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Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023 summary

 SuperYacht Times takes a look at everything you may have missed from this year’s packed programme at the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023.

A complete summary of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023

MYS 2023: Yacht Design & Innovation Hub roundtables in partnership with SuperYacht Times

We take a look at everything you may have missed from this year’s roundtable talks, in collaboration with SuperYacht Times. 

Everything you missed from the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub roundtables at MYS 2023

More speakers for the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023 announced

The Gulf Superyacht Summit is an annual two-day summit that informs, assists and advises yachting clients and related interested stakeholders.

events-retrospectives#1

Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023 schedule announced

Since recently taking over the helm of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>, one of the newest superyacht refit shipyards to have erupted into the industry in recent years, Guillaume Roché is in the process of revitalising the yard’s development strategy. Nestled in the idyllic and well-protected Boka Bay in the heart of Montenegro, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> combines a unique offering of location, expertise and, most importantly, space, but has been slow to assert itself in the competitive superyacht refit sector. Roché, who has spent 30 years founding and managing superyacht shipyards including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunrise Yachts (Company)">Sunrise Yachts</a> in Antalya, has come to the table with a fresh approach, with the goal to become the prime destination for winter refit, repair and maintenance, in partnership with Porto Montenegro’s impressive offering.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times sat down with Roché to find out more about his plans for the facility, deep dive into his unique approach and share an insight into what we can expect from the yard over the coming years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/283063/image/large-03951036c263ecc017ba7c67bc5bea66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/283063">Originally a commercial shipyard, what motivated the transition from commercial to superyacht refit?The shipyard sits opposite the new and highly successful <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Marina Porto Montenegro</a>, and at over 100,000 square-metres of premium hard-standing space, it offered an unparalleled opportunity to invest in an almost ready-made refit shipyard. With its pre-existing build sheds and near 900 linear metres of dock space, the investors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Marina Porto Montenegro</a>, PM Holdings LLC and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World Dubai</a>, recognised the potential for a facility that not only completed the marina, but also helped to draw more superyachts to the region. We opened our doors in late 2021, but since then I have worked with the team to refocus the strategy and to create a true ecosystem for superyacht refit. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/283319/image/large-08f1ffc4adec2f7861e555f1cde3474f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/283319">Tell us a bit about how the yard has developed since you took over as CEO earlier this yearThe original strategy of the yard was to service the vessels residing and arriving in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro Marina</a>, but I realised straight away that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> has the potential to become a major player when it comes to large and very large yacht refits. In order to gain the trust and confidence of the industry, however, we needed to tailor the infrastructure and create an ecosystem that supports all forms of refit and maintenance. With so much space available, we have now focused our energies on creating facilities for expert subcontractors, essentially to draw the best businesses in the industry to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>, where they will be able to set up their own workshops so that we can offer world class services on our site.&nbsp;We have now signed with a growing list of established and reputed subcontractors who are planning to move into workshops and offices at the yard and we are well underway in the construction of those facilities, the first of which will be ready for the upcoming refit season. We have the 180-metre, 10,000-tonne, floating drydock in situ, and we acquired a 720-tonne mobile boat hoist last May and are already looking to purchase a 1,500-tonne MBH in preparation for the 2024 refit reason. Within the next year we will have extended our ground capacity by another 40,000 square-metres, in addition to finishing the refurbishing of our very large deepwater dock to accommodate several 100m+ superyachts.In addition to the expansion of the services facilities, we are also focusing on the development of a strong and exciting crew infrastructure – what will be the Adriatic Yacht &amp; Sports Club – that complements the excellent crew facilities already in place at Porto Montenegro. Our entire programme is based on transparency, innovation and ethical practices and we think that what we can offer to the industry and the clients is unusual. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/282952/image/large-f7fba8a8901f4479897d44aa4c7d48fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/282952">Looking forward to the refit period ahead, how many yachts are you currently able to accommodate and how do you expect this to develop?&nbsp;It looks like we will currently be servicing between 12-18 yachts this upcoming season in the range of 50-60 metres, but our plan is that by next winter season we’ll be able to take in between 50 and 60 yachts, including those above 100 metres. It is ambitious but we are motivated and supported by our investors to expand exponentially and with the interest we are already receiving from the industry we see that it is doable.&nbsp;This season we have some exciting refits, including a full rebuild and this is our opportunity to demonstrate to the industry what we are capable of. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277732/image/large-9d2984608ba0df0259ef7e716cbde21b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277732"> Why do you think owners will come to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> over the established yards in Spain for example?The refit industry has seen an increase in demand across the board, with the superyacht fleet increasing in age and a higher demand for older yachts in need of refit. We have a huge facility, with capacity to service the industry’s largest yachts and we have availability for the upcoming season – which very few other yards can say. As I said earlier, our goal is to provide the best service to the clients we have this season in the hope that they will share their experience with other yachts, owners and captains in the future.&nbsp;We are also focusing on providing something that is very dear to our shareholders: ethical practices, total transparency, and sustainable business environment. &nbsp;This is why all our rates are available to the public and we have an open-book policy with all our clients. &nbsp;We want to develop mutual trust and respect. &nbsp;Alongside with irreproachable workmanship, we believe that this is what will make our clients return to us and recommend us to others.We are also working hard to connect with the local community and create an environment that attracts owners, crew and captains. I have been working with local businesses and we now have a crew training facility onboard that can provide STCW-95 training next to the yard, so crew no longer have to worry about travelling to gain or maintain their qualifications. We are also in conversation with airlines to open more frequent routes between the main yachting hubs such as Barcelona, Florence and Nice.&nbsp;With support from the local people, a solid investment plan and unparalleled infrastructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> is set to become a premier refit destination. To find out more about the facility, or to get in touch with the team about availability, reach out now;

