SUPERDOCKS ™
SF Marina is a world-renowned expert on developing new or existing premium marinas. We provide state-of-the-art floating breakwaters and concrete pontoons to anyone anywhere who plans on building a marina with superyacht berths. And who wants it to still be there after the storm.
www.marinaindustry.net
EDITOR’S COMMENT
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he presence of Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show was notable for a special talk given by Jess Allen, a PhD student from Plymouth University, who discussed the ecological advantages of the award-winning Living Seawalls. These were developed by a Sydney-based company that designs modular panels that mimic foreshore and intertidal habitats and can be attached in a mosaic pattern, adding texture, shape and form to flat harbour walls and marinas, which would otherwise lack the complexity necessary for a biodiverse marine environment. It has already earned the company a trove of awards for design, innovation and biodiversity, and was also named finalist for Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize.
Living Seawalls represents a radical shift in coastal protection, actively reviving marine habitats by creating a haven for invertebrates, seaweeds, small fish and other marine fauna on the concrete infrastructures that form the foundations of marinas across the UK and Ireland.
In her presentation, Jess pointed out that ecological engineering is a way of encouraging biodiversity back on to our artificial coastlines. When used effectively, it can bridge the gap between human requirements of the coast and the needs of local ecosystems.
Having signed an agreement with Living Seawalls in 2023, ICMS now manufactures the panels from its recycled marine-grade concrete, helping to create a symbiotic relationship between the coastal infrastructure it creates and the natural environment. By repurposing waste into construction material for Living Seawalls, ICMS not only reduces its ecological footprint, but also demonstrates a commitment to circular economy principles. This eco-friendly approach is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainability at every stage of the production cycle.
Oliver Shortall, the company’s Managing Director, said that ICMS was incredibly proud to support innovative projects like Living Seawalls that redefine how to interact with our coastlines. He explained that by combining cutting-edge ecological engineering with sustainable construction, his company was not just protecting marine environments, but actively helping to regenerate them. He added that this partnership reflected an ongoing commitment to create greener, more resilient coastal infrastructure for future generations.
To find out more about Living Seawalls and discuss potential solutions on offer, visit: www.inlandandcoastal.com
Front
Med-inspired marina to open in Dubai
Marina Projects expands team
On 3 October, it was announced that D-Marin will operate a new Mediterranean-inspired marina (in partnership with Dubai Holding), which is set to open in Dubai: Port De La Mer. This state-ofthe-art marina is the fifth D-Marin marina in Dubai, reinforcing the Group’s position as an international destination for luxury yacht-owners.
D-Marin, the selection of premium marinas across the Mediterranean and Gulf regions, has signed an agreement to operate the luxury marina located at the tip of the Northern peninsula of La Mer. The marina has been designed in a unique Mediterranean style and provides a high level of excellence through premium customer experiences in a luxury setting.
Port De La Mer promises a vibrant yet laid back lifestyle, set within a unique island retreat in one of Dubai’s most coveted locations. Features include an array of premium dining, shopping, entertainment, leisure and hospitality amenities, alongside panoramic views of both the open ocean and stunning skyline. D-Marin
will also bring its sector-leading approach and vision of marina management to Port De La Mer, further increasing Dubai’s appeal as a yachting hub.
The marina will benefit from the company’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, aligned with UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Group. This includes commitment to a 42% carbon footprint reduction by 2030 through participation in the international Science-Based Targets initiative.
D-Marin also plans to implement its innovative digital solutions, which provide an enhanced and effortless yachting experience to customers.
Phase one of Port De La Mer is opening in October, this year, and includes 32 berths for yachts up to 40 metres in length overall. The marina will be extended to facilitate a total of 160 berths for yachts up to 80 metres in the future.
Selcuk Balci, Managing Director at D-Marin Dubai, said: “Port De La Mer sets new standards for what is expected from a marina. The entire project surrounding Port De La Mer
is inspired by the Mediterranean, including the residential communities, recreational areas and the marina itself. It is a truly unique marina for yacht-owners in Dubai. We look forward to working in partnership with Dubai Holding whilst showcasing the highest standard of marina experiences and innovations”.
Khalid Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Holding, addded: “Port De La Mer represents a strategic milestone in our long-term vision to position Dubai as a premier global leisure and tourism destination. Port De La Mer will be added to the current marinas in our key waterfront destinations, including Jaddaf Waterfront, Marasi Bay, Marina Al Seef and Marsa Al Arab, setting a new benchmark for luxury marinas worldwide. Our ongoing collaboration with D-Marin, known for their exemplary management and commitment to sustainability, underscores our shared dedication to excellence and innovation. Together, we are setting new standards by delivering world-class facilities, ensuring Dubai remains at the forefront of the global yachting community”.
New marina for South Korea
What will be the largest marina in Seoul, South Korea, is planned for Jamsil Hangang Park in Songpa-gu, which is located in the South-Eastern section of the capital. The new facility will accommodate 220 vessels as part of the city’s initiative to expand water leisure amenities.
The Seoul Metropolitan
Government has signed an agreement with private company Hangang Marina to carry out the project and construction is intended to begin early next year, with completion expected in 2026.
The project will be fully-financed through private investment, with no public funds involved. According to
the city government, once completed, ownership of the marina will transfer to the city of Seoul, while the developer will retain operating rights for up to 20 years at no cost.
The facility will include a clubhouse with management offices, cafes and restaurants, as well as a floating barrier to protect moored boats.
To ensure Marina Projects maintains pace with the demand for marina consultancy services, the company has expanded its team. This will allow it to continue delivering a high level of specialist independent advice on all aspects of marina design and waterfront development across a diverse range of global projects.
