In just five years, M3 Monaco has established the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous as an essential international platform for envisioning and shaping the marina of tomorrow. Organised at the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of the Prince Albert II Foundation, the event brings together investors, architects, marina managers, industrial players and innovators with a common goal: accelerating the environmental transition and building sustainable, connected and human-centred port infrastructures.
“Our mission is to transform visions into concrete actions and to implement sustainable solutions that serve communities and accelerate the transition to responsible yachting,” says José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco. This momentum is driven by the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting initiative and supported by prestigious partners such as Bombardier, MB92 Group and the Italian Yacht Masters association.
From idea to implementation
The uniqueness of this new edition lies in its focus on real-world application. “In five years, the Rendezvous has become a collaborative workspace where marinas, architects and innovators develop tangible solutions. Today, the time has come for implementation, by testing visions and prototypes to permanently transform port infrastructures,” emphasises Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Y.C.M.
This approach is shared by the event’s partners, for whom innovation and sustainability are not just concepts but drivers of action. “We are delighted to support this 5th edition and to discuss new and innovative solutions with some of the world’s leading figures in sustainability. By working across industries, we can unlock practical solutions and build together the foundations of a more sustainable future,” says Emmanuel Bornand, International Vice President – Bombardier.
Three key focus areas
The discussions will be structured around three major themes:
- Creating exclusive coastal destinations while protecting nature: This equation involves innovation, culture and customer experience, but also responsibility toward ecosystems, construction methods and long-term environmental management.
- Financial and regulatory frameworks for coastal tourist destinations: Their development requires strong, viable economic models, while also complying with increasingly demanding regulations. Understanding how to align investment, public policy and sustainability is essential for building lasting projects.
- The use of data as a strategic tool for responsible marina operations: Real-time analysis enables optimised operations, a smoother customer experience and stronger sustainable practices, from environmental monitoring to responsible resource management.
The SEA Index® at the heart of a sustainable marina network
A highlight of this edition will be the keynote address by the SEA Index Superyacht Eco Association: “Building Marinas of Tomorrow for Sustainable Yachting”. It will underline the essential role that ports and marinas play in the ecological transition of yachting.
Following this keynote, the SEA Index® will announce a strategic partnership with Pick a Pier, a company first introduced at a previous edition of the event. This alliance aims to simplify and accelerate the integration of new marinas into the SEA Index® network. To support this initiative, a dedicated workshop will be offered to port managers, providing practical recommendations for welcoming and assisting yachts assessed by the SEA Index® tool. This collaboration illustrates M3 Monaco’s ability to foster structural partnerships and strengthen an interconnected network of sustainable marinas.
Concepts brought to life
Since its creation, the Rendezvous has helped projects emerge that have become industry benchmarks.
In 2022, Drones for Yachts presented its innovative, decarbonised logistics service solution, specifically designed for the maritime sector. Since then, the company has obtained authorisation to fly in Monaco and completed its first flights from the Lucciana jetty.
“We are laying the foundations for a new generation of logistics that is efficient, responsible and aligned with the CSR objectives set by the Principality and many countries at UNOC,” explains Pierre Deyris, CEO & founder of Yacht For Drone.
Innovation as a catalyst for transformation
Startups and scaleups are central to the event, presenting their solutions to juries composed of investors, architects and international leaders. Their mission is not only to propose concepts but also to deliver technological solutions that can be applied today.
This year, the SMART Dock initiative joins the program: a collaborative laboratory aimed at designing a smart, modular marina dock that respects biodiversity.
The architecture competition follows the same path with the project “The Frame of Venice”, which explores the resilience of infrastructures in the unique context of the Venetian lagoon. Here again, the challenge goes beyond the conceptual exercise: reconciling aesthetics, efficiency and innovation through responsible materials and high-performance energy solutions, while preserving Venice’s identity in the face of rising waters and overtourism.
The International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards ceremony will highlight the most outstanding projects and actions in the categories of startups & scaleups, professional architects, students and marinas.
A collective vision for the future
Through conferences, pitches, competitions and collaborative initiatives, the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous is fostering a shared vision: marinas that generate value and attract visitors while being exemplary in their environmental responsibility.
At every level, the Rendezvous reaffirms its purpose: to be an international space for collaboration where each innovation — from logistics drones to modular architecture — contributes to shaping more sustainable and resilient marinas.
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