Modernisation works at the Port of Marans in Western France have been completed under a programme led by the Charente-Maritime department. The aim of the works was to reorganise port operations, update infrastructure and adjust the layout between the port and the town following consultations held in 2020 and 2021.

The site was originally a commercial port and is now used for leisure boating. It has 120 moorings and accommodates vessels with a draught of up to 1.60 metres, with a 6,000 sqm hardstand area available for storing around 50 vessels on land.

Upgrades at the site between December 2024 and March 2026 included the relocation of the dry dock area to provide eight berths measuring 15 metres by four metres. Onshore storage areas were reorganised, and vessel handling and launching operations were placed in a controlled access area.

Additional works included changes to waste storage areas and adjustments to technical zones across the site. Charging points with digital connectivity were also installed to support port operations.

Public space works created a landscaped area between the town and the port, including tree planting, landscaped sections, play equipment, an events space and nearly 40 parking spaces.

The harbour master’s office was also updated, with roof repairs, repainting, new sanitary facilities and improvements to the reception area for boaters.

The total cost of the development stood at €2.1 million ($2.4 million USD) excluding value-added tax. Funding came from the Charente-Maritime department, the town of Marans, the state through the Green Fund and the Loire-Bretagne Water Agency.

The investment is part of a wider €40 million ($46.6 million) allocation for port infrastructure across the region between 2018 and 2030.

Images courtesy of Département de la Charente-Maritime.