On September 22-23, 2024, the Principality of Monaco hosted the 4th edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, a key event for professionals in the nautical and sustainable architecture sectors. Organized by Monaco Marina Management, this edition brought together international experts, innovative start-ups, and major industry players, with the goal of rethinking the future of marinas through ecological, technological, and resilient solutions.
September 22: A Spotlight on Businesses, Architects, and Start-ups
The first day of the event opened with the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition area, dedicated to marinas, architects, and start-ups. Master of Ceremonies David Seal introduced the opening speeches by Bernard d'Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), and José Marco Casellini, CEO of Monaco Marina Management. Their addresses emphasized the importance of sustainable and intelligent port infrastructure development.
The afternoon continued with a presentation of innovative architectural designs for marinas, followed by an interactive "Ice Breaking" session, allowing participants to network and discuss future challenges for the sector.
Representatives from various marinas then took the stage to share their initiatives and development projects. Three practical workshops concluded the day, focusing on critical topics such as transitioning to greener fuels, resilient marina infrastructure, and forming strategic alliances in this evolving sector. The evening ended with a networking session that extended until 10 PM, fostering discussions and collaborations among professionals.
September 23: Conferences and Innovation Take Center Stage
The second day began with a series of welcome speeches, once again led by David Seal, with remarks from Bernard d'Alessandri and José Marco Casellini, highlighting the growing importance of smart and sustainable marinas in the face of climate change.
The first morning conference focused on optimizing the marina experience through technology, with presentations by Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and Stavros Katsikadis, President of the Greek Marinas Association, among others. They discussed how technological innovation can enhance user experiences while adhering to sustainability goals.
This was followed by a "pitching" session where several start-ups showcased their innovative solutions for smart and sustainable marinas. Innovations ranged from energy management technologies to eco-friendly infrastructure for marinas. After a coffee break, a second conference explored the financial perspectives for the sustainable development of marinas and coastal destinations.
The importance of architecture in marina development was another key topic, with contributions from renowned figures such as Effie Nakajima of Zaha Hadid Architects and Nicolas Jarry from Tractable Engineering. They explored architectural challenges and innovations to design marinas that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
A Grand Finale: Workshops and Award Ceremony
After a lunch and informal discussions, participants attended practical workshops on diversifying marina services, energy-efficient marina design, and forming strategic alliances for joint development. These workshops shed light on concrete solutions for a more sustainable future.
The event concluded with the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards ceremony, honoring the most innovative and environmentally friendly projects. The 2024 winners were:
- Student Architecture Prize: Cornelia Bosman (University of Pretoria, South Africa)
- Professional Architecture Prize: STRUCTURELAB (Germany)
- Public Choice Award – Architecture: Arrogant Architects (Bulgaria)
- Jury’s Favorite – Marina: Setur Marinas (Turkey)
- Start-up Prize: Clean Sea Solutions (Norway)
- Scale-up Prize: ECOCEAN (France)
José Marco Casellini delivered the closing remarks, expressing his satisfaction with the participants' commitment and the high quality of the projects presented.
A Sustainable Commitment to the Future of Marinas
The Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous continues to strengthen its role as a key platform for discussions on the future of sustainable marinas. This 4th edition reaffirmed the importance of innovation, sustainable architecture, and international cooperation in addressing the ecological challenges the sector faces. With ambitious initiatives and a shared vision, the marinas of the future promise to be not only smart but also deeply committed to environmental protection.
About Monaco Marina Management: Redefining the Future of Marinas
Monaco Marina Management (M3) positions itself as a key player in the maritime consulting field, blending expertise, innovation, and sustainable development. With a clear and ambitious vision, M3's mission is to transform marinas into true centers of life, attraction, and economic growth while placing environmental responsibility at the heart of its concerns.
Proven Expertise and International Network
With many years of experience, M3 has built a vast network within the maritime industry. Through this expertise, the company compiles best professional practices on a global scale, ensuring cultural influence and economic success for the marinas it supports. By integrating local specificities into its projects, M3 ensures it meets the needs and aspirations of the surrounding communities.
The S.M.A.R.T Vision of M3
M3's vision is based on the S.M.A.R.T concept, which consists of five pillars: Sustainable, Modern, Attractive, Resourceful, and Transformative. This innovative model is inspired by the well-known acronym SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. M3 adapts this principle to its own vision of marinas, viewing them as mini-smart cities that connect people to both land and sea.
This approach allows M3 to redefine marinas not just as parking spaces for yachts but as places of meeting and interaction. With modern and sustainable infrastructures, M3 fosters an enriching experience for users while respecting environmental imperatives.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Monaco Marina Management is determined to evolve the traditional concept of marinas. By supporting the creation of new maritime spaces, M3 ensures they become attractive tourist destinations and economic drivers for their regions. The company is committed to integrating low-impact environmental solutions, thereby enhancing the sustainability of port infrastructures.
M3 plays an essential role in establishing marinas that address contemporary challenges related to climate change and the preservation of marine ecosystems. With a focus on innovation and research, the company continually explores new technologies and practices to minimize ecological impact while maximizing economic benefits.
In summary, Monaco Marina Management stands as a partner of excellence for innovation and sustainable development in the maritime sector. With a vision that combines modernity and respect for the environment, M3 is committed to redefining the future of marinas, transforming these spaces into vibrant and sustainable centers of life. By collaborating with various industry stakeholders, M3 continues to play a key role in the evolution of marinas, contributing to the prosperity of coastal communities and the preservation of our environment.