Safe Harbor Marinas, Monaco Marine to merge?

Market speculation is growing that Safe Harbor Marinas, the world’s largest marina operator, and Monaco Marine, a leading French and Monaco-based yacht refit specialist, are in exclusive negotiations regarding a potential merger. Official confirmation of the talks is still awaited.

If confirmed, the merger would bring together two major forces in the global yachting industry. Safe Harbor Marinas, which became part of Blackstone Infrastructure’s portfolio earlier this year in a $5.65bn acquisition, has an extensive footprint across the US. Monaco Marina, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s largest superyacht refit and repair operators.

In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Blackstone is looking to invest up to $500bn in Europe, and expanding its marina and shipyard holdings in the US and Caribbean could be part of its plans. Safe Harbor Marinas currently operates more than 130 marinas across the US and the Caribbean, including the recent acquisition of Christophe Harbour in St Kitts. 

Monaco Marine handles over 3,000 yacht and superyacht projects a year at its eight shipyards at La Ciotat, Marseille, Antibes, Juan Le Pins, Bealieu-sur-Mer, St Tropez, La Seyne Toulon and St Laurent du Var, plus a marina in Monaco.

In terms of shipyards in the US, Safe Harbor Marinas operates the Rybovich shipyards and marinas in Florida, the Savannah Yachting Center in Georgia and the Newport Shipyard on Rhode Island.

If the merger is successfully concluded, this could be the start of an international shipyard network developing alongside the marinas. Superyacht refit capacity is currently in short supply, taking account of the current superyacht fleet and its future growth over the next five years or more. The fleet over 30m already stands between 5,200 and 6,000 or more.

Speculation suggests that, if a deal is finalised, Safe Harbor Marinas would gain full control of Monaco Marine SA. Completion of the transaction would be subject to regulatory approvals in both the US and Europe.

The acquisition of Monaco Marine would mark Safe Harbor Marinas’ significant entry into the European market, likely paving the way for further marina acquisitions across the region. Such a move would position Safe Harbor in direct competition with other major players in the sector, including CVC-owned D-Marin, IGY Marinas, as well as regional networks like Marinedi and Ocibar.