Monaco strengthened its role as a pioneer in sustainable marina development as the 5th Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous brought global innovators to the Yacht Club de Monaco. Over two days, ideas flowed on everything from AI-led infrastructure to eco-conscious design. A highlight came when Monaco revealed plans for a new offshore anchorage zone by summer 2026, designed to ease pressure on marine ecosystems while keeping the Principality a key destination for the yachting world.
Held on 21st and 22nd September, this year’s Rendezvous was organised by M3 Monaco, with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and key partners including Bombardier, MB92 Group and the Italian Yacht Masters association.
It brought together an ecosystem of developers, investors, architects, and innovators from across 17 nationalities to explore the future of marina infrastructure. A total of 26 startups, 9 marinas and 15 architectural teams were evaluated by a jury of 35 members, with projects showcased in a comprehensive E-Catalogue.
José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco, described the event as “a collective energy driving the Rendezvous. Investing in sustainability is to invest in our future.” Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco, added: “Yachting cannot function without an ecosystem. By bringing together so many professionals, we are demonstrating that the environmental transition of marinas is a universal ambition.”
Political leaders call for balance between development and preservation
Monaco’s Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, Céline Caron-Dagioni, opened the conference by emphasising the need to harmonise innovation, economic attractiveness and ecological stewardship. She confirmed that the Principality is planning the installation of a new offshore anchorage zone by summer 2026 to better protect seabeds while maintaining Monaco’s appeal to the yachting industry.
Caron-Dagioni also highlighted Monaco’s active support within the International Maritime Organisation in advocating for cleaner fuels and alternative propulsion technologies.
Albania’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, echoed the call for higher standards, stating that “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.”
From AI to architecture: rethinking the marina of tomorrow
The event’s three main conference sessions addressed coastal development, investment frameworks, and the role of data in responsible marina operations.
Speakers included figures from Luca Dini Design, the Saudi Red Sea Authority, United Development Company (Qatar), BR Marinas (Brazil), IGY Marinas, Invest Hong Kong and Monaco’s own Government AI and Data Department.
Experts advocated for embedding local identity into projects, embracing regenerative design, and using smart data systems to improve sustainability and profitability. The potential of AI and collaborative data strategies was positioned as a key enabler in the sector’s transition.
Meanwhile, workshops tackled themes such as marina crew needs, sustainable fuels, and startup financing. Strategic partnerships were also formalised, including a collaboration between the SEA Index and Pick a Pier to expand Monaco’s influence in sustainable yachting.
Smart Dock and awards spotlight the future
A standout feature of this year’s edition was the introduction of the SMART Dock initiative—a collaborative laboratory focused on designing a prototype for a smart, sustainable dock integrating biodiversity, digital infrastructure and energy flexibility.
The event also celebrated innovation through its annual International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards. Marina Resort Cavtat in Croatia won the main prize for its regenerative approach and technological ambition. Special Prizes were awarded to IGY Marinas’ Vieux Port project in Cannes and Marina da Gloria in Brazil.
Startups such as France’s Gwilen and Italy’s BetterSea Power were recognised for circular economy solutions and integrated mooring technologies, while scaleups Metarina and Kontis received praise for operational innovation.
In the architecture category, student and professional teams from Iran and Germany respectively were honoured for visionary design responding to the environmental and cultural challenges facing Venice.
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