Andy Garland has been appointed as Senior Operations Manager, with over 30 years’ experience within the marina industry. He previously headed up an international marina consultancy business and has extensive knowledge and expertise in managing operational projects from marina feasibility, design and construction, through to successful long-term growth of marinas and their land-side mixed use developments.
Sara Stanton has joined Marina Projects as a Project Manager, bringing with her many years of experience within the boating industry. These include an array of roles from race crew co-ordinator for the Global Challenge, as a skipper and trainer, as well as jobs in engineering and boat production.
Rory Dickinson has joined Marina Projects as Junior Project Manager. Since graduating from Plymouth University in 2023 with a BSc in Geology, he has followed his passion for mountaineering. Welcoming them to the team, Mike Ward, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that Andy, Sara and Rory have joined the team over the last few months, with each of them already having the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the team effort”.
Arc-shaped breakwater protects NZ marina
Offering stunning panoramic views and unprecedented cruising opportunities, Waiheke Island Marina on Hauraki Gulf is New Zealand’s newest yachting destination. To shelter its 180 berths from fetching seas and passing island ferry wakes, but also to protect the area’s ecologicallysensitive environment, marina owners joined forces with SF Marina to install two uniquely-curved floating concrete breakwaters.
Not only is Hauraki Gulf shallow, but the location is home to a colony of Little Penguins. The concern was that a traditional rock-pile breakwater would impact currents and the area’s delicate flora and fauna. The marina also required a new office and parking lot, but the adjacent land was already developed. That’s why SF Marina floating concrete pontoons were the ideal solution.
Mirroring the island’s scalloped coastline, the two sections of the 460 metre breakwater are comprised of 23 individual 20 m x 6 m SFBW600 series floating concrete pontoons, six on the Western section and 17 on the main portion. With a high level of buoyancy and unprecedented wave-attenuating properties, SF Marina breakwaters have proven themselves all around the globe in overcoming extreme weather events.
Three breakwater sections on the Western arc nearest to the shore are 2.4 m in overall height, the remaining are 4 m high; all have a 0.6m freeboard. The pontoons are connected via SF Marina’s patented coupling system that absorbs and distributes stress loads. Internal steel piles anchor the breakwater to the seabed and accommodate the marina’s 3.5 m tide.
In keeping with the marina’s dedication to preserving its natural surroundings, the office and 2,100
sq m car park are built on top of 27 SF1250 floating concrete pontoons. As with the breakwater, they are engineered to be exceptionally stable and virtually unsinkable. Rainwater is channeled from these platforms and filtered to remove pollutants before being returned to the environment. Constructing on top of an SF Marina floating concrete platform is not new – in Sweden, a two-story, 33-room hotel uses similar pontoons for its foundation.
The pontoons for Waiheke Island Marina were built in Port Whangarei by SF Marina’s manufacturing partner, Heron Marine, and towed 145 km to Waiheke Island. Located only 40 minutes from Auckland, the marina offers local and visiting boaters modern, up-todate amenities. A partner within the Waiheke Island community, it formed the Waiheke Marina Maritime Trust to help protect the local coastal environment and foster boating-related activities.
More storage capacity at Shamrock Quay
Marking a significant expansion of its renowned Shamrock Quay marina in Southampton, MDL Marinas has confirmed its recent acquisition of the 3.2 acre plot at Lower William Street is to be utilised for additional boat storage, manufacturing and boat sales, further enhancing Shamrock Quay’s position as a premier destination for boat-owners along the South Coast of England.
The site, which is strategically located adjacent to the marina,
provides much-needed space to accommodate the growing demand for secure boat storage. The expanded storage area has been enhanced with additional CCTV cameras, as well as new power and water outlets, offering improved security and convenience for clients.
Shamrock Quay, known for its vibrant community and excellent facilities, now offers greater convenience and flexibility, particularly during the Winter
months when secure storage is in high demand.
In addition to expanding storage, the new site – designated as Millstone Point – incorporates a vast building with offices, which MDL plans to rent out to potential tenants looking for office space within a marina setting.
Encompassing prime waterfront and deep-water access, an upgraded pontoon has also been installed at Millstone Point, which can now accommodate yachts up
to 50 metres in length, making this an ideal base for visiting superyachts and other large vessels.
In addition to the new storage capabilities, MDL has invested in a series of enhancements at its Shamrock Quay marina to improve the overall customer experience. Recent upgrades include: pontoon replacement; a new pontoon access gate; road resurfacing; and Lower-level car park surfacing.
Customised pump-out facilities at Shepperton Marina
To provide an upgraded service for berth-holders at Bargeworld in Shepperton Marina, which is located on the River Thames, marine sanitation specialist LeeSan was required by the owners to design and install an updated pump-out system.
The new design utilises a manifold system connected to six bollards, each of which features its own stop valve and a quick release connection. Accompanying these are four stainless steel hose hangers carrying 30 metres of LeeSan pumpout hose terminating in ‘special’ LeeSan ISO8099 ‘hands free’ probe valves complete with sight glass.
This means that owners no longer need to cast off and move to a pump-out berth every time they need to empty their tanks. Each bollard is now shared by four boats, which simply unroll the appropriate hose, connect and use the facility.
The system utilises a reliable and well-proven, token-operated LeeSan LS200HPW station housed in a modern, mirror finish, stainless steel cabinet, ensuring that everything is clean and simple to use. This powerful unit is able to handle suction up to 100 metres and can pump to a discharge distance of more than 250 metres.
Karl Sutcliffe, Technical Director of LeeSan, commented: “Like it or not, we now live in a world where the provision of convenient service is ever more important and is becoming the expected norm for
businesses to provide.
“Just look at the growth of food delivery services as an example. This means that we in the marine
industry need to think along the same lines and offer and provide convenient, easy-to-use solutions to our customer’s needs.”