Adriatic 42: Interview with Guillaume Roche 

uperYacht Times sat down with CEO Guillaume Roche of Adriatic 42 to learn more about the shipyards development. 

Guillaume Roche on the development of Adriatic 42 into a world-class, competitive refit shipyard

The Mediterranean has a new heavy-weight contender for superyacht refit and repair – and it’s located snuggly in arguably one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean Basin. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> first opened its doors late last year and has already worked on some impressive projects, including the 106.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> motor-sailor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>.&nbsp;SuperYacht Times caught up with Friedrich Dreves, Chief Commercial Officer, to learn more about the shipyard and to hear what it’s got lined up. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267270/image/large-ae61e90cb78d8f790ed1b1365d3c1db5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267270">What’s the story behind&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>&nbsp;and why did you choose Montenegro?Montenegro has a rich history of shipbuilding and repair and the former Bijela Shipyard was its beating heart. The shipyard was founded in 1927 and quickly grew to become the largest conventional repair and maintenance centre in the southern Adriatic. Not only was it the largest operation, it was beautifully located in Boka Bay – one of the world’s safest natural harbours. Sadly, though, it hasn’t been fully operational for the last 15 years, leading to its complete closure. A key piece of the Mediterranean puzzle was missing.&nbsp;Riding off the great success of the multi-award winning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Marina Porto Montenegro</a>, we knew that it needed this piece more than ever. The former shipyard was acquired by PM Holdings LLC and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World Dubai</a> and transformed back into a premium superyacht refit and maintenance facility. But this time in an innovative, modern and sustainable way.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267271/image/large-8cee98b562e723533e15d276570e6783.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267271">How much of the original Bijela Shipyard did you preserve?After 15 years of non-operation, the shipyard needs complete reconstruction and revitalisation. We restored and refurbished where possible, but many of the buildings are brand new and built to the highest safety and investment standards. It wasn’t enough to work from an old and out-dated facility: our goal is to be one of the cleanest and modern shipyards in the industry – everything had to be state-of-the-art.&nbsp;What services do you offer and what facilities do you have?Our mission is to be the most transparent and highest quality shipyard for yacht refit and repairs. We have an incredibly modern infrastructure that’s complemented by our large floating dock and 720 tonne travel lift. Even though our primary clients are 70-metres and above, we do also welcome smaller yachts.&nbsp;To champion transparency we have an app that our clients can download to their devices. Through this all, clients can see all steps of the project in real time, customs process, delivery, work progress 24/7. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267272/image/large-151af8a6aaa88f78be73f95923160dc4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267272"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl31.4m (103'0&quot;)Diverse Projects2011">Black Pearl</a>&nbsp;was a sensational first project for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>, but what’s next?&nbsp;Winning the bid to work on the 107-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> late last year was fantastic. We did a great service and the managers and captains of the yacht were incredibly satisfied; we’re sure they’ll return to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>.The project proved that the joint venture standing behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> is strong, reliable and trust-inspiring – even for the most demanding clients. It’s still early days for 2023 and we’ve already signed more than 40 superyachts between 30 to 150-metres for refit and repair. It’s a really positive start for us.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-44" target="_blank">Issue 44 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with Friedrich Dreves, CCO, Adriatic 42

