Marina World - Issue 143 - May/Jun 2024

May/June

SUPERDOCKS ™

PUSHING LIMITS

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.

Italian marina build company Ingemar celebrates 45 years in 2024. CEO and founder, Lorenzo Isalberti, talks to Marina World

Private Mediterranean marina network, Marinedi, is on an ambitious path to protect the environment

Marina di Vieste is one of 15 marinas in the Marinedi group portfolio. Racking up an important influence in the Mediterranean marina sector, the group has set high goals for

and is in the forefront of defending and

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Perfecting plans

As you will read in this issue, industry experts need to take an increasing number of factors, aspirations and practicalities into account when planning and designing a new marina, marina refurbishment or expansion. Lorenzo Isalberti sums all up neatly in the special Ingemar 45th anniversary Company Focus (p.30) by emphasising that marinas are no longer concepts for ‘sheltering and parking boats’ but hubs that centralise and provide different services for water-related experiences.

Mike Ward and Simon Goodhead of UK company Marina Projects, when examining the multiple factors in modern design, tell us that in some markets their clients are regularly asking them to “break the mould” – and do something exciting that has not been seen before. But innovation, as they stress, has to dovetail with supply, practicalities and codes. Early project design stages are peppered with “healthy debate” and site conditions need to be balanced with vision and aspirations so as to identify the “optimum marina design solution.”

Owners of new marinas often want to enter the market at the top of the class; seeking designs and facilities that will secure the highest recognised industry accreditations – immediately. Marina Projects balances this goal with sustainable design principles, and educates clients with regard to the operational procedures and processes they need to implement so as to meet these exacting accreditation standards. And, of course, all design needs to take “sustainability” into account.

Esteban Biondi of US-based Applied Technology & Management bases his article (p.21) on the fact that sustainable design is nothing other than “good design”. Good design enhances value, reduces risk, and reduces costs on multiple time and spatial scales, he says. It’s about people, the environment, and connectivity.

The PIANC Working Group 148 report published in 2023 states that we should seek proactive inclusion of ecological features and identify opportunities for guest experience that provide direct benefits to the local community.

Climate change mitigation should be factored in realistically with designs that can be adapted to future change – but meet all the requirements appropriately for now and for the near future.

Operationally, marinas now need to be “smart”. Ward and Goodhead note that the correct physical infrastructure needs to form part of the initial design so as to integrate with ongoing marina operations, and Idan Cohen of Pick a Pier asserts “the future of marinas lies in their evolution into smart, interconnected hubs that optimise decision-making and provide valuable insights.” Read more in the Smart Technology feature p.49.

Designing and maintaining marinas at the highest level boosts their value as an asset class. Suntex, already the largest marina group in the USA, is now poised to spend a further US$1.25 billion on marina acquisitions (p.7) and global investment shows no sign of flagging (see p. 37 for our new regular section on Buying & Selling Marinas).

Carol Fulford Editor

STRONG · SAFE · SUSTAINABLE SEAFLEX

Billion dollar spend on US marinas

USA: Suntex Marina Investors, the largest stand-alone marina owner in the US, and Centerbridge Partners have established a Joint Venture (JV) backed by Centerbridge-affiliated funds and global institutional investors to acquire over US$1.25 billion in new marinas across the United States.

The funds will be used to support new acquisitions and capital improvements at recently acquired facilities, as well as for several development projects across the country. The day-to-day operations of the JV will be managed by Suntex, for which it will receive customary fees. The transaction further expands Suntex’s partnership with Centerbridge, which first invested in the company in 2021.

In connection with the transaction, the JV also closed on a revolving credit facility of up to $600 million.

“We’re thrilled to close on this joint venture to usher in new growth for Suntex Marinas,” said Bryan Redmond, CEO Suntex Marinas.

“While our team continues to increase our interest in new acquisitions, a portion of these funds are going to be dedicated towards redevelopment and

enhancement of new marinas as well.

We have an incredible opportunity to further grow our network from coast to coast and improve upon the Suntex experience. We are confident that our guests will enjoy what we have in store.”

“The marina industry has shown consistently strong fundamentals for many years as enthusiasts have invested in more and bigger boats while the availability of high-quality marinas and boat storage remains scarce,” said William Rahm, chairman Suntex Marinas and global head of real estate Centerbridge Partners. “Bryan and the Suntex team have a demonstrated track record of acquiring quality properties, enhancing operations for customers and adding value though accretive capital investments.”

Read more on sales and acquisitions in our NEW regular section ‘Buying & Selling Marinas’ p.37

Full steam ahead in Taichung

TAIWAN: The Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) is making good progress with its master plan to promote the Port of Taichung as a central Taiwan mecca for tourism and recreation.

Two wharves on the northwest side of Mitsui Outlet Park, a mall that has attracted tens of millions of visitors since opening in December 2018, have been designated for a leisure marina. Taiwanese yacht club operator Argo Yachts Development Co has leased the space and will build an international standard marina on the site.

There are subsequent plans to develop hotel, dining and retail services, as well as family arts and entertainment and marine education facilities. The ultimate goal is to create a multi-faceted complex tailored to serve the entertainment, recreation and

pleasure craft support needs of central Taiwan.

Plans for the project have been under way for a number of years and Argo Yachts won the tender in a third round of bidding in autumn 2023, securing a 30year build and operate lease that covers a total area of 10.7ha (26.4 acres), 5.9ha (14.5 acres) of which is on land.

The development will proceed in two phases, starting with the installation of breakwater facilities and berths for around 30 boats, a temporary clubhouse and boatyard. Phase two will add 50 further berths as well as a hotel and family-friendly amusement facility.

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Oasis expands reach to Texas

USA: Oasis Marinas has been contracted to manage JMK5 Marina in Kemah, Texas. This is the specialist marina management company’s first managed property in Texas and thus expands its reach beyond the Mississippi River and into the bustling boating market of Clear Lake.

“JMK5 Marina is the perfect fit for our expansion into Texas, thanks to its prime location on Clear Lake and the marina’s outstanding amenities,” said Oasis Marinas CEO Kenneth Svendsen. “We’re eager to bring our expertise and passion for high quality marina management to Texas, and even more excited to make a positive impact at JMK5 Marina.”

JMK5 is a full service marina with immediate access to Galveston Bay. Located just outside of Houston, it features 331 wet slips and a range of amenities including a beautiful swimming pool, a covered deck, and a

barbeque and picnic area.

The marina is a popular destination for both tourists and the many boaters that call Clear Lake home. Known for its boardwalk and proximity to Houston, Kemah offers a lively atmosphere with a rich history as a commercial shrimping town turned leisure destination.

“Oasis Marinas’ reputation for enhancing the boating experience aligns perfectly with our goals,” said Jerome Karam, CEO and founder of JMK5 Holdings. “With Oasis Marinas, we believe our marina will continue to be a premier destination on Clear Lake.”

Build starts for Livorno

ITALY: Construction of the longawaited Livorno Marina commenced last month (April). The joint venture with private yachting group Azimut Benetti and D-Marin will deliver a notable Mediterranean marina designed by Archea of Florence. The entire project is expected to complete in June 2026 although parts of the marina will be available to customers ahead of schedule. There will be a total of 815 berths.

In an investment of €14-15 million, the project includes renovation of the docks, meeting spaces, leisure and entertainment amenities. Significant parts of the site will be reserved for restaurants, bars and offices. The marina will feature natural elements, such as trees and hedges, in place of fencing, solar panels to produce a significant proportion of energy, and rainwater recovery systems for irrigating green spaces.

Luca Salvetti, mayor of Livorno, said the City was delighted to have its own marina. “After 16 years, the procedure to effectively grant the concession was finalised,” he explains. “This represents another milestone in the development, growth and transformation of the city, which will benefit from the boost to the local economy in terms of both tourism and employment.”

USA: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers, Florida now has brand new Golden Marine aluminium docks after its infrastructure was devastated by storm surge caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Dock master, David O’Connor, said that, thanks to Golden Marine, the marina was fully operational within just 14 months, just in time for the season.

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Dock project completes for Marine Max

USA: Golden Marine Systems has completed the ‘B’ dock construction project for Marine Max Pensacola. The newly constructed dock measures an impressive 358ft (109m) long, has side-to-tie functionality and comprises 19 slips designed to accommodate vessels of up to 70ft (21m) in length. The addition of a 100ft (30m) fuel dock, featuring custom flotation tailored for a ship store, enhances the dock’s versatility.

Golden used its 850 Series single track pontoon system with Endeck PVC decking and 12in (30cm) GMS adjustable cleats for secure mooring, along with pile guides and finger piers to enhance functionality and safety for boaters.

GCG Construction, a general contractor based in Fort Myers,

Florida, played a pivotal role in overseeing execution, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Installation management was handled by MidCoast Marine.

Algarve marina now in build

PORTUGAL: Further to plans revealed during the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Vilamoura last October (see report in Marina World November/December 2023), Vilamoura Marina on the Algarve coast has now begun construction of its new associated marina.

Mike Shanley, president of Golden Marine Systems, expressed his gratitude for the seamless collaboration between Mid-Coast Marine and GCG Construction, citing their collective

efforts as instrumental in the project’s resounding success. “The completion of the ‘B’ dock project for Marine Max Pensacola exemplifies our unwavering commitment to delivering superior marine solutions,” he said. “We are immensely proud of the craftsmanship and innovation showcased in this project, and we look forward to continuing to exceed the expectations of our clients.”

New waterfront to revitalise Muscat

OMAN: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) has announced the master plan for a waterfront development in central Muscat, the nation’s capital. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), the $1.3 billion Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development will span 330ha (815 acres) and is set to revitalise the area.

The district will comprise five key areas: a marina; a recreational waterfront lined with beaches and sports facilities; a canal walkway; a cultural quarter; and a Ministry campus. Incorporating residential areas, extensive mixed-use developments will cater for government and commercial businesses, together with arts, culture and leisure spaces.

Continuing Muscat’s rich tradition as a historic port city, the Al Khuwair development will reflect local culture, with the marina acting as the cornerstone of the project. It will feature a range of attractions while

emphasising green spaces and public realm along with waterfront, including destination dining experiences, luxury retail outlets, health and wellness facilities, hotels and residential spaces.

Three pontoons with a total of 68 berths will be installed, equipped with the latest technologies. All berths are specifically designed for large boats of 20 to 40m (66 to 131ft) in order to respond to the fast-growing popularity of boats in this size range, and strengthen the destination’s capacity to attract a high net worth demographic. Every berth will include multiple features, such as individual waste water pump-out systems, charging points for electric boats, and systems for remote monitoring and management of water and electricity consumption. Work is also underway to explore the implementation of desalination systems and photovoltaic energy generation.

