NETWORKING AND INNOVATION AT THE FOREFRONT OF MARINA DEVELOPMENT

The 4^th Edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous returns on 22^nd & 23^rd September 2024 at the Yacht Club de Monaco, uniting leading figures from the marina and yachting industries to collaborate and foster an environment dedicated to smart and sustainable marina solutions. Under the aegis of Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting, this initiative seeks to drive positive change in the marine sector, raise awareness and lead to concrete actions.

Organized by M3-Monaco Marina Management and supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, this two-day gathering will focus on unveiling cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies for creating marinas that are not only efficient and appealing but also responsible & ethical.

“In a world of perpetual change, marinas stand as crucial anchor points for the maritime industry. Our vision is to create responsible and resilient spaces, were technological innovation and environmental preservation blend harmoniously. By uniting our efforts on a global scale, we can shape a future where marinas are not only economic hubs but also models of sustainable excellence.” proclaims José Marco Casellini, CEO of Monaco Marina Management.

“Many owners are deeply concerned about the future of yachting. This trend can only be sustained if the facilities that host yachts are adapted to support the energy and environmental transition. We have a responsibility to promote initiatives that contribute to greener yachting. A marina is a crucial element in the yachting ecosystem, acting as a micro-city that seamlessly connects and interacts with the land and sea environment”, Bernard D’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

A two-stage event for marinas, innovations & architects with the creation of an international jury involving renowned personalities such as Wilmotte & Associés, L’Agence Française, Andréa Mosca Creative Studio and Zaha Hadid for Architecture, and yachting professionals with Captains, the competition is set to be evaluated by high-level experts.

Operational Marinas and Project Marinas will present to the international jury their actions & practices to lower their impact on the environment and will compete for the Smart Marina Awards 2024.

The startups & scale ups will go through the selection process to demonstrate to the jury members the application of their solutions related to Biodiversity Regeneration, Energy Production, Waterfront Construction, Energy optimization, Waste & Water Management, Equipment or Marina Management categories. Innovations will be able to participate in the “Marina Case Study” provided by Flisvos Marina (Greece), Karpaz Gate (North Cyprus) and Marina Di Stabia (Italy), and to meet selected marinas and architects before the event through an online networking platform.

Architects will not be outdone either, as this year’s call for ideas envisions to design a floating marina in the sensitive Calanques area of Marseille, more specifically the Calanque de Sormiou. With the aim of further preserving the environment, particularly the posidonia in Mediterranean Sea, while keeping boaters & yachtsmen satisfied, this protectionist architecture competition encourages the use of innovative materials, functionalities and energy-efficient technologies to promote sustainability and preserve biodiversity in the marina sector.

Throughout the summer, marinas, startups & scaleups, architects will go through a selection process: 1^st June – 30^th July: E-Catalogue produced

This references 50 startups and scaleups, and 20 marinas and architects.

17^th June – 20^th August: One-on-one interviews with the Jury

To facilitate targeted effective discussions, a Jury comprising industrialists, yachting professionals and investors meet participants individually before introducing them to potential strategic and financial partners.

From 13^th September: Consensus Meetings

(13^th Sept: Architects – 15^th Sept: Start-ups & Scale-ups – 16^th Sept: Marinas)

The Jury selects the winners of the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards in the following categories: Startups & Scaleups, Marinas and Architects. For the Architect category the public vote will also be considered.

Connect. Contribute, Celebrate

250 professionals representing the entire ecosystem will attend this annual rendezvous: marinas, architects, real estate developers, start-ups & scale-ups, investors, captains and family offices, authorities & officials. The Master of Ceremony, David Seal, will set the tone for the two-day event with networking sessions, workshops and conferences, focusing this year on the role of banks, architecture and technology in encouraging and benefiting marinas that work to protect the environment, optimize energy and manage resources, while always offering excellent users experiences, high-end facilities and involving local communities.

The Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will celebrate the winners of each category: Marina, Startup & Scale Up and Architect at the Awards Ceremony, with the ambition of expanding the community of responsible professionals, encouraging best practices and raising waves of positive impact in the marina sector.