Marina Industry February 2024

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.

EDITOR’S COMMENT

There is no doubt that the world of 2024 is beset by much uncertainty and it is hard to envisage how the many conflicts now raging will be resolved, but the marina industry appears to be carrying on much as usual. Perhaps this is because, more than ever, boat-owners need to escape by taking to the water where they can hear the sound of waves on the hull and feel the wind in their face.

Embracing risk and uncertainty, they embarked on a policy of innovation through the launch of the PSA Prime Concierge service for high-end clients and pursued new collaborative opportunities, propelling their business forward.

Paul Barrett

Hartswood Media

8 Lindsey Close, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4PN, United Kingdom

Tel: 44 (0)1277 211691 paulbarrett@hartswoodmedia.com

As it has before, the world will eventually come to its senses and meanwhile it is important to recognise that individually we can all strive to overcome the problems of the day. A recent example has to be PSA Prime Marine, founded by Pete and Su Stirling, whose resilience and innovation made possible their remarkable journey from adversity to triumph against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They established PSA Prime Marine, a venture aimed at redefining the yachting industry, and despite initial scepticism and discouragement, Pete and Su forged ahead, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to earn recognition and acclaim in the industry.

From strategic planning sessions to investment in professional development and networking, they laid a robust foundation for PSA Prime Marine’s success.

The company’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has earned them widespread acclaim and its debut at the South Coast and Green Tech Boat Show attracted significant attention, culminating in a runner-up position in the Green Tech Award category.

Driven by a passion for innovation and service excellence, PSA Prime Marine continues to expand its offerings, providing clients with a comprehensive ‘one-stop solution’ for yacht maintenance and service. With a focus on exceeding client expectations and delivering unparalleled results, Pete and Su are poised to revolutionise the yachting experience for enthusiasts worldwide. More information about the company’s services can be obtained from www.psaprimemarine. com

As PSA’s website rightly points out on its home page: “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a boat and that’s pretty much the same thing”.

David Young

David Young

Young Editorial Services

Tel: +44 (0)1737 551687

Anthony

Tel: +44 (0)1460 261011 Mob: 07851 612799

Brown

Front cover: Situated within Malta’s Grand Harbour, Kalkara Marina offers a range of services and facilities for boaters. The marina’s staff take great pride in providing guests such as boatowner Martin Bugelli, who took the picture, with the highest levels of professional service and hospitality (see page 18).

Dubai marina acquired by OMNIYAT

The 157-berth D-Marin

Business Bay Marina in Dubai was acquired by OMNIYAT, in September, last year, and the company has now confirmed that it has chosen D-Marin to continue its outstanding management and operations within the marina.

OMNIYAT is one of the most visionary privately-held real estate development groups in the Gulf, specialising in creating immersive living experiences that redefine the concept of luxury. It aims to create a distinctive, high-concept lifestyle destination, which is poised to become a feature within Dubai’s skyline.

What remains consistent at Business Bay Marina is D-Marin’s unwavering commitment to delivering a premium marina experience. All marina customers will continue to benefit from first-class

customer service, unmatched in the sector. Very soon berth-holders can also enjoy a range of D-Marin’s digital innovations, which makes time at a marina effortless and enjoyable. This includes D-Marin – Premium Marinas app, which allows customers

to book berths in real-time, make payments and complete check-in procedures remotely, as well as ‘smart pedestals’ to fully digitalise the customer journey regarding energy consumption, digital payment, remote metering and control.

Annual berth-holders at Business Bay Marina also benefit from the ‘Happy Berth Days’ initiative, offering up to 15 days of complimentary berthing at D-Marin Dubai marina and seven days at any D-Marin marina globally.

Asia’s first carbon-neutral marina

On 10 January, Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) proudly declared its distinction as Asia’s inaugural carbon-neutral marina. This significant achievement built upon its previous commitment to a carbonneutral mixed-use development. By attaining this status, RPM not only reinforced its position as a leader in sustainable development, but also set a pioneering benchmark for environmentally-responsible boating practices throughout Asia.

Situated at the gateway to Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea, RPM is a haven of waterfront living, offering an array of spacious residences – from apartments and penthouses to villas and aquaminiums – complete with moorings. The marina’s offerings extend beyond residences, encompassing a well-equipped hard standing area, covered dry-stack facilities and opulent amenities. With an illustrious history spanning more than 20 years, RPM stands as an eminent standard-bearer in the marina industry, consistently aligning itself with global best practices. Its

commitment to excellence is evident in service delivery, operational efficiency, state-of-the-art facilities, stringent health and safety measures, and a steadfast dedication to sustainability.

Since 2016, RPM has embraced solar energy, with solar panels now supplying 40% of its daily energy consumption. Pioneering the frontiers of sustainable development, RPM serves as an inspirational force

encouraging others to embrace eco-friendly practices. The marina’s unwavering commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with a broader dedication to not only meeting, but exceeding Thailand’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies and international environmental goals. RPM contributes to creating a more environmentally-conscious and responsible industry landscape,

fostering enduring positive relationships with current and potential residents, investors and the wider community. This commitment aims to elevate Thailand’s standing as a leader in sustainable travel, capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable destinations and establish a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the tourism sectors, both in Thailand and across Asia.

Ocean Marina Jomtien wins award

Pioneering the marine lifestyle in the Gulf of Thailand for more than 30 years, Ocean Marina Jomtien, located on Thailand’s East Coast, was recently recognised with the ‘Best Marina Berth Facilities in Thailand’ award at the prestigious Robb Report Thailand Best Of The Best Yachting Awards.

Known for its world-class facilities, Ocean Marina Jomtien’s development and expansion over the past decade has been in part due to catering for a growing number of visiting yachts that wish to explore the stunning cruising grounds of the Gulf of Thailand.

The marina also identified the rapid growth of Thai boat ownership early on and aligned its expansion to meet these demands. Today, it has become the marina of choice for Thai boat-owners on Thailand’s Eastern seaboard.

“It’s an honour to receive this prestigious award for Ocean Marina Jomtien. This award is recognition for all the hard work of the marina team and their ongoing innovation and service to our customers.

Launched in 1989, Ocean Marina Jomtien is a key economic driver of Thailand’s marine industry and

remains a leader in marine services and facilities, catering for yachts of all sizes and owners and crews from around the world,” said Napong Paripontpochanapisuti, Managing Director of Ocean Property Co. Ltd.