Isolete Correia, director of Vilamoura World, commented: “This new marina in Vilamoura really sets the destination apart and responds to the growing needs within the market in relation to large boats, which currently pass this part of the coast.”

“The new marina is also the result of our constant desire to improve the service we provide to our clients,” she added. “These clients, and those that visit and stay in Vilamoura, are the real focus of this project and are the ones we work for on a daily basis to provide them with an ever better and more extraordinary experience.”

Construction of the marina is expected to complete by the end of the year.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

The multiple factors in modern design

Modern marina projects have an increasing range of important factors and considerations that need to be addressed through the marina design process. Mike Ward and Simon Goodhead of UK-based Marina Projects summarise issues and how they interface with traditional and typical design considerations.

There is often a complex matrix of considerations, with different clients placing emphasis on particular aspects of the scheme. In part, the reasons for these varying considerations are the specific drivers relevant to a particular client, making each design project unique. These differences, combined with factors such as the site conditions and the resulting design process, require a tailored approach.

We routinely consider the market conditions and influences at a particular site to establish the scale and nature of demand that can be anticipated. There must be a significant focus on the site conditions to establish the physical and environmental constraints and opportunities. Balancing these factors with the client’s vision and aspirations is at the heart of identifying the optimum marina design solution.

The same set of principles applies, whether for a simple marina reconfiguration and extension project or integrating the design of a marina into a new world-class waterfront development.

So, what are the main factors

influencing marina design studies? Marina accreditation

It is regularly a client requirement that the new marina must achieve (and even seek to exceed) industry recognised accreditation, such as The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) Gold Anchor Platinum Status. In some markets we are also regularly being asked to “break the mould” and do something exciting, something that has not been seen before. This is a clear signal that clients are pushing the industry to innovate.

There is undoubtedly a tension that arises with ambitious and lofty goals to push the boundaries when, at its heart, the most important aspect of any marina is that it must first and foremost provide a safe haven, a calm environment for leisure boaters and their boats. ‘Safe’ and ‘calm’ are not necessarily words that ambitious and driven clients want to hear. Striking the right balance between the traditional and innovative can provide for some healthy debate during the early design stages of a project.

Of course, ambition and innovation

Portonovi Marina in Montenegro was designed from the outset to achieve high levels of accreditation.

often come at a price, both directly in terms of infrastructure and capital expenditure, but also indirectly in terms of efficiency and utilisation of water space. Testing design concepts through business planning and viability modelling can both flush out the true aspirations and ambition of a client, but also help to identify the longer term commitment to deliver and maintain the necessary operational standards required to sustain the marina accreditation. As part of this process, there is often a natural filtering of elements that won’t have a meaningful bearing on the final marina product.

Sustainability

Key pillars of modern marina design are matters relating to sustainable design principles, products and working practices/operations, which are becoming increasingly important as awareness across the industry continues to improve and develop.

Sustainability essentially refers to “meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow” and can be mostly captured under three primary headings, environment; social; and economic. In broad terms, delivering projects to address matters arising under each of the three headings in a symbiotic and cohesive manner is pertinent to sustainable marina design.

There are many challenges that clients and operators can be presented with; particularly with existing marinas seeking to increase their ‘sustainable profile’. Examples include the introduction of sustainable working practices, such as ‘closed loop washdown’ in boatyards, which can be both expensive in terms of capital investment

Mike Ward

Simon Goodhead

Applying modern marina design codes ensures optimum berthing arrangements.

and require regulatory approval, and converting traditional swing moorings that create scour on the seabed to more sustainable ‘eco moorings’ that are less proven in design terms and fundamentally will not increase the revenue generation. It is important to build a compelling argument to change needs to satisfy the primary sustainability headings. In simple terms, moving towards improved sustainable design requires a commitment from our clients and the marina industry to ensure that our sector continues to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Programmes such as Clean Marina and Blue Flag are examples of leading industry initiatives that are providing the guidance and framework upon which operators can demonstrate their environmental awareness and underpin their credentials along with a commitment to ongoing improvement.

The international clean marina programmes typically consider the impact of marina operations on the water body, but historically there has been more of a focus in predominantly assessing marina operations through site management, environmental best practice and customer engagement. However, with the global focus on sustainability, emphasis is emerging on the design, technical specification and aesthetics of marina infrastructure, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the principles of sustainability can be delivered by the operating marina post-design.

Salt marsh monitoring on the Beaulieu River in Hampshire, England protects the natural environment.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Smart marinas

What is a smart marina and what is the role of design in achieving smart marinas?

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) Marina Group usefully defines a smart marina as “a marina that is first and foremost easily accessible by boaters and other stakeholders through digital platforms and physical data collection sources, such as interconnected sensors. It optimises operations through analysis of the collected data and adjusts them accordingly.”

More broadly, there is an observed potential to connect marinas with surrounding services of local community facilities, external service providers, and for smart marinas to be interconnected.

Similarly to achieving marina accreditation, it can be seen that the physical smart marina infrastructure

and systems must be completely integrated with the ongoing marina operations. As the marina designer, communicating this essential link through to marina operations, even at the conceptual design stage, is of paramount importance.

Retaining that link all the way through the design, construction and implementation phases can be particularly challenging, not least because so often the larger waterfront development projects have a significant lifespan often of many years.

Design codes

The role of design codes in achieving marina accreditation, sustainable design and smart marinas is an interesting topic worthy of consideration.

On the face of it, there is a natural link between marina accreditation and the application of design codes but simply meeting the code will not achieve the accreditation standard because, quite rightly, the standard requires extensive consideration of how the infrastructure is applied in practice to deliver for the needs of the customer.

Accordingly, there is a significant role for operational procedures and processes in the accreditation assessment, and communicating this to our wide range of clients can present a challenge. At one end, marina operator clients are very familiar with the operating procedures, processes and requirements, but ambitious waterfront developers generally less so.

There is more that design codes can do to support the marina accreditation

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MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

process, and it is also the case that design standards need to be brought up to date to take account of innovation and the changing marketplace. Undoubtedly, design codes also need to give more consideration to sustainability and smart marinas/ technology.

Evolving customer profiles

The issue of sustainability in marina design and operation naturally leads to early consideration of tomorrow’s customer. That comes against a backdrop of changing boating trends both in terms of vessel propulsion but also user expectations. The advent and growth of boat clubs as a way of seeding customer interest certainly adds another user group to the consideration during market studies, and demand projections must provide for expansion of the marketplace and increasing vessel size as a result.

From start to finish

A consistent theme of the marina design detail, as outlined above, emphasises the need to dovetail with the final operational standards and procedures, particularly if accreditation, sustainability and smart marina objectives are to be realised. Experience shows that if the main

factors described are not considered at early feasibility and concept design stages, it can be challenging to retrospectively redesign and incorporate key requirements into a client’s masterplan.

It is often the case that the wider development objectives and vision necessitate the requirement for exploring such initiatives, and maintaining that continuity through the life of a project and into the operational phase often calls for Marina Projects to take up a role as the marina champion or marina design guardian.

Evidence of the evolving nature of marina design and the matrix of design

Designing and upgrading marinas in sensitive areas of natural beauty requires careful consideration of site conditions and environmental constraints.

considerations is observed by the increasing recognition and request for us to retain ownership and coordination of the design throughout the life of the project. As the various delivery packages come forward, it is important to maintain and protect the overarching vision for the development, to ensure that the initial premise does not become diluted through ‘value engineering’ exercises that are often the result of internal and external influences and pressures.

Porto Montenegro was designed to meet the needs of different vessel sizes including superyachts.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Spoilbank Marina: a refuge from industry

Spoilbank Marina at Port Hedland in the Pilbara region of Western Australia is set to transform the busy industrial waterfront into an attractive destination for locals and tourists to visit, with a grand opening expected later this year.

The Hedland community has held aspirations for a marina since the 1980s and the AU$187 million Spoilbank Marina project – a key election commitment from the Western Australia Government – is unlikely to disappoint. It is being delivered by the country’s largest port, Pilbara Ports, and is funded by the state government, the town of Port Hedland and resources company BHP. When complete, it will join a crop of marinas springing up along the Western Australian coast, including the world-class Ocean Reef Marina in Joondalup.

Naturally deep waters have helped Port Hedland achieve its status as the highest tonnage port in Australia. Each year, around 3,300 vessels come and go, transporting 566.5 million tonnes of cargo. The town is also famous for its enormous trains, with one BHP train in 2001 setting the world record for the longest and heaviest train at 7.3km (4.5 miles) long, comprising 682 cars and hauling 82,000 tonnes of ore.

While the sight of such large vessels and trains is awe-inspiring, to improve access and ensure safety for recreational boaters and fishermen Spoilbank Marina sits at the end of a separate navigational channel that splinters off from the main shipping lane.

Led by Australian landscape

Artist’s impression of the completed Spoilbank Marina at Port Hedland in Western Australia.

architects and environmental consultants, Emerge, and working closely with DevelopmentWA, the new marina has been designed to alleviate demand on the existing boat launching facilities at Port Hedland. Its construction has provided a boost to the Pilbara economy, with more than 60% of project spend to date awarded to local and registered Aboriginal businesses and more than 200 local jobs generated during the construction period.

The marina has been in the planning pipeline for more than a decade, Emerge says, but due to the size and scale of previous concept plans, as well as funding constraints, the project was put on hold.

The initial proposal was for dredging works resulting in up to 900,000m³ of dredge spoil, dredged to a maximum depth of -2m chart datum. The dredge spoil will be used onsite as fill material to raise the finished ground level before landscaping, with excess material disposed of offsite. Plans also involved clearing and ground disturbance of up to 40ha (99 acres) within a development area of around 77ha (190 acres).

The budget was set at AU$121.5 million and the project was expected to complete by late 2022, but both budget and time to complete the work have been significantly extended.

The marina boat ramp was officially opened to the Hedland community in January 2024.

A two-platform public jetty has been designed to account for fluctuating tides.

Construction underway

Construction of the marina is now well advanced, Pilbara Ports project director – Spoilbank Marina, John Freimanis, told Marina World. A four-lane boat ramp has been installed, with floating pontoons that rise and fall with the tides, allowing it to be accessible to the public at all tides. The pontoons are designed to lay flat, removing the need for split levels and making the ramp suitable for wheelchair users. The marina has 22 boat pens, with capacity to expand to 80 pens in the future. A two-platform jetty has been designed to account for Port Hedland’s fluctuating tides. The top level is wheelchair friendly and includes lowered handrail sections so that children and people of all abilities can fish from the jetty. Six artificial reef balls have been installed underneath to create an inviting habitat for fish. Pilbara Ports is also building trailer parking for up to 200 vehicles.

