Publication date: 02/25/2025
An ecological marina that respects the environment
In the Bouches-du-Rhône department, in the Camargue, in the heart of a wonderful environment and overlooking the Mediterranean, Port Napoléon benefits from an incredible environment. So the port’s teams have naturally chosen to invest in preserving it, by setting up a movement to obtain Port Propre certification: a certification attesting to the excellent environmental management of marinas.
Our port facilities in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône have been designed to protect the environment, the sea and the coastline:
A place has been designed for each use, so that all areas can be used comfortably and with the utmost respect for nature. The careening area, for example, allows users to work on their motorboat or sailboat without negatively impacting or damaging the environment.
Efficient collection of yachting waste
In 2024, in addition to the Port Propre certification process, Port Napoléon is committed to preserving the environment and biodiversity through a major waste collection programme.
Port Napoléon boaters now have a dedicated area in the harbour for the collection of yachting waste. This is called the Clean Point (Point Propre).
From waste oil to small fire extinguishers, light bulbs and aerosols, there’s a wide range of waste accepted and handled!
An energy-efficient marina
Solar panels to generate electricity
Since the end of 2024, Port Napoléon has been equipped with a state-of-the-art solar farm. Investments and work undertaken by the Port Adhoc group have led to the renovation and modernisation of the roofs of each of the sheds, with the aim of making Port Napoléon an eco-responsible port.
The roofs of 4 hangars are fitted with solar panels, covering an area of over 1,500m².
Two photovoltaic power plants have been installed:
- A 340 kWp photovoltaic power plant to supply the marina. This will meet around 40% of the annual electricity needs of the marina teams and the boaters involved in all their activities.
- A 34 kWp plant, producing an average of 60 MWh of energy – sold back to the grid.
Thanks to this sustainable equipment, users of our responsible marina will be able to benefit from stabilised electricity rates for the next few years.
More energy-efficient port equipment
To take Port Napoléon’s eco-responsible approach a step further, our teams have also been looking for greener alternatives to existing equipment: as well as installing solar panels on the roofs of the port’s hangars, we wanted to upgrade the port’s equipment to use less energy.
Last November, the Ville de Paris hangar saw its lighting system completely replaced. The new lighting system is also highly effective, offering boaters greater visual comfort.
Ecological maintenance of spaces
When chemicals are used to maintain outdoor spaces, they are directly linked to water pollution. And it was unthinkable for our teams to damage the Mediterranean by dumping polluting products.
To avoid having a negative impact on the environment, Port Napoléon’s harbour areas are maintained using natural products. Weed control, for example, is currently carried out using salted vinegar: another innovation in favour of sustainable development devised by our teams!
An environmentally-friendly marina, thanks to partnerships
Success depends on the environmental commitment of boaters
The actions and determination of our teams are not enough to make our port an exemplary example of environmental protection. It’s thanks above all to the active participation of our boaters that Port Napoléon is now renowned as one of the most environmentally-friendly marinas in the Mediterranean!
On behalf of our team, we would like to thank you for your understanding and involvement.
A code of good environmental conduct
Our Code of Good Environmental Conduct also plays an important role in raising awareness among boaters. It is a document produced by the port’s teams, in partnership with the Union des Ports de Plaisance Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur et Monaco.
It presents simple ecological principles for boaters to apply, both in port and when sailing.
Good eco-responsible practices are divided into 8 distinct categories:
- Sanitary facilities and showers
- Ecological collection of waste water and bilge water
- The careening area
- Responsible fuelling
- Household waste and selective sorting
- Hazardous waste management
- Water and energy consumption
- Preserving biodiversity and natural spaces
Below are the main recommendations of the code for environmentally responsible practices in Port Napoléon and on the water:
Best practice recommendations for eco-responsible boating
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Use the toilets, showers, laundry facilities and sinks | Boaters are invited to use the port’s sanitary facilities (showers and toilets) to avoid discharging waste water into the sea. Port Napoléon also offers special areas and facilities for washing dishes and clothes. |
| Ecological collection of waste water and bilge water | Port Napoléon has equipment for the eco-responsible collection of waste water and bilge water: pumps and floating barges. Collection services are regularly offered for dirty bilge water. Owners of ships fitted with tanks can use them, then empty them into the waste water tanks. |
| Use the careening area | The Port Napoléon careening area is available to carry out careening and ship maintenance operations in an eco-responsible manner: the area is equipped with a system for recovering and treating polluted water. |
| Refuelling responsibly | Boaters are asked to take great care when refuelling their vessels – either at the harbour service station or at their own berth – to ensure that no hydrocarbons are spilled on land or at sea. |
| Managing household waste and selective sorting properly | Recyclable waste should be deposited at the selective collection point, in compliance with sorting instructions. Bio-waste should be placed in collection bins or compost bins. |
| Adopting the right approach to hazardous waste | Hazardous waste from ship maintenance can be deposited at the Clean Point. Expired distress flares should be returned to the chandlery. |
| Choosing responsible water and energy management | The use of flow reducers, solar panels and energy-saving appliances is encouraged. The vessel’s power supply must be disconnected from the quay when absent. |
| Preserving marine biodiversity | Boaters should respect protected areas and use applications such as Nav&Co or DONIA to identify Posidonia meadows. |
Don’t forget: we’re here to help. Harbour staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have about eco-responsibility for boaters !
Working together with other local players
To make Port Napoléon an environmentally-friendly marina, the Port Adhoc group has surrounded itself with remarkable initiatives such as Ecogestes Méditerranée. This awareness-raising campaign is designed to encourage eco-responsible yachting, both on the Grande Bleue and in other sailing areas.
In addition to the practical ecological advice available on the Ecogestes Méditerranée website, users of Port Napoléon regularly benefit from the presence of the programme’s ambassadors in the port.
Would you like more information on the subject, or do you have other ideas to help us make Port Napoléon a marina with a near-zero environmental impact?
We’d love to talk!
