IGY and Fayat Awarded the Vieux-Port de Cannes Concession

Marina du Vieux-Port de Cannes SAS, whose shareholders are Island Global Yachting (IGY), the international leader in marina management, and the French construction group Fayat, have signed a 30-year concession agreement with the City of Cannes to operate, enhance and modernise the Vieux-Port de Cannes.

This emblematic destination, located in the heart of the French Riviera, features 727 berths and will be the 23rd marina in IGY’s worldwide network. The investment program will include the creation by January 2024 of a fishermen's village, the construction of a semi-covered 519 space parking lot (including 35 bus and coach spaces), the extension of the Albert Edouard Pier, the relocation and improvement of the careening area, the modernisation of a technical area that includes the refueling station, as well as construction of a new Harbour Master's Office and new service centre.

To reinforce the heritage and attractiveness of the Vieux-Port de Cannes - a central element of the cultural and historical identity of Cannes - the marina’s waterside will be enhanced to emphasise and host old riggings, classic sailboats, and traditional ships including local pointus boats. The development program will modernise, enhance and increase the reception capacities of the land and port infrastructure of the Vieux-Port de Cannes, notably for large vessels, and will improve the quality of services on offer for the benefit of port users.

More than ever, local boaters will have their place. "We are honored that the city of Cannes has entrusted IGY and Fayat with the management and development of this world-renowned site. Our team looks forward to providing our clients with hospitality solutions for all types of vessels by bringing IGY's expertise and professional standards to the French Riviera," said Tom Mukamal, CEO of IGY. "We look forward to transforming the Vieux-Port de Cannes into a best-in-class maritime destination that also includes top-tier events."

"Fayat is excited to be part of this team that will work together to revitalise Vieux-Port de Cannes," adds Philippe Serain, director of concessions and PPP at Fayat. "This project is very important for the city of Cannes and we are delighted to have been chosen with IGY to lead the modernization of this historic and iconic port."

The action plan provides for new port services such as concierge services, an electric shuttle linking the Vieux-Port de Cannes and Port Canto as well as the two areas within the Vieux-Port de Cannes, and berths adapted for people with reduced mobility. Ambitious environmental initiatives, such as a carbon offsetting program, a new power supply service for large ships, the acquisition of underwater drones for pollution inspection operations, the use of sustainable energy sources and zero-emission fuels, and active monitoring of water quality, will make Vieux-Port de Cannes a model of ecological protection, technological innovation and sustainable development.

"IGY and Fayat appreciate the opportunity to partner with the city of Cannes to enhance the service offering of the Vieux-Port de Cannes and to introduce this exceptional destination to the global maritime community," says Emmanuel Messiaen, the new port director. Closer integration of the Port into the local ecosystem will stimulate job growth, foster dialogue with Port stakeholders (such as the port authority, boater and fishermen’s associations, training organisations for sea trades and boat repairs, companies offering nautical activities, tourist office, conference organizers, and brokers) and increase synergies with other ports in the Cannes region.