Leadership change at Karpaz Gate
Karpaz Gate Marina Resort, a luxury boutique development on the Karpaz Peninsula recognised as one of the most significant and transformational touristic investments in the history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has entered a new phase in its pioneering success story with the announcement of a change of management.
On 4 September, Managing Director Liza Singer stepped down, after overseeing all aspects of the project since 2005 and inspiring its evolution from an ambitious and visionary concept into the reality of today’s unique nautical retreat and awardwinning marina. The management of the independently-owned resort, with hotel, spa, beach club, corporate facilities and Platinum standard marina and technical centre for yachts and superyachts, has been transferred to North Cyprus-based tourism, highend hospitality and yachting sector specialist Arkin Group, led by company founder and Chairman Erbil Arkin, with Singer remaining involved on a consultancy basis.
Backed by almost 30 years’ experience in hotel management
in the TRNC, as well as other international business ventures, Arkin Group is well-positioned to maintain a leadership strategy at Karpaz Gate Marina, which prioritises exceptional standards and sustainable operations, with a focus on support for the local community and sensitivity for the natural surroundings.
Liza Singer acknowledged, “It has been a great privilege to establish a company and operation in a remote
region with such special political and social circumstances. I had the honour of accomplishing the dream of a great visionary and it has been fulfilling and gratifying to witness the positive impact of our resort on the surrounding area and its contribution to the economy in one of the TRNC’s most deprived areas. I leave my role as Managing Director with pride that the marina and resort has made a real difference, putting the region on the
map for the global sailing community and bringing international guests to the Karpaz Peninsula by land and sea.
“While I will be moving on to the next adventure and to focus on other business concerns, I am delighted to be handing over the management of Karpaz Gate Marina to a company with relevant expertise, local knowledge and exceptional synergies with our ethos and mission. Arkin Group is a leader within the tourism and hotel sector in North Cyprus, which appreciates our unique offering and also shares and understands the eco-friendly approach at the heart of our operations.”
Erbil Arkin added: “We have monitored the growth and success of Karpaz Gate Marina with great interest in recent years, so we had no doubts about accepting this exceptional opportunity, which complements our current hotel range perfectly.
“As a local company, Arkin Group can fully appreciate and support the resort’s history in employing 97% local people, the benefits for the local community and its privileged location in an area of natural beauty on the Karpaz Peninsula.”
New marina company seeks advice
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised on a transaction to enable a new marina company to acquire a number of marinas in Wales and the South-West of England.
Western Marinas Ltd (Western Marinas) will acquire Cardiff Marina, the operating lease for Watchet Marina and take on a management contract for Aberystwyth Marina, all of which were previously under the management of The Marine & Property Group – this company fell into administration last year.
Western Marinas has been set up by a new management team and their funders, Trevally Capital Ltd in conjunction with Harwood Private Capital and funding arranged by Trevally Capital Advisers Ltd. The group will work to realise the potential of Aberystwyth, Cardiff
and Watchet marinas, as well as Cardiff Marine Village and the associated Dredging Division.
A WBD team led by partner Will Fraser from WBD’s finance and investment team advised on the deal, with significant support from partners Charlie Reid, Amy Gallimore, Andy Stirk and Carl
Powlson from the firm’s banking, restructuring, and corporate teams.
In addition, managing associate David Ridley, associates Jake Unsworth and Holly Ransley, and solicitor Omar Sammakia provided corporate and finance support on the transaction, while managing associate Heidi Allen and members of the firm’s property team provided due diligence on the marinas involved in the deal.
Partners Ronan Lowney and managing associate Chris Bowen also provided additional support on tax and commercial elements, respectively.
Will Fraser said: “It is fantastic to have been able to support Trevally and their partners again on another transaction, especially given this deal’s importance in helping shore up the long-term sustainability of a
number of marinas in the UK.
“This was a deal that required significant expertise across a wide range of practice areas, as well as a strong consideration of the current market and conditions the business faced, and we are thrilled to have been able to provide assistance on this and help them turn around the organisation with a view to develop it further.”
The board of Trevally commented: “Western Marinas has a clear mission to put these marinas back to where they belong as some of the leading facilities in Wales and the South-West, and we would like to thank the WBD team for their relentless effort, brilliant counsel and superb teamwork to help get this investment finalised and over the line, especially given the widereaching nature of the deal”.
Will Fraser of WBD led a multidisciplinary team across all major aspects of the deal.
Liza Singer and Erbil Arkin celebrate the transfer.
Brexit boost for superyachts
MDL Marinas, the UK’s leading marina and water-based leisure provider, is reporting a significant increase in the number of superyachts choosing its Ocean Village Marina in Southampton. This, the company says, is thanks in part to the VAT advantages post-Brexit, as well as the marina’s recent investment in enhancing its facilities for larger vessels.
NOTICEBOARD
BIA acquires Marine Jobs for workforce development
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has acquired Marine Jobs, demonstrating its commitment to the promotion of careers in the marine industry.
Marine Jobs was launched in 2021 as an online recruitment platform in a partnership between the Marina Industries Association, Superyacht Australia and BIA. The strategic acquisition will help focus efforts to develop and grow Marine Jobs beyond online recruitment to a wider program promoting the marine industry as a desirable career path.
BIA’s entire skills and jobs program will now come under the Marine Jobs heading to further drive recruitment into the marine industry, with a number of new initiatives planned for 2025.
Since Britain’s exit from the European Union, non-UK flagged superyachts visiting British marinas have enjoyed substantial VAT reductions, positioning the nation as an increasingly appealing stopover for yacht-owners and captains.
The group’s other UK marinas, from Plymouth to Ipswich, are equally well-equipped to welcome large vessels, ensuring they are the premier marina network for superyachts cruising Northern Europe.
