Yacht Club de Monaco hosted the 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous on 21-22 September 2025, organised by MC Monaco, a consulting firm specialised in the development and management of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools. With the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and renowned partners including Bombardier, MB92 Group and the Italian Yacht Masters association, the event gathered an international ecosystem of marinas for two days of exchanges, innovations and cooperation. José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco, praised “the collective energy driving this Rendezvous. Investing in sustainability is to invest in our future”. Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary recalled that “yachting cannot function without an ecosystem. By bringing together so many professionals, we are demonstrating that the environmental transition of marinas is a universal ambition”. This year 35 jury members selected and examined projects of 26 startups and scaleups, 9 marinas and 15 professional and student architects, representing 17 nationalities and all listed in the E-Catalogue available online at: https://sustainablesmartmarina.com/e-catalogue-2025/.
Opening proceedings Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development set the tone in stating that “our responsibility is to demonstrate that economic attractiveness, environmental protection and innovation in urban development can and must reinforce each other. Your participation reflects a shared commitment to shape the future of marinas and coastal towns through dialogue, acting responsibly and international cooperation”. The minister also highlighted the planned installation of an offshore anchorage zone by summer 2026 that illustrates Monaco’s desire to reconcile safety, protecting the seabed and the yachting sector’s appeal. She also spoke of the Principality’s commitment to the energy transition with active support within the International Maritime Organization on the development of cleaner ships and adoption of alternative fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen and electricity. Belinda Balluku, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania stressed that “our marinas must be designed to meet the highest international standards in environment protection and be equipped with clean energy solutions. Ports can no longer be considered solely as places for loading and unloading. They should become drivers of economic progress, urban transformation and high-end tourist experiences”.
Moderated by Neity Maddock, sessions focused on three key themes, the first on creating exclusive coastal destinations while preserving nature brought together Luca Dini, President & CEO of Luca Dini Design & Architecture, Vienna Eleuteri, CEO Advisor to the Saudi Red Sea Authority and Yasser Salah Al Jaidah, President & CEO of UDC (United Development Company). Discussions highlighted the importance of anchoring each project in its territory by integrating local cultural and environmental specificities and adopting a regenerative approach that contributes to restoring ecosystems and reinforcing communities. Yasser Salah Al Jaidah provided an example in The Pearl Island in Qatar, a town with a 34km coastline and 60,000 inhabitants, integrating marinas, infrastructures and services, reminding delegates of the need to align each development with the national strategy up to 2030, based on environmental and economic sustainability.
The second session focused on financial and regulatory frameworks for developing coastal tourist destinations, highlighting the opportunities and constraints of investing on an international level (Latin America, Mediterranean, Asia), whether public-private partnerships, private finance or concession models. Gabriela Lobato Marins (CEO – BR Marina) underlined the role of marinas as economic and tourism levers, stressing the importance of the infrastructure, employment and environmental education. According to Derek Van Brussel (Co-founder-Baltisse Marinas) these destinations are attracting more and more capital, particularly from family offices, their value building on complementarity with surrounding real estate projects. Steve English (CEO – IGY Marinas) drew on his group’s experience (24 marinas in 14 countries) to show that regulatory divergence was still a barrier and that ongoing dialogue between investors and local authorities is essential to building sustainable models. Finally, Benjamin Wong (Head of Transport and Logistics – Invest Hong Kong) presented new marina projects in the region, highlighting their strategic role in diversifying the economy, attracting international investors, integrating yachting into financial dynamics (family offices, crypto, art investment) and democratising access to the boating world.
The third session explored the role of data as a strategic lever for responsible marina operations. Marco Landi (Maison de l’Intelligence Artificielle), Idan Cohen (Co-founder & CEO, Pick a Pier) and Yannick Léo (AI and Data Department, Monaco Government) showed how artificial intelligence and data governance can transform how port infrastructures are managed. They stressed the need to develop solid foundations for data collection, adoption of suitable models such as “small language models” and integration of these innovations into a collaborative approach across the sector. Used wisely, data should be considered a strategic asset to make marinas safer, more sustainable and more profitable, provided the transition is supported by genuine cultural and organisational change.
