July/August 2023
SUPERDOCKS ™
SF Marina is a world-renowned expert on developing new or existing premium marinas. We provide state-of-the-art floating breakwaters and concrete pontoons to anyone anywhere who plans on building a marina with superyacht berths. And who wants it to still be there after the storm.
IGY Marina Bahia Golfito is shaping up to be a new destination in Costa Rica
Luring big yachts to Italian yards and marinas; Sindalah – the first NEOM marina; managing Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard; opening superyacht docks at St George’s Marina in Bermuda; progress on Blue Water Cay, Bahamas; Nakheel launches Dubai Islands
Caspian Sea
There is big potential for marinas on the world’s largest inland body of water but investment is required if nautical tourist interest is to develop
On the cover: The Amico & Co shipyard in Genoa offers 60,000m² (645,800ft²) of docking and yard area alongside a technical marina and a berthing marina. Italian yards lead the way in refit and build of the world’s superyachts. Find out more p.21
Marina World FROM THE EDITOR
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Gearing up for networking season
While we enjoy the summer in the northern hemisphere and the high point of the boating season, it’s a good idea to look ahead and plan our diaries for the next six months – and beyond.
The month of September always heralds the start of the boat show frenzy and, in addition to the numerous regional events and the higher profile international shows, there’s a lot to cover in the business-to-business sector. Here are some highlights for the rest of 2023.
We kick off with the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina event (24th-25th September). As the third in the successful series of ‘rendezvous’, it will feature meetings and talks between marinas, architects and start-ups, all working towards developing smart infrastructure to help build a sustainable yachting sector.
As October dawns, we move to Tampa, Florida for The International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). For 2023, the event (3rd-5th October) has significant extra space in the newly renovated Tampa Convention Center and features a Marina & Yard Trade Route. Read more on p. 37.
The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) will be the major draw a little later in the month (9th-11th October) when international delegates are welcomed to the Algarve, Portugal for two full days of conference sessions, and a Day Two field trip and gala dinner.
The theme for IWMC 2023 is ‘Big Challenges, Big Opportunities, Big Decisions’, and the tone will be set by Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft in a Day One keynote presentation, followed by a panel presentation on the state of the industry around the globe.
Sustainable solutions, including de-carbonisation and marine protected areas, will be scrutinised, and thoughts and opinions shared on the future for technology, marina equipment, marina services and consumer behaviour. Niche markets, such as boat clubs, superyacht facilities and floating infrastructure, are to be explored, and challenges and mitigations, e.g. hurricane and fire, discussed.
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The Day Three keynote, delivered by Yiannis Kalogerakis whisks us into a technology session ‘Smart Future: AI, Smart Tech and Smart People’, with a subsequent round-table discussion. Sessions on marketing and changing customer trends lead up to a second round table discussion between representatives of marina chains and boutique marinas, and a discussion on electric and hydrogen propulsion systems – and how marinas need to adapt.
Delegates will leave the conference with visions from the closing presentation on NEOM – the large scale Saudi Arabia development – buzzing in their minds.
There’s plenty of time to draw breathe between Portugal and the Netherlands where the next port of call is the Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) at Metstrade (15th-17th November). In addition to strong exhibitor attendance in the MYP and educational opportunities in the Metstrade Theatre, visitors should look out for the all-new StartUp Pavilion co-organised by Yachting Ventures.
Crossing to North America for December takes us to Nashville, Tennessee for The Docks Expo (5th-7th December) and then tipping into early 2024 to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for AMI Conference & Expo (30th January- 1st February).
There’s networking for everyone.
Carol Fulford Editor
Highlights of IWMC 2023 are based on information available as we closed for press. ICOMIA reserves the right to amend the programme.
STRONG · SAFE · SUSTAINABLE SEAFLEX
IWMC 2023 – ready to roll
PORTUGAL: The programme for the 2023 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC 2023), taking place 9th-11th October at Vilamoura Marina (above) in the Algarve, has now been finalised.
The three-day event will work to the theme ‘Big Challenges, Big Opportunities, Big Decisions’, and feature speakers will discuss all of these while helping professionals to identify the way forward for a more sustainable and prosperous industry future. Conference sessions include:
• The state of the marina industry around the globe
• Developing sustainable solutions for the future
• Operational challenges and mitigations
• Best examples in research and development
• Smart marina initiatives round table
• Big marina chains vs. boutique marinas round table
Mooring Post
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Highlights from June/July:
• Bahamas: Government signs for Blue Water Cay
• Curacao: Permits granted for marina in Zakito
• India: Marina plans for Princess Dock
• UK: 50 years for MDL
• USA: 50 years for Eldean Shipyard
• USA: Preston Harbor plans firmed up
• UK: Operator sought for Co Down marina
Isolete Correia, president of APPR (Portuguese Association of Recreational Ports) – the host of IWMC 2023 – commented: “We are very excited and with full focus on the preparations for the conference, which is just a few months away. The organising committee is making sure that participants will have an unforgettable experience in Vilamoura and the opportunity to liaise with marina professionals from all over the world. The programme is complete and the speakers are renowned names in the industry. Our goal is to make this experience one to treasure in years to come.”
Register at www.worldmarinasconference.com
A-Z Guide: Special Promotion
The September/October issue of Marina World features our only annual Advertisement Feature, the A-Z Guide to Pontoons/Docks & Decking Manufacturers. Advertisers receive the added benefit of linked editorial. Find out more: Philippe Critot - The Americas (e: pcritot@marinaworld.com): Julia Hallam - Europe, Middle East & Asia Pacific (e: juliahallam@marinaworld.co.uk): Booking deadline: 04 August
CLEAN WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
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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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Early registration for Marinas24
AUSTRALIA: The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has opened registration for Marinas24, the international conference and trade exhibition to be held at the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC), Brisbane 27th-28th May 2024.
MIA president, Andrew Chapman, commented on the decision to open registration one year ahead: “Following the success of Marinas22, and the continued growth of the event in recent times, particularly the exhibition component, we want to ensure we provide delegates as much time as possible to confidently plan their attendance.”
Mike Harvey, Marinas24 conference chair, believes that Marinas24 will be the biggest and best yet. “The RICC will allow us to attract a greater number of exhibitors and allow those businesses more room to showcase their products and services, while still providing the intimacy our delegates prefer by having the sole use of the venue,” he said. www.marinas-24.com
How sustainable is your marina?
• What is sustainability?
• How can marinas make a positive contribution to the environment?
• What is smart destination integration?
The Introduction to Sustainability in Marinas (Second Edition) offers a narrative approach to some of the ways in which sustainability applies to marinas. Starting at inception, with ecological and social design considerations, and completing the circle by learning to protect local biodiversity and encouraging citizen science, the guide serves as a useful resource for marina managers and their teams.
Bringing together sustainability experts, scientists, engineers, researchers and designers from across the recreational maritime industry, this updated anthology demonstrates true collaboration.
New articles include orientation on how marinas can make a positive contribution to the SDGs, sustainable design principles, and different options for marinas seeking to obtain recognition for their commitment to responsible environmental management. There are helpful pointers to how to improve equity, inclusion and diversity in marinas and an encouraging piece on the importance of building alliances within the industry.
The publication explores how smart destination integration might work for marinas and how stops can be taken into the pioneering territory of how alternative propulsion infrastructure might look for a fleet seeking to reduce carbon emissions. An inspiring overview of work being carried out by the Blue Marine Foundation suggests ways in which marinas could interact with local conservation entities, and oceanographer Dr. Dominque Durand sets out examples of how marinas can engage more productively and respectfully with their local natural environment.
The Guide can be downloaded free of charge at www.innovamarina.com
Operator sought for Co Down marina
UK: Marina Projects has been appointed by Ards and North Down Borough Council to procure an experienced marina operator to take on and support the future of the popular 530-berth marina and harbour situated in the City of Bangor, Co Down, Northern Ireland.
Bangor Marina is one of the largest 5 gold anchor accredited marina developments on the island of Ireland. Securing a new operating model for Bangor Marina marks the beginning of exciting new plans to regenerate Bangor Waterfront as part of a suite of improvements supported by the Belfast Region City Deal. These plans aim to redevelop the marina and associated facilities as a mixed-use development in a new cluster with iconic and highquality architecture, connecting the city centre to the waterfront that will drive tourism and support the local economy.
Marina Projects has been commissioned to provide specialist technical advice working with council officers to develop a new legal agreement that will be fundamental to the future success of the marina operation and leverage investment in the marina to support the wider aspirations of the Council. Marina Projects will produce and deliver a procurement strategy that aims to attract experienced and professional marina operators able to work with Council to unlock the potential of the site as opportunities are presented.
As part of the procurement process and ahead of the formal bidding process, Marina Projects will be engaging with a range of stakeholders and welcomes discussions from any
interested operators who wish to know more about the waterfront development.
Marina Projects managing director, Mike Ward, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Ards and North Down Borough Council to secure a new operating model that will deliver an exciting future for Bangor Marina and Harbour as part of the wider Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment. This is a unique opportunity for any prospective operator to be involved with a development that will create significant benefits for residents and visitors to Bangor, along with marina and harbour users. The immediate connections to the city and excellent access to local sailing waters are key strengths that already see a considerable number of visiting vessels to Bangor. The plans for the public realm improvements will make this a real destination for all to enjoy and has the potential to enhance the marina and harbour business.”
Susie McCullough, director of Place, Ards and North Down Borough Council added: “We are pleased to be working with Marina Projects to progress one of the initial steps in the future redevelopment of the Bangor Waterfront as part of the Belfast City Region Deal. As the programme of works rolls out over the next ten years, the marina and harbour will be a key element of this transformational investment plan.”
Marina group in administration
UK: The Marine and Property Group, owner and operator of marinas in Cardiff, Burry Port, Aberystwyth and Port Dinorwic went into administration in May. Port Dinorwic Marina (above), which was acquired by the group in 2017, has also followed suit and accountancy firm Azets has been appointed as administrator.