SYT sat down with Friedrich Dreves, CCO of Adriatic 42.

Friedrich Dreves, CCO of Adriatic 42: "A key piece of the Mediterranean puzzle was missing"

The <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2022">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2022</a> is now only a few days away, taking place on 9 and 10 November onboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mina Rashid Marina (Company)">Marina Mina Rashid</a>, Dubai, under the patronage of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/p-o" target="_blank">P&amp;O Marinas</a>.&nbsp;Some of the keynote speakers have already been announced with Peter Lürssen, CEO of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/lurssen" target="_blank">Lürssen Yachts</a> declared as the honoured keynote interviewee for the event. Peter Lürssen is the fourth-generation shipyard owner of the legendary German shipyard, which has built a large proportion of some of the world’s most exclusive yachts. We are now able to announce the final list of speakers for the two day event. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235856/image/large-9034c539c3da3b38f1bf9af695f0d5ea.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235856">WEDNESDAYThe future of the Gulf | 9 Nov |&nbsp;09:45 - 10:25A panel of experts from the region gives an update on the latest developments in the Gulf Region. Gunther Alvarado, COO of Al Seer Marine has now joined the panel, to share more about the recent announcement that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&O Marinas to create superyacht service centre and refit shipyard in Dubai (2022-09-27 16:15:00 +0200)">Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&amp;O Marinas are investing in a superyacht service centre and refit shipyard in Dubai</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/90580/image/large-267f4d2bfd330bdaa3d6a910ce1d9d48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/90580"> Investing in the UAE | 9 Nov | 10:25 - 11:05&nbsp;With a growing fleet and more demand for yachts, it is now a good time to invest in the yacht industry of the United Arab Emirates. What are the opportunities and challenges of investing or starting a yacht business in the United Arab Emirates. Paolo Casani, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> yacht brokerage will be joining Jean-Marc Bolinger of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 Barcelona (Company)">MB92 Barcelona</a>, Francis Lapp of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> and Saleha Osmani, Regional Head of the Middle East of Invest Industrial. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215707/image/large-2c4101a2581add199ebbd49be32048fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215707">Looking after the growing fleet in the UAE | 9 Nov | 11:35 - 12:15Globally the superyacht fleet is growing, but also in the UAE. There need to be marinas to dock the yachts, agents to support them, suppliers to supply them and shipyards to maintain them, is that available and what needs to be done? The panel has now been expanded to include Jo Assael, Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/834" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Döhle Private Clients Ltd (Company)">Döhle Yachts</a>, Fiorenzo Spadoni, Marine United Kingdom Area Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> and Captain Mike Fetton, General Manager of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6806" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JLS Yachts (Company)">JLS Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48515/image/large-2ba0ccb304fc4014ce90ea19fae11ae2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48515">The challenges of yacht ownership in the Gulf | 9 Nov | 12:15 - 12:55What are the challenges faced by superyachts owners in the Gulf region? Oliver Blanchet, Head of Jet and Yacht Finance of BNP Paribas, Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor of the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry and Rob Tobin, Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riela Yachts (Company)">Riela Yachts</a>, discuss finance, ownership structures, insurance and flagging.