Monaco has begun work on a new deep-water mooring zone designed to protect its seabed from repeated yacht anchoring, ahead of new rules that will largely prohibit vessels from dropping anchor outside the designated area from summer 2027.
Spearheaded by the Department of Maritime Affairs after several years of preparation, the project addresses the environmental strain caused by repeated traditional anchoring on the seabed. Replacing successive anchor drops with fixed mooring points will protect local marine ecosystems in a heavily frequented body of water. Construction work is scheduled to last approximately three and a half months, concluding no later than 31st March 2027, according to the government. The new facility will become fully operational for the summer 2027 season.
Deep-water engineering and mooring specifications
While organised mooring zones already exist elsewhere in the Mediterranean, the Monaco installation is distinguished by its deep-water location – situated at depths between 45 and 80 metres – which increases the technical complexity of the installation. Developed in coordination with French maritime authorities due to its geographical location, the designated area corresponds to the traditional summer anchorage used during major Principality events.
The system will feature nine mooring buoys secured to the seabed via eco-designed anchor blocks, comprising four buoys designed for vessels up to 50 metres, three buoys for vessels up to 70 metres, and two buoys for vessels up to 90 metres.
New regulations from summer 2027
Once operational, vessels up to 90 metres will be accommodated within the zone, managed by the Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM). Concurrently, anchoring will be prohibited year-round outside of this designated perimeter across all waters under Monegasque sovereignty, significantly reducing the total number of anchorages and alleviating pressure on marine habitats. Exceptions and adjustments may be implemented during major maritime events.
During the construction phase, all other maritime activities within the project zone are prohibited for safety reasons, though temporary adjustments will be made to accommodate major nautical events.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life