The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) attended the European Boating Industry (EBI) General Assembly in Barcelona earlier this month.
Hosted by the Spanish member, Asociación Nacional de Empresas Nauticas (ANEN), in collaboration with the Marina Port Vell, the Port of Barcelona and MB92, this significant event set the stage for discussions and strategic partnerships for the future of the boating industry in Europe.
Dun Laoghaire Marina's Paal Janson, who attended on behalf of the IMF, told Afloat, "The European Boating Industry (EBI) is an excellent network which allows Irish Marine Federation (IMF) members to collaborate with other European leisure marine sectors as well as interacting with EU Affairs and legislative policies".
"This is a valuable platform to promote Irish interests in boating, nautical tourism, sustainable practices and the circular economy", he said.
European Boating Industry President, Robert Marx
The General Assembly gathered members to discuss crucial topics, including a post-EU election recap, its engagement plan with new EU institutions, and updates on EU Affairs. These topics fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration to promote the boating sector's growth and sustainability.
We are representing the diverse nature of the Irish marine sector at a pan-European level and engaging with European partners and political institutions to raise awareness and influence positive changes for our Federation members, Janson added.
Turkey, Croatia, and ADAC joined EBI at the meeting.
Members had the opportunity to visit some key nautical sites in the city, including MB92 Superyacht Refit, the America’s Cup base and Marina Port Vell. At its 15th anniversary after being founded in 2009, EBI has grown significantly to now encompass 28 members representing thousands of companies in the recreational boating industry. A major highlight of the assembly was the welcoming of new full and sustaining members. The Turkish Yacht & Boat Industry Association (YATED) and the Nautical Sector of the Croatian Employer’s Association (CEA) joined EBI as full members. Additionally, the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) joined EBI as a sustaining member. This underscores EBI's growing reach, solidifying its role as a key representative of the boating industry across Europe.
