6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous
Monaco
6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous
New approaches to drive the future of marinas
20-21 September 2026
Monaco 21 July 2026. Since 2021, the annual Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (20-21 September 2026) has been supporting the marina sector transformation by gathering at the Yacht Club de Monaco stakeholders involved in marina design, development and operations. Organised by M3 Monaco, a consultancy specialised in development and management of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools, backed by partners from diverse yet complementary fields such as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, ESA NanoTech, Bombardier, MB92 Group, Skytopia, Plus Marine and Italian Yacht Masters, the event centres on the convergence of the environment, industry, technology, yachting and regional development. It gathers investors, operators, architects, industry players, public authorities and innovative companies to focus on marina infrastructure.
Around 250 professionals from the marina, yachting and eco-technology sectors are expected to attend. “In six years, this meeting has become a catalyst for global change. We are not talking sustainability in the abstract; we foster the partnerships and technology transfers that turn sustainable marinas into operational reality,” says José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco.
Over the years, the meeting has showcased 146 innovations from 28 nations, 42 marina projects spanning 19 countries, and 34 architectural project proposals from 28 international firms. Many of the innovations have moved beyond the concept stage into the commercialisation or acceleration phases, highlighting the ecosystem’s growing maturity. “A marina is no longer just a place to park boats, it’s an integral part of the local area that supports its development, and must address the environmental challenges and expectations of the new generations of recreational yachtsmen,” adds Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM Director and General Secretary.
A fresh perspective on innovation
To better reflect this reality, participating businesses will now be categorised according to their stage of development:
– Pre-revenue: those developing their solution but not yet generating revenue;
– Post-revenue: those that have acquired their first customers;
– Scaling revenue: those undergoing a phase of rapid growth.
This will make it easier to identify solutions that meet the needs of investors, marina operators and industry partners. Innovations will be assessed in seven categories and showcased in an online E-Catalogue available from mid-August. They are: biodiversity preservation, energy optimisation, energy production, marina operations, waste management, new infrastructure materials, and water management.
Recognising long-term strategies
The 2026 edition marks a shift in approach for participating marinas. To recognise initiatives already implemented and encourage a process of continuous improvement, the competition side will be awarding the new S3-Smart & Sustainable Standard label, developed by M3 Monaco. This recognises facilities committed on a path to sustainability, innovation and operational excellence.
Architecture competition to imagine and design tomorrow’s marina
This year, professional architects and architecture students will be working on a sustainable transformation of the Opatija Marina in Croatia’s Kvarner Bay. Entrants will be tasked with designing two complementary elements: a “Marina Hub” with restaurants, wellness areas, shops and a harbour master’s office; and a sailing school together with a facility dedicated to marine biodiversity, education and sharing maritime expertise. The project must combine innovation, sustainability and integration into local heritage, while generating added value for the region. Finalists will present their proposals in Monaco to an international jury and key figures in the marina design field.
Smart Marina Connect to continue the exchanges
Also new for this sixth edition is the launch of Smart Marina Connect, a B2B digital platform designed to connect providers of innovative solutions with marina managers and continue the exchanges after the event. It will facilitate collaboration opportunities and project-follow-up throughout the year.
Talks, workshops, project presentations and networking sessions are on the programme of the two-day event, with one goal: to foster dialogue, speed up collaborations and generate concrete solutions to drive innovation and sustainability in the marina sector.
