Essential reading: T. Skračić, Waypoint, English Textbook for

Maritime Students, Pomorski fakultet, Split 2010, Units 22-28

T. Trappe & G. Tullis, Intelligent Business, Longman 2005, Units 12-14

Tomislav Skračić, MA

Undergraduate English Undergraduate English Course forCourse for

MARIMARITIME MANAGERSTIME MANAGERS5th Semester

MARINA DESIGN TRENDS

Unit 25

KEY WORDS

mega yacht, slip, in-slip, concrete, utilities, facility, remodelling, farsighted / short-sighted, turnover, revenue, income, profit, customs office, upscale, upgrade, amenities, overhaul, fire protection, haven, pump-out, concierge, transient, demanding clientele, win-win situation, public relations, boost, legislation, cabotage, city core, saturation.

MARINA DESIGN TRENDS

The boatbuilding industry is enjoying an economic boom in larger vessels, especially mega yachts.

Contracts at U.S. shipyards for these boats were up 21 per cent in 2009, and 240 new mega yachts were due to launch in 2010.

The effects of these larger boats are being felt in U.S. marinas and all over the world.

MARINA DESIGN TRENDS

Where are the slips for all these new boats?

Old marinas experience increasing maintenance costs and inadequate electrical power and other utilities.

Their slips have become too short.

RE-DESIGN OF OLD MARINAS

Renovation of marina facilities is considered by many owners and operators.

Most new and remodelled marina operators consider a 45-foot average slip length as the minimum from a business perspective.

Converting to larger slips presents a tremendous opportunity and makes sense financially.

Larger boats generate more revenue. Is it a wise investment?

RE-DESIGN OF OLD MARINAS

RE-DESIGN OF OLD MARINAS

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

Cercamon, one of Spain's largest marinas, illustrates a farsighted approach towards this trend. It has long been regarded as the best-positioned marina in Spain, close to Gibraltar, with a customs office nearby, and near the upscale neighbourhood of Malaga city. It was originally built in the late 1960s with about 350 slips, with an average slip size of 35 feet. In 2002 the owners decided to ask experts to analyse the existing facility and suggest recommendations for reconstruction.

The new marina was completed in 2006. The reconstruction project reduced the number of

slips to 240 but the average slip size increased to 72 feet utility systems were completely overhauled.

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

Power supply: the slips have 100, 200 and 400 amp service in

both single-phase and three-phase, as well as multiple communication outlets.

voltage has been stepped down to 240 and 480 volts.

"Power points" offer transformers if the boat can not step down the voltage on its own.

The power distribution grid is broken up with sub-stations at selected locations to avoid excessive line losses.

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

Other features include: mechanical systems to provide potable water at

good pressures that can be attached to ionisation filters.

pump-out systems in the slips to remove waste. fire protection systems for use by the crew and

local fire departments. sophisticated infrastructure has been designed

for in-slip fuelling.

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

fuel lines run internally through the dock system to pumping stations that are embedded into the slips. They are protected by automatic shutoffs in case of a disconnection or break.

fuel hoses have twistlock connectors for high-speed fuelling similar to what is used at airports for fuelling jet planes.

fuel-spill abatement gear is available and ready.

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

The Cercamon remodelling was a spectacular success.

A section of the marina was dedicated to very large vessels.

As Malaga was a preferred location for major overhauls and maintenance for mega yachts, the marina management built relationships with the boatyard managers.

The managers recommended Cercamon to their clients creating a mutually successful partnership.

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

Today, Cercamon is an ideal haven for Mediterranean-Atlantic transients. It has become a key destination for mega yacht servicing.

The marina also offers concierge service, room service directly to the boats, and many other luxury hotel services attractive to mega yacht visitors.

It's a win-win situation for the marina and for Malaga region. Mega yachts boost the economy while they are docked in the marina.

THE CERCAMON REMODELLING

EXERCISES

Answer the following questions:a) What is the new global trend in the boatbuilding

industry?

b) Explain how the new trend affects the physical configuration of marinas.

c) Describe the service of the marinas oriented towards a new market niche – mega yachts.