&nbsp;Attracting new clients in the Gulf | 9 Nov | 14:20 - 15:00The number of millionaires in Dubai has increased by 18% to around 67,900 millionaires and the real estate market is booming. Is there also a stronger demand for yachts in the Gulf region? Justin Ratcliffe will be joined on stage by Rado Antolovic, CEO of<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">&nbsp;Drydocks World</a>, Jorritt Pilaar, Sales Manager of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and Paris Baloumis, Group Marketing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205513/image/large-b8253c0903b3a9878c18542f0203a3b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205513">The Owner’s Perspective | 9 Nov | 15:00 - 15:30Interview with a superyacht owners to get their perspective on cruising the Gulf region and beyond. Francesca Webster will be moderating the talk between Guido Krass, owner of the 85-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bold85.3m (279'10&quot;)SilverYachts2019">Bold</a>, and Mohamed Al Zaabi, owner of the 35m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1420" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DXB34.95m (114'8&quot;)Benetti SpA2003">DXB</a> and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yachts Dubai (Company)">Royal Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247653/image/large-90ee00189d2f26e92590de9fcc4096db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247653">Charter the way forward for the Gulf? | 9 Nov | 15:30 - 16:10 To create a destination, it is extremely important that there are yachts available for charter. Be it for day charters or overnight charters. How can the Gulf attract more charter yachts? The original panel will now be joined by Anastazja Kociolkowska,&nbsp;Business Development Manager Dubai of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>.THURSDAYThe Great Eastern Route | 10 Nov | 9:00 - 9:40What can the different regions and countries do together to get more superyachts travelling eastwards? Grant Holmes of Inchape will now be joined on stage by Steve Stiglbauer, Port Manager of Old Doha Port, as well as Abdulla Waheed, Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4537" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maldives Yacht Support (Company)">Maldives Yacht Support</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/90581/image/large-c1ba62634c94849d6fba5fb7d716e500.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/90581">How tech can benefit the Superyacht Industry | 10 Nov| 10:00 - 10:40Technology is a big part of our lives today and the superyacht industry starts to slowly adopt more tech. On this panel, we have some experts who are challenging the industry with cool tech solutions that benefit industry professionals and superyacht owners. For this newly launched panel, Merijn de Waard will be joined by Sylvain Vieujot of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Enata Marine (Company)">ENATA</a>, Thomas O’Nial, Co-Founder of Meta Yachts, Giovanni Alessi Anghini, Chief Innovation &amp; Technology Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> and Fabian Tollenaar, Technology Director of YachtEye.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247676/image/large-62b2d94a7fe7e4d62108e7766bd12485.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247676">The Energy Challenge | 10 Nov | 11:30 - 12:10With a lot of forward-thinking billionaires as clients, why is there no superyacht on the water yet that is powered by hydrogen? What are the latest developments and what will it look like in 5-years from now? Engel Jan de Boer,&nbsp;Yacht Segment Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyds Ships (Company)">Lloyd's Register</a> will be moderating the panel with Paolo Bertetti,&nbsp;Vice President Technical R&amp;D of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, Jo Assael of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/834" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Döhle Yachts (Company)">Döhle Yachts</a> and Dr. Bernhard Urban, Head of Development &amp; Innovation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Fr. Lürssen Werft GmbH &amp; Co. KG</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235859/image/large-e7d2935d870c7b3871df2e6fb3326f97.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235859">You can find the full schedule and more information on the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/gulf-superyacht-summit-2022-early-bird-tickets#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> website: <a href="https://www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com/" target="_blank">www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com</a>. <a href="https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/84531/gulf-superyacht-summit" target="_blank">Early bird tickets</a> for the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/gulf-superyacht-summit-2022-early-bird-tickets#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2022</a> now sold out, but there are some final tickets remaining. Don’t miss out, <a href="https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/84531/gulf-superyacht-summit" target="_blank">buy your tickets today</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240975/image/large-1dd1deadc2235db72ef7c675ba4762cc.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240975"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240976/image/large-fd2d41a0239fa277712a77d8dfcfd133.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240976">

Gulf Superyacht Summit speakers

The final speakers have been announced for next week's Gulf Superyacht Summit.

