Awarded by The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC), the accolade recognises excellence in the design, functionality, sustainability and aesthetics of modern recreational boating facilities.
At a glance
- Marina at Keppel Bay in Singapore won the 2016 Jack Nichol Award.
- It was the first marina in Asia to win this award.
- PIANC gives the award for good marina design, use, green practice and looks.
- Bellingham Marine designed and built the floating concrete docks.
- The marina holds 168 yachts, including superyachts up to 86 metres long.
Singapore, 8 April 2016 – Marina at Keppel Bay, designed by world-renowned marina builder Bellingham Marine, is the first marina in Asia to win the Marina Excellence Design Jack Nichol Award from The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC). It beat international marinas from Turkey, Croatia and Italy to the title. The award was presented today at the Asia Boating Forum 2016.
“It’s an honour for one of our projects to be presented with PIANC’s prestigious Marina Design Jack Nichol Award,” remarked Mr Everett Babbitt, President and CEO of Bellingham Marine. “I can think of no greater accolade for our company than to be affiliated with an award that pays tribute to the late Jack Nichol and his work in the marina industry.”
Receiving the award on behalf of Marina at Keppel Bay was Mr. Trevor Fong, GM, Marina at Keppel Bay. He said, “Since our establishment in 2008, the team at Marina at Keppel Bay has been working hard to forge ahead to improve and upgrade our marina. At the same time, in caring for the environment, we also benchmark ourselves against the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”
“We are heartened that our efforts have garnered Marina at Keppel Bay international recognition. This award will spur us on in our journey towards achieving even higher standards in the Marina’s functionality and environmental sustainability for all our stakeholders, as well as the wider yachting community.”
What the judges said
The internationally recognised Marina Excellence Design Award is run by PIANC’s Recreational Navigation Commission (RecCom). A panel of judges picks the winner. The panel includes members of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).
Dr. Eng. Elio Ciralli, Chairman of PIANC RecCom, said, “Our Commission unanimously decided that Marina at Keppel Bay, which embodies excellence in design under functionality, sustainability and aesthetics points of view, to be the winner of the Marina Excellence Design Jack Nichol Award 2016.”
“It takes appreciation for the environment and a thorough understanding of the engineering requirements to ensure that a marina is properly planned, sited, laid out, protected and built – all of which are embodied by Marina at Keppel Bay.”
“The Marina’s comprehensive sustainability program is a fine example to the industry on how a well-designed and operated marina can have a strongly mitigated impact on its surrounding environment.
Marina at Keppel Bay embodies principles to create a safe, sustainable, and pleasant place for boats and people – a truly enriching waterfront. The support for applying these principles is the main goal of PIANC RecCom.”
A floating concrete marina built for superyachts
Marina at Keppel Bay’s floating concrete pontoon system was designed and built by Bellingham Marine. It holds 168 yachts, including superyachts of up to 86 metres inside the marina.
The Marina also features Singapore’s first individual pontoon berthing structure for superyachts and the first modern reticulated vacuum sewer pump-out system. Other notable features include:
- A wide entrance channel and fairways make it easy for yachts to get in and out.
- Well-placed wave protection keeps the basin calm and the water clean.
- Extra-wide, stable pontoons and floating platforms let the marina host industry events.
Mr. Trevor Fong added, “We are proud to have partners such as Bellingham Marine who have provided Marina at Keppel Bay strong support and expertise in building and designing a world-class pontoon system. The quality and spacious pontoon infrastructure has contributed to the Marina becoming a much sought-after berthing facility in Singapore.”
The award ceremony will also be held in Europe on 18 May 2016, during PIANC’s Annual General Assembly in Bruges, Belgium. Delegates from more than 40 countries will attend.
About PIANC and MEDA
PIANC, the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, is a non-profit group. Its members are experts from around the world. They give advice on safe, low-cost and green infrastructure for ports and waterways.
PIANC was founded in 1885. It is still a leading partner for governments and private firms. It helps them plan, build and maintain ports, waterways and coastal areas.
Members include national governments and public authorities, corporations and interested individuals.
PIANC created the Marina Excellence Design Jack Nichol Award in 2002, in memory of the late Jack Nichol, a well-respected marina designer. The award honours the best-designed boating facilities in the world.
About Marina at Keppel Bay
The award-winning Marina at Keppel Bay sits on historic Keppel Island. It’s the centrepiece of the premier Keppel Bay waterfront precinct – the only residential development in Singapore with its own world-class marina on a private island.
The multi-award-winning Marina at Keppel Bay is the preferred destination for international luxury yachts. Set amid beautifully landscaped grounds, the Marina is close to the city centre and surrounded by entertainment hotspots.
The Marina features world-class berthing facilities with state-of-the-art concrete pontoons for 168 yachts. Yachts up to 86 metres long can berth inside the marina. The berth next to Keppel Island Plaza takes megayachts up to 200 metres long.
The Marina offers exceptional dining and entertainment, exclusive waterfront venues, and a fleet of luxury yachts for private and corporate charters. The Keppel Bay Sailing Academy is also based here. It was the first school in Singapore to offer courses approved by the UK’s Royal Yachting Association.
About Bellingham Marine
Bellingham Marine is the world’s leading marina design-build construction company. It designs and builds floating docks, floating platforms and wave attenuators for marinas around the world. It also makes dry storage systems for boats.