New headquarters for IEMA
The International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has announced that it will be establishing its new headquarters in Barcelona from January, 2025. The decision, approved by the IEMA board of directors, was driven by several strategic factors: Barcelona’s proximity to the heart of maritime innovation in the EU, its closeness to international regulatory bodies like the International Marine Organisation (IMO) and the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO), and the city’s strong global leadership, particularly through its major public infrastructure hub, the Port of Barcelona.
IEMA will continue to operate through its regional representatives across four continents, with plans to establish full-time offices in the US, EU, China, and the South Pacific to support its global operations.
THE PONTOON COMPANY
Specialist
Industry
Floating wave attenuating,
pontoons, access bridges
Installation barges, dedicated piling and workboat fleet
Marina clean-up with zero emissions
Where there is no fuel, there are no fumes, so the pioneering, 100% electric, emission-free workboats for marina clean-up and maintenance in which Water Witch specialises provide a proven, time-tested and innovative solution to achieve cleaner waters in leisure harbours.
The highly flexible Versi-Cat is supplied with all the tools required for operators to keep their waters free of plastic pollution and marine litter, with huge potential benefits for marinas and the chance to make a real environmental impact and enhance the water quality for all stakeholders.
The unique design of Water Witch workboats provides a low maintenance, emission-free manner of achieving sustainable waterway clean-up and regular maintenance to create ‘greener’ marinas around the world in support of clients’ sustainability goals and net zero targets.
Water Witch works hard to ensure that its waterway litter collection
and maintenance craft are designed and built to minimise their own impact on the environment while they tackle climate change by reducing waste, emissions and adopting sustainable construction practices. Vessels that are working to reduce pollution should not be contributing to the problem! By concentrating on building 100% electric systems (not just the motor or propulsion system, but all onboard equipment and machinery), the vessel is unique in that it is totally free of fossil fuels, has zero emissions and is non-polluting.
The Versi-Cat glides silently through the water with no disturbance and creates hardly any wake due to the shape of the hulls. Thanks to its versatile design, it can perform a wide range of tasks from mooring buoy maintenance to dive support, in addition to efficient litter, debris and weed collection. Powered by a 12 kW motor, with the most advanced and safest Power48 lithium batteries, from world electric mobility leader Torqeedo, the vessel easily makes 6.9 knots. These ‘intelligent’ batteries provide around 6-8 hours
service between charges. Advanced electronic controls feature GPS, state of charge and distance, and communication systems to link Bluetooth and app technology to the system for data capture. This is a very reliable, cost-effective option and is backed by Torqeedo’s extensive world-wide warranty and after-sales support. The vessels often operate over quite a large area retrieving debris and cleaning up pollutants, so both speed and range are important factors.
The Versi-Cat trash skimmer is built as sustainably as possible from certified marine grade aluminium for strength and durability. It is also designed with end of life in mind, so up to 70% of material used in its construction can be recycled.
In conclusion, the vessel allows marina staff to carry out clean-up and maintenance operations more efficiently, making a difficult job easy and freeing up personnel to be more productive.
Water Witch info@waterwitch.com www.waterwitch.com
WORLD LEADERS IN WATERWAY CLEANUP
Water Witch provide Marinas, Harbour Authorities, Waterway management and waterfront resort operations with cost-effective, efficient solutions for the management and cleanup of the marine environment by employing the firm’s tried and tested range of customisable craft.
The multi-purpose range of workboats and trash-skimmers can perform many functions, including debris collection, aquatic weed harvesting, trash removal, mobile pump-out, oil spill response and marina maintenance roles.
These craft are supported by a worldwide network of experienced distributors and technical representatives.
Larger hoist brings new business to Rotterdam yard
De Haas Shipyards, located at the Port of Rotterdam in The Netherlands, has been a long-standing Marine Travelift customer since its first purchase of a 70 ton capacity boat hoist in 1997. This family-owned, independent company has been in business for almost 150 years and has had to adapt to the ever-changing marine industry throughout the years. The latest adaptation involved the purchase of a Marine Travelift 820C (820 metric ton capacity) mobile boat hoist put into operation in 2022 and is its fourth machine from Marine Travelift.
As boats continued to get larger and are now equipped with more complicated propulsion systems such as thrusters and waterjets, De Haas started the planning process for a new solution that would most safely and efficiently handle these vessels. The decision to go with a high-capacity mobile boat hoist from Marine Travelift was an easy decision over alternatives, especially with the relationship that had already been established. “The Marine Travelift has proved to be the most efficient solution to handle the large number of boats without limitations you see with slipways, dock capacity or tide fluctuation,” said Govert de Haas, the owner of de Haas Shipyards.
Up until the company started buying Marine Travelift boat hoists, it had used slipways, which prevented the yard from reaching its full potential. The new 820C boat hoist has provided the versatility needed to work on more vessels simultaneously and brought in new business with the added lift capacity. According to Govert, “The more versatile multi-sling layout is well-designed so we can put the slings on the hull where we want them.” He went on to add, “It’s impressive to experience how easy the 820 ton machine is to drive with the all-wheel steering system and the strong construction gives us complete control and faith when
moving vessels”.
De Haas had planned for the added business the new 820C machine would bring, but it experienced an even larger increase than they had expected. With the increased demand for their services, de Haas organised a campaign leveraging social media to attract new people and expand its crew. “Working with modern
equipment in a nice environment definitely helps to attract new people,” agreed Govert.
The Marine Travelift 820-ton machine joins the 70-ton purchased in 1997, as well as two 100 ton units bought in 2004 and 2016, respectively. The relationship between de Haas Shipyards and Marine Travelift was built on
an excellent product with great customer support. Govert explained, “Feels like family and we appreciate the long-term relationship. There is an ocean between us, but we do business like we are around the corner”.