Gulf Superyacht Summit 2022: Final speakers announced for next week's summit

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>, the all-new superyacht refit facility in Bijela, Montenegro, has officially opened. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s 106.7-metre motor sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> arrived at the site earlier this month for her forthcoming refit – making her the first boat to dock in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s superyacht yard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247545/image/large-a4a1b4225635ed8ac7b5f7c84d6e6b10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247545">“Starting from today, with the service provided by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>, Montenegro presents itself to the world as a well-rounded facility for nautical tourism. In addition to moorings, it offers to yacht owners and their crews quality repairs, relieving them of the need to temporarily move from Montenegrin marinas every year,” Milo Đukanović, President of Montenegro, commented. “We are proud that this is the first marine facility of its type and scale in Montenegro. And that contributes to the perception of Montenegro as a new tourist destination in the Mediterranean and in Europe.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a> is the redesigned Bijela shipyard, which has been transformed into a premium superyacht refit and maintenance facility. The Government of Montenegro granted a 30-year concession for the shipyard to PM Holdings LLC and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World Dubai</a>, who’ll run the facilities as a joint venture.The official opening ceremony was attended by a long list of dignitaries, including the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, Managing Director of ICD, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, Captain Rado Antolović, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World</a> and Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179730/image/large-01b83a0f5da95ca26cfe3fa6c360e5e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179730">The former Bijela shipyard, nearly 100 years old, was the largest ship repair yard in the Southern Adriatic. “The development of the project will create hundreds of jobs,” Đukanović added. “In addition to those in the shipyard itself, opportunities will be created for numerous small companies that provide special services, which represents a great opportunity not only for the present, but also for future generations.”Mohammed Al Shaibani, commented, “The Investment Corporation of Dubai is delighted that the joint venture between its operating business in Montenegro, PM Holdings LLC, and our expert marine engineering partner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World Dubai</a>, is being realised through the opening of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s specialist superyacht shipyard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/179731/image/large-5baf472550fcc5e913a02448316429d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/179731">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre (2022-01-20 12:30:00 +0100)">Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre</a>“Together we’ve shared a long-held ambition to re-activate Montenegro’s former Bijela shipyard in Kotor Bay, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s new refit and repair facility, with the extraordinary superyacht marina village of Porto Montenegro as its backdrop, will create a unique and unrivalled year-round yachting hub in the Mediterranean. This is just the beginning for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic42</a>’s superyacht services, and we look forward to the employment opportunities and prosperity which they will bring to Montenegro.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean (2022-05-27 11:00:00 +0200)">Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean</a>Captain Rado Antolović, added, “The opening of this unique facility for the refit and maintenance of superyachts, marks the beginning of a new era of sustainable and modern shipbuilding globally. It is also a great boost for the maritime and yachting sectors in Montenegro, with more than €40 million invested in the project to date, including for the acquisition of state-of-the-art infrastructure and investments in sustainable technologies.“

Adriatic42 superyacht refit centre in Montenegro officially opened

Adriatic42 refit facility in Bijela, Montenegro, has officially opened. 

Adriatic42 superyacht refit and maintenance centre in Montenegro officially opened 

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> has acquired an all new floating dock from the renowned Turkish Hat-San Shipyard to be used for yacht servicing and repair. The 180-metre by 37-metre floating dock arrived in Bijela, Montenegro and is the first step in the development of superyacht overhaul and maintenance facilities in the country.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/232268/image/large-8f045b357bdf55195060c57f354db2c0.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20220627%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20220627T085657Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=cf7ed38a2dc1861e90929f4beb1048093e8bd8b42d0ad6db6c4122066b4e9aa1" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232268">The arrival of the floating dock is a momentous date for both the Bay of Kotor and the entire country of Montenegro according to Capt. Rado Antolović, PhD, the Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>. “It is a facility that will certainly transform Montenegro's position on the global yachting map. It is a million-dollar new generation with a 10,000-ton lift capacity that can accommodate the world's largest yachts.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> has also obtained a new travel hoist with a 720-ton capacity, the largest of its kind in the region. “So far, we have invested €40 million to the project in order to fulfil our main objective: to lay the foundations for the rebirth of the shipbuilding and overhaul industry in a completely new, sustainable way,” said Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>, Capt. Rado Antolović, PhD.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55233" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean (2022-05-27 11:00:00 +0200)">Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>’s shareholders and management are committed to completing the first phase of the unique Mega Yacht Repair &amp; Maintenance facility by the end of the year. “I would like to highlight the support we received from Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović and Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, who recognised the significance of the project, which is a major milestone in yacht servicing and repair and will complete our offering to yacht owners,” said Capt. Rado Antolović.The company already has 20 people from Montenegro working on the project. It believes that this number will increase, as the project demands the involvement of many professionals from both Montenegro and abroad. As CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a>, Paul John Gray explains “ Our objective is to provide opportunities for many local experts in a variety of sectors to share their knowledge and expertise with the community. We are fully aware of the Bijela Shipyard's legacy, which is why we will pool our expert resources to collectively transform this area and restore it to its former glory.”Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre (2022-01-20 12:30:00 +0100)">Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> also places a high priority on &nbsp;environmental protection by using new and modern technology to allow for more energy-efficient business practices and the smart use of alternative energy. This is in accordance with the highest environmental and safety regulations to prevent pollution.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6770" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adriatic 42 (Company)">Adriatic 42</a> is a consortium consisting of Adriatic Marinas, Porto Montenegro and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World</a>.