Starting in 2012, Ocean Marina Jomtien implemented a strategic development programme of its berthing facilities, which included the replacement of berths, upgrades to power infrastructure and water supply, as well as increasing the number of berths. From a capacity

of 200 berths in 2011, the marina has added 255 more berths making it the largest marina in South-East Asia today with a total of 455 wet berths, 100 trailer boat berths and hard standing capacity for 30 craft.

“Our primary focus at Ocean Marina Jomtien is to provide the best facilities for our customers and the highest standard of service. We have invested considerably in the marina’s facilities and expansion over the last decade, which has been well-received by local and

international visiting yachts,” added Scott Finsten, Harbour.

“In addition to visiting international yachts, over the past decade we have seen an exponential increase in Thais, who are buying boats, enjoying the marine lifestyle and basing themselves at Ocean Marina Jomtien, and we’ve also seen a steady increase in superyachts visiting the area – in fact, 2023 was our biggest year yet welcoming a record number of superyachts to Ocean Marina Jomtien.”

MDL invests £7 million in Torquay Marina

Following its 50th anniversary in 2023, MDL Marinas has confirmed it will be investing £7 million across its network of UK marinas, with £1.3 million being allocated for significant upgrades to its Torquay Marina in Devon, UK.

“It’s essential for us to continue to invest in our infrastructure (dredging, pontoons, quay walls and berth-holder facilities) because the quality of customers’ experience is important to us,” said Michael Glanville, Managing Director of MDL Marinas.

The proposed investment will see two of the Devon-based marina’s largest pontoons being upgraded, as well as installation of a new visitors’ pontoon to support the popularity of the marina as

a holiday destination for visiting yacht and motorboat owners.

Works will include replacing the majority of the main walkway, as well as replacing sections and

accommodate boats up to 17.6 m.

MDL Marinas is also adding a brand-new visitors’ pontoon in order to welcome more visitors and host more events. Alongside the pontoon works, it will be renovating the facilities block, which will include a full refresh and new boiler installation.

Other works undertaken in recent months include a brand-new recycling compound, introducing general waste and recycling bins in line with MDL’s green strategy, as well as laying a waterproof membrane and resurfacing works on the car park.

The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March ready for the start of the new boating season.

re-piling A Pontoon to widen the basins, replacing sections and finger piers on the majority of B Pontoon, and re-piling for larger berths, which will be able to

Flanked by members of the Ocean Marina Jomtien team are Napong Paripontpochanapisuti and Scott Finsten.

New portable toilet system at Windsor marina

Recently installed at Racecourse Marina Windsor (one of Tingdene’s facilities) is a new portable toilet waste disposal system designed and supplied by Warwickshire-based marine sanitation and pump-put specialist LeeSan.

It is comprised of a custom-built HDPE structure, which houses a stainless steel hopper mounted above and discharging into a surfacemounted holding tank. The unit also includes flushing and rinsing facilities. Access is by a couple of steps, which raise the user to the appropriate height above the holding tank. Waste is removed by tanker as required depending on the frequency

Fishing in marinas surveyed

The Boating Industry Association of Australia was asked to run a survey about fishing in and around marinas in Queensland. The survey was sparked by concerns related to a range of safety and security issues and the opportunity to raise the matter where appropriate in government advocacy work.

The survey had more than ten questions, with a simple request to indicate the level of concern.

The most serious concerns were: mess left on jetties from fishing and casting nets; nets, lures and sinkers being cast at boats; fishing lines entangling prop drives; and the risk of thieves casing vessels for theft.

Other concerns identified in the representative sample related to: fishers in boats getting in the way of marina operations and customers manoeuvring in tight quarters; and boat-based fishers obstructing fairways and channels.

of use and tank capacity, but typically about once per month.

Being surface-mounted, this installation requires almost no ground works, other than a small amount of

site levelling and, because it is fully self-contained, can be re-located to a different part of the site if required.

Over many years, LeeSan has developed systems for the disposal

of grey and black water, and the company’s pump-out stations featuring ‘hands free’ probes and matching deck fittings can now be found worldwide.

Florida facility rebuilt after Hurricane Ian Premier Marinas buys dry stack facility

Taking the lives of over 150 people and causing over $112 billion in damage, Hurricane Ian hit the Fort Myers Beach, Florida, area with massive destructive power. Directly in the path of the storm’s full force was Snook Bight Marina, a Suntex property located on Estero Bay. Today, the world-class marina is rebuilding with a state-of-the-art Golden Marine Systems floating aluminum dock array.

The storm completely tore away all of Snook Bight Marina’s floating berths, fuel dock and piles. Making matters worse, the 4.6 m surge left 2.4 m of water in the marina office, store and storage barn, where it destroyed the company’s forklifts.

Suntex put the reconstruction project

out for bid and chose Golden Marine Systems with Panama City, Floridabased RJ Gorman Marine Construction as the contractor. Fabrication of the replacement Golden 850 Series Aluminum Dock sections then began at Golden’s ISO 9001:2015-certified Fort Myers production facility.

The 850 Series is manufactured using only premium marine-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. Integrated E-Tracks allow the 30 cm cleats to slide fore and aft to accommodate individual vessels. The array at Snook Bight Marina is comprised of a 73 m centre walkway with two 2.4 m wide x 221 m long cross sections, each with 11 1.2 m wide finger piers. Smaller docks close to shore are ideal for day use.

All are covered in fade and slipresistant Endeck composite decking.

The purchase of the Trafalgar Wharf site in Portsmouth Harbour, which includes an indoor dry stack boat storage facility and the Trafalgar Shipyard, has now been completed by Premier Marinas. It has been confirmed that operations will continue as normal, with the team being retained and transferred to Premier Marinas as part of the sale agreement.

This acquisition marks a new chapter for these substantial marine facilities and complements Premier’s existing portfolio of ten

marina and boatyard sites across the South Coast of England.

The site has evolved over the years to now encompass Europe’s largest indoor dry stack boat storage facility for over 300 small boats and a significant commercial shipyard providing bespoke refit and maintenance programmes for commercial vessels and private yachts.

The wider Trafalgar Wharf site has also become a hub for a wide range of marine and non-marine businesses and will now be known as Premier Trafalgar Wharf.

D-Marin expands in Italy

Two marinas in Liguria have joined D-Marin, bringing the total number in the group’s selection of premier marinas in Italy to five. Marina degli Aregai and Marina di San Lorenzo expand D-Marin’s total portfolio to 26 marinas across the Mediterranean and Gulf regions. It is the first step in what is planned to be an ambitious year of expansion for D-Marin.