The final stage of construction will bring the marina vision to life and provide a vibrant foreshore area for locals and visitors to gather. This stage includes the delivery of retaining walls, footpaths, landscaping, a public amenities building, shade structures and the installation of utilities and services. Pilbara Ports will also plant around 700 trees in this final stage. For the public, there will be an accessible breakwater with pedestrian path, recreation and event space, a waterfront promenade, barbecue facilities and an art and cultural gathering space. Nine unique artworks by indigenous Kariyarra artists have

Artificial reef balls will be installed underneath the jetty to create an inviting habitat for fish.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

been selected for the marina and their fabrication is ongoing.

The marina will also boast a maintenance hardstand, two fish cleaning stations with six taps and 20 CCTV cameras for security purposes. The lights at Spoilbank Marina have been designed to minimise impacts to turtles at the nearby Cemetery Beach –an important nesting site.

The marina is being opened to the public in stages. The first stage, which included the public boat ramp facility, car park and main access road, was officially opened to the public in January. The boat ramp opening hours are currently 6am to 6pm, daily, and will be increased to 24 hours a day once the marina lights are operational. The boat pens will be the next stage to open, which is expected by mid-2024.

Civil and landscaping construction is well progressed, with construction of the concrete retaining walls progressing well around the promenade/central hub in the southeast corner of the marina basin. Western Australian business Ertech was awarded the contract for the works. Work has also begun on the footpaths near the boat pens and boat ramp, using decorative exposed aggregate paving. The picnic shelters are also being installed, with footings constructed and steelwork going in. Steel columns have been erected for the shade structure near the public amenities building. Installation of underground services continues, including

irrigation, power and communications. The marina has also begun work on curved seats that emerge from the ground, hand made using local Karratha stone.

Work is expected to continue until late 2024, when the marina will fully open. When the boat pens are operationally ready, the Department of Transport will take over operation of the marina.

In harmony with nature

Despite its fame as a transport hub, Port Hedland is also a popular tourist destination, just a two-hour flight from Perth. Its desert climate provides yearround hot weather, averaging ten hours of sunshine a day. The main beach front is home to a flatback sea turtle rookery, while several lookouts on the waterfront allow for viewing bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales. Estuaries support mangroves, fish and an impressive array of birds including rednecked stints, sharp-tailed sandpipers, red-necked avocets, oriental plovers, bustards, bowerbirds and finches.

Port Hedland sits at the heart of a region rich in indigenous culture, which has been sensitively woven into the marina design. The ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomenon can be seen between March and October, when the full moon rises above the exposed mudflats at low tide, creating an optical illusion of a staircase to the moon. Nearby, more than 129km (80 miles) of pure white, undisturbed beach sand is flanked by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. When complete, Spoilbank Marina is set to seamlessly blend these industrial and natural worlds.

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MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Sustainable design is just “good design”

By Esteban Biondi

When we look at sustainability principles and how they can be applied, we can show that they are all about “good design”. Good design enhances value, reduces risk, and reduces costs at multiple time and spatial scales.

Sustainability is a broad concept, but it has been over used and may not be as strong a call to awareness and a driver of change as it should be. On one hand, we are now familiar with generic statements, buzz words and fashionable declarations that only sugarcoat “business as usual”. On the other hand, regulations are evolving rapidly to impose additional requirements. But when we step back, there is significant value in applying a thorough design approach to achieve sustainability.

Modern sustainable marina design is not about introducing external or foreign issues, but about rethinking design and operation more thoroughly. What used to be considered acceptable, even if not ideal, was often justified in terms of some sort of cost reduction. Now we know that we can do better. We seek more value in different dimensions, lower indirect and societal costs,

and make deliberate efforts for risk reduction. These considerations now have more relevance in design.

Some environmentalists rage against marinas, saying that they all cause negative environmental impacts. We must recognise that there are too many examples of marinas in pristine environments that have caused excessive and unjustified damage, which leads to this assessment. But

A farmers’ market at Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia is a popular and community-based event for locals and visitors.

Photo: Adam Foster

it is also true that some locations in degraded environments will benefit from the proper development of recreation navigation infrastructure. There is arguably more total value in sustainable marinas that expand local economic activity, revitalise cultural traditions and provide ecological functions than some pure ecological restoration projects.

Sustainable marina design guidelines, such as the PIANC Working Group 148 report published in 2023, now explicitly state that we should seek proactive inclusion of ecological features and identify opportunities for guest experience that provide direct benefits to the local community.

Higher expectations result in some details becoming more relevant and unavoidable. Analysis is more complex and nuanced, but the result is better. Net positive environmental impacts, meaningful stakeholder engagement, resource conservation, resilience to extreme events and climate change, and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are now part of modern marina design.

While Working with Nature emphasises following a design process, it highlights specific environmental and social issues applicable to marinas; and it also discusses climate mitigation and adaptation issues.

Climate change mitigation

Climate change mitigation refers to the reduction of GHG emissions, which are classified depending on the control that a company has over those emissions. Scope 1 emissions are due to the

Puerto Calero in the Canary Islands has pontoon arrangements designed for variable water levels and low-impact design featuring volcanic stone and native plants. Photo: Melanie Symes

activities that the company controls, scope 2 emissions are generated by the energy the company consumes, and Scope 3 are emissions by customers and suppliers. The design, development and operation of marinas all play a part in reducing emissions to mitigate climate change.

Marinas in certain jurisdictions that already have regulations promoting climate mitigation measures are now introducing procedures specifically designed to document, quantify and reduce Scope 1 emissions, including emissions by marina owned vehicles, generators and equipment.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

demand but setting themselves up to document impactful climate mitigation measures.

Scope 2 emissions are GHG emissions by power generators. Marinas do not control them directly, but energy conservation reduces them. Many marinas began some time ago to evaluate their consumption of resources (water, energy, materials etc.) and to implement conservation measures. Consumption reduction results in economic and environmental sustainability benefits, but energy conservation measures also reduce Scope 2 emissions. Reduction can also be achieved by self-generation of power within the property, such as installation of solar panels.

The next type of climate change mitigation actions that marinas should begin to consider are related to Scope 3 emissions. These are GHG emissions by customers and suppliers. Most marinas sell fuel for recreational vessel propulsion, so this type of Scope 3 emission is large and relatively easy to track.

The marina industry already has companies dedicated to power charging stations and hydrogen supply for new propulsion systems. Some developers in the Middle East have established the goal that no fossil fuels will be used for mobility systems, including recreational navigation. Marinas that are considering improvements to their electrical supply systems to charge batteries of electric boats and provide fuel for new recreational vessel propulsion systems are not only responding to the market

Marina assets also include embodied carbon due to the emissions required for construction and maintenance. But we are much less advanced than some property sectors in accounting for those when designing new developments and expansions. Additionally, the positive contribution due to carbon capture by increasing vegetation cover is not yet accounted.

Resilient design

Planning, design and operation of coastal development is under scrutiny due to increasing risks that are being fuelled by climate change and poor development. Institutional property investors, the reinsurance industry and regulators are further evaluating the extra costs of storm damage. Sea level rise and changes in frequency and intensity of extreme events will only increase those risks.

This appears as a challenge, since

Maintaining a mangrove shoreline at the edge of a marina in Jupiter, Florida preserves the ecosystem and keeps the facility connected to its natural environment. Photo: E Biondi

some of the basic assumptions of marine design throughout the history of engineering, such as the elevation of a mean sea level and the statistical analysis of extreme events, are not true for future conditions. But engineers only need to apply the same engineering principles to these new conditions, including the uncertainties that still exist.

Structural resilience is a principle that underlies all engineering design standards; you don’t want catastrophic failure when design conditions are exceeded. But the project response to extreme events now needs to be evaluated more thoroughly. We can now apply resilience principles knowing that low probability actions due to maritime hydrodynamics will get worse over time. With the current understanding we have of the effects of climate change, we know that wave protection and marina edge structures will have to adapt to maintain a certain level of service. We also know that planning for adaptation must consider uncertainties but can be based on the information we do have.

For example, we know that due to future sea level rise, the elevation of marina edge structures will need to be higher to avoid flooding. But it may not be reasonable to build the edge structure now at the elevation needed in one hundred years, because functionality in the short term will be

A large scale resort marina project in Los Cabos, Mexico includes a basin for local fishermen. The fishermen’s basin facilities are operated by local fishermen who offer fishing tours. Photo: E Biondi

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compromised. So now the standard practice is that all coastal works should include a climate change adaptation strategy and plan. With the proper approach, it is not critical to know exactly when adaptation will be needed, but we can build knowing how we can adapt, while having some flexibility in the time scale.

Unlike other change processes in recent engineering history, infrastructure that does not adapt will have little opportunity to be reused in the future. Many urban and recreational waterfronts in developed countries have resulted from the reconversion of aging or obsolete port areas because part of their infrastructure was reusable. But structures that cannot adapt to climate change will be more difficult to reuse.

Beware of top-down frameworks

In addition to the way in which climate change may transform marina design, the economic and financial effects will have a fundamental impact on waterfront property development and infrastructure for recreation and tourism navigation. Broad

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

During the concept planning of various facilities along a 10km (6mi) stretch of waterfront at Haicang Bay, Xiamen, China, the design team observed that some local boats had been adapted to transport tourists. The proposed strategy was thus to work with the local community in planning the associated tourist marina.

sustainability and climate frameworks are now being developed based on very general concepts but will drive further regulations and incentives to achieve sustainability social goals. Companies that are already evaluating their sustainability and climate risk profiles and implementing the resultant

adaptation strategy may benefit from these changes. But our industry should ensure that the implementation details are appropriate.

Esteban Biondi is a principal at Applied Technology & Management and is chair of the PIANC Recreational Commission.

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MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

Life in the seawall

of already-permitted concrete seawall projects or integrated into the design at the start of a project. “Additionally, if you have seawalls already installed but would like the environmental benefit, we can add Living Tiles,” Hoffman says. These are independent artificial reefs that can be affixed to any seawall –steel, vinyl or concrete – made with the same non-toxic materials as the seawalls.

The seawalls also help to solve marine habitat degradation. By 3Dprinting the product, the company is able to incorporate an artificial reef structure into the seawall design, which helps rejuvenate coastal ecosystems and improve water quality.

Living Seawalls are plug-and-play, as the printing technology allows slabs to be customised to meet the exact design

Florida-based company Kind Designs is innovating on traditional, uninspiring concrete seawalls by installing vibrant, cost-competitive ‘Living Seawalls’ that benefit marine life and can be tailored to suit different environments. Charlotte Niemiec finds out more Seawalls haven’t changed much since they were first installed in the USA, in Galveston Bay, Texas more than 100 years ago, Kind Designs product development lead Charlotte Hoffman says. By 2050, the US construction industry is expected to have destroyed 50,000 miles (80,468km) of marine habitat by installing traditional, toxic seawalls. Kind Designs seeks to replace these seawalls with an environmentally conscious and economically scalable solution.

