Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous | 21-22 September 2025

In the space of five years, M3 Monaco has established the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous as an essential international platform to imagine and make the marina of tomorrow a reality. Organised at the Yacht Club de Monaco, with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the event attracts investors, architects, marina managers, manufacturers and innovators with one common objective: to accelerate the environmental transition and build sustainable, connected and human-centred port infrastructures. “Our mission is to transform visions into concrete actions and jointly implement sustainable solutions that serve communities and speed up the transition to responsible yachting,” says José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco. The movement is driven by the ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ initiative and supported by renowned partners including Bombardier, MB92 Group and Italian Yacht Masters.

From ideas to implementation

The focus this year is on practical applications. “In five years the meeting has become a collective workshop where marinas, architects and innovators develop tangible solutions. It is time now to implement them, by comparing visions and prototypes to sustainably transform port facilities for the long term,” stresses Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary.

It is an approach shared by event partners for whom innovation and sustainability are not just concepts but driving forces to act. “We are delighted to support this fifth edition and discuss new innovative solutions with some of the world’s top sustainability leaders. By collaborating across industries, we can harness tangible solutions to collectively build the foundation for a more sustainable future,” says Emmanuel Bornand, Vice-President International – Bombardier.

Discussions will centre on three key themes, the first being Creating Exclusive Coastal Destinations while Preserving Nature. Behind this equation lie innovation, culture and customer experience choices allied with responsibility to ecosystems, construction methods and long-term environmental management.

The second focuses on Financial & Regulatory Frameworks for Coastal Tourism Destinations. Their development requires robust, viable economic models and compliance with ever-more demanding regulatory environments. Understanding how to coordinate investment, public policy and sustainability is key to building projects with a future.

The third focus is on Leveraging Data Analytics for a Marina’s Responsible Operations. Analysis in real-time helps optimise operations, streamline customer experience and underpin sustainable practices from environmental monitoring to responsible resource management.

SEA Index^® at the heart of a network of sustainable marinas

A highlight this year is a keynote presentation by the SEA Index Superyacht Eco Association entitled Building the Marinas of Tomorrow Together for Sustainable Yachting. It will highlight the vital role played by ports and marinas in yachting’s ecological transition. The SEA Index^® will also announce a strategic partnership with Pick a Pier, a company that impressed at a previous edition of the event. This alliance aims to simplify and speed up integration of new marinas into the SEA Index^® network. To help drive this momentum, port managers will be offered a workshop on practical recommendations to welcome and support yachts assessed by the SEA Index^® tool. This partnership illustrates M3 Monaco’s ability to stimulate structuring collaborations and reinforce an interconnected network of sustainable marinas.

Concepts that have become a reality

Projects that have set a benchmark since this event was launched include Drones for Yachts (D.Y.) which in 2022 presented their innovative, carbon-free logistics service solution designed specifically for the maritime sector. Since then, the company has obtained approval to fly in Monaco and conducted its first flights from Quay Lucciana. “We are laying the foundations for a new generation of logistics that is efficient, responsible and aligned with stated CSR objectives in the Principality and many other countries at UNOC,” explains Pierre Deyris, CEO & founder of Drones for Yachts.

Innovation as catalyst for transformation

Startups and scaleups are at the heart of the event and present their solutions to juries comprising investors, architects and international business leaders. Their role is not only to propose concepts but provide applicable technological solutions, for example the SMART Dock initiative being presented this year. This collaborative laboratory is focused on designing a smart, modular quay that respects biodiversity.

The architecture competition expands on this approach with ‘The Frame of Venice’ project that explores the resilience of infrastructures in the unique Venetian lagoon context. Again, the challenge goes beyond being a conceptual exercise. It involves reconciling aesthetics, simplicity and innovation with responsible materials and efficient energy solutions, while preserving Venice’s identity in the face of rising water levels and excess tourism.

The International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards recognise the most outstanding actions and projects in the startup, scaleup, professional architects, student architects, and marina categories.

A collective vision for the future

Through conferences, pitches, competitions and collaborative initiatives, the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous taps into a common narrative: that marinas are capable of generating value and attracting visitors while being exemplary in their relationship with the environment.

At every level the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous affirms its vocation to create an international space where every innovation, from logistics drones to modular architecture, contributes to building more sustainable and resilient marinas.

To participate in this event: https://form.jotform.com/243021729303346