Oliver Dörschuck, D-Marin’s CEO, said: “Our selection of marinas is

significantly enhanced with the addition of Marina degli Aregai and Marina di San Lorenzo, nestled in one of the finest yachting destinations on the Ligurian coastline. We look forward to further developing these marinas and offering our customers two more ports of call on their Mediterranean adventures”.

These new marinas were carefully selected by D-Marin to fit with its mission to provide an enriched yachting

experience to its customers. The marinas are located on the Riviera dei Fiori, a 58 km stretch of stunning coastline steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Marina degli Aregai is one of the largest marinas in the Liguria region with 961 berths accommodating yachts up to 50 metres. The marina offers 24-hour mooring assistance, and a boatyard, as well as a vibrant shopping complex with over 20 shops and

restaurants and a hotel.

Marina di San Lorenzo is a premium marina with 268 berths for boats up to 40 metres. Its most recent investments include the introduction of superyacht berths. The marina also offers hotel amenities with a spa and private beach.

D-Marin will further enhance the marinas with its customer-centric management approach and digital innovations, delivering a premium service.

Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure project

The world’s first green hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for recreational boating has been developed by NatPower H, part of the NatPower group, which already supplies 25 Italian marinas and ports where the stations, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will be built. The project, set to open its first station this Summer, is worth 100 million Euros.

NatPower H aims to build a total of 100 refuelling stations over the next six years, as well as exporting the model to other areas beyond the Mediterranean Sea. In response to the demand for straightforward, ecologically responsible, innovative and low-tech facilities, these stations can be strategically situated at various locations along the Mediterranean coasts, respecting the unique cultural heritage of each place.

Electric marine industry platform grows fast

Since its launch in September, 2023, the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has swiftly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, bringing together an impressive 40+ members from across the globe. This diverse membership comprises industry leaders, including renowned boat builders such as X Shore, Mobyfly, and Tyde, infrastructure specialists Aqua superPower and Kempower, marine certification agency HPiVS, electric inboard and outboard motors producerer Evoy, drivetrain manufacturer Vita Power and battery technology expert Kreisel.

Founded in the USA, IEMA’s international reach extends across Europe to Asia and the South Pacific region, solidifying its status as the premier worldwide platform for the electric marine industry. To join the Association, visit www.iema.org/become-a-member and become a catalyst for change.

Falco’s smart marina technology for Hamble Point

Following the successful pilot programme at its Queen Anne’s Battery marina in Plymouth, MDL has announced the second phase of its visitor berthing initiative, with the smart marina wireless technology being deployed at its popular, 230-berth Hamble Point Marina at the mouth of the River Hamble, ensuring more efficient marina operations for an enhanced customer experience.

As part of its digital transformation, MDL Marinas has partnered with innovative marine digitalisation firm Falco and its marina management software provider Havenstar with a view to adopting the smart marina technology across its network of marinas.

Since 1963 Walcon has proven itself to be a worldwide leader in the design, construction and installation of marinas and berthing facilities, with renowned quality and first class service.

SF rebuilds marina on Swedish Riviera

Often called the Swedish Riviera, Skanör is known for its sandy beaches, rows of colourful beach huts and extensive boating opportunities. Due to its Southerly position, the locality is the mildest in Sweden, with Winter lows rarely generating frosts. Located just below the city of Malmö on the extreme South-Western tip of the country, local marina Skanörs Hamn needed to reconfigure with something that would both increase its capacity and tame the rolling seas generated by the occasional 21 mph Northerly breeze. It chose to rebuild with a state-ofthe-art floating concrete dock array from world-renowned expert SF Marina.

Prior to the reconstruction, Skanörs Hamn had two main piers with Mediterranean-style mooring and space for additional boats along the harbour basin wall. The docking process was overly burdensome to boat owners, especially for those with outboard

engines, who found it challenging to safely board and disembark from their vessels.

The new Skanörs Hamn configuration is comprised of four main jetties. One jetty 50 metres

long x 3.25 metres wide uses SF1230 floating concrete pontoons. The remaining are series SF1030 pontoons: 50, 52 and 55 metres long x 3.25 metres wide. The company responsible for installing

these units, SF Pontona Sweden AB, added finger docks and Y-boom fingers with floats to accommodate approximately 120 boats. The pontoons are secured with 200 mm and 400 mm piles.

Skanörs Hamn’s new configuration is comprised of four main jetties.

Skanör is known for its colourful beach huts.

SF Marina floating steel-reinforced concrete pontoons are virtually unsinkable and have a low centre of gravity, making the docks extremely stable. A unique connection system allows the individual pontoons to reduce the effect of loads generated by wave action or impacts from heavy vessels. The pontoons include integrated utility ducts for power and water.

In addition to the main dock array, SF Pontona Sweden AB also delivered and installed a dinghy dock on the quay adjacent to the launch ramp. It also removed the chain and concrete block anchoring system of a smaller dock it had added several years ago and replaced it with piles.

Just 19 km from Malmö and 22 km from Denmark, Skanörs Hamn

As the sun sets, the pontoons are dramatically illuminated, helping guide craft to their moorings.

offers recreational boat- owners access to the scenic Øresund strait and neighbouring natural areas. A

short walk to town provides easy access to shops, restaurants and historic sites.

Watersports specific pontoon installed by ICMS

Working closely with multiple stakeholders, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems has manufactured and installed a multi-purpose water access system on the banks of the River Tawe in Swansea, South Wales.

Fabricated from high quality steel and linked to the quayside by a bespoke bridgehead platform and footbridge, the mixed-use floating pontoon and gangway have been developed to help deliver a range of economic benefits to regenerate the area and encourage tourism, as well as create jobs locally.

“The Tawe was at the heart of Swansea life for many years; it will be again in future as we breathe more life into the river corridor for the benefit of local people and visitors,” said Robert FrancisDavies, a cabinet member of Swansea Council.

“Our new river pontoons will help bring more people to attractions like the Hafod Morfa Copperworks. Already, Penderyn has recently opened an operational distillery

SF Marina info@sfmarina.com www.sfmarina.com

and visitor centre there. The pontoons form part of a wider project that’ll celebrate Swansea’s rich history, create jobs for local people and open up innovative new spaces for local businesses.”

Fitted to the historic quay wall with special fixings to retain the character and features of the quay, the dual-level pontoon features ICMS’ unique solid glass reinforced concrete (GRC) and glass reinforced

plastic (GRP) watersports decking options. These, coupled with energy-efficient LED lighting, offer year-round, non-slip access to the water for the many river-based user groups, including Copper Jack cruises, the City of Swansea Rowing Club and Swansea University Rowing Club.

