IGY Shipyard Program: A Case Study at IGY Sète Marina

Catering exclusively to the world’s largest superyachts, IGY Sète Marina on the southwest coast of France has been quietly expanding its repertoire. Renowned for its excellent facilities and amenities with the added convenience of alongside berthing, this purpose-built marina is now gaining status among captains who have experienced its innovative shipyard program firsthand.

Part of a broader initiative being rolled out across key facilities worldwide, IGY’s Shipyard Program is revolutionising the way superyacht owners and captains approach maintenance and repair works with a convenient and cost-effective solution for yachts needing works pre- or post-season. 

According to Jérôme Cuaz, General Manager of IGY Sète Marina, this in-water program offers a number of advantages over traditional shipyard periods, including cost and time savings, the convenience of having access to ancillary services and logistical support, and control over technical services with the option to engage your own contractors.

To illustrate the many benefits to vessel and crew, we take a closer look at the experience of a 97 meter superyacht which recently completed a range of works at IGY Sète Marina ahead of crossing from the Med to the Caribbean.

During a six week stay, the 97m (318ft) vessel with 29 crew undertook a series of in-water works involving 20 service providers and contractors who completed shipbuilder warranty work, furniture repairs and replacement, interior painting, galley remodelling, mechanical servicing and equipment replacement, tender haul out and servicing, and deep cleaning.

Commenting on the success of the project, the captain said: “You and all your Team, Olivier, Helene and Flavie, have been amazingly helpful, and always going for the extra mile to deliver and provide us the best service, which you actually did. We really enjoyed our time in beautiful Sète, and we are looking forward to seeing you all when back next March.” 

Ensuring quality work with expert contractors

Working hand in hand with the captain, crew, management, and warranty team, the project was overseen by IGY Sète Marina’s dedicated project manager who coordinated a total of 20 authorised contractors to ensure all works were completed on time and within budget, with the flexibility to accommodate and quickly action any change orders.

The proximity of IGY Sète Marina to the commercial port of Sète, a mere 25 minute drive from Montpellier Airport, afforded easy access to qualified local contractors and preferred contractors from further afield.

Delivering significant time and cost savings

By scheduling works to coincide with the yacht’s cruising schedule, and without the need for haul out, the vessel saved considerable time by avoiding the need to relocate to a shipyard.

Keeping a close eye on the scheduling of all tasks, the project manager minimised waiting periods and down time, and also organised all crew accommodation, private transport, incoming deliveries, container storage, forklifts and cranes, immigration, and customs clearance.

With full transparency and no hidden fees, further significant cost savings were achieved with reduced slip rates, competitive rates for contractors, equipment, and container storage, as well as VAT exemption under temporary admission. Working under TPA (a fiscal regime also known as Inward Processing), non-EU flagged yachts are exempt from the usual 20% VAT on maintenance works and certain equipment.

Commenting on the extent of the financial savings afforded by the program, Jérôme Cuaz said, “On average, depending on the size of the vessel, conducting in-water works at IGY Sète Marina has been shown to achieve potential savings of up to 40% compared to a traditional shipyard period.” 

Excellent marina facilities and amenities for crew

When it came to looking after the yacht’s crew, IGY Sète Marina also left no stone unturned. The state-of-the-art facility boasts a newly constructed clubhouse, a remote work office with free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, a rooftop terrace with a sound system and loungers, a lounge area with a TV, a kitchen, toilets and showers, and designated parking spaces. Tailored concierge and catering services are also available to crew during works in the marina. 

Services available within the IGY Shipyard Program

IGY Sète Marina is a certified ISPS port with 600 linear metres of alongside berths accommodating 10 vessels up to 180m (590ft). Large concrete fixed docks allow easy access to all slips for vehicles, equipment and deliveries. 

The marina has partnered with local, skilled contractors to provide a range of high quality services covering air conditioning and refrigeration, canvas and upholstery, carpentry, detailing, electrical and electronic systems, fiberglass, hydraulics, painting and refinishing, plumbing, mechanics, and teak decking. 

For further information about the IGY Shipyard Program or any other services available at IGY Sète Marina, please visit our website  or contact shipyardservices@igymarinas.com.