“We are the first and only company in the world to 3D-print seawalls,” says Hoffman. “We’re disrupting coastal construction by addressing a major pain point for coastal contractors. Instead of having to make their own concrete seawall slabs, which takes a lot of labour and space, these contractors can now buy the seawall panels at a price competitive to making their own. Instead of competing with local businesses or existing contractors, we are enabling them to take on much more business.”

The company installed its first Living Seawall in Miami Beach earlier this year and is now in the process of fitting 12 more in the state in the next two months.

Environmental benefits

Living Seawalls feature an artificial reef on their facade that offers shelter and 60% more surface area for sea life to

A Living Seawall in the water (above) and being installed in Miami Beach earlier this year (right).

Anya Freeman, CEO (left) and Charlotte Hoffman, business development lead.

MARINA PLANNING & DESIGN

attach, encouraging colonisation and the creation of a robust coastal ecosystem. Irregular ridges and textures on the wall, as a result of the 3D-printing process, act as anchoring sites, better protecting organisms from wave energy, boat wakes and storms compared to a traditional flat wall.

The seawalls have been designed using biomimicry principles to imitate the natural coastal habitat in South Florida, making it suitable for native marine species. Based on where the seawalls are installed, the company can change the design to mimic the environment. Water quality sensors fitted into the walls also collect 15 parameters of essential data.

Importantly, the seawalls are costcompetitive. “Part of Kind Designs’ founding principle was to make sure there were economies of scale for an environmental solution,” Hoffman explains. “So many times there are green premiums for products that either don’t harm or don’t even benefit the environment, preventing them from becoming a global solution for an environmental problem. Our Living Seawalls are a cost competitive solution to traditional ones, priced at US$25-30/ ft². Traditional concrete walls usually range from US$20-25 and steel sheet pile costs even more.”

The seawalls are durable, too. “Concrete lasts forever – there are concrete seawalls built during the Roman Empire that are still standing today!” Hoffman says. “That being said, modern day seawalls require the use of a reinforcement bar (rebar) for added tensile strength. Rebar is the actual determining factor in the life of a concrete seawall. Concrete seawalls with steel rebar last 30-50 years, while a concrete seawall with a fibreglass rebar can double their life, or more.”

Printed protection

The walls are constructed using 3D printed mortar, made from 5,000psi marine-grade extrudable concrete, which is environmental product declaration (EPD) certified, pH balanced and non-toxic, using no metals, chloride or sulphates. The concrete used to fill the interior is 6,000psi marine-grade ready-mix concrete. The company uses the customer’s choice of either steel, glass fibre or galvanised steel rebar, depending on the engineer’s specifications.

With the fastest concrete printer in the world, extremely small layer sizes are printed using a completely autonomous robot, allowing for fast production times and seawalls with detailed designs.

In the first step, the 3D shell is printed with the artificial reef design, which takes around one hour and 15 minutes. Next, the rebar cage is inserted inside the shell, which takes another hour. In another half an hour, the interior is complete. Cure time is just 48 hours, compared to the two or three weeks for traditional seawalls. The entire panel is ready for delivery within seven days of printing.

The panels are then delivered to the installation site by truck or barge and can be installed by any marine contractor, with no special ‘know-how’ or equipment — just a crane. They can be installed using either piles or tiebacks. For very large projects, the printing robot can even be brought on site.

Tailored design

The nature of 3D-printing lends itself to completely customisable designs, enabling each seawall to be unique and recognisable. “We can print a design that mimics the natural coastal environment, your marina’s logo into the wall, or even an art piece,” Hoffman says. Partnerships between Kind Designs and renowned artists are possible, and can transform waterways into public art installations on an impressive scale while protecting marine environments.

“Our business model is based on franchising,” Hoffman explains. “We have international exclusivity to 3D-print seawalls with our robot partner CyBe. Our goal is to franchise nationally and internationally to replace traditional

seawalls with Living Seawalls across the globe. Right now we’re working on a joint venture in the Bahamas to service the Caribbean. All licensing partners will get access to our copyrighted library of designs, and we can work on specific designs tailored to each partner location.”

The company’s success owes as much to its team as to its idea. Born in Ukraine, the company’s adventurous CEO, Anya Freeman, lived in Israel, South Africa and China (Shanghai) before receiving a scholarship to study law at the University of Miami. Afterwards, she worked for the US Attorney’s Office and clerked at the US District Court before opening her own law firm, Freeman Law Group, focused on environmental policy and litigation. Inspired by firsthand experience at her flooded house in South Beach and frustrated with lack of innovation around rising sea-levels, Freeman took on the challenge of finding technological solutions to this global challenge that both supports the environment and has economies of scale. That’s when Kind Designs was born.

Other team

members are experts in marine construction, 3D printing, autonomous robots, software engineering, conservation and media.

Living tile designs (above) and a close-up view of the seawall shell (below).

COMPANY FOCUS

Ingemar at 45: innovating for the bigger picture

Italian marina design and build specialist Ingemar celebrates 45 years in 2024. Marina World talks to founder and CEO Lorenzo Isalberti about his passion to continually ensure that infrastructure is improved and relevant, while never losing sight of the fact that marinas are for ‘people’.

“From the very beginning, Ingemar’s growth has been fuelled by the desire to improve the traditional structures designed for the needs of the past, with new solutions designed for the changing expectations of modern yachting,” Isalberti says. He highlights the advantages of floating infrastructure, such as ease of layout, constant freeboard at varying tides and minimal environmental impact, and emphasises the focus Ingemar has always placed on materials.

“From a production point of view, Ingemar has always favoured the use of natural and environmentally friendly materials and tropical timbers from FSC-certified forests,” he notes.

Over the years, Ingemar research has developed noninvasive anchorage systems,

Ingemar pontoons at Marina del Gargano, a 700-berth marina in the Italian Gulf of Manfredonia. Vessels up to 50m (164ft) in length can moor up in an environment that offers privacy as well as multiple amenities.

and damping systems with special elastomers and Dynema ropes, expanded its operating facilities, established a network of licencees in the UAE, Oman and India, built ever bigger breakwaters and, most recently, launched a Marina4all range of products.

What’s ongoing and in the pipeline for Ingemar – and for the industry?

The temporary bridge for the Redentore Festival in Venice is a stunning example of the floating structures Ingemar helps develop for events.

Q: In a bid for decarbonisation, boats – especially large yachts – will be increasingly designed to accommodate different fuel systems. How will this impact on the design of marinas and pontoon systems?

A: At the moment, separate safe areas are being created on floating platforms and pontoons that are equipped with spill guards and special filter sections in the water that absorb hydrocarbon residues.

In the near future, it is foreseeable that we will see a progressive development of hydrogen propulsion, which seems to be able to provide an autonomy that electric power does not currently guarantee. The difficulties to be overcome will no longer concern problems related to pollution but to the storage and safe transfer of potentially flammable and explosive elements.

With this in mind, Marina Sant’Elena in Venice seeks to be a ‘pathfinder’ for the new technology and is currently collaborating with NatPower srl to install a first ‘clean’ refuelling point.

Many marinas are also equipping themselves with photovoltaic systems, with projects to cover their buildings and also to cover their jetties with canopies, or even to transform their decks into photovoltaic surfaces.

Q: What is the thinking behind your Marina4all products?

A: Marina4all products aim to make the approach to modern ports

‘kinder’, with high safety standards and easy accessibility for everybody – for those with disabilities, but also for anyone who wishes to use the port, from the elderly or those with mobility difficulties to new mothers with bags and pushchairs and ship owners, sportsmen, craftsmen, service personnel, etc.

In addition to special and often technically complex solutions, such as reduced distance between the water level and the walking surface, the minimal slope of the connecting ramps, and attention to the sufficient width of walkways to ensure comfortable manoeuvring spaces, the new structures are equipped from the start with special provisions for auxiliary protection and support systems (cranes for lifting people and other devices), as well as original patented surfacing sections that absorb the oily residues suspended in the waters of the host basins.

The first Marina4all prototypes were launched in 2023 at the Venice and Genoa Boat Shows and used by disabled sailor Marco Rossato as the starting and arrival bases for his Tour of Italy by Sail “Navigating Beyond Limits”. He visited 45 Italian ports in 99 days of navigation and covered over

A destination marina in the Gulf of Naples, Marina di Stabia’s Ingemar pontoons deliver 789 berths. The largest of megayachts can be accommodated due to deep waters.

COMPANY FOCUS

1,700 miles aboard ‘Tornavento’ to “photograph” the accessibility of Italian boating facilities and to urge operators and the public to pay more attention to it.

At the design level, the next Marina4all facilities will also include new elements designed to overcome other forms of access barriers, invisible to those who can see, but unfortunately penalising those who are visually impaired or blind. They will include dedicated experimentation areas, tactile paths, contrasting colours and Braille signs.

Q: Can further progress be made with

new materials and techniques? If so, what is currently under discussion and what can be foreseen?

A: There are many areas where action can be taken today to improve the performance and quality of modern marinas. The most likely development hypotheses take into consideration the new possibilities offered by research into advanced technologies and innovative materials. These include: the increasingly important use of recycled elements and photovoltaic surfaces for the construction of roofs and the decks themselves; anchoring systems equipped with special attenuators able to generate energy from water movement; and the process of digitising services that will soon include software and sensors to monitor areas and routes and facilitate all manoeuvres in port.

Q: Do you see marinas using more water space for floating structures in order to make better use of land space or overcome the lack of space on land?

A: Available space is and will be increasingly limited and crowded. This means that marinas must be increasingly open to the city, allowing non-boaters to enjoy some of the marina’s services, and solutions to optimise logistics and hospitality are multiplying: car parking built inside floating breakwaters; platforms for services and exhibitions; club houses

Lorenzo Isalberti (wearing white waistcoast) and the Ingemar team.

Mega Tango by

Mega Tango by

There’s a whole new global audience out there

becoming sports centres; and even the new trend of building floating houses inside marinas to improve their reception and accommodation offerings.

Q: Have you recently built floating structures specifically for marinas?

A: Since most of Ingemar’s installations are tailor-made, there are many significant structures in terms of design features and dimensions. Examples include those in the Gulf of La Spezia, an open-air showcase of the most diverse Ingemar creations, and the service platforms for the four marinas built in LaAla Al Kuwait for a new city risen from the desert. In Lignano we built connecting pontoons for houseboats in a floating resort; we built the floating office and service centre for the regional port of Locarno; and the floating headquarters of the Tevere Remo rowing centre in Rome.

