Fourth Monaco Rendezvous focuses on innovation

The Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous for 2024 will take place on 22nd and 23rd September at 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, the initiative seeks to drive positive change in the marine sector, raise awareness and lead to concrete actions.

[p1]Organised by M3-Monaco Marina Management and supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the 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 and 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, where 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,” says José Marco Casellini, CEO of Monaco Marina Management.
Bernard d’Alessandri, secretary general of Yacht Club de Monaco, adds: “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.”
A two-stage event
The Smart Marina Awards 2024 form a central focus of the Monaco event and, as in past years, an international jury with experts in many fields will be hard at work. Operational and ‘project’ marinas will present their actions and practices to lower their impact on the environment, and start-ups and scale-ups will go through a selection process to demonstrate solutions related to biodiversity regeneration, energy production, waterfront construction, energy optimisation, waste and water management, equipment and marina management categories.
Innovators 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 come into focus as this year’s call for ideas includes the design of a floating marina in the sensitive Calanque de Sormiou in Marseille, France. Aiming to further preserve the environment, particularly the seagrass in the Mediterranean, without causing upheaval for boaters, the competition encourages the use of innovative materials, functionalities and energy-efficient technologies to promote sustainability and preserve bio-diversity in the marina sector.
Marinas, start-ups and scale-ups, and architects will go through a selection process throughout the summer. The e-catalogue, referencing 50 start-ups and scale-ups and 20 marinas and architects has been produced throughout June and into July (deadline 22nd July). This will be followed by one-on-one interviews with the jury and consensus meetings.
Connecting and contributing
Around 250 professionals focusing on all aspects of the ecosystem will attend the annual rendezvous. 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 and optimise energy and manage resources, while always offering excellent user experiences, high-end facilities and involvement with local communities.
The Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will celebrate the winners of each category – Marina, Start-up and Scale-up, and Architect – at the Awards Ceremony.
Further information: smartevents@monacomarinamanagement.org