The 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous showcased the marina industry’s progress and challenges in making sustainability a driver of change, highlighting the vital role of technology and cross-sector collaboration in tackling today’s environmental issues.
Organised by Monaco Marina Management (M3) and hosted at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), the two-day gathering opened with remarks from José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco, and Bernard d'Alessandri, General Secretary of YCM. It brought together an international gathering of startups, scaleups, architectural firms and marina representatives and culminated in a prize-giving ceremony.
Since its launch, the Rendezvous has gone from strength to strength with its core mission of highlighting new ideas that translate the ecological transition into "concrete solutions". Along with 146 innovations from 125 startups and scaleups, it has showcased 42 marina projects across 19 countries, as well as 34 architectural proposals by 28 firms. This year saw initiatives by OceanWell, whose“Water Farm” technology harnesses natural ocean pressure to produce freshwater with no impact on biodiversity; ECOcube by Marservis, a solar-powered autonomous floating station that collects and treats grey and black water from boats and Opti’Sea, which uses AI to analyse marina traffic and berth occupation to improve safety and flow of marina facilities.
This year’s programme opened with keynote addresses from Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister of Public Works, who set the tone of the event, stating, "Our responsibility is to demonstrate that economic attractiveness, environmental protection and innovation in urban development can and must reinforce each other." Belinda Balluku, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania continued the theme: "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.”
A packed programme centred around sessions addressing three themes. The first explored creating exclusive coastal destinations while preserving ecosystems, with 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) stressing regenerative design tied to local culture. The second session examined financial and regulatory frameworks. Speakers Gabriela Lobato Marins (CEO of BR Marina), Derek Van Brussel (co-founder-Baltisse Marinas), Steve English (CEO - IGY Marinas) and Benjamin Wong (head of transport and logistics - Invest Hong Kong) highlighted marinas’ economic role, investment opportunities, regulatory challenges and integration with real estate and financial markets. The final session - headed up by Marco Landi (Maison de l’Intelligence Artificielle), Idan Cohen (co-founder and CEO, Pick a Pier) and Yannick Léo (AI and Data Department, Monaco Government) - showcased AI and data’s potential to enhance marina management, sustainability, safety and profitability through collaborative adoption.
Practical workshops in the form of round tables completed the programme, covering topics such as startup financing, adapting marinas to the needs of crews and vessels.
José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco, said: “Once again, this edition demonstrates exceptional diversity. We are no longer in the planning stage but the implementation stage. This is proof that public, private and academic stakeholders share the same conviction that the future of sustainable yachting is being built here and now”.
YCM's d’Alessandri added: “The Rendezvous is not a showcase, it’s a collective workshop. To see so many nationalities, architects, marina managers and innovators in Monaco shows that the environmental transition for marinas is a shared ambition. Our role is to provide a framework so that these ideas can be translated into actual infrastructure."
The event was supported by partners including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, MB92 Group, Italian Yacht Masters Association, Amaala Yacht Club, RAK Properties, Plus Marine, Omniyat, Sea Index, Marina World and Bombardier.
Winners of the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards 2025
The Rendezvous concluded with the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards, celebrating the most outstanding projects presented over the two days.
THE WINNERS
MARINA
• International Smart & Sustainable Marina Award - Marina Resort Cavtat (Croatia)
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.
• 1st Special Prize - IGY Marinas Vieux Port in Cannes (France)
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, as well as the use of sustainable materials. Strict measures govern the works to limit pollutants and recycle waste while new solutions (electric boats, charging points and 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.
• 2nd Special Prize: Marina da Gloria (Brazil)
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
• Jury Vote Award: Gwilen (France)
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.
• M3 Monaco Special Prize: BetterSea Power (Italy)
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
• Jury Vote Award: Metarina (Germany/Spain)
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.
• M3 Monaco Special Prize: Kontis (Croatia)
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.
• Student Architecture Award: Artin Samani | Amirhosein Ardaneh | Zahra Jafari | Atena Toliyat, Iran University of Art
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.
• Professional Architecture Jury Vote Award: Ingenhoven Associates GmbH (Germany)
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’
For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, be sure to visit Stand DS99 to meet the BOAT International team.