Marina World - Issue 140 - Nov/Dec 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.

IWMC 2023

The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Portugal in October attracted over 350 participants

IWMC – Field

Conference delegates visited Marina Vilamoura, Marina de Lagos and Albufeira Marina

Vilamoura Marina, the backdrop for the IWMC event at the Tivoli Conference Centre (see pp 27-39), was the first marina to be built in Portugal, and remains the largest marina in the country.

Marina World FROM THE EDITOR

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Meeting of minds

The 2023 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC), held in Portugal in October was a meeting of international minds offering a packed conference programme, a busy field trip and perfectly choreographed networking opportunities. It was a reminder of why it always pays to attend a ‘live’ event.

In the many discussions, some key messages emerged:

• Think about culture – the culture of your company and its staff, build on this, reinforce it and strengthen your team to embrace change. Energise their talent.

• Use technology wisely, fearlessly and advantageously to genuinely enhance the customer experience and improve marina operations and profitability.

• Rebrand marinas as the tourism assets they really are – your customers are ‘guests’; they bring money to the local area; they often travel beyond your nautical spot to another nautical spot. Concessions can be negotiated more easily for tourism assets than mere infrastructure.

• Approach environmental issues with determination but realism. Ensure you are solving problems in a cradle to grave manner and not inadvertently creating more CO2 in a blind quest to reduce it.

• Think about involving your marina in a bigger picture. Take advantage of industry associations and networks, work with others to develop things that are costly and share the benefits.

• Learn, unlearn, relearn, unlearn, relearn, unlearn (Yiannis Kalogerakis)

With 72 presentations over two days, there were many take-aways, including:

“We’re going to see more change in the next decade than we’ve probably seen in a century,” Bill Yeargin

“Your new customer will not be an old salt but someone who’s made a swift decision to just try boating,” John Hogan

“By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean,” Tigo Pitta e Cunha

“People make a marina, not the boats. We’re in the people business, we’re in the service business, we’re in the people business,” Oscar Siches

“We need to redefine the term ‘luxury’ and make it ‘sustainable luxury’,” Alfonso Vargas-Sanchez

“The measure of our success is when government comes to us and says please, please build these marinas. What can we do to help you build these marinas? That’s where we need to be. And we’ve got to work out a pathway to get there,” Darren Vaux

“Many marinas today are over-managed and under-led. People leave people not marinas,” Yiannis Kalogerakis

“We are something between 30 and 50% underpriced. The hotel industry has shown that it can raise its prices and as a result can fund improvements,” Dan Natchez

“Boats are built to last. Fleet replacement takes 25 to 40 years based on product lifecycles. Accelerating fleet replacement adds CO2,” Frank Hugelmeyer

Read more on p. 27.

Carol Fulford Editor

STRONG · SAFE · SUSTAINABLE SEAFLEX

AMI keynote announced

USA: Bill Benjamin will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2024 Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference & Expo. His presentation “Build a high-performance, last 8% culture” is sponsored by Suntex Marinas.

Benjamin has over 30 years of business experience and organisations like the US Marines, NASA, Intel, Goldman Sachs and The Mayo Clinic call on him for his expertise in performance and leadership.

“Bill addresses all those tough conversations that we tend to avoid because they are uncomfortable and hard, i.e. ‘the last 8%’, and that are often the most important conversations that aren’t happening. He will provide

the audience with tips and tools on how to gain the courage to have those difficult conversations and why this is critical to the success of building a highperforming team,” says AMI chair John Swick CMM. “We are looking forward to having Bill join the conference next year.”

The 2024 AMI Conference & Expo will be held at the Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 30th January – 1st February.

IWMC 2025 heads to Venice

ITALY: The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) 2025 will be held 15th17th October at Venezia Certosa Marina in Venice.

The event has the support of the Region and Municipality of Venice, the Venice Port Authority, the International Airport of Venice managed by Save, Assomarinas, Confindustria Nautica and Confindustria Veneto Est. Alberto Sonino of Vento di Venezia,

the owners and managers of Venezia Certosa Marina, has already secured substantial sponsor support for the event and gave an inspiring presentation to delegates attending the successful IWMC event this year in Portugal.

M3 to boost Amaala to La Belle Classe

SAUDI ARABIA: Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala tourism destinations, has partnered with Monaco Marina Management (M3) to establish RSG’s Amaala Yacht Club as one of the world’s premier yachting destinations.

Together, they will work to meet the criteria and standards of ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’, a certification owned and operated by Yacht Club de Monaco. The agreement also covers developing an exceptional event calendar and creating a sailing academy.

“The Amaala Yacht Club, with its signature architecture inspired by the rock formations that created our Triple Bay millennia ago, will be the stunning centrepiece of our marina development. With M3’s support, our facilities, operations, services and amenities will ensure our Yacht Club honours the

striking landscape in which it is set and makes Amaala one of the world’s most distinguished yachting destinations,” said Red Sea Global group CEO, John Pagano.

Designed by leading architecture firm HKS and sitting in a ten-ha (25-acre) basin, the ultra-luxurious four-storey club boasts a 120-berth marina and can accommodate yachting events, regattas and launches.

Phase one of Amaala, focused on the Triple Bay masterplan, is well underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2025.

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WORLD NEWS

Plans firmed up for Habacoa

BAHAMAS: With the conceptual design and marina site plan now completed, work on the innovative Porto Habacoa superyacht marina and ultra-luxury resort in South Abaco is poised to begin.

Designed from the ground up to provide flexible berth sizes and give large yachts generous manoeuvring space, the marina will offer 152 wet slips of 60 to 700ft (12 to 213m) and drystack storage for 200 boats. All docks will have fuel and pump-out points.

The marina basin will be surrounded by a range of different residential offerings, a yacht club, a small casino, and a marina village with shops and restaurants. A seaplane will be available for island-hopping, and the entire resort will be lushly landscaped.

In addition to creating a new

destination for megayachts, the developers are looking to attract small cruise ships in the 250-passenger (50/75 cabins/suites) size range. “We are also preparing a section of the marina to service sports fishing boats,” CEO and developer Ra’anan Ben-Zur tells Marina World. “We are close to some of the best sports fishing areas in the Atlantic Ocean.”

According to Ben-Zur, a call for tenders for marina systems and equipment is likely to be issued in May/ June 2024. The projected opening of Porto Habacoa is late 2026.

IBEX one of best to date

USA: The International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), held in early October in Tampa, Florida exceeded expectations based on on-site traffic data and attendance figures. The three-day event saw packed aisles, full educational sessions and well-attended networking events.

The event welcomed more than 8,600 industry professionals from 70 countries. Boatbuilders checked in with the highest numbers, making up nearly 30% of visitors, and new product discovery was the top reason registrants reported for attending. Visitors were able to follow a Marina & Yard Route.

“We are thrilled with the participation

and enthusiasm of visitors, exhibitors, educators and sponsors of this year’s event,” said IBEX show director Anne Dunbar. “Seeing the crowded aisles, and hearing from many exhibitors about the critical business that took place during the show was extremely satisfying. We want to thank everyone who was involved in helping IBEX 2023 be one of the best yet.”

New Calero group marina, and more

IBERIAN PENINSULA: Development of Marina Jandía, a new facility in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands is currently underway. Part of Calero Marinas, the project has a capacity of 310 berths and is being carried out by Lindley Marinas in collaboration with its local partner Almarin. Completion is scheduled for early 2024.

Lindley has also completed rebuilds in the fishing port of Setúbal near Lisbon, Portugal. Concrete pontoons are being installed to replace existing infrastructure. The contract follows Lindley’s work at Doca des Fontainhas where it replaced 270m (890ft) of linear galvanised steel

floating structures and fingers. Other work for 2023 in different parts of the world has included the expansion of Brachuy and Ribeira marinas in Brazil and installation of facilities for The Ocean Race in Hajai (Brazil) and Mindelo (Cape Verde).

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Sindalah yacht repair centre, first of many for Neom

SAUDI ARABIA: Superyacht maintenance company MB92 Group has entered into a partnership with Neom to establish a 10,000m² (107,600ft²) yacht repair facility at Sindalah on the Red Sea.

The partnership aligns with the imminent opening of Sindalah in 2024 and will be the first of several yacht repair centres in Neom, the futuristic and controversial green region that is being built from the ground up as a “living laboratory”. The yards are planned to meet the anticipated demand of a growing number of visiting and residential yachts in the region in coming years.

The new facility will provide yacht owners travelling to the Red Sea with access to MB92 Group’s experience in addressing the intricate repair demands of yachts and superyachts. It also mirrors Neom’s vision of building a maritime destination in the region, with both partners committed to offering dependable, efficient and sustainable solutions for maintenance or repair requirements. As such, the construction of the new centre will prioritise sustainable development within its design, processes and equipment.

Neom Islands executive director, Aayush Killa, said: “Teaming up with MB92 Group reflects our commitment to becoming a distinctive yachting destination. This venture embodies our dedication to delivering world-class infrastructure and services to support yachts visiting the Red Sea.”