Q: What will be the design and construction principles for marinas in the coming decades?

A: The shortage of new water space for pleasure boating leads us to look more and more insistently at solutions that, on the one hand will seek to expand existing marinas with the addition of new protective breakwaters and the construction of automated shore shelters to free the basins from small boats, and on the other will contemplate

major projects for the reconversion of degraded areas or disused industrial settlements to transform them into drivers of tourism and territorial development.

The most recent examples of reclamation and restitution to the community of water areas equipped with Ingemar floating structures can be seen in Italy. For example, in Castellammare di Stabia or Piombino, where new large boat marinas have sprung up on the ashes of the old local steel industry, and at the old port of Genoa as part of Renzo Piano’s waterfront regeneration project.

Q: What we should do and what should we not do?

A: The model inspiring modern marinas has profoundly changed from the original concept of ‘sheltering and parking’ for boats.

COMPANY FOCUS

The Ingemar marina at the annual Genoa Boat Show is one of the company’s most famous references.

Today’s marinas respond more to the idea of a large hub that centralises and provides different services, i.e. a place to go to for a water-related experience.

This is why, as in other sectors, it would be desirable to spread ‘boatsharing’ and all-inclusive short-term rental practices, from small boats to maxi-yachts.

Marinas must become the water gateway to the host city, attracting the population to experience the sea, not just admire it. Therefore, in addition to enjoying the services present, such as shops, bars and restaurants, people should be able to enjoy the sea and water sports, such as sailing, rowing, diving, sport fishing and so on. Marinas should be able to attract and entice people to experience the sea, spreading the culture of the sea, respect for the sea, the beauty of the sea.

As mentioned, it will be interesting to place new land spaces next to ‘classic’ marinas, where new dry marinas will be built, offering a launching service for smaller boats with automated or on-call systems.

In the traditional marinas, meanwhile, associations and sports clubs will continue to be able to find space, but will have shared facilities to provide new experiences to a wider public, not necessarily made up of boat owners.

Equipped floating structures will also gain more and more space in the future, due to the ease with which port layouts can be reconfigured according to size of boat and market demands.

Marina di Valetta in Malta has been designed to maximise mooring for different kinds of vessels within a sensitive and historically rich environment.

MARINA GROUPS

Sustainability goals across the network

Following an ambitious path to protect the environment, and utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster its sustainability goals, Italy-based Marinedi Group is racking up an impressive influence in the European marina sector. Donatella Zucca reports

Marinedi is the first private marina network in the Mediterranean and a leader in the development and management of tourist ports. With 6,000 berths, 15 operational entities and a fivefold increase in its EBITDA valuation in just five years, its rising success is obvious.

Since its foundation at the end of 2012, Marinedi has always been eco-friendly, primarily choosing to rejuvenate abandoned sites rather than create new ones. Today, the group aspires to be an environmental ambassador, especially for countries where sensitivity to environmental issues is poor or non-existent.

Marinedi’s journey has been supported by its membership of Assonat (National Association of Tourist Landings & Ports) which actively promotes nautical tourism, its activity in the maritime economy with FEE Italia via its Blue Flag awards, and its inclusion in the European group Cooperation Odyssey.

The group has been at the forefront in the fight to defend the tourist port industry, and emphasise its crucial importance to Italy as a country, by engaging in continuous dialogue with the Italian Government and various institutions. In February of this year, it took part in the ‘General States of Italian Tourist Ports’ meeting organised

Left: Marina di Vieste, at the extreme edge of the Gargano promontory, is perfectly positioned for access to the Croatian, Greek and Albanian coasts.

Renato Marconi, CEO and founder of Marinedi Group.

by Assonat-Confcommercio and Assonautica Italiana-Unioncamere on the 2025-2027 strategic plan for Italian tourist ports. On this occasion, Nello Musumeci, the Minister of Civil Protection & Sea Policies, invited Renato Marconi, founder and CEO of Marinedi, to assist the Government in analysing the principal needs of those who manage tourist ports and defining appropriate objectives.

Thanks to tourism and boating –‘Made in Italy’ excellences – nautical tourism is a crucial part of the country’s nautical industry economy, which has a €7 billion annual turnover. Growth is continuous, especially with the expansion of the Blue Economy, which includes the use of new technologies and AI. The establishment of the Blue Marina Awards for green marinas, tourist ports and landing places, promoted by Assonautica Italiana-Unioncamere and Assonat-Confcommercio, bears witness to this in addition to being a model of collaboration in the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and in the blue economy objectives of the European Commission.

Aware of the importance of harmonising its expansion with the environment, Marinedi aims to transform each construction and management project into a hotbed of ideas and technologies for the benefit of land and sea. “In Marina dei Presidi in Porto Ercole and in marinas in Cagliari, Procida and Vieste, we have positioned Seabin floating baskets to capture microplastics and other residues,” explains Renato Marconi. “In the marina in Villasimius, we’ve tested a drone that moves on the surface of the water to capture waste and floating substances, as well as an underwater drone that

identifies and captures waste on the seabed, and a 100kg [220lb] transcollector that can be positioned on fixed and mobile docks.”

Further to this, Marinedi has entered into a partnership with Aqua superPower for installation of marine rapid charge electric charge points, the first of which is now at Brindisi Marina offering 22kW AC and 150kW DC for leisure and commercial vessels.

“Throughout the network we urge the use of paints and antifouling systems that have the lowest possible impact on the ecosystem, products that reduce the presence of biocides and the use of antifouling films that are free of pollutants,” Marconi adds.

In 2022 Marinedi joined the Pick a Pier digital platform, which had already partnered with TransEurope Marinas, the largest European marina network with over 75 marinas and around 45,000 berths. Together, Pick a Pier and TransEurope committed to sustainable growth of the sector and its standards of innovation and services.

Pick a Pier, formed in 2017 by Idan Cohen and his brother Asaf as a start-up, focuses on utilising

MARINA GROUPS

machine learning and AI to design a technological future for the marina industry that is capable of reinventing the nautical experience.

The first objective has been to synergistically combine the needs of efficiency, profitability and sustainability by connecting marinas, boaters, government agencies and organisations with support from global partners. By collecting and analysing real-time data using powerful and intuitive software, an AI-enabled system is being created by and for the nautical industry. A team of engineers, product designers, data scientists, revenue management specialists, operational experts, and more, work within the Pick a Pier team.

Partnerships and memberships are crucial to Marinedi’s quest to

progress in line with its precise policies. Being part of Assonat is particularly important. “It represents the opportunity to contribute to re-launching tourism and boating, the principal excellence of ‘Made in Italy’ and, more generally, to the sea economy. Furthermore, we can explain the major needs of those who manage tourist ports to the Government and help define the objectives we need to work towards. With Assonat, we are taking action to shed light on the rules of state concessions and the tax rules that apply to the sector,” says Marconi. Education plays a key role right down to school level. “In various ports within the network, for example, Marina di Porto San Giorgio, we have organised educational workshops at local schools, aimed at raising awareness of the port area, delving into issues related to maritime civilisation and with the intervention of people who bring their own testimonies. These are free activities, driven by a desire to strengthen the idea of a ‘heritage community’. Where possible, we promote schoolwork initiatives aimed at making ports nurseries for modern yachting professionals. Also in Policoro, Procida and Balestrate activities are promoted by the local nautical institutes.”

Marconi would be the first to agree that fuel and energy systems are amongst the most talked about topics industry-wide and are of particular importance to Marinedi as part of its role as an environmental ambassador. “In September 2023, we started a five-year autonomous energy supply programme, which plans to make the network tourist ports more sustainable by exploiting renewable, clean and

An ideal starting point for exploring the Tuscan Archipelago, Marina dei Presidi Porto Ercole is a popular destination, especially in the summer.

Marina di Villasimius has 840 berths and numerous facilities and amenities.

MARINA GROUPS

Marina di Procida offers moorings on a Tyrrhenian island that is renowned for natural beauty and close to one of the most important colonies of dolphins in the Mediterranean.

self-produced energy sources. The aim is to reduce combustion pollutants and climate-changing emissions. The programme includes interventions on the energy efficiency of port buildings and public lighting systems, the use of electric means of transport, the reduction of emissions from boats at the dock and the creation of infrastructure for the use of electricity.”

“The autonomous energy supply programme began by diagnosing the energy use at each marina in the network. The opportunity to create an energy community that extends to neighbouring manufacturing and commercial structures, and port infrastructure, will then be studied. We carry out analytics at each port to identify the actions needed in order to achieve energy autonomy across our entire network within the five-year timeframe.”

Enhanced efficiency and

environmental benefits have, meanwhile, accrued from Marinedi’s association with Pick a Pier. “Joining the Pick a Pier platform to connect boaters and marinas has guaranteed an easy and fast service. As an example, the platform’s inclusive payment simplifies the lives of both boaters and staff,” Marconi notes. “From an environmental point of view, the results have been achieved via Pick a Pier’s Popeye Sailing Club [created in collaboration

with Blue Flag]. This allows boaters (by signing up for free) to earn points and discounts for each vacancy they report to the ports, making navigation more accessible, convenient and sustainable.”

Marinedi is strengthening its collaboration with Pick a Pier in 2024 and implementing some of its latest features that help eliminate repetitive tasks and financial errors while enhancing customer satisfaction.

+61 7 5594 8200 info@superiorjetties.com www.superiorjetties.com

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The Boatworks, Gold Coast, Australia

BUYING & SELLING MARINAS

The next Florida superyacht marina?

A very rare opportunity to create a new superyacht marina in Stuart, South Florida has come to market via CBRE Capital Markets.

The offering includes two vacant parcels totalling 11.4 acres (4.6ha), comprising 3.7 acres of upland and 7.7 acres of deeded submerged land. There is a potential to expand the existing marina basin to 15.3 acres (6.2ha) with a state submerged land lease. The property can accommodate yachts up to 200ft (61m) in length with its basin depths of up to 17ft (5.2m).

Proposed designs have been drawn up by Cummins Cederberg Engineers to conform with existing zoning and regulations. The plan showcases the potential for development of a superyacht marina within the fee simple area, as well as in an expansion area that is subject to the submerged land lease. Renditions have been developed for different configurations for 92 to 157 slips and a 256ft (78m) dedicated fuel dock.

“It is one of the only superyacht development opportunities in South Florida,” Julie Fisher Berry, senior vice president CBRE Capital Markets, tells Marina World. “The depths in and around the property can accommodate large yachts, which is unusual. With

New owners for Ozarks resort

Simply Marinas, in partnership with Graymeadow LLC, has successfully brokered the sale of an iconic destination property on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, USA.