Port Dinorwic is a 180-berth grade 2 listed picturesque marina which opens on to the Menai
Strait. It continues to trade while marina operations are being assessed.
Upgrading key infrastructure
ITALY: In addition to a variety of challenging overseas projects, Ingemar has once again won diverse contracts for wide-ranging mooring infrastructure at Italian clubs and marinas.
In La Grazie Bay, Gulf of La Spezia, Ingemar has finished replacing a series of buoys with around 1,440m (4,700ft) of floating pontoons. This involved the installation of two long mooring piers comprising steel pontoons with concrete floats and tropical timber decking. The company has also completed a 4m (13ft) wide floating barrier to protect jetties at La Spezia Sailing Club at the Molo Italia.
The company has also started work on a pontoon replacement contract for two basins (west and east) at the municipal marina in Palau. Ingemar installed the original pontoon system in 1987.
Five floating piers with fingers are planned for the west basin and two, also with fingers, for the east.
Porto Turistico di Jesolo, a constantly evolving tourist harbour with a complex of basins just to the north of the Venetian lagoon, has also called on the company for additional infrastructure. This year Ingemar is completing a new floating structure parallel to the shoreline that was previously used for moorings. The long steel-framed pontoon will be anchored with steel piles and sliding devices to offer stern-to mooring for yachts up to 30m (98ft).
Go Outdoors platform launch
USA: Monarch Alternative Capital, a leading investment firm with around $11 billion of assets under management, has formed Go Outdoors, a platform to acquire, develop, and operate marinas and RV resorts across the USA.
Monarch launched the platform with the recapitalisation of two large-scale portfolios, and has partnered with Safe Harbor Development to manage existing portfolios and help grow the platform through acquisitions and development.
The platform will initially comprise 11 marinas and four RV resorts offering over 5,500 marina slips in Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
“The launch of our marina and RV platform comes at a dynamic time for the industry given the attractive supply-demand fundamentals and increasing consolidation. We are excited to be partnering with Safe Harbor Development, who we believe is a best-in-class operator and pioneer within both the marina and RV resort spaces and will help us achieve our growth and executive objectives,” said Ian Glastein, managing principal and co-head of real estate at Monarch.
“We believe our asset management expertise and access to capital will support the continued success of the platform and favourably position us to capitalise on this unique opportunity set,” he added.
Darby Campbell, founder and president of Safe Harbor Development, commented: “We have been at the forefront of the industry for over 20 years. The recreational development space continues to grow strongly so we believe it was the best time for Safe Harbor Development to expand along with the industry.”
“As we look ahead, we are excited to be partnering with Monarch on Go Outdoors. Their extensive investing and execution capabilities and commitments align with our goals of bringing exceptional offerings and experiences to our customers. We believe their investment will allow us to grow and achieve our goals on a greater scale.”
Ian Glastein
Darby Campbell
Full service in Fort Lauderdale
USA: Port 32 Marinas celebrated the grand opening of Port 32 Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 13th June. The modern and versatile full-service facility was built from the ground up to accommodate vessels of all sizes up to 180ft (55m).
The wet slips are designed for vessels up to 150ft (46m) for in-water repairs and refits. As a self-service marina, owners and captains may elect to bring their own crew or utilise one of the pre-approved vendors. The wet slips allow for painting, engine work, hull work etc.
The marina is an accepted hurricane dockage location for most insurance companies and designed to withstand 175mph winds.
Crew amenities include a fitness centre, lounge area, conference room and computer bar. A dockside gazebo is both an outdoor meeting spot and a picnic area for vendors working at the facility as well as fuel dock customers. On-site security features include 24hour video surveillance in addition to staffed security guards and remotecontrolled access gates.
“We are thrilled to welcome boaters and crews to our Fort Lauderdale
Marina and offer expanded dry storage that is able to house and protect the
Rivergate up for sale
AUSTRALIA: The world-renowned Rivergate Marina & Shipyard on the Brisbane River in Queensland is going on the market. The yard has announced plans for a major expansion to support the fast-growing superyacht industry.
Rivergate director, Tom Hill, confirmed that JLL had been appointed to commence marketing the marina, and commented: “This has been a difficult decision for our family-owned business but we believe the time is right for a new owner to continue our work and oversee the next exciting phase of the Rivergate story. We have been fortunate to experience continued growth in the business with strong future bookings indicative of Rivergate’s outstanding reputation in the global industry.”
Yard facilities include 300-tonne and 75-tonne mobile hoists, a 55m (180ft) refit shed, hardstand, berthing for vessels up to 90m (295ft), a 24-hour fuel wharf and over 20 on-site marine trades. The 105-berth marina has alltide deepwater access.
Rivergate’s expansion plans include a 3,000 tonne ship lift, SPMT (SelfPropelled Modular Transporter) transfer system, additional open hardstand
space, refit sheds and support building, and in-water service berths suitable for a wide range of superyachts, commercial and defence vessels. The project is shovel-ready with government approvals already in place.
“The marina’s storage and technology capabilities are exceptional, offering members a seamless and turnkey experience.”
“Australia is ideally placed to take more advantage of the buoyant global superyacht market, which has seen substantial pent-up demand to visit our region if there was more capability to service vessels over 50m [164ft],” Hill noted. “Any future expansion of Rivergate would also be excellent timing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Brisbane, with industry expectation that the event will attract around 200 superyachts.”
largest vessels in South Florida,” said Port 32 Marinas CEO Austin Schell.
Delivering the marinas of tomorrow
Hi-tech solutions to connect land and sea
Pontoons, breakwaters, superyacht piers, floating crossings and constructions, off-the-shelf or customised, with robust and reliable structures in steel, aluminium or concrete.
Porto Montenegro, Tivat - Montenegro
Marina Bahia Golfito –the new Costa Rica destination
With its dramatically beautiful – and vastly contrasting – Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, stable political and economic status, high achieving eco-credentials and ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, Costa Rica has long been a magnet for yacht owners, tourists, surfers and adrenaline junkies alike.
And with the recent redevelopment of one of its deepest marinas now firmly underway at IGY’s Marina Bahia Golfito, it’s only a matter of time before this under-the-radar destination reaches an even greater audience.
An initial high end property offering of 51 units, comprising 40 condominiums and 11 waterfront villas, will be constructed on the marina site, which currently houses a boutique ten-room hotel and restaurant.
“Marina Bahia Golfito is one of IGY’s 23 marinas around the world,” explains Blueprint Global’s David Harries, who is marketing the Enjoy Group development. “There are already many yachts and sport fishing boats which come here and the vision is to grow the marina and the destination in parallel with this real estate project.”
A desirable destination
Boasting an enviable track record of 330 luxury projects, from Canada, Europe, Central America and Asia, Blueprint Global is a world leading property sales and marketing consultancy seeking to maximise sales velocity and revenue for global real estate developers.
The company believes Marina Bahia Golfito has what it takes to compete
with the very best marina property developments worldwide. But to understand its appeal, you need to look first at exactly what Costa Rica has to offer.
“It is very safe and very stable economically compared to other Central American countries,” Harries says. “Belize is another unspoilt and under-developed area in the region but it is harder to get to than Costa Rica, which is very simple from a transport point of view.”
“When you fly into San Jose, you have a five minute walk to the domestic terminal and a 45 minute scheduled flight, which lands at an airport just ten minutes from the property. You can leave Miami at 6.00am and, with the two hour time change, you can be in Golfito by 11.00am. People sometimes perceive it as being remote but in some ways it’s much more accessible than the better-known Nicoya Peninsula.”
“The people are so friendly, too. There is a 98% literacy rate in the country and everybody speaks English so for someone who isn’t Costa Rican or Tico, it’s a very enjoyable and relaxing place to be.”
Where is it?
Costa Rica is divided into four regions – Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, the Central Coast and the Southern Coast – and Marina Bahia Golfito is situated in the south, in a gulf within a gulf framed by the lush mangroves of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks.
Harries describes it as “an unpolished gem” which is home to some of the world’s richest biodiversity and, as such, it attracts big-game anglers, eco-adventurers, yachties, surfers and nature-lovers looking for an authentic experience off the beaten track.
“The Papagayo region in the north is quite gentrified,” he adds. “There’s a Four Seasons and an Andaz Hotel, and the Ritz Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, One and Only and Six Senses resorts are all currently under construction. However, they are isolated, and once you check in, you’ll likely eat at the same restaurants. It’s also very expensive.”
“Then you have the Nicoya Peninsula, which is not as developed – it’s typically dirt roads and a couple of nice hotels and restaurants. Little surf towns like Nosara, Tamarindo and Santa Teresa
WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS
are very attractive for visitors and surfers but it’s expensive to buy real estate there.”
“In the south where Golfito is situated, it’s not so gentrified, although there are a couple of little surfing towns between San Jose and Golfito, like Jaco and Dominical, where there are very expensive homes up on the mountain with great views of the ocean. Golfito is still quite under-developed, and our waterfront second homes will sell for much less per square foot in our current Launch 1 release.”
Fuel and facilities
Another advantage for yacht owners or captains who might be interested in buying a property is that the marina is the closest deepwater marina in Costa Rica to the Pacific exit of the Panama Canal, attracting many mega yachts to come in for a refuel.
“Fuel prices in Costa Rica are state controlled – they are the same wherever you go – so a yacht captain has no incentive to look elsewhere for cheaper fuel,” Harries explains. “The next three marinas along from us are not deepwater, meaning if your boat is over a certain length, you wouldn’t be able to get in anyway.”
“We also have the fastest fuel pumps in the country – in fact, the fastest between Cabo San Lucas and Chile –so you can get in and out very quickly. All these factors make Marina Bahia Golfito very attractive.”
With the project in planning by another developer for some time and purchased by Enjoy Group a few years ago, the aim is to expand the marina and create an intimate, village-style destination, not only for yachts to berth but for avid sport fishermen, tourists, international home owners and Costa
Rican residents to enjoy too.
Onsite attractions include a branded 35-key luxury hotel, a spa, an amphitheatre with weekly schedule of more than 20 new shops, including an ice cream parlour, a bakery and coffee kiosks as well as six new restaurants, including an Italian and a seafood and sushi outlet.
