Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous 2024

The 4th Edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous concluded after two intense days of conferences, networking, workshops and presentations. Organized by Monaco Marina Management (M3), the event brought together over 250 professionals from the maritime industry, as well as numerous investors from around the world who came to meet innovators. Their shared goal is to modernize and make maritime infrastructure more sustainable. This event demonstrates how sustainability is becoming a true driver of change. A selection of 20 start-ups and scale-ups, along with ten architectural firms and a dozen marinas were present.

Supported by leading partners such as the Foundation Prince Albert II de Monaco, Extended Monaco, UBS, MB92 Group and Bombardier. This edition highlighted the importance of technological innovations and cross-sector collaborations in addressing current environmental challenges. Alongside a morning conference, the innovation pitch sessions showcased the ground breaking solutions of start-ups and scale-ups, placing sustainable innovation at the centre of discussions. "We are seeing that sustainability and technological innovation feed off each other. Innovations are focused on creating a more promising future for the planet," stated Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Y.C.M. and President of the Cluster Yachting Monaco. "The quest for sustainability is an urgent necessity. As yachting enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to promote these efforts for positive and sustainable innovation". Alongside roundtables, networking sessions, presentations and conferences, the participants were also invited onboard Sanlorenzo 50 Steel Almax, which was awarded 3 stars in the SEA Index certification, for a networking breakfast on Monday morning.

This edition was marked by three conferences addressing the challenges and solutions in the sector. The first conference focused on the role of technology in optimizing unique marina experiences. Moderated by Captain Gino Battaglia, President of the Italian Yacht Masters and event partner, the session featured insights from experts such as Captain Kelly J. Gordon, who emphasized the need for practical tools like a smart mooring application. Maria Vera Vives, Head of Expansion and such as Captain Kelly J. Gordon, who emphasized the need for practical tools like a smart mooring application. Maria Vera Vives, Head of Expansion and Sustainable Development at Alcudiamar Marina (Spain), presented sustainability initiatives like the use of smart stations to measure energy consumption.

Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (South Korea), stressed the importance of data collection for sustainable management, while Stavros Katsikadis, Chairman of the Board of the Greek Marinas Association and CEO of LAMDA Marinas Investments S.M.S. (Greece), discussed the integration of traditional and digital methods for better resource management. These presentations highlighted both the efficiency and the necessary digitalization of operations, as well as the complementary needs of captains and marina managers to improve sustainability.

The second conference, led by Pascal Ferry, Deputy Director of IMSEE (Monaco Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies), explored the challenges of financing for the sustainable development of marinas. Ronnie Ben Zur, founder of Habacoa Marina, Klaus Peters, CEO of InterMarinas, and Liza Singer, lawyer and founder of Karpaz Gate Marina, discussed investment hurdles. The difficulty in securing investments dominated the discussion, as did the importance of land guarantees and employment and energy-related costs. Data collection and transparency were also identified as key levers for attracting more funding and creating new opportunities. They addressed the importance of integrating sustainability from the design stage and explored synergies between marinas and real estate projects.

Finally, the last session, led by marina specialist and designer Oscar Siches, brought together Effie Nakajima from Zaha Hadid Architects, Nicolas Jarry, Head of Maritime and Port Structure Projects at Tractebel Engineering, Janna Bystrykh, Director of the Master’s Program in Architecture at the Academy of Architecture (Netherlands), and architectural innovator Henry Glogau. They highlighted the need to apply regenerative architecture principles in marina design, while agreeing that collaboration between architects and engineers is essential to tackling contemporary environmental challenges.

Winners 2024: The International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards concluded the event by honouring the most outstanding projects. Start-ups and scale-ups had the opportunity to take the stage and present their solutions, while architects unveiled their projects, focused with the theme of designing a smart and innovative floating marina in the south of France. Additionally, marinas showcased their destinations, highlighting the strengths of their tourism and environmental actions.

Start-up Award – CLEAN SEA SOLUTIONS (Norway)
With Aquapod® and Aquadrone, patented technologies that collect plastic waste in urban coastal areas, preventing it from entering the oceans, this start-up’s visionary approach to fighting plastic pollution earned it the first prize.

Scale-up Award – ECOCEAN (France)
The company won the scale-up award for its impact on regenerating marine biodiversity in marinas with its Biohut® solution, an artificial nursery installed in more than 50 ports. Biohut® protects juvenile fish by recreating local food chains and supporting the development of over 500 species.

Notably, the innovators (start-ups and scale-ups) will also benefit from a mentorship program provided by Robert Allen Law, a partner of the event, to help them expand internationally.

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