Pepe Garcia-Aubert, chairman MB92, said the Group was extremely excited to be a part of the Neom project. “We envision this as merely the beginning of a lasting and meaningful collaboration, allowing us to provide the local yachting community with a world-class refit and repair service in this incredibly beautiful region with so much to offer.”

The centre will commence operations with a comprehensive repertoire of services including onboard electrical, mechanical and hydraulic system repairs. The centre will be capable of welcoming yachts of all sizes for in-water works and will extend its expertise to vessels of up to 40m (131ft) in length for drydock operations.

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WORLD NEWS

Merger creates ‘biggest’ South Florida marina

USA: South Florida full-service marina and yacht repair facility Bradford Marine has purchased the adjacently located Roscioli Yachting Center from OneWater Marine.

As part of the transaction, Bradford and OneWater have entered a lease arrangement for OneWater’s sales organisation to remain on the property, and for Bradford to provide world-class support for the OneWater Yacht Group and Sunseeker brands. The strategic acquisition will further expand the footprint of Bradford Marine and solidify its position as a premier yachting destination.

“This marks an incredibly important milestone for our growth as we bring together two esteemed full-service marinas, each with a rich history of delivery excellence in yacht repair and maintenance,” said Bradford Marine CEO John Kelly.

“By combining our teams’ extensive expertise, we will

continue to improve the yachting experience for our customers while striving to make yacht ownership easy and enjoyable.”

“Since my father and I entered into the Fort Lauderdale marine industry in 2019 with our acquisition of Bradford Marine and Bradford Grand Bahama, we’ve been able to expand our service offerings through our acquisitions of Billfish Marina, High Seas Technology, Pipewelders Marine, P&R Canvas, and now Roscioli Yachting Center,” noted Michael Kelly, president and COO of Bradford Marine.

Key elements of the merged sites include expanded lift capacity via the addition of a 320-ton machine; an additional 5,000ft (1,520m) of covered

dockage bringing the total on site to over 19,000ft (5,800m) for yachts up to 180ft (55m); and an additional 1,000ft (300m) of covered drystack that brings Bradford Marine’s total dry dockage to 3,500ft (1,070m).

Following the acquisition,

now offers more linear feet of in-water dockage than any other marina in South Florida. A team of 40 employees from Roscioli joins the Bradford Marine team bringing the combined company to 260 employees.

Renewed Dover dock nears completion

UK: Following the launch of the new Outer Marina in April this year, the Port of Dover has announced that the renewed Wellington Dock will be fully operational by April 2024, kickstarting the season for berth holders with a full set of facilities.

The dock will bring another 135 berths to Dover and will perfectly complement the facilities available at the Outer Marina whilst providing a mix of tidal and non-tidal berths.

One of the most popular services at Wellington Dock is the new boatyard, which opened less than a year ago. It can be used by permanent berth holders and visitors.

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Med marina networks partner up

ITALY: Premium marinas group D-Marin has partnered up with Italian luxury yachting group Azimut Benetti. The alliance adds 1,800 berths in three marinas to the D-Marin network.

Under the terms of the deal, D-Marin acquires a significant stake in Marina

di Valetta and Porto Mediceo in Livorno, and commences a commercial

WORLD NEWS

Marina di Varazze will now form part of the D-Marin network.

integration with award-winning Marina di Varazze. The acquisition of the stakes in Marina di Valetta and Porto Mediceo is subject to the receipt of the required regulatory authorisations and consents.

Paolo Vitelli, founder of the Azimut Benetti Group, explains the rationale of the alliance: “The core values of Azimut Benetti and D-Marin are perfectly aligned to provide an enjoyable yachting experience. D-Marin brings its strive for premium customer experience, the network offering, commercial excellence, sustainability commitments, and digital innovations to further enhance the already worldclass luxury marinas of Azimut Benetti and our family. This vast service-rich network of marinas will be able to welcome the owners of the Azimut Benetti Group yachts in a privileged way.”

“We are thrilled to be working with the Vitelli family on these beautiful marinas, supporting the properties to flourish even further with our marina expertise,” says D-Marin CEO Oliver Dörschuck. “This is an exciting partnership for us and one we can’t wait to embark on. We are keen to grow nautical tourism in the Mediterranean and offer a premium marina service at every step of the voyage.”

Integra buys Aventura marina

USA: Property investment and development firm Integra Investments has purchased Williams Island Marina in Aventura, Florida from H Scott Huizenga, who has owned the marina since 2004. The property, acquired via the company’s Integra Marinas platform, is its ninth acquisition to date and its sixth active marina.

The acquisition further elevates Integra Marinas’ portfolio of top marina assets due to its reputation and location within the master-planned Williams Island community. The marina spans 14 acres (5.7ha) and offers 106 wet slips at a combination of fixed and floating docks. Vessels of up to 160ft (49m) can be accommodated with unobstructed access from the Intracoastal Waterway.

“Williams Island Marina is fully occupied yearround, showcasing the tremendous demand for a high-quality marina in an incredibly high-barrierto-entry market,” said Victor Ballestas, a principal with Integra Investments. “This marina is an anchor asset in our growing portfolio and our second in Miami. We’re excited to operate, enhance and enjoy Williams Island as active boaters ourselves.”

The marina will be managed by Oasis Marinas.

Welcoming megayachts to Istanbul

Atakoy Marina and Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina are core elements in the Istanbul Tourism Centre (ITC) mega project to make the Istanbul seafront a new destination for the city. Newly appointed general manager, Artun Ertem, brings extensive industry experience to a role that is focused on putting Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina firmly on the superyacht circuit.

Atakoy Marina, built over 30 years ago with over 850 berths, remains at the forefront of the Turkish marina sector. It was the first marina in Turkey to earn 5 Gold Anchors from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and has retained the anchors since 1989, along with Blue Flag accreditation. “Our marina is a kind of flagship for the Turkish marina industry,” Artun Ertem says. “And out main goal is to keep the service level as high as possible.”

The adjacent Mega Yacht Marina is a much newer facility, built with 232 berths for vessels of 25-100m (82330ft). It is the only marina in Turkey to be designed and built specifically for superyachts but for various reasons has attracted few boats.

“Atakoy Marina is currently at over 110% capacity and all new enquiries are forwarded to the new basin,” Ertem explains. “Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina started accepting yachts for the first time in 2016 but, unfortunately, geopolitical situations and the pandemic have negatively affected operations of the new facility.”

Owners, Dati Holding – a development, investment and management company founded

by experienced nautical industry professionals in 2004 – stepped in. “Dati Holding focused its concentration on securing an extension of the concession lease period until 2070 and this goal has been successfully achieved. As of the beginning of the spring season, we have monitored increased traffic of megayachts in the marina compared to previous years. We see this as a positive indicator for future occupancy projections for the facility.”

The concrete floating pontoon system in Atakoy Marina was built and supplied by SF Marina and the floating concrete pontoons for the Mega Yacht Marina were custom-built by a Turkish concrete pontoon manufacturer. There are also quay walls in the Mega Yacht Marina, which are ideal for hosting some of the larger vessels. Services are provided via Plus dockside pedestals, and onsite facilities are plentiful, including restaurants, cafés, supermarket, health and sports centre, swimming pools, tennis courts, a children’s playground and 5 star hotel.

Both marinas also have boatyards: “One is operated by the marina and the other is expected to become operational as of 2025. At the moment,

the lifting and launching operations are undertaken with a 75 ton Marine Travelift. The Mega Yacht Marina is expected to have a 300 ton travel hoist and a boat mover. There is a possibility that we may franchise our boatyard so we would be open to proposals by interested parties,” Ertem says.

Atakoy also benefits from being a core element of the ITC project. The Port Galleria plan, which surrounds the landside of the marina, offers a shopping mall, leisure and activities facilities and a conference centre. There are also four major hotels and Marina Park private residences.

Safety, security and environmental management are a big focus.

“Environmental sensitivity is a top priority for the marina management and all team members. We have a tenant operating the fuel station facility and the marina has a full capacity pump-out service established in line with the legal obligations.”

“The marina management team has prepared an extensive risk analysis and action plan as part of its environmental management approach. An Emergency Response Plan is also a significant part of this task. All works have been undertaken in line with existing legislations and codes of practice.

Artun Ertem (inset) is focused on putting Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina (left) firmly on the superyacht circuit.

Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina has 232 berths and is able to moor vessels up to 100m (330ft). It is the only marina in Turkey to have been built specifically for the superyacht sector.

On the job training and exercises are constantly being implemented for all staff, and these processes are regularly documented.”

Atakoy has manned security as well as CCTV systems monitored on a 24/7 basis. “Our security management plan has yielded very good results over the past years. Additionally, the availability of the Coast Guard and Sea Police departments within the marina itself provides additional security for our premises.”

As well as being rich in terms of facilities, Ertem believes Atakoy’s location gives it an important edge. Not only is it at the heart of Istanbul, one of the great architectural and cultural cities in the world, but it’s close to a perfect airport.

