The American marina giant Safe Harbor Marinas has officially expanded into the European luxury yachting sector with its acquisition of Monaco Marine, marking a strategic move into the Mediterranean market. Announced on 31 July 2025, the deal brings nine premier facilities under Safe Harbor’s umbrella, offering maintenance and refurbishment services for superyachts up to 90 metres in length. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, following exclusive negotiations that began in June.
Safe Harbor CEO Baxter Underwood highlighted the strategic significance of the Mediterranean expansion: “Our goal is to serve captains, crews, and owners in iconic ports such as Saint-Tropez, Antibes, and Monaco.” For the Texan company, this marks a significant departure from its North American base, embedding it more deeply in Europe’s flourishing superyacht ecosystem.
With Monaco Marine integrated into its portfolio, Safe Harbor now oversees 149 marinas and shipyards worldwide, solidifying its position among the leading operators in luxury yachting destinations. The company, acquired by Blackstone Infrastructure Partners in April 2025 for $5.65 billion, continues its international growth trajectory, having previously undergone ownership changes in 2020.
Founded in 1995 by Michel Ducros, Monaco Marine has long been recognized as a benchmark in the industry, with key sites along the French Riviera, including La Ciotat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Its flagship La Ciotat shipyard boasts the capacity to accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels, reinforcing the company’s technical prestige.
This transatlantic alliance combines Monaco Marine’s three decades of local expertise with Safe Harbor’s global reach and investment power, reshaping the Mediterranean yachting landscape. As Europe accounted for 37% of global superyacht sales in 2023, the partnership underscores the strategic allure of the region for international players, where excellence in service and infrastructure remains the ultimate currency.