Marine Travelift Inc sales@marinetravelift.com www.marinetravelift.com
WHERE THE GLOBAL LEISURE MARINE INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER
The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest marine equipment trade show and the only truly international B2B exhibition. With excellent networking opportunities, a broad range of showcased innovations and located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the METSTRADE Show is an unmissable event for every professional in the marine industry.
Exhibitors in the Marina Yard Pavilion
The Marina Yard Pavilion at the 36th edition of METSTRADE from 19-21 November brings together the world’s largest concentration of exhibitors from manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and services for marinas and boatyards in a business-to-business environment. It has become the first port of call for marina professionals from around the world.
The MYP has been showcasing marinaspecific equipment for over a decade, including pontoons and boat mooring systems, decking and dock fenders, service pedestals and pump-out systems, specialist
lighting, mobile boat hoists, cranes and trailers, boat cradles and stands, in-water boat lifts, fire-fighting and safety equipment, and management software.
It is an international meeting place where marina-owners can check out products to improve their facilities and discuss industry challenges and opportunities with other operators.
Aero-Docks LLC (USA)
Alto Service Italia (Italy)
Arabel NV (Belgium)
Ascom (Italy)
Astilleros Amilibia Untziolak SL (Spain)
Boat Lift (Italy)
BulDock (Bulgaria)
Capria (Argentina)
Cimolai Technology SpA (Italy)
CloudEnergy Srl (Italy)
Den Hartog Industries Inc (USA)
Drysta (Spain)
Dura Composites Ltd (UK)
Etecnos Srl (Italy)
EZ Dock (USA)
FGM Technology Engineering Srl (Italy)
Floatsol BV (The Netherlands)
Geveka Roosters (The Netherlands)
GH Cranes & Components (Spain)
Gigie e Srl (Italy)
Ingemar Srl (Italy)
Inmare Srl (Italy)
Inter Boat Marinas (The Netherlands)
Intermarine (UK)
Jetfloat International GmbH (Austria)
LeeStrom GmbH (Germany)
Lindley Marinas (Portugal)
Mack David Building LLC (USA)
Marex Elektrostroj doo (Croatia)
Marina Projects Ltd (UK)
Marine Floor Europe (France)
Marinetek (Croatia)
Marine Travelift Inc (USA)
Martini Alfredo SpA (Italy)
MeqtecTechnologies (Turkey)
Metalu Industries International (France)
MF Catenifcio Frigerio Srl (Italy)
Nautech Ltd (Hungary)
Nautipark (France)
Nautisys (Portugal)
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand Srl (Italy)
Ocean Ecostructures SL (Spain)
Pacsoft International (New Zealand)
Philéole (Belgium)
Platipus Anchors Ltd (UK)
Plus Internatonal Srl (Italy)
PMS Polietilen Mamulleri San Tic AS (Turkey)
Ronautica Quality Marinas SLU (Spain)
Roodberg/Frisian Industries BV (The Netherlands)
Rotogal SLU (Spain)
Seaflex AB (Sweden)
Seijsener Marina Services (The Netherlands)
SF Marina AB (Sweden)
Smarter Technologies Trading Ltd (UK)
Torretas Guadiana (Spain)
Versadock (UK)
Viltec (Spain)
W2 Support BV/Walcon Marine Ltd (The Netherlands)
Wago (The Netherlands)
Wearth Group (France)
What does the future hold for the marina-owner?
By Dan Natchez, CMP*
The marina industry is facing numerous challenges, opportunities and changes, and the marina-owners are the ones who have to deal with them! Covid-19 brought a massive surge in demand for boating, and marinas
reaped the benefits. They were full and waiting lists began to spring up. Marinas were able to raise prices and the increased revenue streams allowed many to undertake various upgrade projects. Current demand, however, while still fairly strong in
most areas, has definitely softened from its Covid-19 high and as one takes a good look around, as well as towards the horizon, it appears there are certain niches that are clearly doing better than others.
The niche markets have always
been stronger in downturns. Such markets for specialty sports-related activities, including wakeboarding and waterskiing, as well as lake and deep sea fishing, continue to attract interest. Also continuing strong are high-end sail and cruising boats.
Upland storage for large boats in Italy, complete with connection to utilities.
When boom times hit, many seem to forget that marinas and boating are tied to the overall economic changes that typically are cyclical. The tide rises, the tide falls. Adding to the mix is that the number of ‘diehard’ boat owners continues to decrease, with many newer owners having a lesser affiliation and little to no tolerance with things going wrong. The boat has a problem – just sell it! While not overly prevalent, this unfortunately, is truer than anyone in the industry desires. Today’s boater typically has a lesser desire to stay in boating than the older traditional
boater, who would stay with and keep boating for decades, no matter what.
This has led to an increased market for used boats and, post-pandemic, many boaters are now looking for bargains. During Covid-19 there were no bargains and bidding wars developed. Today, more negotiations are the norm and, long-term, we can expect that to continue, with fluctuating intensity, due to higher turnover rates.
As we were coming out of Covid-19 with high demand for boating, I kept asking marina-owners and managers about what they were doing to keep boaters. The majority sort of smiled and suggested that there was a boom market and they did not have to do anything or at least not much. After all, they were full and had waiting lists. It is easy to forget in the boom times that things can, and usually will, slow down. I’m a firm believer in establishing programs, events and activities that appeal to boaters in your particular area. It is important to keep their interest up, particularly with the many other demands on everyone’s leisure time. It builds customer appreciation and loyalty, and not just to your facility, but to boating. As an added bonus, those happy and loyal customers will become your best way of advertising!