“The biggest advantage of Atakoy Marina is its vicinity to Ataturk Airport, which used to serve as the main international airport of Istanbul until the opening of New Istanbul Airport,” he says. “At the moment, Ataturk Airport has been redesigned to serve as a VIP terminal, mostly for business jets. This creates a great strength for the future development of our premises in terms of providing a luxury service especially for superyachts.”

He also thinks positively about the local competition. “We have competition nearby but all establishments have satisfactory occupancy as well as their own paths of business. I see it as a potential for synergy rather than competition. Each marina has its own strengths and weaknesses. Our major strength is that we have the biggest

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

megayacht berthing options in the region.”

Ertem has spent over 20 years working in the marina industry and spent 13 of these years in Croatia where he had extensive opportunities for networking with the superyacht industry’s key European and global players. He worked as the regional director and general manager for Marina Mandalina in Sibenik for six and a half years and is bringing all of this experience to his new role. “By using this huge network, I am trying to contribute to the growth of our business and I can confidently say that our business with increasing megayacht traffic in the last ten months seems promising and sustainable.”

Marina Mandalina is, of course, an award-winning superyacht facility. How do Mandalina and Atakoy compare? “Client expectations, service standards and sufficiency of facilities stand out as similarities,” Ertem notes. “The main difference I feel between the two is that Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina is located in the heart of one of the biggest and most well known metropolises in the

world. Istanbul has a huge marketing effect and is a well deserved brand by itself. Sibenik is a relatively small city with great nature, great people and archipelago. Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina is much bigger than Marina Mandalina in size and capacity. However, both marinas represent a great asset value as being amongst the limited amount of such well organised facilities.”

“The biggest weakness I see for Atakoy is its distance from the major cruising destinations. However, this turns out to be a strength as we have a huge hinterland of shipyards around Istanbul with impeccable know-how, technical utilities, service quality and cost efficiency. Istanbul is considered a preferred destination among superyachts en route to the Black Sea. I am confident that our yacht traffic will increase more as soon as the war between Ukraine and Russia ends.”

Artun Ertem believes the challenges for Atakoy and for the industry in general relate to a very big picture. “Global instability is the biggest challenge, not only for Atakoy but for the entire global business cycle. It may become more devastating than the pandemic unless preliminary precautions are taken by the UN immediately. The war between Russia and Ukraine must come to an end as well as the war in the Middle East. We can only be happy and enjoy running our businesses under peaceful conditions. Wars only pump out hatred and animosity, and we don’t want people to die.”

“Our industry has been hit strongly by these developments. The superyacht industry and yachting market in general have never experienced such turbulence before. Our situation reflects hope in despair, but we tend to stay on the hopeful side.”

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

Ligurian icons make a comeback

Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo on the east coast of Liguria and the mega project for the tourist port at Imperia to the west are two very different projects to reestablish two of Italy’s best-known marinas. Donatella Zucca reports

The piers and breakwaters are completed and the first yachts are now arriving at the newly-designed Porto Carlo Riva, and Marina di Imperia in Porto Maurizio – after a ten-year delay – is finally being completed via an improvement project that will also benefit the city and its environs.

Rebuilding Riva

Porto Carlo Riva, the icon created by engineer Carlo Riva, has been rebuilt following the devastation caused by a major storm in 2018. A new 7m (23ft) high breakwater, comprising 170,000 tons of natural boulders, has been tested, and Argo company Bizzi & Partners, headed by Davide Bizzi is managing the development.

The ‘recovery’ of the marina has delivered a concept that brings it closer to the city, a benefit that is appreciated and supported by the mayor, Carlo Bagnasco, and Giovanni Toti, president of the Ligurian region.

The marina pays an annual fee for maintaining the port (which belongs to the municipality, with concessions to maritime associations and small nautical entities) and reserves a portion of the new berths and newly created space for public use. It also pledges support at €50,000 a year to help fund the highly popular July celebrations of the Madonna. The money is intended to cover the

costs of renting barges, which will be put to sea as firework firing stations. Previously, the fireworks were released from the harbour breakwater which meant relocating the yachts.

The newly created areas in the marina will be used for a yacht club, tourist hotel, shipyard, 300-space car park, a series of nautical cabins, a new restaurant, pub and port offices. More than 190 new berths and new fixed piers have been added to completely rebuild the port at a cost of almost €80 million. The current concession lasts until 2056 but the municipality will soon be focusing on granting an extension to this.

Since early October, all members of

Porto Carlo Riva during work phase (left) and CGI of completed port (below).

the original management team and four new members of staff have been working at the marina and the entire port system is expected to employ around 100 people. Bizzi & Partners is, meanwhile, involved in other nautical tourism projects (see inset story).

The long road to Imperia

Marina di Imperia’s journey to get to where it is today has been lengthy and frustrating, starting with a blockade on work in 2014 and removal of the state concession, which has now been issued at 65 years following a detailed economic/financial, urban and construction assessment.

The entity at the helm of the marina regeneration is Go Imperia Srl, which deals with services related to employment and protection of public property. In the instance of Marina di Imperia, the value of port activities, together with the regeneration of original income and new added-value income, raised awareness of the positive economic impact of the port on the city. Guido Corradi, a bank manager and new president of the board of directors, will start the relaunch phase based on accurate market research.

Like every marina development, response is mixed but Imperia mayor, Claudio Scajola, recognised the challenges last year, admitting “it was a

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WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

complex period in which the difficulties of temporary ordinary management overlapped with the tasks for requesting a new concession and the critical issues related to COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.”

Notwithstanding the fact that ramifications of an additional war are now in the mix for 2023, there are people who view the project as expensive and aimed at people with little interest in the life of the local area. The majority, however, view it as a precious development link for the future of the city and with its 1,278 berths (156 for visitors and 1,122 under contract) as a crucial step in growth.

The project also includes a 5 star hotel, which was not part of the original site amenities, but radically reduced retail outlet space – solely for shops selling marine-related goods.

Berths along Via Scarincio will adjoin a reinforced fixed quayside, and a jetty damaged in the 2018 storm will be removed to create a new 90m (295ft) berth. This is in response to demand

Revisioning Rapallo

Bizzi & Partners’ tourist port projects do not end with Porto Carlo Riva as, together with Fidim Srl, a biotech, property and hospitality holding company, it is considering participating in the tender scheduled for 2024 for the port of Lavagna. Davide Bizzi also has the concession for the international tourist port of Rapallo following the public tender announced by the Court of Genoa.

Rapallo was also lashed by bad luck when the Porto Carlo Riva dam burst, destroying piers and leading to hundreds of yachts sinking and needing to be disposed of. This was followed by an investigation into the management of the disposal of the vessels, an issue that Porto Carlo Riva had to deal with as it built the dam and was held responsible for the disaster. A series of knock-on difficulties then followed which forced the marina to crisis point.

Davide Bizzi recently told the press that berths at the marina will be assigned on short-term rental, with a maximum of one year for private individuals and three for businesses. The management offices will open within the year and the commercial part of the new port by summer 2024. This area will include retail for important brands in boating and fashion.

for superyacht berths. Other changes will include a new six-berth quay for professional fishermen which, like the rest of the port, the museum and events space, will benefit from better services from an upgraded electrical substation.

The two-storey yacht club will comprise office space, bar and restaurant, and an overhauled car park offer free parking for electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles. A mooring tower will also be built beside the entrance to the port and this will house a bar, restaurant, reception, port management offices and a command and control centre.

CGIs of newly developed Marina di Imperia (above & below) and a new dock at Porto Carlo Riva (left).

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Customers, culture, comms and carbon

The 2023 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) held at the Tivoli Conference Centre in Vilamoura, Portugal in October was hailed as one of the most successful events in the long-running series to date. Hosted by the Portuguese Association of Ports and Marinas (APPR) and expertly moderated by professional broadcaster Shirley Robertson, IWMC 2023 was held over three days and attracted more than 350 delegates from the international marina community.

The opening session was attended by Maria do Céu Antunes, the Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and Food, the Secretary of State for Fisheries, the Vice-Mayor of Loulé, the president of the Algarve Tourist Board and other national dignitaries. Isolete Correia, president of APPR and CEO of Vilamoura Marina, opened the proceedings.

Although technology and its advantages played a major part in the

conference discussions, emphasis was placed on the importance of people right from the outset. “Recreational boating enriches people’s lives,” said ICOMIA president Darren Vaux. “It’s not about ‘boats’ but about the sense of calm evident in being in and around the water – the increase in well being and the physical benefits. Recreational boating matters, and thus marinas matter.” ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG) chair, Martinho Fortunato, took up

ICOMIA president, Darren Vaux, makes one of the opening addresses to a packed audience.

the baton: “Industry must focus on people and not just technology. It’s very important to keep this in mind.”

With “people” on the agenda, keynote speaker Bill Yeargin, president/CEO of Correct Craft, Inc spoke about the economics of culture, and the need to establish team-building and core values that act as continual guidelines. “Leaders need to be energisers and provide clarity,” he said, encouraging broader horizons, team projects and constant communication and honing of the cultural objective. “Culture is not an expense but a high-return investment,” he stressed, and it’s vital to be “a learner and not a ‘knower’.”