The low freeboard section of the installation brings the deck to within just 150 mm of the river

level. This watersports specific pontoon comes with inbuilt, high residual buoyancy, enabling easy access to the water for racing rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards, while maintaining a stable platform for participants waiting to get out on the water.

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Ltd sales@inlandandcoastal.com www.inlandandcoastal.com

Safe boat access all year with Dura

Established in 1996, UKbased Dura Composites has developed its range of composite products to offer durable and cost-effective alternatives to wood, steel and concrete for the marina industry. It now leads the field, having won two of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise to reward its commitment to innovation and problem solving.

The company’s years of experience in supplying composites to marinas helped it develop a deep understanding of the performance of fibreglass (GRP) and its capabilities where exposure to salt water and harsh weather conditions can accelerate corrosion in traditional materials. Its unique d² product range has an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a lightweight yet durable material which has advantages when constructing structures such as pontoons, gangways, jetties and walkways, where the weight of the structure is a critical factor.

Its durable GRP decking, a robust alternative to traditional wooden marina decking, offers exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals. This not only safeguards walkways in marinas, harbours

and docks against chemical deterioration, but also significantly enhances their overall longevity.

Safe and durable

With several walkway products specifically designed for marinas such as Dura’s newest 30 mm Mini Mesh and 23 mm Micro Mesh, its products stand out with an anti-slip surface that excels in wet, oily and freezing conditions. With slips and trips the number one hazard for marina environments, the use of GRP ensures a consistently safe and durable walkway throughout the year, surpassing the performance of conventional anti-slip paint and traditional wooden or metallic walkways. Lightweight and quick to install, its walkway panels also provide safe access to vessels in dry dock for maintenance and cleaning.

Moreover, GRP material is nonconductive, effectively preventing the flow of electricity. This characteristic is of particular benefit to moorings equipped with a 16 amp electricity supply, enhancing the safety of berth-holders and visitors to the marina.

Fixed composite jetties

Inland marinas are increasingly switching to more durable

and environmentally-friendly materials for bearers, such as GRP solutions made from d² Dura Profile structural beams, which offer improved longevity and performance in the challenging marine environment. When matched with a walking surface such as d² Glass Reinforced Polymer grating, a durable, highperformance system that will stand the test of time is easy to install.

Key Benefits of Dura fixed composite jetty system include: durable alternative to current timber bearers in common usage; outperforms lifespan of timber by

five times thanks to anticipated 60-year design life versus timber at ten years; closed-cell construction resists water ingress; lightweight and easier to install using less staff and machinery; simple to machine and drill on-site; and customised colours available for volume orders.

The company also supplies coastal and inland marinas with a range of complementary products such as stair treads, safety ladders, fenders and duct covers.

Dura Composites Ltd info@duracomposites.com www.duracomposites.com

This unique mooring location at Shepperton Marina features Dura decking on Walcon pontoons.

Barton Marina on the Trent & Mersey Canal has adopted d² Glass Reinforced Polymer grating.

Dura products are used for the safety of visitors to Gloucester Docks, the most inland port in the UK.

“The majority of yachtsmen say that it is one of the best pontoons they’ve ever moored on. Stable, non-slip and a high freeboard so they do not have to jump from their yachts on to the pontoon.”

Scott Ferguson, Harbour Master, Berwick

EV adoption in the marina industry

Marinas have been provided with an expanding range of pedestals by Rolec Services to ensure a reliable supply of electric power to leisure craft at their moorings for over 30 years, but did you know that the company has another way to electrify the coastal and inland facilities used by berth-holders and visitors?

Emissions have been the biggest discussion point over the last ten years. We are seeing more investments in renewable energy, over 800,000 people are now driving electric cars and a larger conversation is opening up about how much waste we produce as a nation.

As the UK prepares for a netzero future, demand for greener modes of transport and charging infrastructure increases. The transition to fully electric vehicles is imminent, which means that EV remains one of the largest green tech industries, with the most potential for growth over the next decade. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, the number of electric cars on the road globally surpassed ten million

in 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This trend is expected to continue as more manufacturers invest in electric vehicle technology. In addition, zero-emission transport is not purely a car issue; if we expand our perspective to include other forms of transport, you might be surprised to find out that the most significant thing that we can do to reduce our

individual environmental footprint is to stop flying. Travelling abroad is responsible for around 1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions globally each year, which is more than the emissions produced by entire countries, making it the next on the chopping block for environmentallyconscious people.

With this in mind, the marina industry has the potential to

become the saving grace for the British boating community looking to get away from it all without sacrificing the planet in the process.

Charging option

The infrastructure needed to support the transition to fully electric is not currently meeting demand. Identified

Quantum 4way charging pedestal at marina car park.

as the main concerns for EV drivers in Zenith’s EVXperience report, include anxiety and the struggle of finding somewhere to charge-up on journeys, both of which stand as a roadblock to enjoying an EV staycation. Having the option of charging at your destination, for many, will make the difference between a relaxing family vacation and a weekend spent trawling the countryside to find a chargepoint.

This is why it’s no surprise that, according to new research by the Department for Transport (DfT), almost half (47%) of the available public charging network, or 19,044 chargepoints, can be found in destination locations. By adding charging to your list of facilities, EV drivers will have the security of knowing that they won’t have to plan their trip around charging, which will encourage them to favour your marina for their next shortbreak or Summer holiday.

Marinas on the EV map

Did you know that 90% of EV drivers will seek out destinations that have chargepoints over those that do not? Put your marina on the EV map and attract new guests by providing convenient charging.

One thing you might not have considered is how many EV drivers will travel that bit further in search of charging. If you know your area is lacking public charging infrastructure, which we’ve already discussed that most are, offering chargepoints increases the likelihood that EV owners will choose your marina over others than don’t offer charging. Depending on your location, EV chargepoints can be offered to guests for the duration of their stay, as well as offering accessible chargepoints for motorists passing through your area. Make your chargepoints visible on charging apps like ZapMap and attract drivers to your marina to charge on their way to another destination.

Vehicle downtime, although a source of irritation for EV drivers, opens possibilities for you as a business to provide additional facilities to cater to this particular clientele. A café, mini golf or even just a vending machine will be appreciated by families looking to pass the time as their car gets topped up. These and other services can have the potential to become additional revenue streams

for your business.

Even so, if you look at energy prices in the UK currently, the thought of giving away more electricity to visitors might seem like a daunting proposition.

