Advanced Yachting - brand officially launched in Monaco

Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) formally launched the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting brand at the fifth Monaco Ocean Week event held in March. The new concept follows the ten-year success of Monaco Capital of Yachting initiated by YCM in 2012.

HSH Prince Albert II, speaking at the launch, referred to the brand as a tool to leverage international influence. “I intend to encourage and promote our tradition for innovation which relies on technological progress to build a responsible future for yachting, in line with United Nations’ sustainable development goals, which I share through my Foundation,” he said.
Mr Pierre Dartout, Minister for State, added: “The vision is simple: Monaco must always be ahead on economic and environmental issues. We must mobilise all stakeholders. It is an essential factor in our company’s appeal to business, as the Principality offers an exceptional network of all professions operating in this industry.”

Renowned as a maritime nation and tourist destination, Monaco has many advantages and facilities to meet the expectations of yachtsmen and vessel owners. Over the last century, it has established itself as a premier port of call and centre of excellence, reflected in the high number of services – brokers, shipping agents, legal services, banks, insurance, naval architects, designers etc – operating all year round.
The Monaco Yachting Cluster was established in 2014 to bring these yachting professionals under one association umbrella and, according to Bernard d’Alessandri, general secretary of YCM and president of Monaco Yachting Cluster, retrofit is at the centre of today’s thinking. “Modernising is now inevitable. In five to ten years some regions, particularly coastal areas, will no longer be accessible to conventional diesel powered vessels. The evaluation phase is over; we must now act using pragmatic solutions like the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge which, every year in July, enables young engineers and industry professionals to present and test their alternative propulsion innovations.”
Building an eco-responsible yachting sector requires cooperation with all partners. “We must all be onboard with this theme to meet our commitments to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Mrs Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, adding a reminder “that in Monaco this is to be under 55% by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.”
Progress has been made on the water and quayside, according to Thomas Battaglione, CEO of Société Monégasque de l’Electricité et du Gaz (SMEG). “Monaco’s two harbours are already equipped with electricity terminals: 600 connections for Port Hercule and 250 for Port de Fontvieille which can be used by vessels over 150m [490ft]. A major project is underway with SEPM (which manages the harbours) and government teams to equip the main harbour wall and install electrical connections for very large vessels,” he confirmed.
Battaglione also pointed to progress underway with energy generation. “During the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, for example, we are set to test new innovations by installing temporary flexible solar panels on the exhibitors’ village pavilions; and by 2023 we will have the capability to supply hydrogen.”
To maintain its leading market position, key players believe that Monaco needs to demonstrate by example, supporting change in the industry and understanding of the challenges ahead. There are several aims:
• To strengthen Monaco’s appeal in the light of growing international competition, be that in tourism or business terms, by highlighting its many advantages.
• Encourage people to enter the industry via training which, in turn, creates jobs.
• Support and promote Monaco’s history of innovation to build a better future for yachting.
• Export expertise by pushing events that over the years have gained legitimacy and a reputation for being cutting edge.
• Foster synergies and coordinate actions with all Monegasque institutions and yachting professionals who already have strong representation internationally.