Retaining staff is also, of course, a key issue and a global concern. Yiannis Kalogerakis, CEO at JMK was forthright. “Many marinas today are over-managed and under-led. People leave people not marinas.”

The customer base

“Marinas will be the hospitality hubs in the future and offer a marina ‘guest’ experience – let’s not call them ‘customers’,” urged Kalogerakis. But what of the new ‘guests’?

“Your new customer will not be an old salt but someone who’s made a swift decision to just try boating,” noted Superior Group CEO John Hogan. And these swift deciders may well come via a Boat Club route.

According to Arturo Gutierrez, general manager (EMEA) for Freedom Boat Club (FBC), one in five club members graduates to boat ownership. FBC currently has 5,000 boats and 90,000 members and is welcoming increasing numbers of women and young people into its fold. There are significant financial advantages in having a Boat Club on a marina site

Left: (l to r) Moderator Shirley Robertson chairs a panel discussion with Elsa Nicol, Falco; Tone Britovsek, Marina Master; and Idan Cohen, Pick-a-Pier. Right: Discussing the industry around the globe (l to r) Oscar Siches, consultant; Suzanne Davies, MIA; John Hogan, Superior Jetties; Cédric Le Rest, MM&C: and Jon White, TYHA.

and FBC sees a trend towards the marina being seen as a destination. In terms of demands, “people want to be more responsible and sustainability is important to them,” he said. “They also enjoy having a personalised experience on the water.”

This customer trend is backed up by Joana Glória, founder of the Lagos Digital Nomads Community and Femke Irik, founder of SeaBookings. “We’ve seen a huge difference in tourism after COVID. We notice people are more into experiences (some have sold properties, cars etc and can work anywhere). We organise events that connect like-minded people,” Irik explained.

Charter also takes centre stage. “Charter is the most relevant platform for all of us for the future,” asserted Boot Düsseldorf director Petros Michelidakis revealing that, compared to 2020, there is a significant rise in the amount people are prepared to spend. In 2021 the average weekly spend was €4,267 and this is up by 32%. According to Sail Croatia, the most popular charter destinations in the world are Croatia (over 38%); Greece (over 28%); Italy; Turkey; EU other; Spain; France; and the Caribbean.

Smart technology

Digital technology plays a core part in our lives and, while marinas need to adopt ‘smart’ approaches and make best use of data, the message is clear that the customer is king. “Customers are more demanding. Mobile phones connect them and customers are selfconfident and want to interact. They are in control. They book online, get instant

confirmation and pay immediately,” said D-Marin CEO Oliver Dörschuck.

Smart marinas give us sensors, data analytics and other technology that collects, analyses and monitors data. Amongst other things, this can be used to optimise berth utilisation, manage energy consumption, monitor water quality and track weather conditions. “We can use these to create customer experience with ‘real’ online booking and payment, real time weather updates and on-demand concierge,” Kalogerakis noted.

It’s all about flow said Elsa Nicol, CEO of tech company Falco, whose platform integrates with management software and booking software and has digital apps to make things flow between. “We need to automate the things that least affect the customer experience,” she observed. Idan Cohen of Pick-a-Pier expanded: “We must change pretty much everything at the back end. We need to deliver the best customer experience, and the systems need to be accessible without huge cost. We need to work together to develop networks, and we need a balance between digital and human interaction. It’s also important to collect the data that works for you. It doesn’t have to be a costly exercise.”

Tone Britovsek of IRM/Marina Master believes the future will comprise a mix of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Kalogerakis warns that “the current AI is child’s play in comparison with what’s coming.”

Balance is the key. “Some tech is important but if we don’t have human

Left (down the column): Bill Yeargin, Correct Craft; Yiannis Kalogerakis, JMK; and Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA. Above: Oliver Dörschuck, D-Marin, speaking on industry trends.

contact we are going to lose a lot. Being automated may be impressive but while clients appreciate the tech they also like having people to look after them during their stay,” said Isolete Correia. Stavros Katsikadis, managing director Lamda Marinas Investments, emphasised: “Smart technology has become essential but we need to listen, change, learn. We need to think about remotely controlled systems in marinas, i.e. things that are moved without people. Will there be fewer accidents? Technology is coming, and it’s coming fast.”

Marina infrastructure

What is the life expectancy of a marina? “At Vilamoura we can say it’s over 49 years but I’ve seen marinas completely break apart in weeks,” observed Michael Sigvardsson, CEO SF Marina. The golden rules, he said, are to put the right pontoon in the right place; put the right boat size on it; and the right size and load of accessories. Maintenance is also crucial. “A maintenance action that is not logged doesn’t exist,” he warned. “Selecting products that have a very long maintenance interval is very profitable.”

Patrick Lindley, CEO Grupo Lindley, advised opting for “the smallest environmental impact and the best investment in quality.”

Michael Shanley, president Golden Marine Systems, called for higher piling specifications when installing floating dock systems in hurricane risk areas and the need for forward-thinking on marina designs that will survive severe weather patterns. Speaking about the devastating effects that Hurricane Ian had on marinas in Fort Myers Beach, Florida he said “we are four to five years away from getting it sorted. We

sustained $109 billion in damages in what was the deadliest hurricane in Florida since 1935.”

In terms of drystack infrastructure, Oscar Siches pointed to “permits” as the bottleneck for the future as he ventured: “Will we cover them with vegetation? Build them underground? Will they be totally electric with absolutely no noise? They will definitely be architect-designed, and the buildings will have additional use.”

“The key for the future is being very, very flexible. We are just ‘handling’ it now but we need to make sure our equipment is adaptable or can be easily traded or recycled,” he also noted.

Fuel and the environment

“A decarbonised boating future will evolve from a set of technologies and fuels already available. Some technologies are more adequate for some vessel sizes, uses, ambient conditions etc., in the short and long term. A mix of propulsion systems is envisioned,” said Ian Dobson of PIANC.

Assessment of future fuel infrastructure, electrical supply and cabling, insurance implications and funding implications are major considerations under review in a “science without fear or favour” decarbonisation study being carried out by Ricardo, UK. The study was outlined by Darren Vaux on behalf of ICOMIA,which will launch a Sustainability Report at Metstrade.

Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the US National Marine Manufacturers Association spoke on how to align decarbonisation policies. “We have to have cradle to grave data as we are facing regulation by ideology.

Round the clock conference speakers: Arturo Gutierrez, Freedom Boat Club; Michael Shanley, Golden Marine Systems; Roberto Perocchio, Assomarinas; Stavros Katsikadis, Lamda Marinas Investments and Isolete Correia, Vilamoura Marina.

We have to stay ahead of the regulatory sector where decisions will be made by judging other sectors, e.g. automotive.”

“Good marine public policy doesn’t choose a single technology. It supports innovation and the best carbon reduction strategy by use case. Boats are built to last. Fleet replacement takes 25 to 40 years based on product lifecycles. Accelerating fleet replacement adds CO2.”

“We need to prioritise infrastructure for the distribution of sustainable

IWMC 2023

fuels. This will achieve an instant and industry-wide carbon reduction of 28% for the entire fleet.”

Brands and owners

The rebranding of marinas as “tourist destinations” formed a central conference theme most specifically because, as tourism assets rather than general infrastructure, marinas will not only receive the acknowledgement they deserve as valuable players in the tourist sector but be in a stronger position to resolve concession issues.

Building marinas as ‘destinations’ from the outset sends a strong message to government. Ra’anan BenZur of Porto Habacoa in the Bahamas is doing just this. The superyachtspecific resort that is scheduled to open in 2026 has not only been built from the ground up as a superyacht facility but, as he revealed at the conference, flexibly designed to welcome small cruise ships.

“The brand of a destination communicates values (sustainability,

smartness) and marinas have to be aligned and be carriers of them,” said Alfonso Vargas Sanchez, Andalusian Academy of Regional Science. Oliver Dörschuck endorsed this. “As an industry, we need a strong voice, and innovation needs different people. We have to attract and retain talent, and build effective alliances and consolidations to create stronger brands.”

Such consolidations can be found in the rise of marina chains and the advantages they have brought to the marina sector, e.g. capital, synergy of operation and effective buying power. Marina consultant, Dan Natchez, noted: “They have raised prices in an industry that is traditionally underpriced. We are somewhere between 30 and 50% underpriced. The hotel industry has shown that it can raise its prices and as a result can fund improvements.”

Independent marina operators, representing by far the bulk of ownership in the private sector, also

Joe Lynch, CEO ICOMIA, and IMG chair Martinho Fortunato (right) present marina consultant Dan Natchez with the 2023 ICOMIA Golden Cleat Award for Lifetime Achievement. The presentation took place at the gala dinner event (below).

have significant strengths. “We feel the advantage of being independent is that we are quick to make decisions and to react. I feel we are closer to our town and our community. Continuity is better with independent marinas,” said Ingrid Fortunato, manager Marina de Lagos. Melanie Symes, secretary of TransEurope Marinas noted: “Independent marinas are optimal operators of their own space. They build a cultural capital and this gives them strength and resilience.”

