The interest in hosting larger vessels, over 24 meters, has become particularly noticeable in the Ionian Sea, as there is an increased presence of superyachts.
This trend, which is also observed internationally in the yachting sector, was also the trigger for the decision taken by the Municipal Port Fund of Aktio-Vonitsa to modify the zoning of the Vonitsa tourist boat shelter.
It is noted that for yachting enthusiasts, superyachts are a symbol of absolute luxury and privacy, offering unique experiences in destinations that are difficult to reach by conventional means. With state-of-the-art equipment, luxurious amenities, and personalized services, these impressive vessels combine exploration with absolute comfort. Their popularity is increasing, especially among those who want high-quality holidays away from the crowds, while sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in their design.
In fact, data from recent years, especially after 2021 when the municipal port fund became the management body of the shelter, has shown a significant increase in the number of both passing pleasure boats and the boats seeking permanent mooring in the Ionian Sea region, but also specifically in the Aktion and Vonitsa areas.
In this direction, the re-modification of the location of the Vonitsa tourist boat shelter will be carried out so that it can respond to the increased demand in the area.
The aim of this new amendment will be to increase the capacity of the shelter, if possible to 200 berths, but also to ensure the ability to serve larger vessels over 24 meters in length, superyacht category. This amendment should be achieved by rearranging the approved port works of the shelter, with as little change as possible to the scope of the construction contract that is currently underway.
Adaptation of the project to climate change
Also, given that the construction of the project, and mainly of the breakwater, has not yet been completed, the amendment was deemed necessary to adapt the project design to climate change, which includes a worsening of extreme weather events, with the creation of extreme wave conditions. With the new design, the project will be more climate-resistant and in compliance with the National Climate Law.
Among other things, the project includes a bathymetric survey, a masterplan for a tourist boat shelter with the new layout of the port works and the new distribution of boats, a zoning modification study, an environmental study for the modification of the approved environmental conditions, as well as a Special Ecological Assessment, as it is located within a Natura 2000 area.
It is noted that the previous zoning modification of the shelter, which came into effect in 2019, concerned 106 berths for boats from 10 to 25 meters, with a larger number of berths for smaller boats, with the construction of the works being ongoing, while to date a small part of them has been completed.
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