Marina Bahia Golfito’s location is a blessing from a climate point of view, too. “The weather in the north is very dry from November to April, it’s like a desert and is very arid, whereas the south is truly diverse. It’s a green landscape where tropical rainforest meets the ocean, along with all the wildlife you’d want to see, including monkeys, sloths and ocelots.”
So what, you might ask, is the appeal of buying a base in Golfito? In simple terms, it’s a place where people often feel encouraged to lead a healthier, more sporty existence, according to Harries. “You live better and happier, and you eat better – that’s pura vida, or a life lived to its fullest. The food is fabulous, and there’s a healthy way of life here, which makes your mood, vibe
The concept renderings for Marina Bahia Golfito are gradually coming to life as the marina nears completion. Concrete pontoons – built and delivered by SF Marina – are installed and moored by Seaflex. These are designed for superyacht mooring. Phase two is under discussion.
and whole being change. For example, some people feel inclined to try yoga and paddle boarding and lots of other new outdoor hobbies for the first time.”
With around 85% of buyers expected to come from the US (mostly Texas, California and Florida), 10% from Canada and 5% from Costa Rica and Europe, the target demographic includes vacation home owners looking for more adventuresome destinations. Many will spend an average of three to six weeks a year in residence, taking advantage of Enjoy Group’s in-house rental programme to generate income when they are not there.
The reputation of Enjoy Group goes a long way towards creating buyer reassurance, a prerequisite for longterm investors. With a long established history in hospitality, Enjoy Group owns and operates a hotel in Golfito, several hotels in San Jose and Papagayo and several restaurant franchises. The company has recently ventured into luxury resort real estate and is excited to be part of the long-term future of Marina Bahia Golfito.
“They’re not only the developer but will also remain the operator, unlike many other developers,” adds Harries. “The leadership and team are very hands-on; they go to their properties and spend time there so they will be an inherent part of the marina landscape.”
The above article is reprinted by kind permission of IGY Marinas. www.igymarinas.com
Mega focus in Italian marinas
The lust for superyachts is increasing worldwide, with 128 new giant yachts sold in 2021; 78% more than in 2020. Italy is the undisputed global leader in superyacht building, and Italians are increasingly determined to host these yachts at Italian marinas. Donatella Zucca reports
The research office of Confindustria Nautica and the Edison Foundation estimates that the 2022 turnover of the Italian nautical sector will exceed €7 billion. Around 530 superyachts will have been built, a little more than 49% of the total global order book and 70 more than in 2022. One out of every two yachts above 30m (98ft) is built in Italy and Italian designers and yards won the most accolades in the 2023 World Superyacht Awards.
Building such vessels and offering suitable places to moor them do not, however, dovetail. Despite best efforts in Italy’s broadly scattered 530+ marinas, as is the case elsewhere in the Mediterranean, legislative, bureaucratic and structural hurdles slow up opportunities for change forcing operators and institutions to take the initiative, especially in the central and upper Tyrrhenian Sea.
Perhaps driven by national pride for goods Made in Italy, operators move
forward by creating nautical poles and expanding and refurbishing marinas to make room for vessels of 50m (164ft) in length. They are also aware that infrastructure for maintenance and refit needs to be in place alongside
The Benetti yard in Livorno is one of three sites that ensure the company leads the way in the Italian superyacht sector.
both temporary and permanent boat moorings and that special services and products are required year round for captains and crew; the putative owners of the large yachts.
A new megayacht district is, for example, emerging in Porto Marghera between docks and navigable canals in the historically industrial and commercial interior of Venice. Partners include Wider Shipyard, always a builder of large yachts and today 100% owned by W-Fin Srl, and Idromacchine, a leading company in the construction and maintenance of naval and offshore industrial plants. Wider is kick starting the new focus by building the 72m (236ft) steel and aluminium yacht “Moonflower” (due for delivery in 2025) at its 72,000m² (775,000ft²) yard.
This first step in the superyacht/Made in Italy hub complements the Venice Boat Show, which takes place in the Arsenal area – the engine of the city that has opened up large-scale nautical productions.
Other examples come from the Azimut Benetti Group. Giorgio Casareto, CEO of Azimut Benetti Lusben and responsible for the group’s marinas, continues in his quest to make Lusben, one of the best refit and repair yards, the very best in the country via its sites in Varazze (Liguria) and Viareggio and Livorno (Tuscany). The latter site is capable of working
Marina d’Arechi in Campania has many moorings for yachts up to 60m (197ft) and some for megayachts up to 100m (3303ft) long.
SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
on Benetti-built gigayachts up to 120m (390ft) long thanks to an 18,000 tonne 180m (590ft) long floating dock, a 25berth marina, yard space and a helipad.
Also notable is the company’s Marina del Porto Mediceo project, part of the large development plan for the entire Porta a Mare area.
The city of Genoa, also renowned for a world-leading boat show, plays a big part in the bid for superyacht business via Amico & Co, a refit and repair centre opening worldwide in the superyacht sector. The company has managed 1,230 projects in the last ten years, averages 135 projects per year and continues to expand by investing in new developments. It currently occupies over 65,000m² (700,000ft²) in the port of Genoa, offers expert concierge service to crew members that also benefits from an alliance with the yacht and ship agent Pesto Sea Group and new state-of-the-art facilities including a 4,000 tonne shiplift. The expansion in the Fiera di Genova dock is relatively recent and goes hand-in-hand with Amico & Co’s management of the megayacht marina there.
Moving towards Rome, we find the Marina Yachting project in the Old Port of Civitavecchia. This important development in welcoming large yachts, which promises 160 berths for vessels up to 150m (490ft) in length, is a joint venture between Port Mobility and Ports
of Monaco. A private investment of around €24.6 million, it will change the look of the historic port of Civitavecchia, bringing luxury tourism, green spaces, futuristic structures and redeveloped and restored historic sites.
One of the main recent indicators of the superyacht trend comes in the form of a new package of services for custom megayachts launched by Rina, the Italian classification society that is also a leading partner in the design, construction and management of superyachts. The new product, called Rina Maxima, supports the realisation of projects in the safest and most efficient way via digital transformation and environmental awareness.
As noted previously, almost every major marina in Italy, is endeavouring –successfully or otherwise
Marina di Loano in Liguria can moor a total of 900 boats and offers berths to 77m (253ft) and on-site maintenance and repair.
– to expand its berth offerings to super, mega or even giga yachts and, where possible, add related services. The ‘classics’ in the large yachting sector are no exception. Porto Cervo in Sardinia, for example, has expanded its superyacht berths to 100, and IGY Portisco Marina has allocated 41 of its 589 berths for vessels up to 90m (295ft).
Dedicated to large yachts from the outset, Marina Genova in Liguria has never stopped improving its offerings, and Porto Lotti and Porto Mirabello are both in continuous growth in terms of volume and services specific to superyachts.
In the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Stabia Main Port marina, established in Castellamare di Stabia in 2016, has a hub capable of hosting yachts up to 250m (820ft) long and is now frequented by famous owners of huge vessels. For example, the 110m (360ft) yacht “Kaos” owned by Nancy Walton Lauerie, daughter of Bud Walton, business partner of the founder of Walmart.
Marina d’Arechi Port Village, also in Campania and on the border with the Amalfi coast, has moorings for yachts up to 60m (197ft) and some for 100m (330ft) in its 1,000-berth mix. It also
Above right:On the border with France, Cala del Forte di Ventimiglia marina, owned and operated by Ports de Monaco, actively courts superyachts.
Right:Porto Mirabello continues to expand its superyacht facilities and services.
features a 7,000m² (75,300ft²) shipyard and a 220-tonne boat hoist.
In Sicily, the project for the revamped Palermo waterfront includes infrastructure for maxi yachts; Marina di Riposto or Porto dell Etna is developing new berths for maxi yachts along its breakwater; and the Xifonio Tourist Port in Augusta is offering spaces for yachts up to 90m (295ft). The latter is
SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
an ambitious 254-berth project with a goal to become a large tourist port for pleasure boats with exclusive services and sophisticated shipyard offerings. Marina di Loano in Liguria has berths up to 77m (253ft) within its 900 moorings and boats that carry out maintenance and repair operations directly inside the port. And, still in Liguria but on the border with
France, Cala del Forte di Ventimiglia marina actively courts superyachts. Inaugurated in 2021 and operated by its owners Ports de Monaco, it offers high level services, 178 berths for vessels up to 70m (230ft) and beautiful architecture. No less important is its connection by sea to Port Hercule in Monaco, via a high-speed shuttle service with a 15-minute journey time.
The marina at Stabia Main Port is frequented by famous owners and their very large yachts. It is possible to see vessels of 250m (820ft) in the marina.
The Marina Yachting project in the Old Port of Civitavecchia in Rome promises 160 berths and will be able to moor vessels up to 150m (490ft) in length.
SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
IGY to operate NEOM’s first groundbreaking marina
IGY Marinas is to partner with NEOM, the global development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, to develop and operate the prestigious marina at Sindalah, the giga-project’s luxury island destination.
Perfectly positioned as a glamorous gateway to the Red Sea, Sindalah will be the closest ultra-prime superyacht marina to Europe and the Mediterranean. Expected to become an iconic destination for the world’s yachting community, the maritime facility will offer 86 berths for yachts up to 50m (164ft) and additional serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180m (590ft).
“Sindalah will be one of the most alluring and vibrant yachting destinations in the world thanks to its strategic location, outstanding amenities and stunning natural landscapes,” said Antoni Vives, head of urban development at NEOM. “This partnership with IGY is one of many steps we are taking to achieve our vision of reshaping the global yachting calendar, with NEOM located one day’s cruising distance from the Mediterranean Sea.”
IGY’s unique position and expertise will help Sindalah realise this goal and set a benchmark
Concept renderings of the luxury Sindalah island development that forms part of the exciting and far-reaching Saudi Arabian NEOM project.
for premium customer experience. Once established, the marina will join IGY’s international superyacht marina network of 23 marinas across 12 countries – the only network of its kind in the world – as well as its exclusive superyacht membership programme IGY Trident.
