CCI Wins 25 Year Contract to Manage Ports Vauban and Gallice

Last night the Mayor of Antibes, Jean Leonetti, announced that CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) has won the 25 year contract to manage Port Vauban in Antibes and Port Gallice in Juan Les Pins in the south of France.

When the current 50 year lease for Port Vauban expires in 2021, and for Port Gallice in 2017, the town recovers its right to manage both marinas, but it was widely accepted that the commercial expertise required was beyond the competence of the municipality.

Management of both marinas was therefore put out to tender under a ‘delegation of public services’ (DSP) contract. Out of a total of four bids for Port Vauban and five for Port Gallice, the Mayor and his office are confident they have chosen the best option for the town of Antibes.

Hopes for Boost to the Local Economy

According to Mayor Jean Leonetti, it was important to give both marinas the means to build their own future, at the same time boosting the local economy. Currently Vauban and Gallice generate little more than €500,000 for the town itself. With a significant investment of €160 million over the 25 year term revenues are expected to rise sharply, while an annual fee of €18 million will be a welcome boost to the town purse. 

One of the factors behind the low returns in the past was they were built on the investment/concession model where investors financed the construction in return for the right to operate the marinas for the full term. 

The new management contract comes into force on 1 January 2017.

Leveraging Local Assets

According to Jean Leonetti, the vision is to create ports for the third millennium, fully connected. The proximity to Sophia Antipolis where the CCI is already a stakeholder is a major asset. He also gave assurances that jobs will be protected, with the new management taking on all current employees.

So far reactions have been mixed but full details have yet to be confirmed regarding both Vauban and Gallice, as well as the IYCA (International Yacht Club of Antibes) which currently manages the 19 berths along Quai des Milliardaires.

The yachting media were not invited to attend the meeting last night but we understand that CCI is planning a press conference in the coming days to which all the yachting media will be invited.