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Irish Coastal Marinas News and Updates
Mapped Out: European marina locations are being added to EMODnet to give recreational boating greater visibility in maritime spatial planning
European marinas are being mapped on the EU-funded European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) as part of an initiative to give recreational boating greater visibility in maritime spatial planning. The project comes as competition for European coastal and marine…
Shanghai First – ICOMIA will take its World Marinas Conference to Mainland China for the first time from 30 March to 2 April 2027
Shanghai will host the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference from 30 March to 2 April 2027, marking the first time in the event's 34-year history that it will be staged in Mainland China. The decision comes as China places increased emphasis on…
Harbour Boost — Work gets under way on Tarbert Harbour's new £2.2 million marina slipway project, delivering improved lifting facilities, extra hard standing and parking to support marine tourism and boating.
Northern Ireland civil engineering contractor Charles Brand has begun work on a new marina slipway at Tarbert Harbour after being awarded the £1.6 million construction contract for the £2.2 million redevelopment project. The project that aims to strengthen marine tourism,…
Harbour Buzz: Visitors explore the Barcelona International Boat Show at Port Vell, where expanded water sports, diving and boating experiences will headline the 2026 event.
The Barcelona International Boat Show will return to Port Vell from 14 to 18 October with an expanded programme designed to appeal to a broader boating audience. Now in its 63rd edition, Spain's leading boating exhibition will introduce new exhibition…
Net Result — Discarded fishing gear and abandoned nets remain a hidden hazard for cruising sailors. Irish Sailing is encouraging crews to report entanglements and near-misses to improve safety and awareness.
Discarded and lost fishing gear remains a serious and often invisible hazard for cruising sailors in Irish and nearby waters. A recent near‑miss in the St George’s Channel, when viewed alongside a previous Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) investigation off the West Cork coast,…
Driving Transition — Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of European Boating Industry, says a technology-neutral approach supported by infrastructure and investment is essential to the sector's energy transition.
European Boating Industry (EBI) has published a new roadmap outlining how marina infrastructure can support the energy transition in recreational boating across Europe. The document, titled Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe: A Roadmap for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure, sets…
Harbour Horizon — Belfast Harbour’s £1.3bn masterplan aims to expand port capacity, support trade growth and deliver major regeneration projects across the harbour estate by 2050.
Belfast Harbour has unveiled plans for a £1.3 billion investment programme to expand port capacity and regenerate parts of the harbour estate over the next 25 years. The masterplan includes proposals for more than 3,500 new homes, expanded freight facilities,…
Flagship Voyage — The Skellig Bounty tourism vessel operated by Aqua Terra Boat Tours from Valentia Island has become Ireland’s first tourism boat to receive Blue Flag status for environmental and safety standards in 2026.
Nine Irish marinas are among the locations awarded Blue Flag status for the 2026 season by An Taisce at a ceremony in Youghal, Co Cork. A total of 95 Blue Flags were awarded nationwide, covering 85 beaches, nine marinas and…
“Fresh
Ards and North Down Borough Council is inviting boat owners and visiting sailors to Bangor Marina on Belfast Lough following its takeover of the facility’s operation in April 2026. The council assumed direct management of the marina after negotiations with previous…
Harbour Boost – Belfast Harbour Marina reopens with expanded berths and upgraded facilities, enhancing capacity for visiting yachts and supporting growing demand for leisure boating in the city.
Belfast Harbour Marina has reopened following a refurbishment that has increased capacity and upgraded facilities. The marina, located between Titanic Belfast and the SSE Arena, now offers 67 berths, up from 60, after pontoon extensions increased total length to over…
River City — Shanghai’s skyline and Huangpu River form the backdrop to the city’s selection as host of the 2027 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference.
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations has confirmed Shanghai as the host of the 2027 World Marinas Conference. The event will run from 30 March to 2 April 2027 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre. It…
Glide And Go: Airfloat’s EirGlide modular drive-up dock at Dun Laoghaire Harbour lets boats, RIBs and jet skis drive on and reverse off, helping maximise time on the water this boating season.
Keep your boat ready for use and eliminate costs with a drive-up dock! With the boating season literally just around the corner, now is the time to think about how to maximise your boating time this summer! Airfloat's EirGlide is designed…
River Hub — Aerial view of Banagher on the River Shannon with the multi-arch bridge and marina pontoons in the foreground. The Offaly town will host the Irish stop of the TYHA Code of Practice roadshow on March 24.
The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) will stage a nationwide roadshow across the UK and Ireland to promote its revised Code of Practice for marinas. The programme includes 11 events and is designed to introduce the updated guidelines for marina planning,…
“Bavaria
Bavaria Yachts is officially back in Ireland. The award-winning German yacht builder has appointed Malahide Boat Sales as its exclusive Irish dealer, marking a significant new chapter for Irish sailors and powerboaters alike. As part of the appointment, Malahide Marina…
MDL Marinas investing £6.35m across its UK marina network in 2025/26, upgrading pontoons at Queen Anne’s Battery Marina (pictured), alongside dredging, infrastructure, sustainability projects and customer facilities nationwide.
MDL Marinas has confirmed £6.35 million of investment across its UK marina network during the 2025/26 berthing season. The spend reinforces the company’s long-term strategy to upgrade facilities, infrastructure and services nationwide. Between April and October, MDL invested £4.38 million.…
Holy Loch Marina in Argyll has been sold to Tingdene Group, marking its first marina acquisition in Scotland and 12th in the UK.
Holy Loch Marina on the Cowal Peninsula in Scotland has been sold to Tingdene Group. The 250-berth marina in Sandbank, Argyll, includes indoor and outdoor hard standing, as well as ancillary services. Christie & Co handled the sale on behalf…