Roberto Perocchio added: “We recognise the value of the chains and their wonderful economy of scale. They can make big digital investments and access funds more easily but at Marina del Cavallino, where we are now third generation owners and operators, we think a port needs a face. It is also paramount that we have a strong link with our marina association and we need to be flexible and customeroriented.”

Grand finale

IWMC 2023 had a broad reach to cover ‘big challenges, big opportunities, big decisions’ – and it suitably concluded by highlighting what must surely be the world’s most ambitious ongoing infrastructure project – Neom. A new landscape in Saudi Arabia, Neom will feature at least 12 coastal marinas, the first of which is Sindalah. Chief environment officer, Prof Richard Bush, outlined the vast scale of Neom, which covers a land area the size of Belgium, and described it as a “beautiful challenge”.

In and around the innovative major city of The Line, Neom development will be restricted to just 5% of the total area, leaving the remainder as national park. This will be the subject of re-wilding projects and reintroduction of animal species. “We plan to deliver a real liveable city by 2030,” he said, “where humanity and nature can thrive.”

The above article highlights content from amongst 72 presentations. Additional articles covering topics in greater depth will appear in future issues.

Carlos Muriongo

Carlos Muriongo

Expansion plans in a buoyant market

A highlight of any ICOMIA World Marinas Conference is the field trip opportunity to explore marinas in the host country, and IWMC 2023 delivered three of the Algarve’s finest facilities on a day blessed with blue sky, warm sunshine and the gentlest of breezes.

Isolete Correia, president of APPR, the Portuguese Association of Ports and Marinas, and CEO of Vilamoura Marina, set the scene on Day 1 of the conference by presenting the conclusions of a survey on the revenues, strengths and challenges of Portuguese marinas.

Portugal has around 12,000 berths, a third of which are in the Algarve, and occupancy rates are around 90%. The value of revenues for marinas and recreational ports was an estimated €60 million for 2022, a growth of 19% compared with 2021. From the beginning of this year until 31st July, the total revenue continued to grow above 10% leading to expectations that revenue will exceed €70 million at the end of 2023. Visitors are primarily from Portugal, France, the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Spain.

Between 2019 and 2022, the annual average turnover of recreational and sports boat builders in Portugal was around €137 million, a 47% increase on 2018. This data shows there is a

clear sign of growth for the recreational marine industry in the country.

Vilamoura Marina

There are plenty of signs of this prosperity at Vilamoura Marina, the host venue for IWMC and the flagship marina for Portugal. A pioneering, multiaward winning facility, Vilamoura Marina remains the largest in the country with 825 berths and ability to accommodate vessels up to 60m (197ft) in length.

Surrounded by bustling shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and hotels that give it high destination appeal, it’s a prestigious port of call with comprehensive but unobtrusive security and full concierge services. An on-site

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Above & right: Pioneering, multiaward winning Vilamoura Marina was the starting point for the field trip on Day 2 of the conference.

Jacek Sopotnicki

IWMC 2023: IN THE FIELD

boatyard boasts a 60 ton travel hoist, slipway and crane, additional lifts, and hardstand for 200 boats.

Expansion plans are also underway adjacent to the main basin where a new 50-year marina concession has been secured for a 68-berth facility for vessels of 20-40m (66-131ft) in length. The project will involve extending two existing piers, dredging the entire area to 4.5m (15ft) depth and installing three pontoons.

There is a long waiting list for berths at Vilamoura and the new offerings are top-level, with pump-out points on the pontoons and an electric charge point at each berth. “The new marina will have all the amenities of a smart marina,” Isolete Correia says. “The focus will be on security, sustainability and customer service, making sure that the expectations of guests are met.”

A retail area adjacent to the marina will also be totally refurbished to meet guest expectations.

Marina de Lagos

Located in the Bay of Lagos, Marina de Lagos is a family-owned marina that opened in 1994. Martinho Fortunato CMM, CEO of Marlagos (owner of the marina) and Ingrid Fortunato CMM, marina manager, enjoy a close relationship with the town. The marina benefits from a year-round season and a strategic position as a crossroads to the sailing routes between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, to the Azores and Madeira, and north to the northern European harbours. It also sits on the Golden Coast, named for the striking yellow colouration of the rocky cliffs.

Welcoming around 2,000 visitors per annum, Marina de Lagos has 464 full-service berths for boats up to 30m (98ft), shops, restaurants and bars.

The Fortunatos like to be in the forefront of new thinking and new concepts and have installed a biohut artificial nursery habitat for small fish, and an events pontoon, built by Lindley Marinas, that has all-new eco-friendly composite decking and an electric boat charge point. The latter has, to date, only been used for an electric boat event. The marina is also one of a growing number of facilities to adopt the new on-screen advertising concept developed by Marketing Marina (see inset story).

Marina de Lagos also has an expansion programme in

Marina de Lagos is a family-owned marina that enjoys a close relationship with the town. It has 464 full-service berths and an expansion project is in hand.

hand to create a south basin. Located within an established fishing port, whose berths will not be disrupted, the planned Lagos Yacht Club & Marina will have 100 berths for boats to 30m (98ft) and a 100-boat drystack for vessels up to 10m (33ft) in length. It has been a 15-year journey to obtain planning and concession rights from the relevant authorities but contracts are expected to be signed very soon.

Marina de Albufeira

Marina de Albufeira, with its strikingly unforgettable highly coloured buildings, opened in 2003 primarily as a tourist port. A huge phase of nautical development is now due to start so as to fully cement the marina’s position in the tourism sector.

The marina currently has 475 boat berths and 35 berths for jet skis. Permission has been secured for a potential 70 to 80 additional moorings. There is an impressive underground car park for 1,100 cars and an extensive boatyard with 70 ton travel hoist, 6.3

Delegates left the marina by boat to see the rocky cliffs that give the Golden Coast its name.

World

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Carlos Muriongo

TOTALLY SMART

management for Marinas

MARINAS

ton crane and 3.5 ton forklift. Four large and six smaller workshops offer a range of services including a sailmaker and a ship’s chandler.

Marina director, José Massapina CMM, hopes that work on the new nautical reception – just part of the ambitious expansion plan – will start in January next year. The building will house all essential office and administration space, areas for maritime tourism companies and the new nautical club, and a new electrical

Marketing in the marina

Marina de Lagos has contracted with Marketing Marina for a commercial marketing plan. The concept, launched just 18 months ago and already present in eight countries, involves the installation of sophisticated screens that display high-end advertisements.

Marketing Marina creates the commercial plan for each specific marina, secures the advertising, installs the hardware, and shares the profits with the marina. Joonas Ruolahti, partner at Marketing Marina, confirms that “the marina environment is especially good for promoting high-end premium brands”. The screens are mostly located outdoors but can also be installed in yacht club buildings.

“We expect to have installed systems in 40 marinas by the end of the year,” he says.

power station. It will have a rooftop bar and restaurant.

The far-reaching plans also include two hotels; a shopping mall; three tourist apartment blocks; a fuel station for cars; a hypermarket; sports training centre; and around 40 villas.

Massapina is also excited to discuss the inauguration of a special project to attract recreational divers that opened in September this year. “It’s a permanent underwater exhibition just about a mile in front of the marina at about 12m [39ft] in depth,” he clarifies. The initiative was developed by a partnership between EDP (the national electricity company), the University of Algarve, the Municipality of Albufeira, the artist sculptor VHILS and Marina de Albufeira.

Called ‘Art Reef by VHILS’, it has

been created using redundant parts and machinery from an old coal plant/ power station that have been cleaned, sand blasted and repurposed to create fascinating underwater artwork. Some of the components were prepared in the marina boatyard and, due to their weight and size, were transferred to the water using the travel hoist, and towed to the site with the help of large floatation balloons.

A team from the University of Algarve has planted corals and other plants typical to the area around the structure and these have taken well and are spreading rapidly. “It is already a great attraction for divers who visit our marina,” Massapina says.

The IWMC 2023 field trip was generously sponsored by Lindley.

Above & below: Marina de Albufeira, the final port of call, is a busy marina set for serious expansion starting with a new nautical reception building.

Marina World

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Regeneration continues at Isle of Wight harbour

Bembridge Harbour (above), a picturesque port of call on the Isle of Wight, is very unusual. Unlike other UK harbours, it is privately owned and with its own Act of Parliament that sets out the terms of its management. But, over the years, private ownership has not necessarily been kind to it.

On Christmas Eve in 2011, the current owners Fiona and Malcolm Thorpe concluded a deal to buy the harbour from administrators who had been appointed earlier in the year. Although armed with enthusiasm and vision, the Thorpes knew they had challenges ahead.

Bembridge Harbour experienced torrid times under various private ownerships until the turn of the century but most of the damage was done to its balance sheet and reputation in the decade up to 2010. The immediate issue for the Thorpes was a huge lack of both annual berth holders and visiting customers. A programme of

weekly talks to local sailing clubs and associations between Brighton and Weymouth on the English south coast was instigated, along with discussions with the three clubs resident at Bembridge Harbour.