The marina industry grew up with many, perhaps mainly, familyoperated facilities and while there are many who are continuing that tradition, many families are finding that their kids or other younger family members are looking to pursue other interests and not take over the family business.
Higher interest
Demand created by the pandemic brought along higher interest in marina-ownership and attracted capital looking for investments. ‘Wall Street’ money increasingly flowed in, courting the existing marina chains, as well as others in the industry, to start new chains, presenting bigger opportunities for both new and existing chains to purchase facilities. This has and continues to present desirable exit strategies to some of those family-owned facilities without the desired next generations to follow and some even bigger windfalls for owners of existing chains being taken
Many of the chains have been successful at raising prices and, as you may have noticed, I’ve been saying for decades that marinas traditionally underprice their services.
At the same time, though, one has to be more attentive to customer desires and attitudes.
over by even larger chains. It also brought reasonable opportunities to independents to obtain funds for much-needed upgrades, as well as opportunities for new buyers to take the leap into marina ownership, whether ‘Wall Street’ types, those seeking a lifestyle change or those who have long had the deep-seated desire to experience the joys (with just some sarcasm) of owning a marina –or two or three.
Not surprisingly, all this demand does mean that prices for marinas, regardless of how one measures them, have been on the rise and seem set to continue. Is there a rationale for the prices being paid? Obviously there must be, although current prices do appear to be a bit on the high side when compared to the net revenue side.
In the near to mid-term, there is little doubt that consolidation will continue and the chains will continue to grow, with their sights particularly focused on the more strategically-located, as well as niche marinas. Long-term, as the number of facilities ripe for picking lessens, the appetite for acquisition is likely to translate to more chains looking at the international market, in which some of the larger chains are already participating or actively examining.
Many of the chains have been successful at raising prices and, as you may have noticed, I’ve been saying for decades that marinas traditionally underprice their services. At the same time, though, one has to be more attentive to customer desires
and attitudes.
Some of the chains do seem more intent on running the facilities through the financial statements without maintaining the quality service and ‘feel’ of the facility, and/or the personal attention typical of the traditional family-operated facility. Yes, these are generalisations that will be disputed by most operators and there are notable exceptions. However, with investment-style ownership, the rate of return and profitability are not uncommon to be the ultimate priorities.
On the flip side, chains tend to bring with them increased investment upgrades and economies of scale for the purchase of ‘big ticket’ items and the ability to negotiate more favourable insurance premiums.
New income
With careful thought, there are many opportunities for both independents and the chains to prudently move into new income-producing activities that are of interest to their existing and/or desired new customers. Such activities as offering rental and/or storage for personal watercraft, paddle boards and kayaks have been highly successful, as well as various novel approaches to house more traditional boats. One such variation I recently came across while reviewing a facility in Italy was to offer upland storage for large boats that is arranged in a manner where they can be readily launched and retrieved at the request of customers, but also allows them to stay aboard their boats on dry land, complete with connection to utilities, including sewage. It’s been hugely successful for them, with the market primarily being boat-owners who live some distance away and sometimes want to head out on their boats, but who are often just using their boats as a vacation home on the waterfront. They clearly have found a niche market.
Another novel idea recently encountered involves setting up planter boxes at the entrances to the docks that are planted with various herbs, which can be picked by the patrons to spice up their meals and snacks on the boat. The project has been quite successful, with a noticeable rise in time spent aboard and goodwill towards the
NATCHEZ ON THE WATERFRONT
marina – though they do need to keep refreshing the sometimes overharvested plant supply.
Of course, one size does not fit all so one really needs to think through ideas and their implementation relative to the location, physical constraints and unique market.
In this era of so much consolidation, it is exciting to see the many innovative approaches being undertaken by new independent owners. They tend to take a meaningful property, rethink the operation and, as one new owner said, “Bring it into the next century – just a little earlier”.
As we move forward to the future, there is a growing awareness and desire for being more environmentally-responsible, which many are translating as going to electric boats. There is no question that boat manufacturers are moving in that direction. A word of caution, though, as making provisions at one’s facility for electric boat charging is definitely not as simple as it often is portrayed. I will address the issues in a subsequent column, but for now would suggest that the adages of ‘buyer beware’ and, once again, ‘an educated consumer makes for the best customer’ are more than appropriate on this topic. There are
lots of Yin Yangs to be understood.
The regulatory community is also looking for marinas to be even more environmentally-conscious as part of the project design, permitting and approval process. Incorporating environmental enhancements where possible and meaningful is essential and a key word at the moment is resiliency – though what the regulatory world considers resilient and what those in the marina world consider resilient may not always be aligned. Many of the new regulations being rolled out on resiliency are looking overly cumbersome and often unrealistic.
Rising costs
Turning to the rising costs of boating, we still urge and are hopeful that boat manufacturers will introduce more meaningful ways of lowering the costs for entry level boaters. While high-end boats are continuing to sell strongly, the backbone of the industry is also in numbers and bringing more people into boating. Having more affordable entry level boats is just one way to accomplish this.
The automobile industry has seen major gains in undertaking this approach that do not stop the dealers from trying to upsell perspective buyers’ interest towards
buyer looking, is important to the future of both manufacturers and marinas.
Manufacturers also need to do a better job in quality control, as well as using interchangeable parts, which lowers the likelihood and frequency of repairs and the cost of parts needed for service. Nothing turns off a boater faster than something going wrong with their boat and not being able to use it when they want to.
Of course, nothing turns on a boater faster than a bit of smooth sailing or fishing, or waterskiing, etc. When marina-owners are tuned into their customers and really help make that happen, just about everyone ends up happy!
more expensive models. Tempting the boater into the showroom or, more importantly, staying on the internet page and keeping the perspective
*DanNatchez,CMP,isPresidentof Daniel S.Natchez and Associates Inc,aninternationalenvironmental waterfrontdesignconsulting companyspecialisinginthedesign of marinas and marina resorts throughouttheworld.Hecanbe contactedonTel:+19146985678, byWhatsAppat+19143811234,by E-mail:dan.n@dsnainc.comoronhis Website: www.dsnainc.com
Planter boxes with free herbs for patrons.
