An innovative vessel to explore the calanques
To operate from Marseilles, AMC Cape Grace has opted for a triple-propulsion catamaran (diesel, thermal and electric). Named Samba this 180-passenger vessel, currently under construction at Chantier de l'Arsenal in La Rochelle, will enter service in April 2025. It has been approved by the Parc national des Calanques, guaranteeing respect for this fragile ecosystem. A team of six sailors and two sales staff has been recruited locally to ensure its operation, and partnerships with local service providers, notably for catering, are currently being finalized.
A new start at Marina Baie des Anges
In Marina Baie des Anges, AMC Cape Grace will commission Mayba a hybrid catamaran with two equal masts, designed for sustainable tourism. This 200-passenger vessel, available from May 2025, will expand the range of excursions to popular destinations on the Côte d'Azur. This development is in line with the company's commitment to offering responsible cruises, combining comfort and respect for the environment.
Rapid, controlled growth
Since being taken over in 2016 by Claude and Maurin Coste, AMC Cape Grace has undergone remarkable expansion. From a single 56-passenger boat, the fleet has grown to six units in just four years. The company, which today employs around ten permanent staff and up to fifty seasonal workers, is forecasting sales of 6 million euros in 2025, up from 4.4 million euros in 2024. The acquisition of new vessels, notably through partnerships with hotel groups, confirms the solidity of this growth.
Ambitious future prospects
AMC Cape Grace has no intention of stopping there. A new diversification activity is currently being developed: the company will offer a vendor credit model to enable partner operators to acquire boats under its own or another brand. This scheme has already been set up in Ajaccio. In addition, a sailing ferry project linking Saint-Raphaël to Calvi is being studied in collaboration with Sailcoop. The ultimate aim is to provide a low-carbon Paris-Calvi route, combining high-speed rail and low-carbon sea transport.
With this dynamic of expansion and innovation, AMC Cape Grace has established itself as a key player in sustainable marine tourism in the Mediterranean.