However, with the right back-office software, your chargepoints can pay for themselves over time. Charging tariffs can now be completely customised, so you can segment pricing for different groups, like staff and public, tariffs can be raised during peak hours and you can even reserve chargepoints for certain visitors at certain times. This means you can guarantee your visitors will have charging available to them.

Available funding

Thanks to their strategic partnership with Wattif, Rolec are in the unique position of being able to offer fullyfunded, part-funded and subscription options to you, meaning you can install EV charging infrastructure with less risk to your business.

Wattif’s 100% fully-funded turn-key solution covers the cost of chargepoint installation, purchase, maintenance, and software. This will enable you

to install charging infrastructure without any risk of investment for the business. Alternatively, you can take advantage of a 50% partially funded option. If you opt for this alternative, Wattif will take responsibility for the cost of installing, maintaining and operating your chargepoint, but the initial upfront cost will be shared between the two. The third, subscription, option provides an all-inclusive EV infrastructure solution without initial costs; Wattif handles everything from setup to site management and you can still access Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OSEV) grants.

Whichever model is chosen, all operating costs are included. Wattif will always operate and maintain the chargepoints, meaning you can spend less time involved in EV chargepoint management and more time with visitors.

Rolec Services Ltd

enquiries@rolecserv.co.uk

www.rolecserv.com

ARoleccasehistorywillbefeatured

AutoCharge intelligent charging pedestal.

Are some marinas their own worst enemy?

By Dan Natchez, CMP*

In 1624, John Dunne famously wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself”. While there are plenty of marinas on islands, and with apologies to Dunne: ‘No marina is an island, entire of itself. Every marina is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe (or the marina/recreational boating industry) is the less”.

I have never quite understood the contrast between the general camaraderie of boaters and the frequently encountered individualism of many, though

certainly not all, marina owners/ operators. It does seem at times that some marinas want to be islands or even walled fortress islands, intent on keeping to themselves and/or, in some cases, warring with other facilities in the area. Unfortunately, neither of these postures tend to benefit the facility and they certainly do not benefit the industry as a whole, which ultimately further hurts the individual facility. Yes, some marinas really can be their own worst enemy.

On the ‘warring’ front, we have seen too many situations where

one marina will actively recruit a key employee or employees from a neighbouring facility. Nothing can brew a feud quite like that. I appreciate that, particularly of late, it can be awfully hard to find the right people with the right skills, but it’s just not worth the long-term consequences. Once a fight breaks out, it’s difficult to put the gloves down.

We have also seen too many situations where one marina is proposing some renovation or expansion, or where a new marina is proposed nearby other marinas,

and instead of supporting the new programs, there are negative reactions from the neighbouring marina(s), whether in the form of behind the scenes whispering, vocal opposition or bringing in the legal team and consultants. Now, if there is a legitimate gripe, such as interfering with your littoral rights, and the proposer is not being reasonable, by all means bring in the cavalry, but too often the opposition is based on a fear of losing customers, cutting into one’s niche, or just not wanting to accept competition or change.

Dan Natchez (far right) addresses the audience at the recent ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Vilamoura, Portugal.

While no one wants to lose customers, there are two types of losses: losing those customers that one might actually welcome their leaving; losing those that one really does not want to lose. When the latter happens, it should act as a wake-up call. Long-term relationships with good clients are the ultimate goal. If they leave, one should stop and think as to what the real reasons were for their leaving. If it is strictly due to pricing, then perhaps that is not the customer you want after all, but if it is due to functionality, service, amenities or other substantive issues, one may want to seriously consider what the issues are and what one might be able to do to solve them.

Support each other

On the ‘keeping to themselves’ front, even if in peaceful coexistence, that just isn’t going to

work for the long-term moving forward and in some ways is why we are where we are on issues such as staffing and regulations. Marinas need to support each other, and the overall industry, because at one time or another, each will need support for proposals to change, improve and/or maintain the facility, to promote boating and/ or the facility, to find solutions to common problems and so on.

There are numerous projects that almost every marina will face – whether it is to add a new building, replace aging docks or infrastructure, reconfigure and expand and/or dredge the facility, all of which will require regulatory approvals from local, state and/ or federal levels. At almost any time, there will be those who will question or oppose the desired project, whether in writing or public hearings. Having support can be very meaningful, educational and informative, especially when coming from a competitor.

In the same vein, there are numerous regulations and for decades I have thought that it could not get any worse for the industry. Unfortunately, the regulations and, worse, the unpromulgated concerns du jour, keep coming down the pike – sometimes in slow motion and sometimes at galloping speeds. One often does not even know about them until one wants to undertake a project and files applications for approval.

The regulatory world is also getting increasingly programmatically oriented, with ‘one size fits all’ approaches. Many of the agencies have well-meaning individuals who want to save the world (not always sure from what), but without any real world experience. I keep saying that every site is site-specific and that generic approaches may not fit the specific site. Unfortunately, there are many in regulatory positions that simply say that the alternative is not to undertake the project. More often than not that is a myopic, disingenuous and regressive attitude and approach.

For many years our Senior Environmental Associate was the former Director of Marine

Resources for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as a founding member of the Environmental Defense Fund. He was continually amazed at how the programs and rules he had helped initiate for NYS were subsequently distorted and reinterpreted into positions he could not recognise or that simply did not make sense.

Most of the regulations have a meaningful thought behind their creation, but the journey from conception to written rules, to actual implementation, can often take unexpected turns. It is something like seeking to create a thoroughbred racehorse and in the process of going through the gauntlet of public review and committee meetings and numerous inputs with weird and way-out scenarios, one ends up with a water buffalo – obviously missing the original objective. Making matters worse is that most if not all of the input is typically from non-industry individuals and organisations.

Be involved

For whatever the reason, the industry as a whole has tended to be disassociated with or just reactive to the process as opposed to being proactive. Every marina owner/management should be involved, at least at the local level, in being part of the process rather than fighting the process. Going to meetings, being on the harbour commission, planning or other review boards, can be a major contribution. Most local boards and regulators know very little

about the specifics of the industry and what is needed to make it successful. Educating them from the inside is meaningful and can yield major benefits.

