Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous

From alternative propulsion to sustainable marinas: Monaco paves the way for the future of yachting.

Wednesday, 24 July 2024. As the 450 students from 40 universities representing 25 nations bid farewell to the 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which featured tech talks and nautical events where the students showcased their technological innovations in alternative propulsion, the Yacht Club de Monaco (Y.C.M.) remains committed to innovation in sustainable yachting.  

According to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, President of the Y.C.M. "Environmental conservation is our central concern. Protecting our planet's rich and fragile marine ecosystem remains our top priority. We must become agents of change, in order for us to turn the tide".

This commitment is reflected in the SEA Index® tool, available to yacht owners and shipyards, enabling them to assess the environmental impact of yachts (>25m). As this tool continues to develop, it is now in use in 15 ports between Menton, Saint-Tropez, Corsica, and those of the Monaco Port Authority.

Keen to support 360° innovation in this sector, whether in terms of yachts or the infrastructures that accommodate them, the Y.C.M. is now preparing to host the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous on 22 and 23 September 2024, organised by Monaco Marina Management (M3).

As part of the "Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting" collective, this event is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Extended Monaco (the Principality's digital transformation programme), alongside UBS, Sanlorenzo, MB92 Group and Bombardier. "As a company whose main driver of innovation is sustainability, we are delighted to once again support this event and to participate in this meeting of the most brilliant minds. The innovative and practical solutions presented at this event make us optimistic and confident in establishing a new standard for the future", said Emmanuel Bornand, Vice President - EMEA and Central Asia, Bombardier.

Organised by Monaco Marina Management (M3), the fourth edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will gather more than 250 participants together at the Y.C.M., including entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors, promoters and marina developers from all over the world, with an exhibition area to discover and test the innovations of selected start-ups and scale-ups.

"In the face of today's environmental challenges, there is no doubt about the importance of connecting innovators with marina operators and other professionals in the industry to implement practical technological solutions. Thanks to everyone's expertise, together we can create sustainable marinas", says José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3, a Monegasque consultancy firm specialising in the development, management and promotion of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools.

The workshops will address critical issues. The first, focusing on energy transition and sustainability, will include discussions on the transition to greener fuels, setting Net 0 targets and waste reduction strategies. The second, focusing on design will look at the construction of resilient and energy-efficient infrastructures. The third will look at diversifying and innovating the services offered by marinas. These sessions are designed to encourage collaboration, develop sustainable strategies and strengthen discussions on best practices in sustainable marina management.

Three keynote speakers will explore how technology, banking and architecture can transform marinas. Discussions will focus on optimising user experiences through advanced technologies, the role of financial institutions in the sustainable approach to marinas, and the importance of innovative and environmentally friendly architectural design in creating attractive and functional maritime spaces.

This year's call for proposals invites architects and students to design an innovative floating marina in an ecologically sensitive area. The selection panel, chaired by Zaha Hadid Architects and featuring architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, will work alongside experts in the field to assess the proposals. The aim is to create avant-garde architectural solutions that respect and protect the environment while meeting the functional and aesthetic needs of modern marinas. The location will be announced to candidates within the next few days.

To round off these two intense days of exchanges and networking, the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards will be presented on Monday, 23 September 2024, at 4pm to the winners in the Start-up & Scale-up, Marina and Architect (Professional & Student) categories.

Through these events and initiatives, the Yacht Club de Monaco remains at the helm of innovation, connecting the entire maritime ecosystem for a more sustainable future.

Discover the full programme of the Monaco Smart and Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, here.

To participate in the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, click here.

Registration for the event can be made via: info@monacomarinamanagement.org

Press contact: smartyachting@monacomarinamanagement.org 

To access the online press accreditation form, click here.