Adriatic 42 acquires an all-new 180m floating dock for superyacht refit

Adriatic 42 has acquired an all new floating dock from the renowned Turkish Hat-San Shipyard to be used for yacht servicing and repair.

Adriatic 42 acquires an all-new 180m floating dock for superyacht refit and servicing

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> is only 40 percent complete – and yet it already offers 460 superyacht berths, a five-star Regent <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a>, over 300 apartments, and a cluster of fashion boutiques and dining experiences. The site is world-class and generous in size, but over the next 10-years it will slowly expand into five neighbourhoods, close to doubling its capacity. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228693/image/large-70fdbcab99720d354c4d416f4cd500b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228693">The aim for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> is to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean, boasting “five dynamic and distinctive, yet interconnected neighbourhoods.” Across these five sites, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> will be able to offer 850 berths, 315 of which will be reserved for superyachts and designed to cater for their specific needs. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228694/image/large-7a5b269a705a96c61c162b5ff5add4ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228694">“Our vision is to complete <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> as the premier boating and superyachting hub in the Mediterranean and to reinvent waterfront living with a diverse collection of eclectic but integrated neighbourhoods,” David Margason, Managing Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a>, said. Which will be introduced over the lifetime of the masterplan according to the prevailing markets, and which harmoniously fuse together to create a place of discovery, and creative and adventurous fulfilment.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228688/image/large-18029f690895eda3cb7e72d52347ba20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228688"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228687/image/large-df35cf39138443a33f60e28e864d14e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228687">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54624" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In conversation: Tony Browne, Porto Montenegro Marina Director (2022-02-21 14:00:00 +0100)">In conversation: Tony Browne, Porto Montenegro Marina Director</a>“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> is a year-round destination designed for modern lifestyles supporting a balance of live work and play. With more than 40 nationalities, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> is a global community, where people are united in their curiosity for the unexpected and their insatiable desire for the extraordinary,” Margason continued.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228685/image/large-973624b26abb0cb08bb23b955b0aea08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228685">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54454" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World on course to turn Bijela Shipyard into a leading superyacht refit centre (2022-01-20 12:30:00 +0100)">Porto Montenegro and DryDocks World &nbsp;to turn Bijela Shipyard into a superyacht refit centre</a>There are also plans to introduce a new shipyard, called Adriatic 42, which is being spearheaded in a joint venture with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">DryDocks World</a>. Located at the old Bijela site, conveniently just a mile and half from the marina village, will offer superyacht refit, repair, overhaul and maintenance work.&nbsp;

Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans

Over the next 10-years Porto Montenegro will slowly expand into five neighbourhoods, and close to double its capacity. 