On one of the many committees that I serve on, in this case advisory on a regional waterway management plan, the ‘dreaded’ topic of dredging periodically comes up. There is no other single word that can ignite emotions faster than ‘dredging’, with reactions such as, “you want to do what with that toxic material!” It took a long time to educate the naysayers on the committee to the realities of the issue. Every time there is a major rain or other storm, the shallow harbour bottom materials get disturbed and the ‘toxic material’ gets redistributed. We swim, fish and boat in these shallow waters, but dare to try to remove those materials – all sorts of alarm bells ring. Relocating them to deep potholes and covering them when needed with clean materials has decades of scientific and site-specific studies to show how environmentally desirable such an approach is, but it is becoming more and more challenging to undertake.

It doesn’t help that agencies have phrases in their laws like ‘dump’ or ‘dredge spoils’ that automatically set the stage for difficulty in trying to manage the removal/relocation of the bottom materials so as to allow for safe navigation of boats.

Where does all of this ‘toxic material’ come from? In actuality,

Roberto Perocchio, President of the Italian Marina Association (ASSOMARINAS), holds forth at the ICOMIA event.

Equipment upgrade at Viking Yachts

Anew Marine Travelift 150CII boat hoist, with a capacity of 150 metric tons, was recently delivered to the North Yard of the Viking Yachts Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, The new unit will replace an older model Marine Travelift and give the Viking team the latest technologies and innovations available. This machine is in addition to a Marine Travelift 150 ton boat hoist and M4200H marina forklift already on site at the South Yard in Riviera Beach.

Viking Yachts has been in the boat manufacturing business since 1964 when the company opened its production facility in New Jersey and adopted the mantra ‘Building a better boat every day’. In 2002,

Viking Yachts added the service location in Riviera Beach as an extension of the production facility. Since the facility in New Jersey utilises multiple Marine Travelift boat hoists and had experience with the machine quality and service, it was a natural choice to also utilise Marine Travelift equipment at the second location.

The main goal at the Florida facility is to “minimise delays in returning the customers’ boats back into service as soon as possible, while maintaining the highest level of quality and customer service,” stated Raymond Connolly, Director of Customer Services for Viking Yachts. In order to service more customers at once in the most efficient manner, the new machine is equipped with wireless

remote control and Marine Travelift’s patented all-wheel electronic steering system. “The remote control and all-wheel steering has enabled us to safely utilise more space at our facility,” said Connolly. He added, “Although the older unit was still fully operational, the updated features on the new 150CII made the decision to update an easy one”.

The All-Wheel Electronic Steering (AWS) option provides five modes of steering, including carousel and crab, which is invaluable when operating in tight spaces and has already proven to be a great asset for the Viking team. Connolly mentioned that “the addition of the machine with AWS has been a game changer, allowing us to manoeuvre better and store more boats in our current footprint”.

The previous machine, having only the standard two-wheel steering, required the need for more space to move it around, which meant less space for customers.

The wireless remote control allows the operator to move freely around the machine and vessel, giving them unmatched visibility without the assistance of spotters. The remote also comes with a built-in LCD display, which provides the operator with load information and engine parameters, similar to the cab display. Connolly agreed that they utilise the remote full time “enabling the operator to manoeuvre the machine in tight quarters safely and with ease”. In addition, all Marine Travelift boat hoists come with an operator’s cab that has directto-valve controls for maximising machine uptime.

Viking Yachts and Marine Travelift have had a long-standing business relationship that extends back to the production facility in New Jersey and continues with the facility in Riviera Beach. Viking now has a total of seven Marine Travelift units between their different locations. The service provided by Marine Travelift and their official sales/service distributor in Florida, W.E. Johnson Equipment, is a big reason for the continued relationship.

When asked about their experience with Marine Travelift and its dealers, Connolly said, “It’s been a great experience. The customer service is outstanding, they always answer the phone and get us answers immediately”.

Marine Travelift Inc

sales@marinetravelift.com

www.marinetravelift.com

Marine Travelift

150CII boat hoist at the Viking Yachts Service Center in Riviera Beach.

Raymond Connolly.

Continued from page 15

very little is from the marinas. The largest single contributor to pollution of our waters, and consequently the sediments, comes from agriculture and the second from government storm water run-off. Yet very little is really undertaken to reverse these contributors and rectify the egregious behaviour. What I find surprising is that many of the critics from government positions seem unwilling to undertake steps to rectify the big problems, but are also first in line when singling out marinas. Why? The answer is because they are very visible and are viewed as being only for the wealthy. To overcome these mindsets, the industry must get more involved – not only at the local level, but in state and federal levels.

Participate in associations

To this end, marina associations can be very important, but most have found themselves largely in

the position of only getting involved on a reactive as opposed to a proactive basis. This is mostly due to cost of staffing and not enough time or money to be proactive. To correct this, they need more support, pressure and, above all, participation from all of us in the industry!

There also is a real need for additional staff and management training opportunities. Many associations have made quite a bit of progress on this front, particularly on the management side, but clearly there is a greater need, particularly on the staff and trades side. With a bigger labour pool, one doesn’t have to contemplate stealing your neighbouring facility’s staff.

The bottom line is that we need all of us acting individually, as well as collectively, through associations. Individually, this should be through the local scene by being part of the process as opposed to just reacting from the outside. We can each have a meaningful and positive effect,

not only in just educating others, but in bringing about needed support to the industry and making proposals more proactive rather than regressive, whether it is from the zoning or planning boards and/ or the local legislative bodies. For those who say they do not have the time, I would suggest that it really should be one of your highest priorities. Individuals getting involved can have major proactive benefits to the industry.

To those who only contribute to PACs, I suggest that while money supporting the industry is important, it is second place to active support. To the various associations, I would suggest reorientation of priorities to be more proactive – listing the priorities, understanding when program reauthorisations will be coming up and seeking to be part of the penning process rather than being reactive, and trying to reverse the course of various punitive regulations and laws. Over the years, there have been major

benefits to the industry by both individuals and associations acting on a proactive basis, but those efforts have tended to be more the exception than the rule. Being proactive early on is needed for the future of the industry.

At the closing of this famous passage from Dunne, he strikes a darker, more foreboding tone, “… never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee”. However, if we get off our islands, support each other and work together, we can change “for whom the bell tolls” to the ringing in of a bright future!

*Dan Natchez, CMP, is President of Daniel S. Natchez and Associates Inc, an international environmental waterfront design consulting company specialising in the design of marinas and marina resorts throughout the world. He can be contacted on Tel: +1 914 698 5678, by WhatsApp at +1 914 381 1234, by E-mail: dan.n@dsnainc.com or on his Website: www.dsnainc.com

Kalkara Marina, Malta

Asmall marina located in the town of the same name on the East Coast of Malta, it is situated in picturesque Kalkara Creek within Malta’s Grand Harbour and offers a range of services and facilities for boaters.

