La Ciotat Shipyards looks for new partners
La Ciotat Shipyards is looking for partners to share in the development of a new 40,000sqm refit area to be serviced by a 4000t shiplift. …
On Tuesday 17 October, La Ciotat Shipyards officially began the tendering process for its newest call for projects. This most recent tendering period relates to the exclusive rights to use a future superyacht platform dedicated to the haul out and maintenance of superyachts up to 4000t. SuperyachtNews speaks exclusively with Jean-Yves Saussol, CEO of La Ciotat Shipyards.
“By 2021, we will have a new 40,000sqm area that will be serviced by a 4000t shiplift. The technology that will be used is still undecided because we want to work hand in hand with the future occupants to find a solution that suits all,” says Saussol. “This is a bespoke project and will be designed in accordance with the precise needs of the occupants. At least 80 per cent of the new space will be privatised with exclusive rights of use for a lease period of 35 years.”
According to La Ciotat Shipyards, the facility currently accounts for between 8-10 per cent of the global refit market. It is hoped that the new development will allow La Ciotat Shipyards to grow this market share, especially within the 80m+ sector. With the average size of vessels continuing to grow, and limited space for development elsewhere in Europe, La Ciotat believes it has a competitive advantage when it comes to developing and growing in line with the market.
The new facility will be available for up to three operators with each potential operator committing at least €8 million per available lot. The size, shape and characteristics of the lots concerned are yet to be decided as this will form a major part of the call for projects’ negotiations. The tender will remain open for four months, closing 2 February 2018, and it is expected that work will begin at the end of 2019.
“Given the extreme rarity of possible locations for such equipment in the western Mediterranean area, this is a unique opportunity for operators wishing to expand in this market: the minimum contribution we ask our future partners, 8 million euros, is particularly competitive with regard to the growth prospects of the sector" says Saussol. However, Saussol is eager to highlight that €8 million represents a minimum investment not a limitation of spend.
The available slots can be broken down into three technical solutions (see slider for visual):
In the technical solution 1: Primarily, two independent zones, called "Zone Ad " and "Zone Ag " with an area of about 8300 m2 each, built on the shipyards area known as "Terreplein Nord" (see Annex 1.1) and allowing, after completion of the necessary infrastructure work required by SEMIDEP-Ciotat and the Occupant to accommodate yachts weighing 4000t or less. They will be served by a shiplift and equipped with a functional single rail system as described below (Lots Ad and Ag).
In the technical solution 2: Primarily, a unique zone called "Zone A" with a total area of about 23 400 m2, which will be built on the shipyards area known as "Terreplein Nord" and allowing, after completion of the necessary infrastructure work required by the SEMIDEP-Ciotat and Occupant to receive yachts weighing 4000t or less. It will be served by a shiplift and equipped with a functional system of double rails.
Regardless of the technical solution selected, and as an option, an independent zone called "Zone B" with a total area of approximately 3800 m2, identical in both technical solutions, which will be built on the shipyards area known as "Terreplein Nord" and allowing, after completion of the necessary infrastructure work required by the SEMIDEP-Ciotat and Occupant to receive yachts weighing less than or equal to 4000t. It will be served by a shiplift and equipped with a functional rail system (single rail or dual rail, according to the technical solution chosen for the other(s) lot(s).
In addition to the new refit platform, La Ciotat Shipyards will, in 2018. begin the development of an additional 12,000sqm area that is currently being under utilised. The new area will be commercialised and transformed into a business village dedicated to hosting superyacht related suppliers and subcontractors. These companies are to be encouraged by La Ciotat Shipyards growth, as well as aid in its growth and profitability. Delivery of the first sites is planned for 2019.
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