Tom Mukamal, CEO of IGY Marinas, commented: “Sindalah perfectly integrates with IGY’s global vision to connect the world’s most incredible destinations across our growing marina network. The addition of NEOM to the
IGY platform provides superyacht owners, captains and charter guests unrivalled destinations, service and convenience. IGY is tremendously excited about the opportunity to promote this amazing new destination to the international yachting community.”
The Red Sea is home to over 2,000 marine species, 600 of which are endemic to its waters and cannot be found elsewhere in the world – from dolphins, turtles, dugongs, manta rays and whale sharks, to rare corals and colourful reef fish. On land, visitors to Sindalah will enjoy a redefined luxury island experience, with high-end premium hotels including Four Seasons and The Luxury Collection by Marriott, groundbreaking retail offerings, culinary dining from Michelin starred chefs and an exotic golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones and operated by IMG.
A visionary project comprising four exceptional regions – The Line, Trojena, Oxagon and Sindalah – NEOM aims to be a world leader in environmental conservation, with thriving businesses and outstanding residential offerings.
SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
New managers for GCCM
The Gay family, owner of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), has signed a long-term management agreement with Andrew Chapman (above right) and his company Marina Solutions. GCCM brought Chapman in last year to reset the operations of the iconic facility.
Chapman says his focus has been to build and empower the great team that provides the exceptional customer service at GCCM. “With 23 years of experience, the GCCM operations set the benchmark in the Coomera Marine Precinct and we are focusing on these core values and deliverables that our customers require when they engage GCCM and our business partners around the shipyard to refit and maintain their vessels.”
GCCM director, Trent Gay, comments: “I am pleased to have secured Chapman and Marina Solutions to operate the facility long term as the benefits of his hands-on management style with staff, business partners and clients has been very well received. Many who have visited the marina and shipyard over the weekends are shocked to often see Chapman on the yard or in the office to ensure seamless operations for our
Bermuda dock opens for superyachts
St George’s Marina and Superyacht Dock on Ordnance Island in Bermuda was officially opened on 22nd May. The facility is able to accommodate up to ten superyachts and has a 170ft (52m) fixed concrete pier and an additional 140ft (43m) floating dock.
Honourable Premier David Burt said the development symbolised the Government’s commitment to enhancing the Corporation of St George and the community. “One of our significant promises was to deliver the construction of a world-
class marina that would serve as a catalyst for Bermuda as a superyacht destination – a further step in the economic renaissance that has been taking place in the Olde Towne.”
“This new marina capitalises on the prominence and strategic location
customers. Chapman’s experience in marina and shipyard construction will be pivotal in the commencement of our Stage 2 Titan Yard.”
GCCM has 90 business partners on site and its stage 2 development will more than double its size by adding a 20ha (49 acre) adjacent facility. Once completed, GCCM will be able to further accommodate the growing size of the Australian domestic fleet along with the influx of vessels cruising the South Pacific region including superyachts, wide beam catamarans and sailing yachts. Titan Yard will have 1,500+ tonne lift capacity and undercover refit and repair factories.
Chapman has nearly 40 years of experience in marina and shipyard development and operation and actively consults around Australia and the Asia Pacific region. He has led the Marina Industries Association as president and chairman for the last 14 years and has been a director for 19 years.
of Ordnance Island and will give St George’s the unique ability to provide excellent amenities to yachting visitors and jobs beyond construction in areas such as the new lounge,” he added.
The project was originally conceived in October 2010 but, although an agreement in principle was made with St George’s Marina Development Ltd (the developer), a change in government led to a five year hiatus. In November 2021, a 21-year leasing agreement and PPP between the developer, the Corporation of St George’s and the Government set the ball rolling.
SUPERYACHT FACILITIES
Swift progress on Blue Water Cay
After years of sitting undeveloped and neglected, the Yamacraw area on the southeast side of Nassau, Bahamas is about to undergo remarkable change. Leading hospitality and property developer, Legendary Marina, is on an ambitious multimillion dollar mission to create a resort that will transform the yachting landscape.
Following the signing of a heads of agreement at the Office of the Prime Minister in May, Legendary Marina has wasted no time in commencing the necessary preparations for the prestigious Legendary Marina Resort at Blue Water Cay project.
The centrepiece of the marina plan is a 120-slip dock capable of accommodating boats up to at least 200ft (61m) and a dry storage facility for 750 boats of up to 55ft (16.7m) in length. The drystack will be rated for a Category 5 hurricane. The marina will also boast excellent accommodation
restaurant spaces, a tiki bar with a pool, a general store and onsite-fuel will complete the offering.
Rodney Chamberlain, vice president of marina development at Legendary Marina, eagerly anticipates the ongoing progress at the site. “After navigating through the meticulous permitting and entitlement process for two years, we are thrilled to commence construction on this world-class marina,” he said. “This marks the beginning of an exceptional project that will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many Bahamians.”
for overnight guests, including 20 condo units, 22 oceanfront villas and a 130-room hotel. Waterfront retail and
Once the land clearing phase is completed, the next crucial step will involve dredging the waterways surrounding the 20-acre (8ha) site. This process will remove sediment and debris and create ample depth for large vessels.
Legendary Marina is steadfast in its commitment to upholding high environmental standards and will focus on the removal of sunken boats and debris from the water, as well as
the installation of a culvert to enable the ocean to flow into the adjoining marshlands.
Native trees and vegetation will predominantly remain on site or, where possible, be thoughtfully transplanted to other suitable areas so as to preserve the region’s natural beauty.
Prime Minister Philip Davis referred to the project as a “welcome addition” to New Providence and said the project would create up to 200 jobs for Bahamians. “This promising development, which will be carried out in four phases, represents a capital expenditure of $110 million and will serve as a valuable economic catalyst via capital,” he noted.
Superyacht marina for Dubai Islands
Dubai-based master developer, Nakheel, has launched Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands. Located along Dubai’s northern coastline at Dubai Islands, the new marina will accommodate 13 superyachts up to 47m (154ft) in length at any one time amidst its 248 berths. The marina, which will have easy entry to the sea, will also have 40 dry berths for trailers up to 20m (66ft).
Features include 24/7 dock assistance, complimentary club car transfer, utilities and ice supply, waste collection, pump-out, free Wi-Fi, showers, washrooms and a laundrette. Security systems in place include 24/7 CCTV surveillance and gated access.
The newly opened Dubai Islands Beach is within walking distance of the marina and hotels just steps away.
MARKET UPDATE: CASPIAN SEA
In need of new marinas – and new money
Over the past few years, the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest inland body of water – has seen a lack of investment in yachting infrastructure. There are various reasons for this, including the administrative pressures of local authorities and questionable profitability. The low living standards of a large proportion of the local population also remain the key factor in discouraging potential investors. Vladislav Vorotikov reports
The construction of a marina in Aktau, the sea capital of Kazakhstan, seems to be a never-ending story. The idea was originally greenlighted by the Aktau city council in 2007 as part of a comprehensive yachting infrastructure development programme in the city. However, the authorities failed to find an investor, so the project was postponed to be revived every two to three years.
The last time this happened was in 2021 when Nurdaulet Kilybay, mayor of Aktau, announced plans to build a marina on the Rocky Path, part of the coastline within the city’s boundaries. He estimated that the construction could complete by 2024 or 2025, but it is yet to be started, again supposedly due to a lack of interested investors. This scenario is typical for the Caspian Sea where plans to build new sea infrastructure are so often laid out but remain only on paper.
Under a Caspian Sea port
development strategy, yachting infrastructure is due to be built in the ports of Makhachkala and Derbent in the Dagestan Republic. However, it is not clear when this would happen. As of today, on the 530km (329mi) Dagestan coastline, not a single marina is in operation, according to Aliyev Ali Magomedovich, who, with a group of enthusiasts, launched yacht building in the republic.
One of three yacht clubs in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Local investors continue to mull over plans to build new marinas.
Layout of the Yelken Yacht Club and its marina in Turkmenistan. The club opened in 2010 and offers the best infrastructure in the Caspian Sea.
Yachting in Kazakhstan is also in embryo, and local analysts argue about the root cause. Natalia Butyrina, an Aktau-based journalist writing about the yachting industry, is confident that many Aktau citizens are willing to purchase sailing yachts or motor boats, but are discouraged by the lack of infrastructure for mooring their vessels during the season and the repair facilities available.
“A growing number of foreign yachtsmen are also showing interest in coming to the waters of our region. This means that there is an increasing need for modern marinas with good service. However, there are no yacht ports on the coast and a few mooring sites for small vessels that are not included in the general international tourism network,” Butyrina admitted.
Last one standing
The cost of building a marina in Aktau is estimated to be close to US$15 million, and Butyrina is convinced it would give powerful impetus to the development of yachting in this part of the Caspian Sea. Investors, however, seem not to share the same confidence, especially since the city’s only yacht club ‘Breeze’ has been fighting over the past few years with the city council for survival. The council says it wants the plot to build a new embankment.
During Soviet times, Aktau and other towns on the Kazakh coast housed several yacht clubs, but now Breeze is the last one still in operation. If it is
MARKET UPDATE: CASPIAN SEA
destroyed, yachtsmen believe finding investors to build new marinas in the country will become even more challenging.
Oleg Morozov, deputy head of Breeze, disclosed that the dispute began in 2019, when a ten-year rent contract with the city council, or akimat, ended. Thanks to a public outcry, the yacht club survived the first attack, but now the authorities extend the rent agreement for only a year at a time, and in 2022 a new assault began.
“They put spokes in our wheels: the akimat comes up with various requirements that make it impossible to continue operation,” said Oleg Morozov, deputy director of Breeze. “For example, they ask us to leave the site open, which we do during the day, but this cannot be done at night as we keep yachts and boats. We have valuable navigation equipment and outboard motors on the boats.”