Cooking dinner aboard a boat on dry land.
Guide to Suppliers and Directory 2025
The December issue of Marina Industry will include our annual Guide, which features a number of our regular advertisers and includes a more comprehensive directory of suppliers, together with their websites, under sections relevant to operators seeking to improve their marinas and enhance the services they o er.
Deadline: 2 December
Marina Cape Helios, The Netherlands
Just a 15-minute walk from the centre of the historic walled town of Hellevoetsluis, Marina Cape Helios is situated on the Haringvliet river, which provides direct access to the North Sea and the South-West Netherlands Delta. Known as the sunniest marina in the country, this premier marina is part of the Port Adhoc Group, which owns and operates 11 sites, seven of which are in France and four in The Netherlands.
The 300 berths at Marina Cape Helios are surrounded by the charming vacation village of Roompot. Thanks to the friendly atmosphere of this historic South Holland town and the hospitality of Marina Manager Kees Broere (pictured below), visitors are immediately made to feel welcome in Hellevoestluis.
This Blue Flag marina is dedicated to small craft, as well as yachts of up to 40 metres. Its top-of-the-range pontoons equipped with finger piers up to 24 metres long are supplied with electricity and water. There are modern toilet and laundry facilities on shore and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility. Out of the sailing season, boats can over-Winter in covered berths. Children are catered for with an on-site playground and there is an adjacent sandy beach.
A former military port, Hellevoetsluis still boasts a rich maritime history, which is reflected in its architecture, monuments and several museum ships. The town offers a wide range of restaurants, and bars, as well as cultural activities, and there are festivals several times a year. These include the Whitsun Sails, the World Predator Classic, the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta, the ‘Voorne aan Zee’ music festival and ‘Vestingdagen’ Fortress Days in August. There is also a cinema, a supermarket and other retail outlets.
Marina Cape Helios is only 15 minutes’ drive from the vibrant night life of Rotterdam and is an ideal departure point for cruises in the North Sea or the Dutch province of Zeeland.
Marina Cape Helios havenkantoor@marina-cape-helios.nl www.port-adhoc.com/en/marina-cape-helios
Innovative pile ring
On a quest for cleaner piles without the barnacle build-up that has caused so many maintenance headaches over the years, Marine Structures (previously known as Superior Jetties), recently launched its Superior Pile Ring (SPR).
The innovative SPR is rotomoulded in Queensland from partially recycled polyethylene sourced in Australia, an internal urethane filler makes the units sink-resistant and a UV additive prevents the premature breakdown of the materials. The two-piece structure allows for
simple retrofitting to existing cleaned piles without removing pile brackets.
Complete with ‘shark teeth’ technology, the SPR gently removes spat and growth from new or recently cleaned piles, simply by the movement of water on the floating ring.
Available in four sizes, the largest is designed for massive 800 mm piles installed to support berthing facilities for superyachts.
Marine Structures info@marinestructures.com.au www.marinestructures.com.au
Updated version of Pacsoft
An update to Pacsoft has been released to make searching for records easier and batch processing of payments simpler for marina and boatyard administrators. Pacsoft version 7.11 introduces a time-saving ‘date range’ search filter for customer, vessels and all other records based on either the current date or a recent time period.
The ‘current records’ filter brings up berth rentals, vessels or other records that are active in the marina at the time you do your search, while the ‘recent records’ filter shows all records that have been or will be active within a set number of days (the default setting is seven days).
The batch processing enhancements also help to make the PacsoftNG experience plain sailing by ensuring credit card batch processing runs in the background. This allows personnel to continue using the system while the processing takes place, alerting them when the job is done.
These upgrades build on other improvements introduced recently, including the ability to automate sending of monthly account statements to customers and the introduction of audit logs, which detail all changes to key records made by users on a PacsoftNG account.
PacsoftMMS
sean@pacsoftmms.com
www.pacsoftmms.com
New service facility in Palma de Majorca
Tijssen Elektro, part of the Alewijnse Group, is opening a dedicated service facility in Palma de Mallorca, which will enable sailing yachts of all sizes to benefit from the company’s unique expertise in navigation and communication systems. This fulfils a long-standing goal of opening a third service and refit site in the Mediterranean, alongside its existing facilities in Barcelona, Spain, and La Ciotat, France. With this strategic move, the electrical system integrator can now provide even better and faster electrical services to all types of motor and sailing yachts in the area.
“Palma de Mallorca is the best place to provide services to large yachts, particularly sailing yachts, in the Mediterranean region,” explained Robert Brugman. “With its strategic location off the Spanish coast, there is constant demand for servicing and refits on sailing and motor yachts, with peaks in the Spring and Autumn. After the Monaco Yacht Show, which takes place in late September, many
yachts choose to berth in Palma de Mallorca. There they can either finalise preparations before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean or stay there for the Winter for maintenance or larger refits. Then, in the Spring, this trend goes into reverse.
“With so many owners and management companies present in Palma, having our own facility there gives us a great advantage, not least because many yachtowners prefer to return to the original suppliers involved in the build. Sailing yachts, in particular, are equipped with a great deal of specific navigation and communication equipment necessary for sailing and participating in races, and Tijssen Elektro has particular expertise in supplying, installing and integrating these types of systems.”
