Marinas, a Morbihan know-how
The Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan is the largest marina operator in France. The Local Public Company operates 16 marinas in the department for a turnover of 27 Meuros, growing by 6 to 7% in 2018. The company employs 130 permanent staff and 258 people at the height of the tourist season. Its president, François Goulard, shares with BoatIndustry his vision for the development of marinas.
The port, a tool for economic development
" A marina with a boatman who maneuvers, it is a free show in the city with free actors "jokes François Goulard, " Elected officials must understand that the port is a city's number one asset. There is a foreign clientele that dreams of coming to France where ports are less expensive than in the north of Europe. I think that France is behind in the exploitation of water sports. It is the role of the communities to develop it for the local economy. "
The digital turn
The marina must offer new services explains the president of the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan. " We must take the digital turn. Sooner or later, people will book their berths using their smartphones and no longer with their VHF. We can also offer boatage services in marinas for customers who are less used to maneuvering. People are willing to pay if there is service and availability."
Evolution of the profession and the port environment
" Running a port is not the same job as it used to be. You need a real manager, capable of exchanging with the communities "says François Goulard, " Space must be found on land to improve the quality of service and to free up space for shipyards and technology. "The manager also insists on the reception of boat rental professionals, which must evolve. " The rental company no longer necessarily needs fixed breakdowns, but insured places. "
Need for means for port investment
The development of marinas requires significant financial resources to invest. Attracting foreign customers with high added value and offering services allows marinas to acquire new revenues. The management of marinas as a network is another asset, concludes François Goulard. " With an EBITDA of 8 Meuros, the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan has a real capacity for investment. We can invest in the islands (editor's note: Houat and Hoëdic) beyond what these ports could do if they were on their own. "