There are other demands put forward by the akimat, some of which are absurd and even contradict Kazakh law, according to Morozov. In 2022, a local publication Kazpravda assumed that the site currently occupied by the yacht club could eventually go to another business. This would be a classic story for Central Asia, where administrative pressure and corruption is used as a means of protecting business interests.
Tilegen Edigeev, head of the business department of the Aktau akimat, described this assumption as a “hoax”, but on the other hand, the authorities refused to guarantee to the publication that, once the city’s only
club with the marina is liquidated, its site instead of being used to build a tourist path would not be given to another private owner.
Forgotten yachting Mecca
Across the sea, things are pretty similar. In Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, only three yacht clubs with marinas are currently operating. Over the past few years, local investors mulled plans to build new infrastructure, but low demand makes the financial return questionable.
“Yachting in Azerbaijan is poorly developed, although the country has gigantic prospects in this field,” said Kirill Roletsky, business development adviser of the Baku City Yacht Club, who recalls that in Soviet times this part of the country was one of the top yachting centres, declining in the 1990s when the established infrastructure fell into decay.
“The Caspian Sea is an ideal place for yachting – in Soviet times, there were a lot of yacht clubs in Baku, the whole bay was full of sails, this place was a kind of Mecca for yachtsmen. Baku winds are a godsend for sailors. They blow almost always, which allows yachtsmen to sail almost all year round,” Roletsky said.
Some yachtsmen recall that the Soviet infrastructure suffered significant destruction during the 1991 flood in Baku and never fully recovered. During Soviet times, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Russia shared no borders, and yachtsmen enjoyed free movement along almost the entire Caspian Sea coast. Currently,
Yachting is under-developed in Kazakhstan and there is currently only one large marina. Increased interest from overseas visitors, however, could spur development.
the Caspian Sea is divided not only by borders but also by a lack of infrastructure.
As reported by the Azerbaijan Tourist Agency, yachtsmen can’t go too far away from Baku owing to a lack of necessary infrastructure, such as a fuelling station outside the city. Roletsky also stated that bureaucracy puts pressure on yachting in the region as to undertake a voyage a boat owner needs to make it through tonnes of paperwork, most particularly to secure permission from the customs service.
These echo complaints voiced by yachtsmen all over the region who repeatedly call on the authorities to agree to simplify the customs regime for marina tourists in order to facilitate industry development. However, as the political relations between the countries remain complicated, this is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future.
High hopes
It would be wrong, however, to say that the Caspian Sea has no luxury marinas. Currently, the best infrastructure in the region can be found in the Yelken Yacht Club in Turkmenistan, launched in 2013 for $80 million and primarily known because US pop diva Jennifer Lopez performed a concert at its opening.
That story was remarkable because she ended up giving away her huge fee on the grounds that she didn’t know whether or not there were any kinds of human rights issues in the country.
Local sources recall that when Yelken Yacht Club was launched, local yachtsmen hoped that it would give impetus for further infrastructure development in the region. However, no new marinas have been built in Turkmenistan over the past decade, and there are none on the horizon. Yachtsmen complain about high prices and inadequate price-quality ratio.
One source said that with the average salary in Turkmenistan in 2022 close to US$280, there is no chance that ordinary citizens could afford to own a boat. He explained that Yelken Yacht Club is focused on servicing a relatively small group of people, such as the political elite and business people. This is not enough, however, to justify additional investment in the yachting infrastructure in the country.
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IBEX 2023: focus on sustainability
The International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place 3rd-5th October at the recently renovated Tampa Convention Center (TCC), Florida, USA is set to be a packed event with a focus on new technology, innovation and sustainability.
The renovation is the largest event for the TCC and will result in an expanded third floor exhibit hall and additional fourth floor meeting rooms, complete with terraces with breathtaking water views. The expansion has added 5,900ft² (548m²) of exhibit space for the show and provided new space on the fourth floor for the VIP Lounge. More than 675 exhibiting companies will fill the three floors, occupying over 134,000ft² (12,400m²) of indoor space, plus outdoor displays and the IBEX docks on the waterfront.
New companies and specialist pavilions
The first and second floor exhibit halls will showcase products and services from companies new to the show and the industry, and include the new Sustainable Technology Pavilion, featuring products designed to reduce carbon emissions, empower cleaner processes for propulsion and promote a more sustainable future. The third floor features specialist pavilions, such as the Composites Pavilion, Compliance, Standards and Education Pavilion, and the NMEA Connected Electronics Pavilion.
International pavilions for 2023 highlight Italian, French and Australian exhibitors. New products entered in the Innovation Awards programme are on display along Innovation Way on the second floor. Replacing the Marina & Yard Pavilion, the Marina & Yard Trade Route includes exhibitors spread across all three floors.
Debating sustainability
The new Sustainable Technology Pavilion is supported by a sustainability track in the conference and includes a free special session entitled ‘The Carbon Conundrum’. When it comes to fossil fuel consumption, today’s thriving boatbuilding industry is best defined by two extremes: designers and engineers loading centre consoles with five or six outboards of 12 cylinders each to indulge a market hungry for horsepower; and teams of investmentfuelled innovators pushing the potential of electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel by building lightweight carbon fibre foiling prototypes. Our future likely lies somewhere in between the two.
The topic will be explored by a panel of experienced naval architects, propulsion engineers, boatbuilders and
As always, IBEX will deliver a wealth of networking and learning opportunities.
marketing experts who will debate the virtues, practicalities and shortcomings of different approaches to our collective low-carbon future.
“Technology is advancing so quickly and there is no better place than IBEX for all marine professionals to see what’s new and what’s next for the boating industry,” says Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “Our exhibitors are eager to display their latest and greatest innovations, many with a significant wow factor. We are confident it will be our best show in years. Make plans now to join the industry at IBEX 2023, you do not want to miss this year’s event.”
IBEX is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and RAI Amsterdam.
www.ibexshow.com
Pick up your copy of Marina World at the show. Marina World is Partner of the Marina and Yard Trade Route and an IBEX Show Media Partner.
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YARDS & YARD MACHINERY
Variable width option for mobile boat hoists
After months of design, manufacture and rigorous factory testing, Marine Travelift has announced the availability of a ‘variable width’ option for its BFMII and C-Series mobile boat hoists.
The first Marine Travelift model with the variable width option – a 75BFMII (75 tonne lift capacity) – was delivered to The Marine Group Boat Works’ San Jose del Cabo location in March. It offers 9ft (2.7m) of width variability and can seamlessly expand and retract under full load in 60 seconds.
The most important benefit the option offers is the opportunity to block vessels closer together in order to maximise space previously unavailable because of the overall width dimensions of a standard fixed width boat hoist.
“The variable width machine allows us to utilise otherwise lost space with a traditional boat hoist,” says Pete Horner, general manager at the Los Cabos yard. “It’s a two-fold solution for us as we can continue to grow our business in the same physical footprint and work on more boats at the same time, ultimately limiting customer downtime and maximising profitability.”
The variable width option also enables the operator to move vessels through a doorway, a feature that was previously not an option as the width of a standard machine is sized to fit piers. This eliminates the need to double handle vessels when moving them in and out of the building and broadens the handling scope of the machine.
The new option is powered by a hydraulic ram, housed within the telescoping top beam, and is assisted
by Marine Travelift’s patented all-wheel electronic steering option. These two components are also teamed with a control loop system that includes angle sensors, a distance sensor and wheel encoder to keep the machine square and ensure safe expansion and retraction throughout the full range of variability.
The extension and retraction functions can occur on either side of the machine for flexibility and maximum manoeuvrability. It is also designed to handle full load across the entire width spectrum and can stop anywhere within the full range of variability, with or without a vessel in the slings.
“This machine combines many familiar systems that we have successfully developed and refined over the years: the patented all-wheel electronic steering system we’ve been using on Marine Travelift mobile boat hoists and Shuttlelift mobile gantry cranes, sensors/safety systems like the linear transducer and angle sensor have been utilised on our Hydro M_Drive marina forklifts, and the knowledge we’ve gained from building hydraulic transporters with a variable width option. We combined these to create a well-designed system that is not only efficient, but also safe – for the operator, the vessel and the machine itself,” confirmed Bob Johnston, director of customer care, Marine Travelift.
Design goals for the new option
included safety, performance (speed/ efficiency) and functionality. To be certain that this option reached all three goals, Marine Travelift teams performed months of rigorous factory testing that included countless hours of use, both with and without maximum load, on different grades, and using a mock-up of the end user’s existing pier infrastructure. Making the machine easy to maintain for the customer is also a key feature so serviceability was considered at every stage of the design and engineering process.
The variable width option is available on all capacity boat hoists offered by Marine Travelift, and there are already orders in place for 35, 50 and 150 tonne models, which are all scheduled to deliver in 2023.
www.marinetravelift.com
YARDS & YARD MACHINERY
Setting new delivery records for 2023
Italian boat handling and lifting specialist Boat Lift has much to celebrate in 2023, having delivered its biggest boat hoist to date and its first machine to a customer in the southern hemisphere.
The giant delivery – a 25m (82ft) high, 1,000 tonne capacity hoist – is now in action at Bomlo Skipsservice, a ship repair and refit yard situated alongide a Norwegian fjord.
The machine represents the culmination of research and development, both at technical and functional levels, and is a tribute to the company’s solid teamwork in rising to the challenge of developing the best performing and most responsive machines.
Delivery of an 820 tonne hoist, recently assembled in Fitjar, a few kilometers from Bomlo, has also reinforced the high potential for Boat Lift in the Norwegian market. A 90 tonne trailer, an 80 tonne expandable trailer and a 320 tonne mobile hoist are also due to be delivered in coming months to the region.
Meanwhile, very far from home, a 90 tonne expandable mobile boat hoist has entered operation at The Boat Works yards in Queensland, Australia. It joins four existing hoists that, together, have the capacity to lift every type of vessel up to 300 tonnes.
Tony Longhurst, owner of The Boat Works, said that investment was made in the new variable width, all-wheel
drive machine so as to keep pace with demand. It also provides more flexibility as it can lift wide multihulls and monohulls.
