Sectors of our Ports and Maritime Consulting ~ Marinas & Marine Leisure & Superyacht

Seen in the context of the wider maritime cluster which forms a key part of many Island nations' or regions' economies, the marine leisure sector presents opportunities not only for international exported services, but also within the supply chain that sustains the sector. Examples include chartering, crewing, chandlery, maintenance etc.

It also has important links to other maritime sectors, such as the symbiosis it derives from fisheries and the cruise sector.

We have worked on various projects related to this industry, in the UK and nearby. These cover both the marina aspects of the sector, and the supply chain that supports it.

The Superyacht sector is emerging as an important branch of the maritime industry. We expect to see this mature over the next 10 to 20 years.

Download project information sheets.

Structural Review, Port of Shoreham

Shoreham Port commissioned Fisher Associates to undertake a Review of Structural Change in response to the requirements of "Modernising Trust Ports [second edition]". This required the Port of Shoreham to report to the UK Department for Transport on its analysis of structural change, and to explain and justify its intended course of action.

We assessed the opportunity for structural change at Shoreham Port, and the impact that this might have on enhancing efficiency and value from assets. We considered various options for the Port of Shoreham, for example remaining a Trust Port as is, or a variation of this, and other institutional / ownership models. The review included (2009/10):

• The performance of the port.
• Key proposals for structural change and the rationale for these.
• Conclusions and recommendations.

Dorset and East Devon Waterborne Transport Scoping Study

Dorset AONB partnership appointed Fisher Associates to investigate the long-term potential for waterborne passenger transport along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site of Dorset and East Devon, for both functional and leisure journeys, enabling integration between waterborne and surface transport. The work involved (2009):

• An assessment of the market potential.
• Review of issues connected with vessels and landing facilities that are needed to operate services, and the constraints that impact on these.
• An assessment of barriers.
• Recommendations and conclusions.
  

Ramsey Marina Economic Impact Study, Isle of Man

We were engaged to undertake a comparative economic impact assessment of two proposals for impounding water in Ramsey Harbour to create a marina. (2009)

A new marina and associated mixed-use development would provide new business opportunities, areas of economic activity and support the wider regeneration of Ramsey. Subcontracted to Hyder, the study was required to identify the level of additional economic activity that would be generated from each option and demonstrate the cost / benefit trade-offs. The benefits were measured in terms of:

• The stream of direct income from mooring charges and ancillary services, produced by island residents, visiting vessels and events.
• Additional spend by yacht owners and visitors on retail, entertainment etc.
• An estimate of the overall indirect and induced benefits through additional economic activity in marina locations and elsewhere in the economy, based on the multipliers used by the Isle of Man Government and English Partnerships.
• The likely number of additional jobs that will be created as a result of the marinas.
• An estimate of the direct tax benefits that would result from the additional economic activity.
• The additional exchequer benefits to the Treasury that will accrue from visitors, under the revision to the Island's Common Purse agreement with the UK.

Commercialisation Study, Jersey

We were appointed by the States of Jersey to undertake a review of Jersey Harbours. This focused on practical recommendations for improving performance, and the development of a financial model to appraise Jersey Harbour's future ability to be self-funding in the light of its likely capital commitments.

The study included an assessment of the potential for further private sector participation in the Port of St Helier, and particualry in the future development of the marine leisure industry. It also considered improvements in institutional arrangements, including application of Municipal Ports Practice as adopted in Engalnd and Wales. (2008)

Marina Development Strategy and Plan, China

Fisher Associates was retained by a 50:50 joint venture company between SIIC (Shanghai) Holdings Co. and Treasury Holdings to assist with development of a site within Qingdao, the location of the sailing events for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The services included: (2008/9)

1   Market Analysis:
To provide a market review of the surrounding area (North East Asia) with a particular focus on the current Chinese yachting operations. The study considered pricing policy, together with the assessment of influencing factors and target markets.

2   Options and Planning:
To conduct an analysis of the target market and available water areas culminating in a design berth mix for the marina to optimize the use of the water assets.

To provide a design of the marina berthing and boatyard areas to recognise the needs and requirements of the various user groups, and to ensure the best fit with the landside development and the aspirations of delivering a waterfront scheme with wider public appeal.

3   Financial Analysis:
To provide a detailed 10 years business plan for the marina, this will then roll forward for a 50-year period. The exercise required assessment of:

• Income by proposed activity area
• Berth occupancy projections
• Seasonality factors
• Dovetailing with the development plan
• Assessment of business growth
• Detailed breakdown of expenses by category
• Sensitivity analysis

4   Marina Specification and Tender Documentation:
To develop the specification and tender documentation for building new marinas in the newly constructed harbour, and in the hotel / yacht club area.

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