French shipyard MB92 has won the tender for the occupation of a 200-metre dry dock and surrounding areas at its La Ciotat facilities.
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The 20-year occupancy agreement will allow the yard to continue undertaking refits on superyachts in the 80-metre and above category.
During this time, the yard has announced plans for “major investments” to modernise existing infrastructure alongside “significant development forecast” for employment within the local economy. The yard states that “investments of close to €20 million will largely be focused on infrastructure improvements, reducing environmental impact and ensuring the safety of workers on the site”.
"We are delighted with this decision which will allow us to consolidate our position as France’s leading refitter and to undertake major investments to further develop our business, a development which will continue to integrate respect for people and the planet,” commented Ben Mennem, CEO of MB92 La Ciotat.
The yard’s position will be further strengthened by the introduction of a 4,300 tonne shiplift in September. “This new facility will be able to accommodate between six to seven yachts up to 115 metres in length and is an ideal complement to the existing infrastructure enabling the group to cover all segments of the superyacht market,” the yard continued.
"MB92 La Ciotat's workforce has been growing since 2017, a progression that is directly linked to the dry dock operation," explained Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of the MB92 Group. "The continuity of its use and the launch of the 4,300 tonne lift in September will enable us to continue to develop activity on the site, both within MB92 and for subcontracting companies, the majority of which are local businesses."