“It has an adjustable beam width narrowing the vessel footprint from 8m [26ft] down to 5.5m [18ft] allowing the team to maximise the vessel set down footprint. This is brilliant for boat storage as we can go narrow for the narrower runways and use it for packing boats in tight spots,” Longhurst explained.
The machine boasts unique Dynamic Steering Control (DSC), which Boat Lift defines as “allowing seamless transfer between four modes with infinite adjustment between each to allow progressive adjustment of the radius of rotation.”
The giant 1,000 tonne capacity hoist (left) is the biggest Boat Lift has delivered to date. A 90 tonne variable width machine (below) is now in service at The Boat Works, marking the first delivery to the southern hemisphere.
wheels. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the manoeuvring space required for the handling and storage of boats,” Longhurst added.
“Given a steering angle, the operator can also use it during the forward and backward movement of the travel to circumvent obstacles in a single manoeuvre.”
In addition to breaking ground on record deliveries, Boat Lift continues to hone its electric hoist offerings. Boat Lift electric machines are equipped with tailored high efficiency lithium batteries, selected specifically for their considerable benefits in comparison with lead-acid batteries. Boat Lift says that, while the latter guarantee 1,000 recharge cycles and present voltage drop in response to energy spikes, lithium batteries ensure 3,000 recharge cycles and present a lower voltage drop thanks to their high stability and efficiency.
So as to meet different demands, Boat Lift machines can be designed in two different versions: full electric and hybrid. The former is propelled exclusively by electric drives and is endowed with inverters, responsible
“DSC is an innovative steering management system developed by Boat Lift. This system allows an operator to linearly move the axis of rotation in any position between the axis of the front wheels and the rear
for controlling the correct speed and torque of electric motors. The latter is equipped with an electric traction motor and maintains the hydraulic system for all other movements. In this respect, Boat Lift installs IE3 efficiency electric motors on its machines that, in combination with inverters, guarantee a high level of energy efficiency (93.6%).
www.boatlift.it
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MARINAS
One year operation of electric boat hoists
Spanish company GH Cranes & Components reports the successful ‘one-year’ operation of its groundbreaking electric boat hoists in a Spanish marina. As the industry has traditionally relied on hydraulic systems powered by diesel engines, this milestone marks a significant shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
Having over two fully-electric Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTG) cranes in operation for over a year has fostered growing interest in the new technology and GH currently has multiple projects underway, demonstrating the increasing popularity and acceptance of electric cranes in marina environments.
The introduction of electric boat hoists not only has positive environment impact but presents new challenges and opportunities and GH recognises the importance of adapting the technology to be of even more value to marina operators. R&D will thus be ongoing to build on the green benefits of entirely eliminating the emissions associated with diesel engines.
GH Cranes’ commitment to a greener future is reflected in its dedication to sustainable practices within the industry including the steps it has taken to address the issue of electric residual waste recycling. The company acknowledges the importance of managing and recycling waste generated by electric equipment, contributing to a circular economy model. www.motion.ghcranes.com
Handle with care: a pad for all hull shapes
When thinking of hydraulic slipway trailers, it is tempting to focus just on the hydraulics. But what about the all-essential cushioned hull support? Dutch company Roodberg, with decades of experience in ensuring that hull pads deliver the quality required, outlines requirements and options.
Hydraulic slipway trailers function differently from regular slipway trailers. In regular slipway trailers, the boat is pulled onto the trailer often using a winch. Rollers on the trailer help move the boat forward.
With a Roodberg hydraulic slipway trailer, there is no pulling or pushing. The boat is positioned in plenty of water above the trailer. When the boat is in position, the pads are hydraulically activated, keeping the boat in place. When the trailer is driven out of the water, the boat rests on the pads and bow support. The hydraulic frame lifting cylinders ensure that the boat remains horizontal while driving up and on the hard-stand.
Pads for all shapes
The pads are large and of semi-soft material to prevent damage to the boat hull from friction or peak loads. They are also offered in different shapes and sizes to best suit different boat shapes, including the standard 90 x 30cm (35 x 12in) pad and the larger 120 x 40cm (47 x 16in) pad. On trailers with a capacity up to 40 tons, Roodberg works with a total of four pads as standard, from 47 to 60 tons with six pads and
above that with ten pads, i.e. five on each side of the trailer.
For those who want even more precise and friendly support for their boat, there are the dual pads that consist of two parts of 60 x 40 cm (24 x 16in) that are both hinged. In this way, the line of the hull is optimally followed. Larger vessels with a deep keel, where the bow is not supported, require more pad support.
The ultimate result for curved and/ or fragile hulls, such as those of (GRP) sailboats, can be achieved with the unique and patented quattro pads. The unit consists of four independently hinged pads, each measuring 40 x 40cm (16 x 16in).
In some cases, a combination of different pad models is desired. As every Roodberg trailer is custom-equipped,
Unique and patented Quattro pads (left) are hinged to perfectly support curved and/or fragile hulls. Dual pads (below) are also hinged to optimally follow the line of the hull but have two as opposed to four pads.
appropriate advice is given and any type of hull can be optimally supported.
Covering catamarans
Interest in trailers that can handle catamarans is on the increase, especially in the countries surrounding the Aegean Sea, the Indian and Pacific Ocean islands, the Caribbean and New Zealand.
Roodberg offers several solutions for this. At times it is possible to support the catamaran bridge directly with the pads fitted to the trailer. On other occasions, it is necessary to add socalled cat beams to the trailer. Hinged pad supports with pads measuring 90 x 30cm (35 x 12in) are placed on the cat beams. These are adjustable across the width of the beams to support catamarans of different sizes.
Engineered to last
Roodberg pads are made of polyurethane moulded over a grid. The grid and saddle are manufactured from galvanised steel and optionally the fixing material can be supplied in stainless steel. The hardness of the polyurethane is specifically selected to ensure durability and optimal adaptation to the boat hull at the same time.
www.roodberg.com
MARINA BULL
Multi-use trailer for Canadian tourism service
Blue Heron Company of Tobermory, Ontario, recently took delivery of a new Conolift SP-60 self-propelled hydraulic trailer from Kropf Industrial.
The trailer offers all the standard advantages of a Conolift trailer, including a unique open frame design and hydraulic frame lift to over 60in (1.5m) of frame height.
The trailer frame also expands hydraulically in width from 96in (2.4m) to 126in (3.2m) inside, allowing the trailer to be adjusted to safely and
efficiently handle a wide variety of boats. It can accommodate vessels up to 70ft (21m) long and weighing 120,000 lbs (54,400 kg).
An onboard Tier 4 diesel engine provides drive and steering capability, as well as the frame lift and expansion functions, through an onboard hydraulic system. 180-degree steering at the
front of the trailer provides maximum manoeuvrability. Rear-wheel drive assist allows the trailer to launch and retrieve vessels on a slipway.
The unit is equipped with a single level joystick control on a raised operator’s station, but a wireless radio remote control system is also available. Adjustable powerboat pads and hydraulic side pads can be adjusted to suit a wide range of hull types and vessel sizes.
The open-frame design provides drastically simplified lift and set operations, with exceptional space for placement of keel blocking and storage stands. The independent frame lift in both the rear wheels and the front end allows for the trailer and boat to remain level during launch and retrieval operations on a slipway.
Blue Heron Company is a diversified tourism operation with glass bottom boat tours, open-air jet boats, retail outlets, a motel and cottage rentals. The Conolift SP-60 will be utilised for annual launch and retrieval operations in the tour boat business, supporting both the storage and repair/ maintenance requirements of the operation.
The addition of the trailer, with its simple and safe operation and inherent flexibility, will allow Blue Heron to maximise the utilisation of its facility while also reducing operating costs and increasing safety.
www.kropfindustrial.com.
New owners to invest in Dartside Quay
MDL Marinas has sold its Dartside Quay boatyard in Dartmouth, UK to the owners of nearby Dolphin Haven, a boatyard with berthing services just across the Galmpton Creek waters. The purchase is being followed by substantial site investment.
With space for over 300 boats ashore, the seven-acre (2.8ha) dry boat storage area is serviced by a 65tonne Wise hoist which operates from a purpose-built dock. A 20-tonne Wise trailer also operates from the slipway.
MDL Marinas managing director, Michael Glanville, said: “Dartside Quay boatyard provides important lifting and refit services to many of our berth holders, as well as local businesses and we’re excited to be working with Dolphin Boatyard to create an opportunity for these services to grow.”
“The sale agreement, which critically retains employment for our loyal and highly skilled team, allows capital to
be released and repurposed in other areas of our business to strategically develop our portfolio of products and services for our customers,” he added.
Ben Morris, managing director of Dolphin Boatyard, commented: “The acquisition of Dartside Quay is an exciting step forward for my business. It allows us to expand our services to local boaters in the bay, on the Dart and beyond, adding new refit opportunities and investing in both the Dartside Quay and Dolphin Haven sites.”
New production line, new designs and noteworthy deliveries
For 2023, Italian company PDN Cranes has opened a new production line for cradles, and fixed and telescopic boat keels so as to give its customers a complete range of products. The company has also developed a fully-electric or hybrid electric mobile hoist design which will be released to the market in good time for PDN’s 20th anniversary in 2024.
Over the past two years, particular delivery highlights in the marina sector have been the supply of two specialist cranes to French marinas
Port Camargue and Dunkerque Marina. Although covered in Marina World soon after delivery, each is worthy of special mention due to the interesting technology involved.
The Port Camargue (above) machine has 20 tonne capacity and is of threeleg design so as to be of use in three different basins of different widths. The operator cabin is located at the rear of the machine to enable it to be driven in a similar manner to a forklift. It is thus considered to be a combination of boat hoist and boat trailer and is very fast
and flexible when moving between the lifting and parking areas.
The machine for Dunkerque is a 30 tonne capacity amphibious boat hoist which carries out a boat hauling service between the yard and slipway. It can be submerged in water up to 2.5m (8ft), which enables it to service sailboats with long keels.