Coconuts Marina and RV Park and its associated vacation rentals, beach bar and grill are of a scale rarely seen in a major hospitality and marina destination. Lake of the Ozarks, a manmade reservoir, is the most popular lake destination in Missouri offering 1,100 miles of shoreline. Visitors enjoy multiple public beaches, swimming, watersports and fishing.

Coconuts includes an RV resort with space for over 200 vehicles and first

the shortage of slips for larger vessels in South Florida and everywhere, our Stuart development opportunity is positioned to be a stunning marina with land to develop amenities and concierge services. Stuart is also exploding with affluent residential homes.”

Senior associate Sheila Roux adds: “A new Brightline station has been

approved for Stuart as well, coming in 2026, and is within walking distance of the property. This aligns quite nicely with the timing of a new development.” The rail service will give quick and convenient connections to Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Enquiries to: julie.berry@cbre.com or sheila.roux@cbre.com

class amenities. Boaters moor up in a 163-slip marina and PWC owners have access to 21 dedicated PWC slips. There is room for further expansion. There are multiple short-term vacation rental residences and a massive destination bar and restaurant concept with various swimming pools.

The Simply Marinas team facilitated the sale after a detailed and complex due diligence process by a group buyer, and the sale was conducted via a confidential sale process. Simply Marinas and Real Capital Markets reached out to global pre-qualified buyers.

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BUYING & SELLING MARINAS

Suntex boosts northeast portfolio

Suntex Marina Investors has added to its northeast portfolio with the acquisition of Lighthouse Point Marina & Yacht Club in Toms River, New Jersey.

One of the premier full-service marinas located along the scenic Toms

River, Lighthouse Point offers 243 wet slips and 38 jetski slips, each with

access to electricity, water, cable and Wi-Fi. Located within a fully protected natural breakwater on the river, which leads into Barnegat Bay, it is also one of the most luxurious on the Jersey Shore, with amenities including a fullservice boat yard with haul and launch capabilities, winterisation services, easily accessible customer amenities of bathrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a pool with lounges and cabanas, a games room, snack bar, pump-out stations and a store.

“Expanding our offerings in the beautiful and iconic Jersey Shore area is a long-term goal of ours, and Lighthouse Point is a perfect addition for our portfolio in that region,” said Sam Chavers, senior vice president of coastal operations, Suntex Marinas.

“This is a high-demand marina with a very loyal customer base and every possible amenity, located in a vibrant waterfront community that is a destination hotspot for locals and tourists alike. We believe that Suntex can elevate Lighthouse Point and provide even more for guests and the surrounding population.”

Suntex is the largest recreational marina owner in the USA in terms of marina count and boat slips.

Port Dinorwic sold to local consortium

Specialist leisure property adviser, Christie & Co, has brokered the sale of Port Dinorwic Marina on behalf of Azets, which has been dealing with the administration of Port Dinorwic Marina Limited. The marina has been sold to The Waterside Consortium, a newly formed company of local investors.

The picturesque Port Dinorwic Marina, which dates back to 1763, was previously operated by The Marine and Property Group and offers year-round cruising in the Menai Strait, which separates North Wales and Anglesey.

Simon Monks, restructuring partner at Azets and joint administrator, commented: “Whilst Port Dinorwic Marina has had its challenges in recent years, its sale out of administration to a new owner/operator will enable the necessary investment to create a thriving marina that staff, berth holders and local community can be proud of. I wish the new owners every success in operating the marina going forward.”

Jon Patrick, head of leisure and development at Christie & Co, concluded: “Considerable interest in Port Dinorwic resulted in multiple

offers for the business being received, a number from owners of holiday park businesses in and around the northwest, as well as community-based investors, lifestyle buyers and multi-site

marina operators. We saw a marked increase in marina and marine related advisory work throughout 2023, with further new marina instructions already confirmed in Q1 2024.”

BUYING & SELLING MARINAS

MDL buys prime waterfront plot

UK-based MDL Marinas Group has purchased a 3.2-acre (1.3ha) plot in Southampton, Hampshire that offers key expansion opportunities for its Shamrock Quay Marina (below).

The newly purchased acreage, with prime waterfront and deep-water access, represents a highly strategic acquisition, enabling MDL to expand operations across both its Shamrock Quay and nearby Saxon Wharf Marina over time, giving both shortterm and long-term development opportunities to extend the services on offer to its berth holders, visitors and other marina businesses.

Opportunities could include the expansion of MDL’s drystack services, boat storage and car parking, as well as enhanced superyacht berthing and expanded boat manufacturing facilities.

The land, officially designated as Millstone Point, is currently owned and operated by Oil Spill Response and incorporates a vast building with offices, which MDL plans to rent out to tenants looking for prime office space within a marina setting.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for

MDL Marinas as we proudly unveil our latest expansion in Southampton waters,” said MDL Marinas managing director Michael Glanville. “With the acquisition of the 3.2-acre plot, we’re not only securing prime waterfront real estate but also reaffirming our long-term commitment to growth and innovation.”

“This strategic move positions Shamrock Quay to become one of the

UK’s largest trading boatyards, demonstrating our dedication in serving the boating community with excellence, offering unparalleled facilities and services to all our marina customers,” he added.

Situated in the heart of the River Itchen, with the backdrop of Chessel Bay providing scenic overwater views, MDL’s Shamrock Quay Marina offers the perfect blend of sheltered waters and access to world-class sailing conditions, with the bustling city of Southampton conveniently located a short distance away.

Steeped in history, the 255-berth marina offers excellent services and facilities, including refit and boat building, specialist marine trades and a 70m (230ft) superyacht berth, as well as a popular bar and restaurant.

BUYING & SELLING MARINAS

Marina market insights

Steven Ekovich, executive managing director and partner of Leisure Investment Properties Group (LIPG), looks at how the marina market performed in the USA in 2024 and how it’s panning out this year.

The boating market has charted a course of remarkable growth in recent years, and this trajectory showed no signs of slowing in 2023, with continued momentum expected to carry into 2024.

Finite storage options, together with technological advancements and innovative boat designs, have propelled a surge in demand for recreational boats.

Notably, the allure of boats exceeding 25ft (7.6m) has bolstered the necessity for public storage amplifying the demand for wet slips and drystack options.

A recap of 2023

In 2023, the US marina industry reported robust revenue of $6.7 billion, marking a 1.1% increase from the preceding year. However, amidst a narrowing spread between debt costs and marina cap rates, caution looms as this disparity may deepen the chasm between buyers and sellers. Despite these challenges, the industry fundamentals remain robust, underpinning operations amidst macroeconomic shifts.

Investment activity slowed but both the median and average sales prices for marinas were up. Buyers acquiring without leverage were still buying, but the sky-high interest rates caused severe disruptions for investors needing financing.

Boat sales and slip occupancy

The boating market and industry have seen significant growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024.

Boat sales have slowed to a pre-pandemic level, yet there is a significantly higher number of boaters today than pre-pandemic, and the overall age of boaters has shifted towards younger generations.

Interestingly, the usual trend during

economic paradigm shifts is to see the larger yacht segment cool off first, followed by a slowdown in the smaller yacht segment. However, the current situation is the opposite. This can be attributed to the rise in interest rates and inflation, which have impacted the affordability of smaller yachts. Despite these challenges, there is still hope for strong activity in the market. The larger market segment is actively engaged in both acquiring and selling yachts, and the inventory of available yachts remains scarce, as reported by a number of yacht brokers in 2023.

Rental rates (slip and drystack) growth has benefited from full occupancies and extensive waiting lists – demand indicators that are still strong through Q1 2024, and which we expect to remain strong throughout the year. We continue to see marinas in suburban and rural markets benefit from net migration out of major metropolitan areas to the southeast, a shift that was initially driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ability to work remotely.

Rental boats

Dockmaster states the boating rental trend continues expanding as more individuals continue to rent boats for their boating needs – be it fishing boats, yachts or other kinds of watercraft. Boats up to 28ft (8.5m) are among the most sought-after rental options, and boats between 28ft and 45ft (13.7m) are also in high demand. However, the market for boats longer than 45ft is limited. Tours, charter rentals and day cruise rentals are also

BUYING & SELLING MARINAS

widely available. Rental has fantastic potential as the market expands and, by 2028, it is expected to surpass $280.2 million in size.

Boat rental companies provide a stable income for slips at a marina with extra space. They are better tenants than individuals as they tend to be better financed and, as a result of renting multiple slips, they don’t want to lose their space in a marina so they pay on time.

The supply side

According to IBISWorld, there are approximately 10,445 marinas in use in the United States. This inventory is not materially increasing but new projects are coming online with decent consistency. We also see marina expansions as a common value-added component.

The “supply” takeaway is that marinas are not like other commercial

real estate, which can be easily developed with the right site, proper zoning and capital. There are expansion opportunities, but there are still barriers to entry for new marinas. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on who you ask (marina owner, boat owner, investor, government, etc.), but marina valuations are positively impacted by limited supply (and a low probability of new supply) since demand and rate growth for existing storage space is high.

On the other hand, low-demand locations with ample supply are more prone to vacancies – not necessarily due to property-specific causes, but a factor of the location and boating market. We carefully assess those factors with each asset our team works on because there are always opportunities to improve operations, change the business model, and/or add

The full version of this marina market insights article can be read in Leisure Investment Properties Group’s Marina Investment Report 2024. Other articles focus on capital markets, interviews with four market experts on the state of the insurance market, buyer sentiment, and transactions in the US$1 to 10 million tranche. Download the Report for free at www.thelipg.com

value by building on the uplands, e.g. building a drystack, adding a restaurant or apartments, etc.

Investment activity

Marina sales data is dynamic as recent sales become public, are recorded, or are identified with a price. Based on the most current available data recorded for 2023 sales, transaction volume was down while both the median and average sale price were up from 2022. The average price was up slightly from $4,468,685 to $4,493,488 an increase of 0.5%, while total recorded sales between $1-20 million declined from 129 in 2022, to 78 in 2023. The median sales price in 2023 was $3,185,000 up from the 2022 median of $2,750,000, a whopping increase of 15.56%! The median price is considered a better statistical measure of trending value because the average is easily influenced when a large quantity of lower or higher-priced sales exists in the data set. Further analysis of the intermediate subset ($1-10 million range) provides insights into where marinas traded in 2023, and the result points to the higher range with fewer overall sales.

Market forecast for 2024

After looking at all the demand drivers, marina inventory levels, macroeconomic factors, transaction data and impact from natural disasters, we have a cautious yet optimistic

outlook for 2024. We believe transactions will continue at a healthy pace as fundamentals remain strong. Sellers and buyers must be cognisant of the changing environment so appropriate expectations can be set:

• With financially healthy marinas, increasing occupancy and strong support for increasing slip/rack rates, we believe the asset class remains a great alternative investment for both private clients and larger, institutional investment companies.