As a result, upgraded longer berthing pontoons with electric connections were installed; more harbour taxis were purchased; better shower and toilet facilities were constructed; and customer car parking was enhanced. One forward-thinking enhancement was the establishment of a covered drystack facility; still a rare thing in the south of England. A large shed fronting on to the harbour, with a

slipway adjacent to the harbour office, was acquired within a couple of years. A Wiggins Bull marina forklift was imported from the USA and full racking installed to create Bembridge Boat Storage, a facility for around 100 boats (mostly RIBS and sports boats) up to 10m (33ft) in length.

“It took some four or five years for the sailing community to realise that the harbour had become a serious destination on the Isle of Wight alongside Cowes and Yarmouth,” Malcolm Thorpe says. “By then we had a resident restaurant – The Best Dressed Crab – operating on one of our berth holder’s pontoons – and we decided to promote the Duver Café and Steve’s Bar specifically for visiting yachts where local yards have a regular evening happy hour together with harbour customers.”

Development is ongoing. “Our present project is the construction of a brand new harbour office on two storeys on the main dock-head overlooking the visitors’ pontoon that will be completed in March 2024. This will include showers and toilet facilities plus the return of our Galley Locker shop,” Thorpe confirms. “This planning approval also includes 13 yachtsmen’s cottages around the harbour to be developed at a later stage.”

Thorpe acknowledges an interesting 12 years at the helm of a fascinating and wonderful location but is it time for more change at Bembridge? “Wishing I was 30 years younger, even I have to admit that, at the age of 75, perhaps it is time to hand the helm over to younger management to take the business further forwards.”

Anyone interested in learning more about a potential purchase of this unique harbour can email: malcolm@ bembridgeharbour.co.uk

AWARD-WINNING MARINAS

Voting in the best for 2023

Every year brings a huge bevy of industry and general business awards for many aspects of marina and yard operations, such as sustainability, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment and performance. While the majority are national or regional, a handful while focusing most strongly on their own market, also seek to honour and reward marinas at an international level.

Examples for 2023 include the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards, facilitated by Australia-based Marina Industries Association (MIA); The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) Marina Awards run by TYHA, UK and sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston; and the Sustainable Smart Marina Awards as part of the Monaco Sustainable & Smart Marina Rendezvous.

Nautilus Marina of the Year

Referring to the 2023 awards as “another incredibly successful industry celebration,” MIA president Andrew Chapman CMM said that record entries in many categories had been received. The awards were presented in May at a gala dinner event at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Darling Point, New South Wales.

Marina of the Year (over 140 boats) was awarded to Sanctuary Cove Marina. General manager, Steve Sammes, collected the award and commented on owner Mulpha’s brave

$10 million investment in providing Australia’s first undercover berthing for recreational boaters. Marina Mirage, a recently redeveloped facility on the Gold Coast, won Marina of the Year (under 140 boats). The boutique marina is managed by GC Marine on behalf of the asset owner Makris Group.

The highly competitive Club of the Year award went to Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQ).

Karen Baldwin, RQ CEO, received the award, commenting “I am so excited about what is ahead for this club, I see so much more potential, opportunity and growth.”

talk every day about safety, quality and customer service, and this is the result.”

The Yard Brisbane secured Boatyard of the Year (over 20 boats) and the hotly contested Boatyard of the Year (under 20 boats) award went to Nicky Vaux and her team at Empire Marina Bobbin Head.

For the second year in a row, the International Marina of the Year Award was received by One15 Marina Sentosa Cove. Marina director, James Roy, and general manager, Jonathan Sit, flew in from Singapore to accept the award.

Sydney Harbour Boat Storage at White Bay Marine Park also scored a second consecutive win as Best Dry Boat Storage. Lorraine Yates, MIA director and general manager of White Bay Marine Park, commented: “Industry recognition is so important and we are grateful for awards such as these. We have a beautiful facility in a stunning location and I am privileged that the owners entrust us to run it for them. We

TYHA Marina of the Year

The Yacht Harbour Association Marina Awards, presented at the UK’s Southampton Boat Show in September, attracted strong representation from many of the 200 plus Gold Anchor accredited marinas around the world that were eligible to win the 2023 accolades.

TYHA general manager, Jon White, commented: “These awards are voted for by berth holders and celebrate the very best marinas both in the UK and overseas and provide a perfect opportunity to recognise those marinas that go above and beyond, offering outstanding quality and service to their berth holders and visitors.”

The winning marinas were:

• Royal Quays Marina (UK Coastal Marina of the Year – over 250 berths)

• Emsworth Yacht Harbour (UK Coastal Marina of the Year – under 250 berths)

• Campbell Wharf Marina (UK Inland Marina of the Year)

Steve Sammes, general manager Mulpha Sanctuary Cove Marina, receives the Marina of the Year award (over 140 boats) in the Nautilus/MIA award ceremony.

Team members from Boatfolk marina Royal Quays hold trophies awarded for UK Coastal Marina of the Year (over 250 berths).

AWARD-WINNING MARINAS

• Vilamoura Marina, Portugal (International Marina of the Year)

• Yalikavak Marina, Turkey (Superyacht Marina of the Year)

• Haslar Marina, UK (Sustainability Award)

• Porto Montenegro, Montenegro (Marina Team of the Year)

Sustainable Smart Marina

Karpaz Gate Marina in North Cyprus and Limassol Marina in the Republic of Cyprus were joint winners of the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Award at September’s Monaco Sustainable & Smart Marina Rendezvous. The event, which attracted over 250 participants, was organised by M3 (Monaco Marina Management).

The awards were presented in recognition of sustainable and innovative practices, actions and initiatives for driving positive change.

Karpaz Gate Marina managing director, Liza Singer, commented:

“We saw a high level of competition here with very competent marinas

and are very proud to have won. We inaugurated our marina 11 years ago and it was developed straight away as a sustainable and smart marina as it is in a remote undeveloped area that is not politically recognised. The aim was to introduce the boating community to a new destination.”

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Limassol Marina, said: “We are very happy to win this award. As we built this project from a blank canvas, we were able to incorporate the latest technologies and best practices. In terms of operations, we continue to invest in new technologies to show what can be done in marinas in sustainability terms.”

Award winners at the Monaco Sustainable & Smart Rendezvous held in September.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS & INITIATIVES

D-Marin makes €1.7 million investment

D-Marin, operator of 20 marinas in Greece, Turkey, the UAE, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Spain is installing a €1.7 million solar power network to increase its current investment in renewable sources.

The first phase of solar panels is already installed at Borik, Mandalina and Dalmacija marinas in Croatia, and works are ongoing at two of D-Marin’s

Turkish marinas, Didim and Turgutreis. Combined, the panels produce 4.9GWh of energy per year – the equivalent annual energy consumption of 1,345

MDL continues multimillion pound roll-out

Supporting its commitment to sustainability and further investing in its green infrastructure, MDL Marinas has installed a new system of solar panels at its Cobb’s Quay Marina in Poole, Dorset.

Part of a multi-million pound roll-out across its UK marina network, the new 34kW photovoltaic system at the 1,130 berth marina in picturesque Poole Harbour will produce around 31,500kWh of electricity each year, saving over 9,500kg of carbon and the equivalent of planting 425 trees. Installed by specialist solar energy contractor Your Eco on the roof of the main facilities building, the 82 new solar panels join 120 panels installed in 2011 and 270 installed in 2021, bringing the total number of solar panels across MDL’s network to 1,134.

The electricity generated by the new solar modules will be used to power MDL’s activities and services. Giving live, measurable data, MDL’s website will display the total power now generated at Cobb’s Quay, and its other marinas, along with the total C02 emission saved.

Solar panels installed at Turgutreis Marina, Turkey.

households – which equates to 71% of the energy used by D-Marin across the five marinas.

Areti Priovolou, health, safety and environmental officer at D-Marin, said: “Our ESG [Environmental, Social & Governance] strategy is core to everything we do. This investment in solar power represents a notable milestone in our journey to constantly reduce our carbon footprint, marking the next step in our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathway.”

“We know that solar power stations will lead to a significant reduction in the amount of energy needed from nonrenewable sources. This, in turn, will help us protect the stunning yachting destinations we call home while maintaining a premium marina service. We will be installing solar panels across all 20 D-Marin marinas as we work towards creating a self-sufficient marina network.”

The project is part of the company’s ESG strategy and vision to create sustainable marinas for present and future generations. D-Marin is audited for ESG by Ecovadis, the global authority providing business sustainability ratings, which ranks it in the top 30% of leisure companies globally for environmental practices.

“Our aim is to power our marinas through on-site generated renewable energy,” said MDL’s estates director Simon Welch. “We’ll continue with the multi-million roll out of solar panel installations across our other marinas, as we work through our planned green investment programme.”

“By investing in solar at its marinas, MDL has afforded long-term energy security from a renewable source, future-proofing the company’s energy supply,” added Nick Spicer of Your Eco.

The 82 new solar panels installed at Cobb’s Quay bring MDL’s total to 1,134 across its network.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS & INITIATIVES

Sustainable sanitation for America’s Cup bases

Four of the six bases to be used in the port of Barcelona, Spain for the 2024 America’s Cup will have a Flovac pneumatic sewerage network of vacuum valves for the evacuation of grey and hydrocarbon water.