Like the Port Camargue machine, it is very fast in operation and is equipped with PDN’s remote assistance system. www.pdncranes.it
MARINA VISIT SPONSOR
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE
Futuristic pod delivered to the Pearl
Yacht handling and shipping company Peters & May transported a futuristic luxury floating pod to Doha in June. The Anthénea is now installed near the Marina Corniche promenade in Porto Arabia at the Pearl-Qatar.
The smart floating space offers 50m² (538ft²) of living area across the main cabin and the rooftop solarium, and takes full advantage of the 360° viewing options via its circular dome shape.
Inspired by the James Bond film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, the Anthénea
Suite was created to deliver an eco-responsible and private island experience to its guests. It is the result of five years of research and development and the efforts of French designers, engineers and naval architects. It has zero carbon footprint, is self-sufficient and is said to be unsinkable.
The design model was extensively researched to ensure it could resist violent storms and sea level rise, and its spherical shape is the optimal form for withstanding extreme conditions on the water. The pod is equipped with 1,000W solar panels, and can also be provided with a 4,000W installation, and reaches complete autonomy with its own water-processing and sewage system. Numerous interiors are available for the pods, tailored to meet the design needs of each customer’s requirements.
The distinctive shape of the capsule proved an ideal opportunity for Peters & May to demonstrate its expert lifting capabilities. Global technical director, Paul Elsom, commented:
“The Anthénea floating suite is the first of its kind and we are proud to have been involved with such an interesting project. It is always a pleasure to ship exclusive and unusual cargo. Fifty years in the shipping industry yet this is the first time we have come across anything like it, in its unique and futuristic pod shape.”
Prior to handling, the cargo was towed on a seven-hour crossing from Honfleur Marina, France by SNSM (National Society for Sea Rescue). Peters & May then performed a threesling lift, attached via D-ring fasteners to the cargo, to lift it from the water. It was then loaded onto a trailer using a gantry crane until a vessel arrived to ship it to the Middle East. www.petersandmay.com
D-Marin wins iF Design award
D-Marin has been recognised by the iF Design award for its customer experience project, undertaken in collaboration with Sketchin design studio.
The project, named ‘Reshaping the Marina Industry Standard’, won the fiercely competitive Service Design Award by crafting a completely new customer marina experience, harmonising digital and personal services.
The joint work by Sketchin and D-Marin started with intense customer research, which identified opportunities for service improvements, as well as key areas in which D-Marin excels. This research became the driving force behind a €10 million investment in the Connected Marina initiative, which uses digital innovations to make marina experiences seamless and effortless.
D-Marin CEO, Oliver Dörschuck, said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised by one of the most prestigious design awards which attracts high quality blue chip entrants from across the world. It’s testament to our commitment to excellent customer experience and the success of the project delivered with Sketchin.”
“We recognise that a combination of physical and digital experiences is essential to providing a quality marina service. Our digital innovations ensure efficiency so customers can enjoy maximum pleasure time on their yacht whilst our marina teams make customers feel appreciated with a personal touch.”
www.d-marin.com
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE
First in Barcelona, first in Redwood City
The first Aqua superPower electric marine fast charge station at Marina Vela in Barcelona, Spain joins a unit installed a few months ago in the Port of La Rápita to initiate the creation of a charging corridor on the Catalan coast.
The charge station, installed and financed by Aqua superPower, offers a power of 75kW and twin CCS2 connectors. Two electric boats can simultaneously recharge in as little as 20 to 40 minutes. The charge station is accessible to electric boat users via the Aqua app that can be downloaded on any device to provide a seamless user experience.
“With this electric boat charge station, another step is taken towards converting the port of Barcelona into a green port,” said Alberto Garcia, director of Marina Vela Barcelona.
“Marina Vela Barcelona is the first nautical facility in Barcelona that has an electric marine charge station of 75 kW power to bring the arrival of ‘zero emissions’ boating. The installation of the new Aqua superPower fast charge station is part of our commitment to the environment and leading the way in sustainable marina management practices.”
Another ‘first’ marine fast charging station has been installed at Westpoint Harbor in Redwood City, San Francisco
Bay. Westpoint Harbor is a world-class, award-winning marina that offers a protected harbour with modern slips up to 120ft (37m) and dry storage. As a Clean Marine award holder, Westpoint Harbor leads the way with sustainable marina management practices, and the decision to become the first Aqua network host in the Bay Area continues
The new marine fast charge station at Marina Vela in Barcelona is the second on the Spanish Catalan coast.
that tradition by supporting the growing number of boat users who want to switch to clean electric boating.
The Aqua 75 DC marine supercharger installed at Westpoint Harbor will provide boat owners with access to reliable plug and charge infrastructure, offering features such as charge point visibility to develop the confidence to transition away from liquid carbon fuels.
“As a Gold Anchor marina, Westpoint Harbor is committed to clean marine practices,” said Westpoint Harbor president Mark Sanders. "Having the opportunity to install Aqua’s marine supercharger was exciting. Sustainability and protecting the environment are extremely important to us, and we are not short on early technology adopters around here. Redwood City is in the heart of Silicon Valley, and electric boating is the next logical step in maritime e-mobility."
Scott Canning, vice president US business development at Aqua superPower, explained: "Electric marine mobility works best when boat users can take advantage of conveniently located charging stations throughout their local area. These e-boat corridors are central to our vision, and we are delighted to work with Westpoint Harbor on developing this critical infrastructure as the first Aqua superPower charging hub in San Francisco Bay." www.aqua-superpower.com
A charge station at Westpoint Harbor is the first in San Francisco Bay.
GREENER, CLEANER MARINA SOLUTIONS
Electric Service Pedestals
Electric Vehicle Charging Units
Electric Boat Charging
Electric & Water Management Systems
It’s no secret that the world is steering towards cleaner and greener modes of transport. As world leaders in providing service pedestals and associated products for marina and waterside destinations, and with over 10 years’ experience in the electric vehicle charging industry, Rolec are able to provide a solution to suit your electrification needs. Enabling you to offer your visitors a seamless charging experience, whether it’s for electric vehicles or electric boats.
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE
More Freedom in Australia
The Freedom Boat Club division of Brunswick Corporation is set to open three new club locations in Australia this month (July). Located at Bobbin Head, Pittwater and Lake Macquarie, they will each provide direct access to the picturesque waterways north of Sydney. They complement the club location at d’Alboras the Spit Marina on Sydney Harbour.
The new clubs will be franchise locations led by Darren Vaux, managing director of Empire Marinas Group, president of ICOMIA and previous president of the Boating Industry Association in Australia,
New Freedom Boat franchisees, Darren and Nicky Vaux. and Nicky Vaux, the Boat Princess and director of the Marina Industries Association, who have more than 40 combined years of marine industry experience.
“We are thrilled to continue our growth into truly stunning and popular yet accessible boating locations in Australia,” said David Kurczewski, general manager shared services Asia-Pacific for Freedom Boat Club. “We are confident in Darren and Nicky’s ability to expand marine participation in this market with their clear passion for the on-water lifestyle,
Waiting pontoon for high season
A new waiting pontoon, manufactured by Lindley, has been installed in the entrance channel to the main harbour at Marina Palamós on the Costa Brava, Spain.
The dock has been designed to serve as a temporary mooring point for boats of up to 10m (33ft) in length while waiting for access to the marina or the fuel pump. This will enhance safety during the summer months when there is heavy traffic entering or leaving the marina. The structure can be dismantled during the winter.
Almarin supplied and installed
and commitment to delivering impeccable service. We look forward to growing our partnership and supporting our members in the region.”
“One of our key drivers is helping people access the boating lifestyle and Freedom Boat Club is a world leader in this regard. With full member training, access to boats in incredible locations and affordable, flexible memberships Freedom really is boating re-imagined,” said Nicky Vaux. “As boaters ourselves, it’s great for us to be able to share the passion.”
the 60m (197ft) long aluminium floating pontoon and a 6m (20ft) long aluminium access walkway. The system has articulated radius arms due to its proximity to the breakwater. This approach also reduced costs by avoiding the need for piles.
Marina Palamós has 902 moorings, a boatyard and a nautical base.
www.almarin.es
“Freedom Boat Club creates a new, accessible and affordable pathway to the boating lifestyle for seasoned and first-time boaters alike,” said Darren Vaux. “What makes the Freedom model so compelling is that members not only have access to the outstanding range of boats available through the Brunswick brands, but also access to fleets of boats in more than 380 locations worldwide.”
www.freedomboatclub.au
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE
Trouble-free trolley goes international
When Bogense Marina in Denmark needed a trolley for its customers, one of the berth holders snapped into action. Per Østerhaab, a blacksmith, entrepreneur and owner of Bogense Yacht Services, designed a trolley, sold the solution to the local council (the marina operator), and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I simply wanted to see a trolley that was robust, durable and simple in design, with no need for cleaning,” he recalls. “We produced them with the same quality as stainless steel parts on our boats. So, they last forever and really need no cleaning.” The company uses the tag line “joyful boating – organised marinas” to sum up trolleys that perform as they should, are
maintenance-free and can be stored in special parking areas for everyone’s convenience.
Østerhaab, now aged 74, is still actively involved in designing special solutions and coordinating production and quality assurance, but the next generation now manages the MarinaTrolley business.
Over the past 30 years, the trolley
has become the market standard in Denmark and, via nothing more than word of mouth, found its way to marinas in Germany and Sweden. In 2022, however, recognising that growth opportunity was focused on developing new wheels for the trolley, the company rebranded the product and started to look at further developing its export potential. Bigger marinas across Spain, Greece, Croatia, Malta and Montenegro became new customers.
“We knew we had a fantastic product with huge global potential and it is great to see how well this simple concept works in every market we enter,” says managing director Henrik Østerhaab.
MarinaTrolley is an elegant and minimalistic solution, offering a range of features and benefits and retaining the high quality electropolished stainless steel upon which it built its reputation. The centre-placed wheels make it wellbalanced and easy to manoeuvre, and puncture-proof air-filled tyres ensure it floats on the water if it ends up in the marina basin. It has a self-cleaning grid bottom, weighs just 18kg (40lbs) and can easily carry loads of 100kg (220lbs). A coin lock encourages users to return it to its designated place.
