Gouvia Marina, the largest marina in Corfu and a significant economic hub for the island, has successfully completed an extensive 8.5 million euro upgrade. This ambitious project introduces a range of new facilities and sustainable initiatives, transforming the marina into a modern and welcoming destination for visitors and crews.
Significant Expansion and Modernization
The upgrade has created 104 new berths for vessels up to 50 meters, significantly increasing the marina’s capacity. Complementing this expansion are new parking spaces and an additional 6,000 square meters of dry storage area. The waterfront has been fully pedestrianized, the internal road network extensively reconstructed, and all sanitary facilities and showers have been renovated. These improvements enhance accessibility, comfort, and the overall daily experience for both visitors and crews.
Enhanced Public Spaces and Cultural Offerings
A central aspect of the renovation was the extensive landscaping, with over 2,000 new trees and plants creating an open, modern, and inviting public space. A new playground and an amphitheater further bolster the social and cultural character of the marina. This area is set to host concerts, cultural events, and summer cinema nights, establishing Gouvia Marina as a destination beyond just yachting.
Technological Advancements and Digital Integration
The reconstruction also introduced a significant leap in digital capabilities. Smart Pedestals have been installed at each berth, allowing for remote management of electricity and water consumption via the D-Marin mobile application. This not only improves the customer experience but also enhances operational efficiency and energy management. Concurrently, the marina’s digital infrastructure has been fully upgraded, including enhanced Wi-Fi coverage throughout all areas, ensuring seamless connectivity.
These improvements have translated into clear benefits for customers, as reflected in an 11% increase in the marina’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), with users recognizing the upgraded facilities, services, and overall experience.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and ESG Principles
Environmental performance, safety, and ESG principles are integral to the upgrade. The marina now features high-pressure water filtration systems, advanced fire detection and emergency alarm systems, and low-energy LED lighting. Electric vehicle charging stations, extensive green interventions, and improved accessibility further reduce the environmental footprint and strengthen the connection with the local community.
As part of the broader upgrade, Gouvia Marina also completed the first on-site solar energy installation, marking D-Marin’s first such project in Greece. The 100 kWp photovoltaic system is expected to generate approximately 167 MWh of clean electricity annually, covering about 20% of the marina’s operational electricity needs.
Ioannis Koutsodontis, Regional Director of D-Marin Greece, stated: “The upgrade of Gouvia Marina goes far beyond infrastructure. It is a complete transformation that combines construction excellence, technological innovation, and sustainability, creating a premium destination that is open, vibrant, and closely connected to the local community of Corfu.”
Korina Kostakaki, Head of Sustainability, Health & Safety at D-Marin in Greece, added: “The new solar installation at Gouvia Marina reflects D-Marin’s continuous progress in its decarbonization journey and marks our first Greek marina to generate renewable energy on-site. The project complements the 5 MW of solar power already deployed across our marinas in Turkey, Croatia, and Italy, supporting our commitment to SBTi and our ambition to reduce emissions by 42% by 2030.”
Funding and Future Impact
The redevelopment was supported through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU. D-Marin believes that this initiative represents a significant step forward for the Greek maritime tourism sector, contributing to the acceleration of sustainable investments, the modernization of infrastructure, and the long-term competitiveness of the industry.
Source: TORNOSNEWS