Porto Montenegro announces major expansion plans to position itself as “the premium yachting hub” in the Mediterranean

Tony Browne is a superyacht veteran – a young one, I’m hasten to add! With over 10 years aboard and six years of captaining under his belt, directing superyacht constructions and now directing marina operations at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a>, if anyone knows the true definition of a luxury boutique experience, it’s Tony. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218446/image/large-79ee386bbfacce1a22ed57d607ad683a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218446">For this very reason, Tony was appointed as Chairman of the Board for the Global Marina Institute and invited to be a member of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Superyacht Society (Company)">International Superyacht Society</a> Board of Directors. We caught up with Tony to hear his journey and to discover the going-ons at the marina draped in accolades and which was voted “best superyacht marina in the world,” at the ACREW Superyacht Business Awards 2021.Tony, from what I gather, it has always been difficult to find you off a sailing yacht. What has your journey been like?&nbsp;In 1997 I left Australia and was pretty fortuitous as the owners I worked for were very keen on seeing the world. When you're into yachting you want to travel and experience different cultures, places, sights and sounds. So it’s fair to say I landed on my feet.&nbsp;I started off on an adventure holiday tall ship, sailing around picking up guests for cabin charter and taking them to some pretty exotic places, crossing a number of oceans to hit those far-flung destinations. I was rubbing shoulders with guys from the superyacht industry who were earning far more money than me, so it was certainly time to “jump ship”.My forte has always been sailing, so even as a superyacht captain, I was drawn to all things rigs, masts and sails. I took the helm of quite a few different sailing yachts and I did try my hand with a motor yacht – once, only once; I need sailboats in my life!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218451/image/large-4fb39529bc53d104123944db43a37931.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218451">After circumnavigating the globe not once but twice, and racking up over 80,000 nautical miles at the helm, are there any superyachts that really standout?&nbsp;Perhaps my most notable vessel, was the 28.35 metre traditional gaff rigged schooner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6236" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tree of Life28.35m (93'0&quot;)Covey Island Boatworks1991">Tree of Life</a> which is modern in its build, but still wrought with traditional. She was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4573" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Covey Island Boatworks (Company)">Covey Island Boatworks</a> and delivered in 1991 featuring a design penned in full by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Brewer Yacht Designs (Company)">Brewer Yacht Designs</a>. We sailed her for some pretty adventurous owners over a three or four year period, which was a great experience and good fun.Another project I worked on was the iconic Eye of the Wind, during her refits in Gloucestershire, the UK between 1999 and 2000. &nbsp;She needed some extensive changes to bring her up to the new LY2 class rules. Eye of the Wind has an interesting and star-studded story. She was launched in 1911 as an engineless trading sailing ship but a fire put an end to her service in the 1960s. She was laid up as a hulk in Sweden until the mid-1970s when she was rediscovered and refitted to start life as an adventure holiday vessel. She's also a Hollywood star and featured in numerous movies, such as White Squall, Blue Lagoon and Tai Pan.&nbsp;I also worked as build captain for a 40 metre project, which was being constructed in Turkey. This project was the culmination of 10 years of climbing the ranks and earning my stripes, and she was certainly a special one to work on. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218449/image/large-f8457d7146106b8d4bf6465d85d3a7ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218449">What happened? Surely the wind wasn’t taken out of your sails – there must have been a big motivator that drew you ashore after all these years seafaring.&nbsp;It was around the same time as when the construction of the 40-metre project in Turkey was coming to an end that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> Marina reached out to me. It was a great opportunity to become the Marina Director, but one that I certainly didn’t take lightly as it meant stepping ashore.In the back of my mind, I always thought I could return to sea if it didn’t work, but it turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime deal. I’m so pleased I made the decision I did. The backdrop, of course, goes without saying played a role in the decision. As someone who’s travelled extensively, location is important – and, you know what, you can't really put a finger on what it is that creates something quite special here in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a>.It’s clear that you have a strong attraction to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a>&nbsp;Marina, but how do you ensure that guests and clients have the same experience as you do?&nbsp;We really try hard to ensure that our guests maximise their visits to Montenegro, and we have the capacity to cater for any yacht in the world. In the marina itself, we have 460 berths and we have the ability to build under our concession agreement with the government a further 850 berths. So while 450 berths is not a huge number, the actual size and scale of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> is beyond that of any other marina.&nbsp;We have also – and it's been a long time coming – added a shipyard aspect to Porto Montenegro. There is a shipyard facility literally a stone's throw away which we have won the concession tender for. We joined forces with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World</a> Dubai for this venture and are now busy renovating and restoring the site for our opening later this year. In fact, we've just placed an order for a 10,000-tonne 180 metre floating dry dock and a 720-tonne travel lift, which will be arriving in the second quarter of this year.We are more than just a parking lot for yachts, though, and we have really tapped into the local geography and culture of Montenegro. The relationship is bilateral and we give as much as we take: when we first established the marina we provided the first free Wi-Fi infrastructure throughout the town; and we have a budget specifically for upgrades of local infrastructure and for sporting facilities where we'll all don overalls and grab a can of paint and go and repair something that needs to be repaired; another thing we pride ourselves with is that we provide various scholarships for the local schools and yachting industry each year.&nbsp;This harmony between the marina and the town is felt and experienced by our guests and clients. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> Marina is also incredibly safe. The country has the lowest crime rate per capita in Europe, for one. It also isn’t impacted by ground swells, unlike most other marinas in the Mediterranean, as we are located within the enclosed protection of Boka bay. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218447/image/large-a36880f4b9cca3d81bd56a035070c6b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218447"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a>&nbsp;Marina has a calendar teeming with events – anything recent that you particularly enjoyed? And what dates shall we pen into our calendars for this year?&nbsp;My ethos is to create a marina that offers all visitors a five to seven star service – and our “crew club” event schedule is part of that. Just the other week we headed up into the snowy mountains of Montenegro to welcome around 16 teams of four to participate in the industry-renowned Superyacht Winter Games. It was fantastic! Lots of team building, lots of activities and lots of frivolity. We set up some really cool challenges and just had fun with it.&nbsp;Like you said, our schedule is chockablock but if I was to highlight just two events, I would say the Boka Bay Trail and the Superyacht Summer Games. The Trail will take place in May and we have organised three running races around the bay of Boka, so there is a trail for everyone. The Superyacht Summer Games is set to be just as action packed as the Winter ones we just held – this time though we’ll be out at sea competing in sailing regattas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218448/image/large-80bf931e0160edab0ed1023d68c8dd67.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218448">Before you go, can I hear a little bit about your work with the global Marina Institute?&nbsp;So the global Marina Institute is basically an umbrella organisation that ensures a level of consistency with training, services and the general experience at marinas across the world. We are a group of professionals from the UK and Australia, primarily, and we are working at creating a high-level standard that is pretty much universal. As part of this we have created a training program so that people can climb the ranks and be duly certified for their efforts with diplomas that are globally recognised.