With the arrival of Ronald Bunders in Palma, Tijssen Elektro has added an extra touch to its unique service in the field of navigation and communication equipment. After a period with Tijssen’s partner,
A+T Instruments, where he made a significant contribution to product development, technical support and training, Ronald Bunders has returned to his earlier career as a navcom designer and installer. With 27 years of unrivalled experience
and having lived in Palma for six years, he is the ideal person to set up this new office for Tijssen and Alewijnse. Alewijnse Netherlands BV info@alewijnse.com www.alewijnse.com
Yachts moored in Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands.
Robert Brugman (left) and Ronald Bunders.
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand specialises in the design, production and supply of equipment for use in boatyards and to store and transport leisure craft in marinas.
It offers a high quality range of cradles, boat stands, safety steps, work platforms dry stack storage racks and fixed and mobile booths for painting and other maintenance tasks. Versatile boat trailers, both self-propelled and towable, are also available.
Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand, Via Pino Pascali 28, 70010 Valenzano BA, Italy. Tel: +39 393 5493586 E-mail: navaltecnosudboatstand@gmail.com
BOATYARD OPERATIONS
Range of electric transporters
An innovation from Roodberg in electric transport, the Power Cradle Transporter/ Power Ship Mover is not only environmentally-friendly, with no exhaust gas emissions and therefore no pollution, it is extremely efficient and complies with current laws and regulations.
The remote control and all-wheel steering allows easy and precise
MB92 expands operations in France
A global leader in superyacht refit, MB92 La Ciotat,is pleased to announce its takeover of operations at the Golfe-Juan shipyard in the South of France. The new facility, spanning 9,000 sq m and capable of servicing yachts up to 45 metres, marks a significant strategic step for MB92 Group in expanding its presence in key yachting hubs around the world.
The Group is working closely with the concession-holder, D-Marin, who has entrusted it with operating the site, as well as the existing shipyard team, which will remain to ensure a smooth transition and prepare the facility for its upcoming role within MB92’s growing operations.
This will involve upgrading health, safety and environmental protocols, alongside significant investments in modernising the shipyard to align its operations with the group’s ESG commitments, particularly regarding water treatment, waste management and energy efficiency.
These improvements aim to transform the facility into an environmentally-friendly and innovative operation that meets the needs of the yachting industry and the expectations of the local community.
MB92 Group info-barcelona@mb92.com www.mb92.com
manoeuvring that enables the operator to place the boat in the required position. It is also fast, safe and durable.
The transporters have a U-shaped, high-quality and low-maintenance
construction, and can be supplied in a range of sizes, with capacities of 25, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 tonnes Roodberg sales@roodberg.com www.roodberg.com
Stainless steel cleaner
Deox & Fit is an innovation developed by Nitty-Gritty for the deoxidation and re-passivation of stainless steel.
Designed for those who need to work on nonremovable pieces, Deox & Fit is easy to use: first, rub the Deox wipe on the stainless steel parts to be treated (in a few seconds, oxydation on the stainless steel surface will disappear); then, spray with Fit, which neutralises the surface and protects it from future corrosion; finally, remove with a dry cloth.
These three quick steps make the treated surface shine, without oxidation, keeping it well-protected and as good as new. The procedure is fast, safe and totally eco-friendly. Nitty-Gritty Srl info@nitty-gritty.it www.nitty-gritty.it
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
New for 2025: The Seawork Awards
The European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMAs) will from now on be known as The Seawork Awards to better align with the Exhibition’s brand, which takes place in Southampton from 10-12 June, next year.
The Seawork Awards will continue to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, vessels and equipment that are making significant contributions to the commercial marine industry. They will continue to be a great
branding opportunity for potential sponsors and a fine way to join with colleagues at the end of the event’s first day.
The Seawork Awards are promoted via the Seawork and Maritime Journal media channels, online, social media and via regular press releases. The event is held on site in the Waterfront Restaurant, sponsored by Siemens financial services, and will be branded for the sponsor of the awards ceremony evening.
The Seawork Awards evening attracts award-winners, VIPs and exhibitors, and is an important networking event.
Seawork info@seawork.com www.seawork.com
Economic and social impact of SIBS
The Boating Industry Association of Australia is finalising an economic and social impact report for the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show.
This work will update the independent report into the 2023 Show, which revealed the event
Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Ltd
had a $345 million impact on the economy and created 980 jobs.
Significantly, last year’s report highlighted the social impact demonstrated when 85% of attendees surveyed either strongly agreed or agreed that the event helped to promote and educate
Index to Advertisers
boating as a social and/or family activity. While 75% believed it helped to promote participation in boating to people of all ages, genders, abilities and budgets.
Boating Industry Association info@bia.org.au www.bia.org.au
Tecno Sud Boat Stand
Diary of events
Please check websites for up-to-date information before booking hotels or confirming travel plans.
METSTRADE
Amsterdam, The Netherlands 19-21 November, 2024 www.metstrade.com
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
ADNEC Marina, Abu Dhabi 21-24 November, 2024 www.adibs.ae
Thailand International Boat Show
Phuket, Thailand 9-12 January, 2025 www.thailandinternational boatshow.com
Boot Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, Germany 18-26 January, 2025 www.boot.de
Miami International Boat Show
Miami, Florida, USA 18-26 February, 2025 www.miamiboatshow.com
Korea International Boat Show Ara Marina, Gimpo, South Korea 28 February-2 March, 2025 www.kibs.com
Auckland Boat Show Auckland, New Zealand 6-9 March, 2025 www.auckland-boatshow.com
China (Shanghai)
International Boat Show Shanghai, China 30 March-2 April, 2025 www.boatshowchina.com
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Queensland, Australia 22-25 May, 2025 www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
Seawork
Southampton, England 10-12 June, 2025 www.seawork.com
ICOMIA World Marinas Conference Venice, Italy 15-17 October, 2025 www.worldmarinas conferencevenice.com
