPile, USA 44
Flovac, Spain 59
GH Cranes & Components, Spain 52
Gigieffe, Italy 52
Golden Manufacturing, USA 16
IBEX, USA 43
IWMC, Portugal 30
Ingemar, Italy 14
Inland & Coastal
Marina Systems, UK & Ireland 20
Inmare, Italy 36
Lindley, Portugal 38
Marex, Croatia 40
Marina Frapa, Croatia 21
Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 56
Marina Projects, UK 60
MARINAGo by Scribble Software, USA 37
Marinalife, USA 38
Marine Project, Spain 27
Marinetek, Finland 4
Martini Marinas, Italy 18
METSTRADE 2022, Netherlands 24
Molo, USA 51
Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina, Monaco 18
Pacsoft, New Zealand 40
PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 8
Ronautica, Spain 48
Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 57
SF Marina System, Sweden 2
Seaflex, Sweden 6
Seijsener, Netherlands 46
Superior Group, Australia 56
ThruFlow, Canada 56
Twinwood by Soprefa, Portugal 54
Walcon Marine, UK 12
Wiggins Lift Co, USA 48
Boosting berths in Roskilde
Roskilde Havn (Harbour), around 65km (40mi) west of Copenhagen, Denmark recently installed a 240m (787ft) SF Marina floating concrete dock. The expansion provides wave dampening protection and offers mooring for over 40 vessels.
Installed by SF Pontona, the layout comprises a 105m (344ft) long x 3m (10ft) wide angled dock and a walkway, made up of six SF1024 pontoons, that adds 12 slips. This terminates at the centre of a straight 135m (443ft) long x 6m (20ft) dock section of seven SF1040 pontoons offering 30 moorings. All finger piers are 10m (33ft) long to serve a wide range of vessel lengths.
Large vessels can be moored parallel to the dock on the fjord side and a new angled section that dampens wave action has also been connected to an older part of the marina.
Established in 1972, Roskilde Havn offers ramp and crane launching, 310 wet berths and a marine service centre. It hosts sailing and rowing clubs and a Viking ship museum. The fjord itself has 30 islands and inlets to explore and is a Danish national park. www.sfmarina.com
Platinum pedestals for Southport: Marine Technologies (M-Tech) has delivered five 990 Platinum superyacht service pedestals for Southport Yacht Club’s new $9 million superyacht facility on the Gold Coast. The pedestals offer a direct connection capacity of up to 600 Amps. The new docks, built by Superior Jetties, cater for vessels up to 130m (430ft) in length but sensible infrastructure needed to be in place to accommodate smaller vessels if needed.
THE SMART GREEN FUTURE OF SEWAGE COLLECTION
Vacuum sewerage systems are ideal for use in marinas and ports of any size.
The Flovac system can capture sewage and bilge water from boats and all facilities around the marina complex.
No electrical power required at dockside Discreet, small diameter pipework
No risk of water contamination
Validates MARPOL certification
Eco-sustainable system
Ease of installation
No odour, no spills
Concept
Feasibility
Business
Marina
Tender
Marine
Environmental
Property