In conversation: Tony Browne, Porto Montenegro Marina Director

SYT caught up with Tony Browne, Porto Montenegro Marina Director, to hear his journey and to discover the going-ons at the marina.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porto Montenegro (Company)">Porto Montenegro</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DryDocks World (Company)">Drydocks World</a> Dubai have joined forces and taken over the Bijela Shipyard, located at the Kotor Bay in Montenegro. The shipyard has since been renamed Adriatic 42 and is on course to becoming a leading site for superyacht refit and maintenance appointments.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216103/image/large-f95bfd666f559b0a99f07aac25719b1a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216103">Paul John Gray has been appointed Executive Director of Adriatic 42, and will spearhead the plans to implement a new infrastructure and to upgrade the facilities of the former Bijela Shipyard. Adriatic Marines has pledged €20,000,000 for the work, which will be invested over a three year period.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216102/image/large-00f915cdce40fa24b8bcbc8e95464444.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216102"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216099/image/large-48146f15b159eb75eb3e33e831355008.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216099">“Currently, we are completing all mandatory investigations, analysis and assessments to ensure that our development not only complies with all permit requirements, but is sustainable and environmentally friendly,” Paul John Gray commented. “As part of the DP World Group, we are committed to reducing harmful emissions and will do this through the smart use of alternative energy sources and new, more energy-efficient equipment.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216101/image/large-7d54486df3d33144beceda634e033b4e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216101">&nbsp;It has been announced that once this assessment stage is complete, the next phase will entail the testing of all existing infrastructure, integrity analysis and work conducted on the anchor points of the floating dock. Construction will also commence for a new Travel Hoist jetty, as well as refurbishment work on the current superstructure and South Jetty.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216100/image/large-99a755d4e4a4400e759ab38bf1357e31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216100">&nbsp;

Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World Dubai move forward with Adriatic 42

Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World Dubai have joined forces and taken over the Bijela Shipyard, which is now called Adriatic 42.