New 4,300t Shiplift on Schedule for Delivery September 2022

France’s leading superyacht refit shipyard has announced that the new 4,300t shiplift is on track for delivery mid September next year. The new area will provide MB92 La Ciotat exclusive use of up to six additional spaces for yachts under 110 metres in length and promises to be one of the most sustainable haul-out solutions for superyachts in the world. It also benefits from an optimised hydraulic transfer system that results in a seamless transfer after chocling in under 180 minutes.

In addition to standard amenities, the platform will host a number of innovative features aimed at significantly reducing the negative ecological footprint associated with refitting

 - On-shore power of 1,25GW / vessel: Certified Ecodesign 2021 electricity transformers that significantly reduce energy consumption compared to standard transformers and is supplied through the French national grid

- 2 ICPE compliant wastewater & runoff treatment plants that prevent 100% of pollutants by using a green reprocessing system

- Installation of the world’s largest artificial harbour fish nursery along the quays

- Waste recycling centres for each yacht

- Electric vehicle recharging stations

Mathieu Bauden, MB92 La Ciotat Facilities Director, has been overseeing the project since its inception in 2019 and said: “I am confident that our clients will appreciate the speed, reliability and safety of the new platform. The system that has been created by the Bardex Corporation, one of the world’s leading heavy lifting and positioning specialists, uses an innovative linear chain jack system, which produces much less deflection than a cable-supported rigid platform, ensuring a smooth transition of the ship during the haul out.”

The launch of the new shiplift next year will be a major event for the company who, in 25 years, has developed from a small yacht builder into one of the industry’s best known superyacht refit yards. 

For Ben Mennem, CEO of MB92 La Ciotat, the new platform “is the ultimate addition to our existing range of haul-out solutions for vessels between 30 and 200 metres. We are all extremely excited about this imminent delivery and look forward to continuing to provide our clients with a seamless, high quality refit experience. It has been very rewarding to witness the growth of our team over the past few years and this is set to continue with the 4,300t.”

With a workforce of 150, the number of employees at the shipyard has doubled since 2015 and this is expected to continue to grow by a further 30% over the next four years to meet the expected influx of business. In addition, it is estimated that at least 350 jobs will be created indirectly within local marine subcontracting companies.

MB92 Group has invested €45m in the new shiplift alongside the local port authority, La Ciotat Shipyards, with a goal of consolidating the site as the world’s largest superyacht refit hub.