All of the facilities that host the teams for this most important and prestigious sailing competition are undergoing adaptation work so as to offer the best infrastructure for the participants. The level of demand is extreme as these teams work with the latest technologies and the best professionals on the planet.

Flovac has carried out all necessary modifications, and its equipment is already operating in Marina Vela, Marina Barcelona 92, Marina Port Vell and the Muelle Orientale, all of which are located in the Port Vell of Barcelona.

The main difference between a pneumatic vacuum valve system and a conventional system is that it works with minimum energy consumption, i.e. just the central management system requirement. Being an airtight system, it completely avoids odours, and it remains completely airtight even in the event of a burst pipe. The vacuum

absorbs the outside air without any spillage. The system is eco-sustainable as, in addition to saving energy, it is guaranteed not to generate any pollution.

Flovac has plenty of national and international experience having completed projects in the Caribbean, USA, Vietnam and Australia and can adapt its system to any size or requirement. “We do tailormade projects. Depending on the characteristics of each port, we can offer different formats or create a completely new one if necessary,” says Flovac’s commercial director Bruno Galindo.

The Flovac system solves three problems at once with a single installation: the evacuation of wastewater in buildings, and evacuation of grey and bilge water on boats.

Five teams from the UK, Switzerland, Italy, the USA and France have challenged to snatch the mythical

Hundred Guineas Cup from the defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand. The first preliminary regatta was held recently with AC40 boats, almost half the length of the AC75s, meaning that the teams of the next America’s Cup have already become users of the Flovac system. www.flovac.es

Using bacteria to eliminate hydrocarbon residues

Marina Ibiza has become the first marina in Spain to promote and use a device known as Bio-Box, which uses a 100% natural product capable of digesting hydrocarbons.

In the event of a spill in the marina’s waters or contamination spread via the Levant wind, the microscopic living beings in the Bio-Box help return the water to its purity and transparency without damaging the environment with toxic substances.

“This product is based on microorganisms composed of enzymes and bacteria. The enzymes are responsible for breaking down the molecular chain, in this case the hydrocarbon enzymes, by making them smaller. The bacteria can then digest them by transforming them into CO2 and clean water, without leaving residues,” says Mirko Abbruzzese, co-founder of La Alternativa Eco the promoter of Bio-Box in Spain.

The system consists of a hose that runs from its container along the pontoon to the sea, dripping bacteria into the water at a certain frequency while an air pump siphons oxygen into the water to activate the bacteria and begin the process.

The bacteria are protected shoreside by a box built specially for their conservation. This is strikingly decorated to create a visual impact and provide relevant information that raises awareness among marina users.

“The bacteria lie dormant in a special container on land. If necessary, they’re channelled into the sea and start creating their colony, but they always

Marina Port Vell in Barcelona, Spain is one of four America’s Cup bases fitted with a Flovac pneumatic sewerage network.

need sustenance, i.e. hydrocarbon (petrol, diesel, mineral oil, etc.) and oxygen, which we add with an air pump. When they reach the water and come into contact with oxygen, they’re activated and start to act,” Abbruzzese explains.

ENVIRONMENTAL

PRODUCTS & INITIATIVES

Daniel Marí, manager of Marina Ibiza, is closely monitoring the results of the small microorganisms as they’re an incredible natural solution to a problem with a huge environmental impact. The new system has been installed at a specific point in Marina Ibiza where, due to its proximity to the fuel station and also due to the easterly Levant wind, spills and dirt tend to build up. However, there are challenges because it’s a semi-open space, with movement of yachts and water currents.

The microorganisms begin to work as

soon as they’re released into the sea by generating a natural foam, which is a sign that they’re active, and any patches gradually start to fade away, leaving the water crystal-clear and without an oily surface.

“There’s a widespread belief in the yachting industry that the right thing to do in the event of a spill is to

throw a popular washingup liquid into the water because it has a dispersing effect, but this product is harmful to marine flora and fauna, and has a longlasting effect on the marine environment,” Abbruzzese notes, emphasising that these bacteria are a 100% organic bioremediation solution in the event of accidents, with results that can be seen straight away.

“The collaboration of Marina Ibiza in this project has been vital, as it has provided the place, the staff, and the technical and financial resources for the development of Bio-Box. On behalf of La Alternativa Eco, we’ve been responsible for the design and construction of the first bioremediation box that is energyautonomous thanks to the installed solar panel. We’re very grateful and happy with this first step towards a more sustainable yachting industry,” says Abbruzzese’s business partner Diego de la Viña.

The Marina Ibiza team is closely monitoring the results of the Bio-Box installation.

There’s a whole new global audience out there

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Smart software and yachting boom drive success in Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba Marina in Queensland, Australia has the wind in its sails with a recent boom in yacht ownership and the use of powerful marina management software helping to push its average annual berth occupancy rate up to 90% this year.

After expanding its capacity from 167 to 265 berths in 2008, the bustling marina introduced PacsoftNG, realising that without a comprehensive marina management software platform it would be a major challenge to manage such a large operation.

Marina manager Jason Roles said the decision to upgrade had paid dividends, particularly in light of the growing demand for yachts and rapid growth in Australian yacht ownership following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID saw a dramatic shift in occupancy trends and many people investing in boats as overseas travel was off the cards,” he noted.

According to Roles, the software’s modules have made it easy for marina staff to handle everything, from berth rental and payments to customer details, invoicing and SMS and email customer communications. He also

said the berth rental and visual marina functionality in PacsoftNG was more comprehensive than comparable features in other systems, enabling Mooloolaba’s team to easily manage its berthing rental pool system, which oversees the management and rental of privately-owned berths as part of a collective pool.

“PacsoftNG can manage our complicated berthing rental pool system. I haven’t seen another system that can. We can place and remove berths from the rental pool easily, change ownership and at the end of each month it calculates the net income we pay to our berth members.”

As more and more visitors have flocked to the marina the increase in custom has led to the marina’s office team growing from two people to four, all of whom use PacsoftNG to manage berths and communicate

Mooloolaba Marina is a popular hub for boaters and non-boaters.

with customers to ensure their experience is as streamlined as possible.

Roles said that in 2014 the marina’s average annual occupancy was 70%, so to steadily grow to over 90% was a big achievement. “We are less seasonal these days, rarely dropping below 80% in our quietest months and we book out well in advance for our peak season December to January.”

Mooloolaba Marina is a paradise for anyone who loves being in or on the water, with a vast range of activities and services for everyone from the casual beach tourist to the hardcore boater.

The marina features several boating clubs, a marine skills training provider, marine surveyor, insurance and boat brokers and varied boat maintenance services. If a service is not onsite, customers can access an online local service directory. The marina also serves as a hub for fishing charters, scuba tours and seafood cruises whilst whale watching trips and submarine diving excursions are a short stroll down the road for people who want to explore the depths.

Without a well-managed marina management system boaters might not be able to make the most of the services Mooloolaba Marina has to offer.

Roles said one of the benefits of PacsoftNG was that it was a onestop-shop solution that could manage all the services the marina provided and was also intuitive for new staff. “New team members can learn quite quickly how to book in a vessel, send out confirmations and check them in. There’s also a lot of flexibility in terms of reporting. Over the years we have set up our own Microsoft Word-based customised confirmation emails and check-in agreements for customers which we merge with customer details from PacsoftNG and email or print out.”

“Customers can pay berthing fees online straight from their invoice or by credit card using the Windcave add-on, thanks to payment integration within

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MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Installing PacsoftNG software has pushed occupancy at Mooloolaba up to 90% this year.

PacsoftNG’s software. With so many moving parts at the marina it’s a relief to have a software tool that can handle the heavy lifting.”

“There are many flexible options in terms of how we choose to operate, for example we recently just changed from charging based on boat length to charging on berth length – with just a few simple changes in the system.”

The future is bright for Mooloolaba Marina with the peak summer season round the corner.

“We like to think it’s a place where people arrive for a night or two, but choose to stay a little longer,” Roles said.

www.pacsoftmms.com

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Stacking up on Okanagan Lake

An eight ton top-running stacker crane from Capria sits at the heart of Mission Group’s new drystack-only Aqua Boat Club in Kelowna, British Columbia. The facility is part of the Group’s Aqua Waterfront Village on Okanagan Lake, a picturesque glacial Canadian fjord.

Mission Group has located the 160-vessel drystack building away from the valuable mixed-use shoreline. It covers an area of 2,801m² (30,150ft²) and has narrow aisles and a 19.5m (64ft) ceiling.

The Capria crane was selected for safety and ease of use and as a more appropriate solution than forklifts.

“We looked at our

options and travelled to Canadian and US marinas for references,” said Austin Friesen, vice president of Aqua Boat Club. “They voiced many annoyances regarding working with forklifts at heights. We wanted our operators to be able to move with the crane forks so as to mitigate accidents from a loss of depth perception.”