These include service pedestals for electricity and water on the pontoons, which all have access gates that are fitted with electronically-controlled locks. Each pontoon includes two fire points equipped with extinguishers and the marina is also connected to a central water pump for fighting fires.

There are toilets and showers for the crews of visiting yachts, who are made welcome by the marina staff. They take great pride in providing guests with

the highest levels of professional service and hospitality, and are on site from seven in the morning

until half past ten at night seven days a week. In addition to CCTV surveillance, which operates 24/7,

security staff provide coverage between the hours of seven in the evening until half past seven in the morning.

The latest addition to the marina’s facilities is an electric marine jib crane supplied by Ascom of Italy, which will take the marina’s boat handling operations to a new level when launching and retrieving vessels from the water. The crane features four electric hoists, with a lifting capacity of 12.5 tons each, to ensure smooth, safe and precise handling operations.

Kalkara Marina is surrounded by historic buildings, which can be seen from boats moored at their berths in the marina. These include the majestic Valletta bastions, Vittoriosa’s Fort St Angelo and Ricasoli situated in Kalkara itself. It is also well-placed for exploring the nearby towns of Birgu and Senglea, which are known for their architecture and fortifications. The island’s capital city of Valletta is easily accessible by bus or ferry and offers a range of cultural attractions, shopping opportunities and an enticing variety of restaurants and waterside bars.

Kalkara Marina

kalkaramarina@gmail.com

www.kalkaramarina.com

Tank contents monitoring system Modular floating dock system

Just introduced by LeeSan is the Gobius C, a completely new, micro radar tank contents monitoring system. This externally top-mounted system has been designed to provide users with exact and continuous level and volume data of contents, regardless of the geometry of the tank.

Two versions are available. The analogue unit is ideal for connecting to an existing analogue system where it can be used for monitoring contents and switching equipment such as pumps on and off. The more sophisticated digital system (illustrated) can be linked to an industry standard NMEA 2000 interface to enable it to control multi-functional displays and smart devices.

Eliminating guesswork, the simple-

to-install, mess-free, plug-and-play system is able to precisely and accurately measure black water, grey water, fresh water and even fuels such as diesel and petrol tank contents. Taking around 15 minutes to fit and set up via a mobile phone, it features stepless calibration from 0-100% and provides wireless monitoring directly to any smartphone.

The sensor size is just 65 mm high x 90 mm wide and works with tanks from a maximum depth of 2 metres to a minimum of 0.2 metres

For plastic and fibreglass tanks, the sensor is mounted with pre-installed 3M tape. For metal tanks, a hole (minimum size 50 mm) is required to be able to measure correctly.

LeeSan info@leesan.com www.leesan.com

Dock light catalogue

A 72-page catalogue of nautical lighting equipment has just been published by Astel Marine. It features a wide range of interior, exterior and underwater lights for craft of all sizes and also introduces a pair of LED dock lights.

Both models of Connect dock lights feature truncated cone casings made from aluminium bronze and are

simple to install on pontoons, finger piers and docks. Manufactured with tempered glass optical windows, they provide a cool, white light with the option of digital dimming. They can be connected to a power supply between 100-240 Volts AC.

Astel Marine info@astel-marine.com

www.astel-marine.com

The revolutionary range of Candock Tiles can adapt to any shoreline and be assembled to create whatever shape and size necessary – the configuration options are endless!

The safety aspect of nautical products is critical. This is why the Candock system has undergone rigorous testing. Its safety features include excellent stability, high load capacity, an anti-skid surface and no metal parts.

Made of high-density polyethylene resin, Candock floating modules are remarkably resistant to impact, climate change,

the adverse effects of water and UV light and a wide range of chemical products. In addition, with the light and easy-to-handle Candock system, the concept ‘maintenancefree’ means no maintenance – no more lost time, no more expense and no more work to be done on a conventional wooden or metal dock year after year.

The environmentally-friendly Candock cubes are firmly held together by special mounting screws.

Candock Inc

candock@candock.com

www.candock.com

Updated website for electrical components

An updated version of Hubbell Marine Electrical Products’ website for ‘Marine Solutions’ has been unveiled and can now be accessed via: www.hubbell. com/wiringdevice-kellems/en/ solutions/marine-solutions

The website features improved branding that clearly communicates the company’s strong commitment to safety, performance and functionality, as well as showcasing its extensive

product line-up that fulfills the electrical needs of recreational marinas.

With over 60 years of innovation and experience, Hubbell offers thousands of high-end marine products, which include 15-200 amp, 50Hz or 60Hz items and various other device configurations.

Hubbell Marine Electrical Products

info@bainbridgeint.co.uk

www.hubbell-marine.com

Organic teak cleaner Mobile sprayingpaintmachine

Non-toxic and made from raw materials of vegetable origin, Teak One Shot is a 100% biodegradable, organic cleaner for teak that cleans while enhancing surfaces to restore the natural colours of the wood. It is also said to reduce cleaning and costs by 50 %.

Due to its gel-like texture, Teak One Shot limits splashing on adjacent surfaces during application. In addition, it does not affect other surfaces such as stainless steel, paint, plastic, deck joints, gel coats, etc.

In use, first soak the teak

surface, apply the product generously using a pad or brush then wait for a few minutes so that the active elements can take effect without letting the product dry.

Next, rub the treated surface vigorously with a pad, a hard brush or a single-brush machine then rinse thoroughly with clean water. To achieve a perfect result, it is advised to dry the surface with a squeegee.

It is available in containers of 1 and 5 litres.

Absolute Magnitude info@absolute-magnitude.com www.absolute-magnitude.com

The MIRÓ efficient and reliable airless electric diaphragm spraying machine delivers constant performance to satisfy all spraying requirements in boatyards.

The right airless spray-pack equipped with a useful range of accessories can make a huge

difference in the performance and durability of a sprayer. The AT250 high pressure spray gun allows good atomization of the product being applied and reduces overspray, the Super Fast Clean airless nozzles made from tungsten carbide and equipped with stainless steel gaskets guarantee perfect material spreading and the flexible airless hoses are available in different lengths.

The machine is compact and low weight, making it easy to transport, and it is also simple to clean and maintain.

Larius Srl larius@larius.com www.larius.com

Anti-slip boat flooring

The Antislide Marine Floor by GISATEX ® is suitable for all wet or barefoot areas of a boat. It is hard wearing, visually appealing and has good anti-slip properties.