Contact Julia Hallam +44 (0)1621 855 890 juliahallam@marinaworld.co.uk

• We expect to see more owners continue holding their asset(s) when physically able (and desiring) to continue operating. Cash flows may stagnate in some areas, but the fundamentals are extraordinarily strong around the country and lead to excellent income for owners.

• With inflation seeming to stall and hopefully fall by the end of 2024, interest rates should come down providing easier access to credit for marina investors.

• Consolidation is expected to continue by institutional investment companies, with excellent opportunities for stabilised and value-added marinas around the country.

• Boat sales are normalising to pre-pandemic levels. 95% of boats sold in the US are under 26ft (10m) – a demographic more likely to finance the purchase, and therefore more sensitive to rising interest rates, so smaller boat sales should pick up in the second half of the year if rates drop as is widely expected.

• Marina owners should focus on boater retention and introduce amenities and events that foster a stronger community. The goal should be to keep current boaters active at the marina.

• Insurance rates are rising, and it is best to stay on top of how this expense may impact a marina’s value. If you are in a hurricane country, make sure you insure your docks as this can be an extremely expensive repair.

While there is uncertainty about the economy and several shifts to the investment landscape, we are looking forward to another momentous year for the marina business in 2024.

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SMART TECHNOLOGY

Cost-conscious smart marinas

Marina operators around the world are striving to embrace smarter working practices using digital technology. How can suppliers help? Marina World asked a selection of industry experts to give guidance by answering a couple of pertinent questions.

Q: What do you think is the single most important thing that marina owners/operators need to do to pave the way for a smarter marina? And how can they keep costs down in the adoption of smart technology?

Vance Young, Scribble Software/MARINAGO

A: Operating a marina or marine facility in the post-COVID era has revealed unprecedented challenges and created the ever-important need to operate a smarter operation. A key challenge affecting nearly all industries revolves around retaining quality staffing and the marina industry is no exception. Customer demand seems to rise while the pool of good, qualified personnel appears to be decreasing. With this challenge, it is ever so important to implement less time-consuming and smarter operation procedures.

Scribble Software completely understands this dilemma and has invested time and resources to implement smarter technologies in our cloud-based marina management solutions. We know that many marinas are operating with fewer employees, so one of our goals is to create technology that allows the end customers to perform tasks that would normally be performed by marina staff. While this may sound strange at first, many operations are ideal for the end customer if marinas make use of features such as:

• Online and self-guiding bookings and reservations

• An online customer portal where customers can sign in and perform self-operations, such as reservations, invoice payments, adding payment methods, setting up ACH information and keeping track of account activity

• Easy to use mobile QR code fuel pay-at-pump activity

• Instant-Pay invoices via email and/or text messaging

• Payment receipt delivery via email and/or text messaging

All of these technological options have been made available in the MARINAGO Office cloud-based marina management solution. The mobile QR code fuel pay-at-pump system has proven to be a key contribution to operating a smarter marina. Our “smart”

fuel server allows customers to use their mobile phones and easily scan a QR code on a fuel dispenser. This pulls up the MARINAGO Fuel system on the phone and guides the customer through purchasing and dispensing fuel. This automated and end customer-centric system is a key aspect in converting a marina to a smarter operation.

Irena Cadez, Marina Master

A: With over three decades of global experience supporting marina management worldwide, the Marina Master team recognises the transformative impact of smart technology on the future of marina operations and management.

The single most crucial step for marina owners/operators in embracing a smarter approach is to automate and digitise marina processes extensively. This entails deploying automated and adaptive services and facilities that can be remotely accessed and managed via digital platforms, accessible from any device. This shift allows marina staff to redirect their focus towards meaningful client communication, nurturing empowered marina-client relationships and fostering an environment of superior customer service.

Additionally, our myMarina mobile app enhances smart customer service

by providing marina clients with convenient access to services and information, ensuring a seamless experience. A smart marina requires intelligent technology, well-trained staff and adept customer service, all while upholding safety and data privacy.

As an all-in-one support solution, we don’t merely provide software; we evolve alongside smart marinas, offering flexibility, ongoing consultation and reliable ongoing support to adapt to the dynamic needs and trends of the marina industry.

Smart staff within a smart marina must possess a robust understanding of smart technology, excellent communication skills, strong problemsolving abilities and a willingness to learn and adapt. Our collaborations with Certified Marina Managers (CMMs) around the globe have proven highly beneficial, fostering knowledge exchange and the implementation of innovative ideas from different regions.

Smart technology not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability

Irena Cadez

SMART TECHNOLOGY

and eco-friendliness. Manual services are now automated and paperless, consuming fewer resources and requiring fewer staff. As Darrell Barnett CMM, marina manager at Soldiers Point Marina in Australia, attests: “The software not only improves day-to-day operations but also saves me thousands of dollars annually in operational costs.”

Bas Durieux, Seijsener

A: One of the most transformative technologies today for a smarter marina is the AanUit.net system, which revolutionises how marina services are accessed and managed. AanUit.net allows guests to independently start services like docking, electricity, water, and more. It also provides them with direct insight into their usage. Guests only pay for the services they actually use through a digital environment. This not only reduces the need for physical interactions but also streamlines the management of utility services, optimising both cost and usage.

Our system gives marina operators complete oversight of who is using the facilities and who has paid. We handle the invoicing and ensure they receive the payments, significantly simplifying the administration of the marina.

However, the journey towards a smarter marina isn’t just about digital upgrades. It’s about maintaining a balance with reliable ‘analogue’ infrastructure that’s easily accessible

and manageable. That’s why we focus on solutions with a low total cost of ownership – durable, dependable, and maintenance-friendly.

At marinas where we have introduced AanUit.net, the impact is clearly noticeable. Boat owners and guests enjoy a smoother, more streamlined service interaction, which significantly increases the likelihood of them returning.

Adopting smart solutions like AanUit. net is essential for marinas aiming to meet contemporary needs and prepare for future challenges. This system not only simplifies life for guests but also propels facilities forward, especially as we advance towards more sustainable and electronically powered boating paradigms.

Brent Wierson, Molo Marina Management/Stellar Software

A: In the ever changing landscape of marina management, leveraging smart technology has become paramount to ensuring operational efficiency and enhancing customer experiences. There’s been an uptick in marina management software companies focusing on the pain points of marina owners and providing technical solutions to solve them.

Companies like Molo Marina Management and Stellar Software take a unique approach to envisioning the future for marinas and how various aspects can benefit from integration of smart solutions, some of which we’ve included below:

1 Dock management and monitoring – one way companies like Molo are getting ahead is by providing monitoring of dock occupancy, vessel arrivals and departures, and meter tracking for electricity, gas and water usage. Rental software platforms like Stellar have also adopted their own version of dock management with features like their ‘Dock Attendant’ tool, which provides a digitised process for launching and returning rental boats to ensure smooth operations and compliance.

2 Customer services and experience – smart technology empowers boat rental and club businesses to provide customers with instant access to information about marina facilities, membership details and rental options. Additionally, automated booking and payment systems are a great way to simplify operations, enhancing customer satisfaction and relieving administrative burden.

3 Business operations and management – integrated management solutions for things like inventory management (POS), billing and financial reporting can enhance efficiency and accuracy. Data analytics tools take it a step further by offering insight into customer behaviour, market trends and operational performance, empowering marina managers with the information needed for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

John Barbanas, Successful Software

John Barbanas

A: In order for marina owners/operators to be able to move towards a smarter marina, they need to invest in flexible digital infrastructure. This infrastructure should support interconnected systems that will be an amalgamation of hardware, Internet of Things (IoT) and software solutions. The ideal infrastructure will gather data from various data sources. By having a solid digital foundation, marina owners/operators can harness the power of data analytics, automation and monitoring to optimise operations, improve overall

Bas Durieux

Brent Wierson

SMART TECHNOLOGY

efficiency and ensure positive word of mouth from their customers.

To keep costs down in the adoption of smart technology, the management team should invest in modular and scalable systems. This will allow the gradual adoption of smart technologies based on the current needs and budget of the business. When the budget permits, the management will be able to add the next module that will make its operation smarter.

Moreover, choosing smart solutions that can seamlessly integrate with existing software and hardware will minimise integration costs and reduce the learning curve.

George Spiers, Konnected Technology

A: In our experience at Konnected Technology the single most important upgrade or smart improvement that marina operators need to adopt within possible smart marina technology starts with investing in comprehensive internet network with coverage over the entire facility.

As most smart technology is cloud based, a strong, reliable internet system is paramount regardless of the smart technology deployed. In the age where internet access has become as essential as water, light and food, the trend is high demand for premium internet in marinas. Also comprehensive internet is the first step to implementing further smart marina solutions.

In terms of cost recovery, upfront investment costs can also be recovered

by passing along the cost, along with the benefits of premium Wi-Fi to boat owners. If implemented, premium services can create a new revenue stream for marinas. Recognising this shift, we acknowledge that premium Wi-Fi is not just a luxury but an essential service that defines a marina experience.

Idan Cohen, Pick a Pier

A: The future of marinas lies in their evolution into smart, interconnected hubs that optimise decision-making and provide valuable insights.

By collecting data digitally and methodically, marinas can comprehensively understand their operations and make more informed decisions. While there are immediate learnings and actions marinas can take from day one, the long term, compounding effect of this

effort would be game changing.

With today’s technology and tools, the initial investment is no longer a barrier. Instead of expensive hardware and complicated physical solutions, marinas can now access and leverage proprietary and external data in new ways. Connecting the dots and combining all stakeholders, while utilising future planning as part of the sharing economy and circular economy principles, will yield the best results for our industry.

Smart marinas must also look beyond their own operations and communicate with other industry stakeholders to share and receive data. This approach also applies to marina chains, which may excel at internal communication but often lack external data sharing capabilities.

At Pick a Pier, we’re working with partners to establish harmonisation within marinas and across the industry, making data collection more valuable for all. We invite you to join us in this collaborative effort, as we can drive the growth of smart marinas worldwide.

George Spiers

Idan Cohen

SMART TECHNOLOGY

Sean Cocks, Pacsoft International

A: There are now plenty of realworld examples demonstrating ways smart technologies can save marinas time and money, make life easier for customers, and drive positive sustainability and environmental outcomes.

My number one piece of advice when beginning your smarttechnology journey is to educate yourself on what solutions are out there, including their capabilities and limitations. Many solutions appear the same at first glance, but if you get down to the detail there can be significant differences with major implications.

For example, two systems may operate similarly, in terms of how you

capture and input data, but one may deliver much richer information back. This could be real-time occupancy reporting, detailed financial forecasting, or even customer revenue analysis. If this rich information is coupled with intelligent automation, you will gain actionable insights while also saving your team time and freeing them up to do what they do best.