CE-marked and manufactured to ISO 9001 standards, the all-electric Capria crane is semi-automated. As members select an arrival time using the Boat Cloud mobile app, the crane operator is notified of the request. Whether on a lower rack or nearer the ceiling, the operator is in an anti-fall cabin and always at eye level with the boat. This drastically reduces the chance of pulling a boat off centre or hitting an adjacent vessel while working. “Our crew has never been happier,” said Friesen. “The crane is simple to use and there’s no exhaust noise or dust kicked up from tyres.”

Once the boat is off the rack, the operator uses the crane to place it on one of Aqua Boat Club’s loading trucks that then transports it to the water for launching. When the member arrives, the boat is fuelled, potable water topped up and a complimentary bag of ice placed on board.

Marine focus for new website

A sharper focus on Capria’s marine-specific solutions can now be found on the new website www.thestackermachinery.com

Monica Capria, who heads up marketing and business development, explained the rationale: “With a company the size of Capria and the scope of industrial machinery we manufacture, our drystack solutions were somewhat obscured within our

general industrial website,” she said. “This new site better showcases how marinas and drystack businesses can increase productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction.” She explains that, with a standard set-up, the allelectric system can remove a boat of up

The club currently moves 86 vessels a day but expects to move more when it increases its ground loading slips from nine to 16. Once construction is finalised, the club will accommodate 193 boats of up to 9m (29ft 6in) in length.

Aqua Boat Club operates from May to September and operates an optional Boat Sharing Programme. Members can choose from one of the club’s fleet of brand-new premium sport boats.

to 13m (43ft) and 10,000kg (22,050lbs) from a rack and have it floating in less than three minutes.

The bi-lingual website is tailored to the needs of marine professionals. It provides a detailed comparison of how the Capria solution compares to a traditional forklift solution and how it can be incorporated into new construction or existing drystack sheds with minimal downtime.

Digital payment solution for visitor moorings

After the successful launch of new charging points for electric boats in Cowes Harbour on the UK’s Isle of Wight earlier this summer, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has improved the payment system for visitors.

Both Trinity Landing and Town Quay in Cowes now have an easy to use smartphone payment system for all short stay visitor moorings of RIBS and small craft. The system was designed specifically for CHC by parking and payments specialist Avalon.

“Cowes Harbour had identified that visitor mooring payments were not user-friendly and Avalon’s system has brought them into the digital age,” said Avalon director Tim Watkins. “The previous process was totally manual and not at all convenient for users who had to walk to the office and rely on the availability of a member of staff.”

Visitors simply use their mobile device to scan the QR code, enter a few key details and pay for their mooring, leaving them more time to enjoy their visit.

www.avalonpay.co.uk

Seijsener voor Marine World 2023 juiste afmetingen v6.indd 1

New forklift boosts operator confidence

Marine Travelift has delivered a new M2300H (23,000 lb/10,000 kg capacity) Hydro M_Drive marine forklift to The Boat House Chicago on the Fox Chain O’Lakes. The Boat House is a one-stop-shop for all things boating and is the sole marina on the Chain O’Lakes equipped with multiple negative lift marine fork trucks.

The Marine Travelift team made a site visit to the marina in order to fully understand the customer’s needs, take measurements and ensure nothing was being overlooked. The forklift benefits from an increased grade package to ensure easy operation in all parts of the yard, now and in the future. It has an auto lubrication system for ease of maintenance and a camera system that includes a back-up camera and second wireless camera on the carriage to give ultimate visibility to the operator.

“Site visits and discussions on future plans are both essential pieces of any sale,” says Marine Travelift director of sales and marketing Brock Rubens.

Popular boat lifts form part of renovation project

Safe Harbor North Palm Beach in Florida recently installed 18 four-post boat lifts from Golden Manufacturing. Part of a larger renovation project, the addition gives slip holders the option of a premium storage solution.

Eight of the lifts are for vessels of up to 24,000 lbs (11,000 kg) and ten for boats up to 32,000 lbs (15,000 kg). The CE-approved lifts are built to ISO 9001:2015 standards using only fully welded marine-grade T6 aluminium with 300-series stainless steel hardware. This dramatically reduces maintenance and ensures long-term structural rigidity. Each is powered by the renowned Golden Sea-Drive lift motor.

“All 18 lifts have signed contracts,” confirmed Josh Steib, Safe Harbor North Palm Beach general manager. “Feedback so far has all been positive – people love them. They’re easy to get on and off and lift evenly every

“We ultimately want to provide a solution that fits the customer’s current facility but also works with their future goals.”

Marine Travelift also built the unit with a very short 105in (267cm) wheelbase to achieve a more precise turning radius and lowered the overall mast height which is necessary to ensure seamless entry and exit through the barn doors.

time without issue.” The installation of the lifts is part of Safe Harbor’s master plan for its North Palm Beach location, which also included rebuilding two seawalls and replacing batter piles.

Just a mile from the Palm Beach Inlet yet three miles inland, keyholeshaped Safe Harbor North Palm Beach is a hurricane hole and can offer refuge from serious storms. The marina has hardwood-decked floating docks and a wide array of shoreside amenities including a newly-added permanent food truck and live music. Additionally, members have access to swimming, golf and tennis at nearby North Palm Beach Country Club. www.goldenboatlifts.com

“Our operators are more assured and secure while handling and relocating boats with the reliability and durability the new machine provides,” explains general manager Don Schnurr. “They have developed a strong preference for the new machine and it’s reassuring to witness the confidence in their expression each time they lift and manoeuvre boats.” www.marinetravelift.com

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

Index to Advertisers

AMI Conference & Expo, USA 40

ASAR, USA 18

American Muscle, USA 38

Applied Technology & Management, USA 51

Aqua superPower, UK 44

Bellingham Marine, USA 7, 9 & 11

Bluewater Marine & Dock, USA 50

Boat Lift, Italy 22

Capria, Argentina 46

Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 26 & 34

D-Marin, Greece 29

Den Hartog Industries, USA 54

EMP, USA 50

Eagle Floats by Hendren Plastics, USA 49

Flovac, Spain 63

GH Cranes & Components, Spain 24

Gigieffe, Italy 37

Golden Manufacturing, USA 14 & 15

Horizon Marina, China 40

Ingemar, Italy 12

Inmare, Italy 60

Lindley, Portugal 20

Livart, China 34

Marex, Croatia 46

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 41

Marina Projects, UK 64

MARINAGo by Scribble Software, USA 16

Marine Travelift, USA 45

Marinetek, Finland 4

Martini Marinas, Italy 43

Molo, USA 30

Pacsoft, New Zealand 60

PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 8

Plus Marine, Italy 55

Poralu Marine, France 33

Rolec, UK 10

Ronautica, Spain 54

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 58

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Seaflex, Sweden 6

Seijsener, Netherlands 60

Superior Group, Australia 44

Walcon Marine, UK 24

Wiggins Lift Co, USA 38

Wise Handling, UK 57

Marinetek hones management team

Marinetek is strengthening its hold on the Finnish market and, at the same time, expanding its global presence by investing in key people and positions in the Group. The aim is to speed up processes and serve a broader customer base.

“Marinetek is on a growth path,” confirms Marinetek Group CEO Santeri Suoranta. “To further accelerate the growth and strategy execution, we have reorganisations and new appointments to the Marinetek management team.”

Valtteri Vauramo

Valtteri

Vauramo has been appointed managing director of Marinetek Finland. He replaces Markku Rantanen, one of the two founders of Marinetek. Rantanen continues to work at Marinetek Finland as a director, focusing his time on marina projects and sales for the domestic market as well as large scale export projects.

Tukia has extensive knowledge over a wide range of industries. He has ten years of M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) experience with KPMG and Ernst & Young and over 12 years of CFO, HR director and business controller experience from service, retail, logistics and construction industries in Finland.

“I am happy to have Jukka on board,” Suoranta says. “He has extensive experience from M&A transactions, developing business control and structured processes. Advancing our financial processes and tools is key for us to improve manoeuvrability and steering of our operations.”

Jussi Boman

“I’m happy to take the helm at Marinetek Finland as the company is in great shape thanks to Markku’s excellent work. I’m also happy to continue working with Markku,” Vauramo says.

Vauramo is a highly experienced marina industry specialist and has worked with Marinetek in various roles for over ten years, most recently as director for Central and Northern Europe. He also worked for over a decade in the marina construction industry in the Middle East and Australia.

Jukka Tukia

Jukka Tukia has become CFO of Marinetek Group and a member of the Group’s management team. He joins Marinetek from Niemi Palvelut Oy, where he worked as CFO.

Jussi Boman has been appointed as engineering director of Marinetek Group and a member of the Group’s management team.

Boman is an experienced product designer and a far from new face at Marinetek. Before spending the past two years at Metso, where he worked as engineering manager, he worked for almost a decade at Marinetek in various engineering roles, including leading the engineering team.

“I’ve been designing marinas, pontoons and accessories for most of my career and they are very familiar to me. The past two years at Metso Outotec working on processing technology were very interesting and educational. I’m confident that the experience can be beneficial at Marinetek as well,” he says.

In his role as engineering director, Boman follows Henri Markus who has been appointed technical director of Marinetek Group. www.marinetek.net

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

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MARINA & WATERFRONT DESIGN

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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

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