When installed with a full surface adhesive such as Adhesive Seal & Bond No. 5, which is also supplied by the company, the flooring

is resistant to distortion and abrasion. The surface is made of 100 % PVC, which also resists temperature extremes, salt water, oil and long exposure to UV light. It can be cut to shape with a pair of good size scissors or a modelling knife. Before cutting the flooring, it is recommended

that a template is prepared beforehand as this makes it easier to achieve a good fit when laying complex shapes. Excess glue should be wiped away as soon as possible.

Gisatex GmbH & Co KG info@gisatex.de www.gisatex.com

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

More berths and exhibition space at Genoa

The 64th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show from 19-24 September will feature more berths and exhibition space due to the ongoing Eastern Waterfront development project. There will be over 100 new berths and an additional 5,000 sq m of land for exhibition space.

Compared to 2022, the 63rd edition last September offered 143 additional berths due to the opening of new canals in the waterfront project, which has been designed and donated to the city by renowned architect Renzo Piano. This year, there will also be double the parking space for visitors following the completion of a new car park underneath the city’s iconic indoor sports arena, which connects directly to the show venue.

Organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association (Confindustria

Nautica), the show has been enjoying a post-pandemic resurgence, with last year’s 118,269

visitors over six days marking an almost 14% increase on 2022, itself a 10.7% rise on 2021. Last year’s show featured over 1,000 boats and 1,043 brands on display.

Saverio Cecchi, President of Confindustria Nautica and I Saloni Nautici, said: “The Genoa International Boat Show represents a key asset for the country, a global showcase for an industry that has demonstrated its tremendous ability to renew itself, to invest in innovation and to create a multi-specialised platform that can attract the world’s leading players.

Palma show takes a stand

The Palma International Boat Show (PIBS) has increased national and international promotion by taking a stand at the BOOT nautical event in Düsseldorf and the FITUR tourism fair in Madrid. The aim was to promote the next edition of the Palma show,

which is a very special year as it will be celebrating the event’s 40th anniversary.

The organisers of PIBS are now immersed in the marketing of the fair, which is already well under way thanks to the excellent response from the companies that

want to take part in the event, which will be held in Palma’s Moll Vell from the 25-28 April.

The show is organised by the Institute for Business Innovation of the Balearic Islands (IDI), an entity dependent on the Regional Ministry of Enterprise,

“This boat show has become an authority, a reference point for the sector, an expression of all the values that define the ‘Made in Italy’ brand and its world-leading industry. The records broken and forged over the years continue to strengthen the authoritative role of the Genoa International Boat Show, which, on the global stage of trade events, has remained ahead of the curve by investing in innovation, sustainability and tailored services.”

Salone Nautico

info@isaloninautici.com

www.salonenautico.com

Employment and Energy, and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA).

Palma International Boat Show sales@palmainternational boatshow.com

www.palmainternational boatshow.com

Venue for the Genoa International Boat Show.

Saverio Cecchi.

FIRST PORT OF CALL FOR MARINA PROFESSIONALS

Step into the heart of maritime innovation at the Marina & Yard Pavilion, a central hub for marinas during METSTRADE, the largest marine equipment trade show. For over a decade, the pavilion has been the epicenter of cuttingedge marina-specific equipment, featuring everything from pontoon systems to dock fenders. Join global marina professionals at the ultimate networking for marinas. Don’t miss your chance to explore the forefront of marine technology!

Seawork celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024!

For more information visit: seawork.com contact: +44 1329 825 335 or email: info@seawork.com

The 25th edition of Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition, is a proven platform to build business networks.

Seawork delivers an international audience of visitors supported by our trusted partners.

Seawork is the meeting place for the commercial marine and workboat sector.

12,000m2 of undercover halls feature 400 exhibitors with over 70 vessels, floating plant and equipment on the quayside and pontoons.

Speed@Seawork on Monday 10 June in Cowes offers a sector specific event for fast vessels operating at high speed for security interventions and Search & Rescue.

The European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMAs) ceremony celebrates individuals and innovative companies on Tuesday 11 June.

The Conference programme, chaired by industry experts, helps visitors to keep up to date with the latest challenges and emerging opportunities.

The Careers & Training Day on Thursday 13 June 2024 delivers a programme focused on careers in the commercial marine industry.

Big names and new products at SCIBS

Australia’s largest marine lifestyle event, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), being staged from 23 to 26 May, is close to full capacity and attracting many of the biggest and best marine brands. The exhibition is owned and operated by Mulpha Events and is supported by the Queensland Government, Tourism & Events Queensland, City of Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast and Major Sponsor Bentley Brisbane & Gold Coast.

Mulpha Events General Manager Johan Hasser stated, “With 85% of exhibition space already booked, we are thrilled to play host to the industry’s finest. We encourage businesses who still want to secure space to submit their applications now as we expect to finalise allocations in the coming weeks. SCIBS is where the

marine business does business and our exhibitors have a great track record in securing strong sales at the event. We’re extremely proud of our reputation as one of the leading showcases in the region for those in the marine sector”.

With the show synonymous with attracting the biggest names in boating from around the globe, Hasser said attendees should expect to see world-leading ocean craft make their debut. “We’re thrilled that many of the world’s foremost marine manufacturers are choosing SCIBS to launch their new products, with the announcement of many brands and models never before seen in Australia.”

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show contactus@sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Index to Advertisers

Diary of events

Please check websites for up-to-date information before booking hotels or confirming travel plans.

Korea International Boat Show

Gimpo Ara Marina, South Korea 8-10 March, 2024

www.kibs.com

Auckland Boat Show

Auckland, New Zealand

14-17 March, 2024

www.auckland-boatshow.com

China (Shanghai) International Boat Show

Shanghai, China

26-29 March, 2024

www.boatshowchina.com

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show

Southampton, England

19-24 April, 2024

www.mdlmarinas.co.uk

Palma International Boat Show Palma de Mallorca, Spain 25-28 April, 2024

www.palmainternationalboatshow.com

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

Queensland, Australia 23-26 May, 2024

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow. com.au

Seawork

Southampton, England 11-13 June, 2024

www.seawork.com

Sydney International Boat show

Darling Harbour, Australia

1 August-4 September, 2024

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

Southampton International Boat Show

Southampton, England

13-22 September, 2024

www.southamptonboatshow.com

Salone Nautico

Genoa, Italy

19-24 September, 2024

www.salonenautico.com

Grand Pavois

La Rochelle, France

1-6 October, 2024

www.grand-pavois.com