The foundation underpinning a modern ‘smart marina’ is clever marina

management software with functional integration across all parts of your marina, allowing a single point for holistic management.

Our own PacsoftNG software, available on-site or in the cloud, is an ideal hub for this purpose. Its integrations across membership, point of sale, finance and billing, food and beverage, security, and fuel and utility systems allow you to gain valuable insights and manage all your smart technologies from a single place.

A final word of caution: we all want our software to be ‘simple’ but that can sometimes come at a cost if a technology’s shortcomings force you and your team to add time-intensive manual processes to compensate. Picking the right technology up front, with well-thought-out automation and a comprehensive feature set, will save you time and money in the long run.

Mark Read, Smarter Technologies

A: Deploying a real-time IoT network across a site is the first step towards a smart marina both afloat and ashore. Wireless retrofitted devices monitor and track anything, so you can improve efficiencies and drive down costs. Orion is the largest unified IoT platform available: simple, easy, and costeffective.

This secure network allows you to gather real-time data, track, monitor and control (turn things on/off etc.) without sim-cards or Wi-Fi. This onesystem approach to service multiple requirements mitigates costs. Using standard software platforms and apps avoids costly IT development.

Whilst our hardware and software platforms offer monitoring solutions that improve customer experiences, many business modules focus specifically on reducing expenses and improving margins.

Retrofitting our MID-approved meters to automate billing and control access to utilities removes the cost of managing utilities and prevents losses. Customer-facing apps allow payment and real-time visibility and reporting tools demonstrate ESG compliance.

The costs of managing compliance of marine businesses can be huge. Our platforms fully automate these functions, removing the human cost and only alerting you when necessary. Examples include temperature monitoring, safety equipment, defibrillators and Legionella compliance.

Our geo-fence platforms also help you control parking, track assets, know when a berth is occupied, check washroom temperatures, water or fuel levels, and where your visitors or contractors are.

Many of our solutions can be delivered on a zero-capex basis, enabling you to get all the benefits of efficiencies and cost saving from day one without the usual upfront costs.

The key to smart marinas lies in the simplicity and effectiveness of real-time data collection, intelligent analysis, and ease of reporting.

Sean Cocks

Mark Read

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The project involves the installation of a double network of pipes for the management of sewage and bilge water that will provide an efficient waste evacuation service directly from the yacht moorings. The system will not only simplify the process for boaters but also contribute to environmental protection by minimising pollution risks and unpleasant odours in the port.

One of the most notable features of the system is its ability to adapt to vessels of different sizes, from small boats to megayachts. This is achieved by installing discharge inlets on the dock edges, which allow wastewater to be sucked in by the vacuum in the network, or in the case of larger vessels, by means of their own drive pumps. www.flovac.es

There’s a new audience of thousands visiting marinaworld.com Add this important online readership to your audience! Book advertising in all seven issues of Marina World magazine and enjoy a free advertisement all year round on our home page. Contact Julia Hallam for details. juliahallam@marinaworld.co.uk There’s a whole new

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Inland marina – first for hydrogen

Robert and Audrey Parton, husband and wife owners of Aqueduct Marina, a narrowboat marina in Church Minshull on the Shropshire Union Canal, have long been stewards for decarbonisation. Surrounded by iconic English countryside and mindful of the need to keep inland waterways as unpolluted as possible, they have scored a UK first by offering hydrogen and fuel cell technology to the boating community.

The marina, which was also one of the first inland waterways marinas in England to offer HVO alongside conventional diesel, is now supplying BOC’s Genie lightweight hydrogen cylinders. These contain 30% more gas than equivalent steel cylinders, resulting in fewer changeovers.

In addition to supplying hydrogen, establishing a commercial agreement with BOC enables Aqueduct to supply all BOC gases to customers. Chandlery manager, Tom Raines, explains that new customers need to set up a BOC account, which normally takes about ten minutes, and then can buy welding gas, balloon gas, oxygen and hydrogen. Aqueduct owners are also working with Hydrogen Afloat, producers of hydrogen fuel cell domestic power systems for boats. These innovative units can be fitted to the roof of most narrow boats and will reduce engine running time for battery charging while emitting nothing more damaging than water.

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

MDL

partners with Club Lagoon

UK operator MDL Marinas has formed an exclusive partnership agreement with Club Lagoon at its Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, Hampshire.

The collaboration offers Club Lagoon members access to the marina’s fivestar facilities and 10% of the annual berthing tariff back in Otium Rewards points, double the usual amount. The points can be redeemed against a wide range of products and services, including fuel.

Launched in 2020, MDL’s pointsbased loyalty programme has been designed to give customers a more personalised experience when using services within the marina group. “With our Otium Rewards loyalty programme, berth holders get the chance to make real savings and can choose where best to apply their points to give them maximum personalised value from their berthing agreement,” says Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director.

In addition to the rewards, Club Lagoon members will benefit from exclusive discounts on short-term berthing at the marina, as well as

“My expectation is that we will not sell much hydrogen in the short term, but there are power systems, such as the one provided by Hydrogen Afloat, on the market now and I am looking forward to seeing how the hydrogen propulsion market develops,” Robert Parton says.

Nick Swift, director of Hydrogen Afloat, comments: “We are delighted that Aqueduct is the first marina in the UK to stock hydrogen. We need to find ways to decarbonise the canals

boatyard services at nearby Saxon Wharf and access to permanent berth holder offers at numerous bars, restaurants and businesses surrounding the marina.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with MDL Marinas,” says Corentin Blanchard, customer relations manager at Beneteau Group’s Club Lagoon. “The collaboration will offer lots of great benefits for our Club Lagoon members as well as access to MDL’s fantastic Ocean Village Marina.”

Awarded ‘Marina of the Year’ at the British Yachting Awards in December 2023, Ocean Village Marina is claimed to be the UK’s only five-star marina, offering a raft of upmarket leisure facilities, luxury residential dwellings and a £50 million luxury spa hotel complex. Surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema, its waterfront is bustling and sophisticated.

and rivers of the UK. We can start with domestic power, since that works now, but in time I expect we will see hydrogen used for propulsion.”

“Birmingham, London and other cities already have fuel cell buses, so hydrogen gas is becoming more widely used. Making hydrogen available at the canal-side supports innovation in the inland waterways, creating the opportunity for early adopters to take advantage of the benefits it offers,” he adds.

PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE

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Conolift by Kropf Industrial, Canada 22

D-Marin, Greece 29

EMP Industries/Fast Attack 38

EMP Industries/SaniSailor 42

Eagle Floats by Hendren Plastics, USA 41

Edgewater Resources, USA 22

Flovac, Spain 24

Gigieffe, Italy 46

Golden Manufacturing, USA 12

Ingemar, Italy 10

Inmare, Italy 44

Lindley, Portugal 38

Livart, China 42

MPP Engineering, UK 56

Marex, Croatia 32

Marina Master by IRM, Slovenia 46 Marina Projects, UK 60

MARINAGo by

Scribble Software, USA 51

Marinetek, Finland 4

Martini Marinas, Italy 26

METSTRADE, Netherlands 20

Molo Marina Management/Stellar Systems, USA 52

Perspective Products, USA 24

PierPump by Vogelsang, Germany 8

Plus Marine, Italy 52

Premier Materials/Konnected Technology, USA 48

Rolec, UK 16

Ronautica, Spain 14

Roodberg - a brand of Frisian Industries, Netherlands 54

SF Marina System, Sweden 2

Seaflex, Sweden 6

Seijsener, Netherlands 48

Simply Marinas, USA 40

Superior Group, Australia 36

Twinwood by CJ Plast, Portugal 44

Walcon Marine, UK 25

Wiggins Lift Co, USA 42

WISE Handling, UK 26

Promotions at Golden

Three new positions of vice president have been created at dock solutions specialist Golden Manufacturing.

With over 20 years of valued contribution to Golden’s growth and success, Amber Clark has been named the new vice president of administration. In her tenure with the company, she’s moved through bookkeeping, sales and design roles, and earned a college degree. In her new position, Clark develops, implements and manages all administrative, insurance and HR policies and procedures, as well as overseeing DOT and legal issues.

maximum efficiency while further reducing operating costs. His focus also includes monitoring strict quality control measures that exceed industry standards.

No stranger to the marine industry, Don Lunardini is now vice president of sales and marketing.

Devin Garrison has been named vice president of operations. Having begun at Golden nearly nine years ago, he has been promoted numerous times, proving himself at each level within the company to become a driving force behind its many achievements. He oversees processes, capacity planning and resource allocation, providing

David Randall

A results-driven leader, he has a proven track record of creating a culture of continuous improvement and building an effective customer base. Prior to joining Golden, Lunardini had numerous managerial roles within the tyre business, including at Michelin. He supervises regional teams, coordinates public relations and provides input into product development.

“I’m excited by these three appointments and the dynamic team we’ve built,” said company president Bill Golden. “We’ve positioned ourselves to be a forward-leaning company that will continue to innovate and radically redefine boat lifts and dock solutions for decades to come.”

www.goldenboatlifts.com www.goldenmarinesystems.com

David Randall CMM has been appointed CEO at Empire Marinas Group in Australia. He brings extensive experience in the marine and marina industries to his role, with a career history in the New Zealand Navy, hospitality, yacht charter, yacht club facilities management and marina management. Most recently, he was general manager of Empire Marina Lake Macquarie and part of the executive management team of Empire Marinas Group.

Empire Marinas Group is owned by interests associated with the Vaux and Richardson families and celebrates its 20th year in 2024. Group chairman, Darren Vaux, said: “Joining Empire Marinas almost three years ago, David has demonstrated his capacity and drive to deliver outstanding outcomes in the management of our facilities and the delivery of customer service. He is the consummate marina professional, with a commitment to the development

of the industry as a whole, and we are excited to see what he can achieve in his new role.”

Empire Marinas has big plans for the future, with a major expansion and redevelopment of Empire Marina Lake Macquarie in the planning stages and a range of industry-leading climate change resilience and environmental initiatives proposed for Empire Marina Bobbin Head.

www.empiremarinas.com.au

Amber Clark

Devin Garrison

Don Lunardini

David Randall

CONCEPT DESIGN & MARINA MASTER PLANNING

FEASIBILITY STUDIES & MARKET RESEARCH

BUSINESS PLANNING

MARINA & WATERFRONT DESIGN

TENDER AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

MARINA OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGISLATIVE ADVICE

PROPERTY CONSULTANCY SERVICES

GLOBAL WATERFRONT & MARINA DEVELOPMENT

CONSULTANCY AT ITS BEST