• The shipyards of La Ciotat inaugurated this Tuesday their new lift called "Atlas", which can lift yachts up to 4,300 tons.

  • This investment of 77 million euros allows it to position itself on the buoyant market for the maintenance of yachts from 80 to 115 meters, and thus compete with Barcelona and Genoa.

The elders made the trip for the occasion.

Because the shipyards of La Ciotat write, this Tuesday, a new page of their history, more than ever turned towards the reception and the maintenance of superyachts.

After thirty months of work, the lift called Atlas is fully operational.

It can lift up to 4,300 tonnes, i.e. yachts from 80 to 115 meters.

“We needed this tool to compete with Barcelona and Genoa,” explains Philippe Vincensini, general manager of La Ciotat Shipyards, the company managing the sites.

Atlas represents an investment of 77 million euros, essentially public.

The boat lift took place in the old hold number one, which was used to launch oil tankers, when the shipyards were building them.

“There aren't two like that in the world,” continues the managing director.

The technology borrows from offshore platforms, with chain winches that ensure a longer life.

Divers wedge the boat on a kind of cradle, the "ber" in technical language, with wooden blocks so as not to damage the hull.

The lifting operation lasts three hours on average, compared to around ten hours when the shipyards use the large 200-meter platform from which water must be pumped to dry the boats.

With a system of rails, the boats are then taken to their location.

Jacuzzi, swimming pool, underwater cabins…

In addition to saving time, the shipyards gain seven locations, six of which are operated by MB92 Group, the world leader in the maintenance, repair and renovation of exceptional yachts.

“They have filled out their dance card,” smiles Philippe Vincensini, who details each yacht currently present on the shipyards.

With its four bridges, its very British look, “Here comes the sun” is one of them.

"Of the eight superyachts we've released with Atlas so far, this is the biggest," he says.

His weight ?

No less than 2,700 tons, for 90 meters long.

"The weight of a boat is not correlated to its size", recalls however the general manager of La Ciotat Shipyards.



It all depends on the equipment and interior materials.

In addition to jacuzzis, swimming pools and other fitness rooms, the latest “toy” in vogue would be underwater cabins.

"It's true, it's a luxury item, but it's the only luxury item that makes so many people work," argues Patrick Ghigonetto, president of La Ciotat Shipyards and mayor (various right) of Ceyreste.

The operation of this new 4,300-ton lift should represent nearly 208 jobs for local subcontractors, i.e. all trades working on yachts.

Not to mention the economic impact on the city.

“We estimate the expenses of the captains staying at the quay at 50 euros per day, who are often young Anglo-Saxons”, gauge Philippe Vincensini.

In the bars of the port, many have taken to beer rather than pastis.

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