Taking into account the rapid descent of the seabed, an innovative project to build a floating breakwater was originally implemented in 2002 to protect the water levels within Port Hercule.

That made it possible to optimally equip the quays located inside the port and to set up an mooring plan resulting in a significant increase in the number of berths for vessels longer than 30 metres.

The Rainier III breakwater arrived in the summer of 2002. It has since also enabled the implementation of the policy for welcoming significant cruise activity.

In so doing the Principality successfully acquired the status of an internationally recognized destination.

So coveted as a port to visit, a new policy for welcoming the activity came into force last April. It provides for the limitation henceforth to the reception of ships of the Luxury and Premium categories and of size and capacity respectively less than 250 metres and 1,250 cruise passengers.

A Mega Yacht Paradise

Among the new orientations of the cruise policy, there is also the limitation of the season from the beginning of April to mid-November, in particular to create a mooring area for mega-yachts at the Rainier III breakwater under wintering contracts.

Beyond the search for the creation of additional offers for the medium and large yachting sector, already materialized by the acquisition of their now 3rd port of Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia, the Principality, through the Ports of Monaco confirms its position in favour of hosting mega-yachts.

It is in this context that it was decided to equip the Rainier III breakwater to accommodate large units there in conditions adapted to their requests and requirements.

For this, work has been initiated for several months on the development of the nose of the quay to…