At the same time, workshops in the form of round tables addressed financing startups, adapting marinas to the needs of crews and vessels, and more sustainable fuels. The event was an opportunity to formalise strategic partnerships, such as that of the SEA Index®, the YCM’s tool for measuring and reducing yachts’ environmental footprint, which announced a collaboration with Pick a Pier. The objective is to grow the community of committed stakeholders and strengthen Monaco’s position as a catalyst for concrete solutions for yachting’s energy transition
New this year, SMART Dock brought together an ecosystem of stakeholders to co-design the smart sustainable dock of the future. A true collaborative laboratory, the concept aims to develop an operational prototype integrating connected technologies, flexibility, and respect for biodiversity and the energy transition. SMART Dock laid the foundations for a collective roadmap, leading to a white paper and development of a protype to trial in real conditions.
MARINA
This project stood out for its bold regenerative vision and a truly integrated approach to sustainability. Although not yet in operation, the robustness of the concept, the architectural integration into the landscape, and innovative technologies make it one of the most promising projects this year.
The jury awarded a Special Prize to IYA Marinas for its ambitious project to modernise Cannes’ Vieux Port which puts sustainability at the heart of this redevelopment. Combining historic heritage and innovation, the project involves creating an artificial reef to enhance biodiversity, installing solar panels and energy and water efficient systems, and use of sustainable materials. Strict measures govern the works to limit pollutants and recycle waste while new solutions (electric boats, charging points, underwater robots to clean the seabed) further boost the environmental commitment. The redevelopment is transforming the Vieux Port into a centre of excellence able to accommodate the most modern of yachts while boosting the local economy and the tourist appeal of Cannes.
This redevelopment illustrates how a marina can combine nautical infrastructures, culture, sport and social inclusion. A regional example of sustainable management, Marina da Gloria combines environmental responsibility, architectural sensitivity and civic values. It hosts international events while also protecting biodiversity and involving local communities. Its ambitious yet realistic sustainable initiatives have made it a benchmark in the global marina sector.
STARTUP
A circular solution that transforms marina sediments into materials for design, architecture and construction. This innovative approach reduces waste and offers significant industrial potential in the sustainable building sector.
This mooring station concept integrates several technologies. By combining solar and wind power production with a marina waste collection system, its solution combines sustainability and improved quality of marine environments.
SCALEUP
Metarina stood out by demonstrating a tangible application of its management tool in marinas around the world. Constantly evolving, it addresses the daily management challenges of marinas and yachts, simplifying and professionalising operations.
Kontis impressed the Jury with its innovative terminals that allow boat users to discharge wastewater, recharge batteries, fill freshwater tanks and access essential services. A practical and sustainable solution, adapted to modern marinas.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD:
This year’s call for ideas focused on ‘The Frame of Venice’, exploring the resilience of infrastructures in the context of the Venetian lagoon. The objective was to reconcile aesthetics, reduced consumption and innovation, favouring responsible materials and efficient energy solutions while preserving Venice’s identity in the face of rising sea levels and excess tourism.
The Jury praised the clarity and coherence of their masterplan for an eco-district where the three main functions are rigorously justified. The modular design, thoughtful approach and quality of the presentation are behind an innovative and successful proposal.
The agency won this award for its modular roofing project which repurposes existing spaces and integrates solar panels and floating systems for minimal impact on the land. It combines sustainability, resilience and social value in a forward-looking vision of Venice.
Yachting sector professionals meet again at YCM on Thursday 25 September for the 30th Captains’ Forum entitled ‘Leading today ahead of tomorrow’. On Wednesday 24 September, tribute will be paid to owners at the 5th YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts.
