What is the state of the construction work in Port Hercule ?

Built in 2002, the Rainier III seawall has undergone work to reinforce Monaco's position as a host for mega-yachts.

Improving the hosting of mega-yachts 

The Rainier III seawall is a semi-floating construction built between 1999 and 2002 by Prince Rainier III in order to improve the Principality's capacity to receive medium and large yachts as well as cruise ships.

Today, the Monegasque strategy has evolved: with this new construction, the Government is targeting more specifically luxury cruises and intends to reduce traffic by 30%. It will therefore be stopped from mid-November until the end of March, leaving the possibility for mega-yachts to dock as part of wintering contracts.

At the end of May, during the Monaco Grand Prix, the Port Hercule experienced a record number of 125 yachts and mega-yachts. This high number of visitors was confirmed during the 2022 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show at the end of September.

It should be noted that the "Port Hercule" or "Port de la Condamine" is one of the few deep water ports on the French Riviera.

How far along are the renovations? 

Work was commissioned by the "Société d'exploitation des Ports de Monaco" (SEPM) in order to reinforce the equipment of the seawall and to provide more electrical power to the ships tied up to the dock. In addition, this project has improved the connection to running water, waste water and connectivity (telecoms)

The docking defenses used to keep ships away from the dock have seen their surface tripled. The objective is to promote the parking of mega-yachts in wintering contracts after the high season, which will be possible from the 2022-23 season.

To ensure the docking of mega-yachts, four 200-ton anchors have been immersed at 50 meters depth. Oyster shells have been attached to them and some cavities have been provided in the concrete to accommodate underwater biodiversity.

In parallel, we can also mention the new parking lot that was built in July 2022 at the northern end of the Albert I dock. Baptized " Louis Chiron Parking ", after the Monegasque racing driver, it will offer 175 parking spaces distributed over four levels (first floor and three basement levels), part of which will be reserved for recharging electric vehicles. Its total surface area is 7,000 m².

Replace Port Hercule at the heart of Monegasque social life 

One of the main objectives of this renovation is also to redesign the Port Hercule to give it back the central place it occupies in the geography of Monaco. A calm and breathable place for the visitors who will come to stroll along the esplanade. Social life should take its place in the coffee shop and restaurants spread along the Albert I dock.

The government's objective was to meet "the highest standards in urban planning and environmental matters". The walkways have been redesigned and residents and tourists alike will be able to enjoy relaxing strolls along the water.

It should be noted that an Educational Marine Area has been set up to raise awareness of the preservation of marine ecosystems among a class from the "École des Révoires". This portion of the littoral is particularly rich in biodiversity and includes no less than six ecosystems as well as a wide variety of terrestrial and marine species.

This initiative is the result of a partnership signed between the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature (AMPN), the Government and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Information desks have been set up to provide visitors with a better understanding of environmental issues.