The Marina Operation Market | France

The market for the operation of marinas has several particular characteristics. The boundary between public service and private operation is the responsibility of various authorities and the mode of operation may vary from one marina to another.

In France, until 1983, the operation of a port or public service was the exclusive competence of the State

The decentralisation laws of 1983 and 1984 gradually transferred this competence to the departments and municipalities, although the management of the main commercial ports remains the responsibility of the State Local authorities choose the management mode of their ports in management or concession, by chambers of commerce and industry, semi-public companies or companies governed by private law, yacht clubs or associations... On their side, marina managers are subject to public service obligations.

The marina market is today characterised by its dynamism and the diversity of products on offer: sailboats, motorboats of various sizes and characteristics, light sails and sports sails.

The marina sector contributes to the development of the French tourist and leisure offer

The study below focuses on the operation of ports reserved for sailing and motor yachts .