In addition to a large tailor-made name plate cut into the side of the trolley (making it less attractive to steal), there is space for advertising, which the marina operator can sell so as to offset the purchase cost.
Several MarinaTrolleys for new customers are currently in production and the company is building a network of agents to promote and sell the product in different countries. www.marinatrolley.com
Above: Per Østerhaab in the workshop. Left: MarinaTrolley customer Hans Lindum Møller, harbour master at Marina Minde in Denmark, with his line-up of trolleys.
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE
Cleaning water with Advanced Oxidation
One of the 21st century’s greatest challenges is a severe shortage of clean water. Water is now being polluted faster then ever by agricultural runoff, and general and industrial waste that infrastructure was never designed to deal with. According to Keith Boulais at Premier Materials Technology, old line cleaning technologies are failing miserably or are just not cost-effective, especially when it comes to new pollutants, such as PFAS, PAHs, excessive nutrients, fracking water, coal ash, personal care products residues and drugs.
No one wants polluted water in a leisure boating environment and keeping water clean can be a surprisingly natural process via a new category of technologies known as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP). The EcoSOAR Ionizer is the most advanced of these technologies and the only process currently available in the world that produces superoxide (O 2 ) on a large scale. The O 2 technology cleans the water column and sediment of organic pollutants, anaerobic bacteria, metals etc. It also significantly raises the dissolved oxygen level of the water column and sediment helping to promote water body health.
Here’s the science. O 2 (superoxide) is a type of oxygen that contains an extra electron. It is this electron that gives it its special oxidising power. Here is an oxidation rating scale (Daniels. 2002):
Chlorine is 1.00
Ozone is 1.52
O 2 (superoxide) is 2.37
O 2 (superoxide) is as old as Earth’s oxygen atmosphere and is actually
ubiquitous in the environment. It regulates the bio-availability of trace metals in the ocean, it is produced by fungus as a by-product that remediates such contaminants as excessive nutrients and coal ash, and is produced by corals to protect against bacteria and viruses, and to control the availability of nutrients in the reef.
O 2 (superoxide) operates via a mechanism called Fenton Chemistry that was discovered by British chemist Hank Fenton in the 1890s. In this mechanism, the O 2 preferentially reacts with carbon atoms in any organic molecule. It is able to virtually dismantle an organic contaminant atom and return such atoms to the ecosphere for recycling. This means that there is no secondary pollution to deal with; all of the individual atoms cleaved from the contaminant are
available for re-use. A good example is oil, which is primarily hydrogen and carbon. An oil molecule treated with O 2 is changed to CO2 and water. The same reaction will occur with organic pollutants such as algae/cyanobacteria and anaerobic bacteria.
O 2 (superoxide) is created from the open atmosphere without the use of any chemicals. It’s one of the safest water body treatments, handles the most pollutants, and is the only one that cleans both the water column and the sediment.
The EcoSOAR Ionizer is a highly portable unit, measuring 51in (129.5cm) long x 31in (79cm) wide x 41in (104cm) high. It weighs 1,010lbs (458kg) and requires 220V three-phase power (which can be obtained via solar) to operate at 4.5kW/hr. The unit can be installed on a trailer (as seen bottom right) with a back-up generator.
It could be the ideal solution to keeping water clean, and free from invasive weeds and potentially hazardous pollutants.
E: keith@premiermaterials.com
Invitation to beta test power connectors
Registration is now open for US and Canadian marinas wishing to take part in the large-scale beta pilot programme to test VoltSafe Marine electrical shore power connectors (see Product Focus May/June 2023).
This opportunity allows participating marinas to test the product by setting up a smart control box and pedestal-side connector (an easy retrofit on existing pedestals). Once installed, the marina manager will be able to monitor and manage power consumption for each marina slip using VoltSafe’s desktop dashboard in real time.
To find out more, email marine@voltsafe.com
Elevator Liftelevated
The Elevator Lift from Golden Manufacturing has received new configurations and capacities that make it even more adaptable for everything from a PWC to an offshore sport fishing boat.
Made in the USA, the Golden Elevator Lift can be installed on seawalls, embankments or concrete
requirements—such as length of travel and angle of installation—as well as the boat itself.
Depending on the overall and distributed weight of the vessel, it can have one, two or four tracks, and enhancements include dual-track 24,000 and 27,000lb (11,000 and 12,000kg) capacity models and a new four-track, 60,000lb (27,220kg) version.
The lift is CE-approved and manufactured to ISO 9001:2015 standards using only fully welded 6061 T6 marine grade aluminium with 300 series stainless steel fittings and sacrificial zinc anodes.
piers, as well as on shoreline timber and steel piles. The lift is manufactured for both the specific location
A robust box construction mates the track beam and drive connection. Heavy-duty UV-rated Nylatron wheels on stainless equaliser brackets provide exceptionally smooth operation, especially with heavier vessels.
Powered by the reliable Golden Sea-Drive, it has custom bunking to ensure the hull is fully supported and doesn't cause strain. www.goldenmarinesystems.com
GCMarine partners with Harbour Assist
Australia-based GCMarine has become principal partner for UK-based Harbour Assist in the Asia Pacific region. GCMarine will use its comprehensive marina experience to expand the reach of Harbour Assist’s innovative software.
“We’re thrilled to be joining forces with GCMarine,” said Nick Gill, chief revenue officer of Harbour Assist. “Their unparalleled knowledge and extensive experience in the marine sector will ensure our software reaches the marinas that need it most, enhancing operational efficiency and customer
satisfaction across the region.”
GCMarine has a long standing reputation for delivering top-tier marine and waterfront solutions and is well placed to promote Harbour Assist’s management solutions to an extensive network of marinas and waterfront businesses.
“From first-hand experience in our managed sites, Harbour Assist’s marina management software is truly top of its class. We’re excited about this partnership and the opportunity to bring such a robust suite of tools to marinas in Asia Pacific,” said GCMarine’s Matt Browning.
Harbour Assist is seeing a strong take up at Australia’s leading marinas, including Marina Mirage (left) and Sanctuary Cove Marina, which won the recent MIA Marina of the Year 2023 award. Sanctuary Cove Marina general manager, Steve Sammes, described Harbour Assist as “a breath of fresh air.”
“It is user friendly, efficient and the staff really enjoy using it because they believe in it,” he said. “This CRM is a core foundation to our operations and has been key in driving our success across the business.”
The partnership represents a significant step in Harbour Assist’s global expansion strategy.
www.gcmarine.com.au
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE
Index to Advertisers
American Muscle, USA 42
Applied Technology & Management, USA 38
Aqua superPower, UK 46
Australia Marina Engineering, 46
Bellingham Marine, USA 7, 9 & 11
Bluewater Marine & Dock, USA 44
Capria, Argentina 28
Cimolai Technology, Italy 44
Conolift by Kropf
Industrial, Canada 18
D-Marin, Greece 23
DualDocker, Austria 14
EMP, USA 58
Eagle Floats by
Hendren Plastics, USA 55
Flovac, Spain 63
Forklift Exchange, USA 41
GH Cranes & Components, Spain 36
Gigieffe, Italy 42
Golden Manufacturing, USA 12
IBEX 2023, USA 20
IWMC 2023, Portugal 31
Ingemar, Italy 16
Inmare, Italy 48
Lindley, Portugal 49
Livart, China 28
Marex, Croatia 28
Marina Frapa, Croatia 33
Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 48
Marina Projects, UK 64
MARINAGo by Scribble Software, USA 10
Marinetek, Finland 4
Marine Travelift, 35
Martini Marinas, Italy 36
METSTRADE, Netherlands 24
Molo, USA 26
PDN Cranes, Italy 38
Pacific Netting, USA 48 & 56
Pacsoft, New Zealand 60
PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 8
Rolec, UK 53
Ronautica, Spain 43
Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 25
SF Marina System, Sweden 2
Seaflex, Sweden 6
Seijsener, Netherlands 60
Superior Group, Australia 60
ThruFlow, Canada 56
Walcon Marine, UK 18
Wiggins Lift Co, USA 46
Wider decking panel–ideal for finger piers
Sunwalk Docks has expanded its 90-series line of high-quality decking products by introducing a new 24in (61cm) wide panel to enhance functionality and aesthetics in marinas and waterfront properties. It is particularly ideal for finger piers.
The 90-series boasts a wealth of benefits:
• Maintenance-free and impervious to insects, it is durable, UV-protected, impact-resistant, and well able to withstand the harshest marine environments.
• Clean lines and a uniform design look good year after year.
• A uni-directional, ADA-compliant dry and foot-friendly non-slip surface offers secure grip even in wet conditions, and advanced cooling properties make it comfortable underfoot in the scorching sun.
The 24in (61cm) wide decking requires fewer fasteners than timber and takes significantly less time to install. Its light weight also speeds up the installation process. Coupled with 12in (30cm) on-centre support, it is highly stable and well able to support commercial loads, and consistent size and flatness make for a streamlined result.
Sunwalk is committed to sustainability and its decking design allows for better sunlight transmission, providing an open space that enhances ecological balance without compromising strength or durability. The open design also minimises hydraulic uplift caused by storm waves, surge and high-water situations.
The new wider decking panel is available now and offered in ‘stone’ or ‘oak’ colourways, with or without interlocking connector tabs. sunwalkdocks.com
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 DESIGN & MARINA MASTER PLANNING
FEASIBILITY STUDIES & MARKET RESEARCH
BUSINESS PLANNING
MARINA & WATERFRONT DESIGN
TENDER AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
MARINE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGISLATIVE ADVICE
PROPERTY CONSULTANCY SERVICES
GLOBAL WATERFRONT & MARINA DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY AT ITS BEST
Our services cover the entire spectrum of marina and waterside development. With uncompromising standards in all areas of our service, we have the credentials to take the vision and aspiration of any marina development to its ultimate conclusion.
www.marinaprojects.com