European Boating Industry adds members and elects new leadership
European Boating Industry (EBI) held its biannual General Assembly in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday (17 June 2025).
Hosted by the German Marine Federation (VMWD), the meeting brought together members to assess recent developments in the recreational boating industry and outline future priorities within the EU policy context.
The assembly confirmed the admission of two new full members: ACAP APICAN from Portugal and Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance, representing French marinas. This brings EBI’s total membership to 32, spanning 21 countries. The Slovenian Marine Industry Association (SMIA) also rejoined EBI, under the leadership of Matjaž Murko, who is president and CEO of MennYacht Group.
The news comes after the Bulgarian Boating Industry Association (BABI) joined the European Boating Industry as its 30th member earlier this year.
Fernando Sá, president of ACAP APICAN, states: “The nautical division of ACAP represents companies in the recreational nautical industry, trade and services in Portugal. Being a member of the EBI is an important step to achieve our objectives, as solving the problems of recreational boating and helping this sector grow.”
Guillaume Nardin, general delegate of Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance, adds: “The French Federation of Marinas (FFPP) is delighted to join the European Boating Industry as a new member. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to shaping a sustainable future for the yachting and marina sector across Europe. Together, we aim to foster dialogue, innovation, and collective action to support sustainable transformation in the nautical tourism industry.”
Matjaž Murko, president of SMIA, says: “We are truly delighted to see SMIA rejoin the EBI community and look forward to building a strong and forward-thinking partnership. After a few years of pause, this marks a new chapter – one of active contribution, collaboration, and shared ambition for the future of the European boating industry.”
EBI leadership elections
Council elections also took place during the assembly. Robert Marx (VMWD/Germany) continues as president for a second term. Anne-Marie Bouweraerts (Nautibel/Belgium) and Jean-Paul Chapeleau (FIN/France) serve as vice-presidents, with Bouweraerts also acting as treasurer.
Council members elected for the new term include Jordi Carrasco Abad (ANEN/Spain), Mirek Hajdukiewicz (Polboat/Poland), Jeroen van den Heuvel (Hiswa-Recron/Netherlands), Ana Calic (CEA/Croatia) and Jarkko Pajusalo (Finnboat/Finland). Fabio Planamente (Confindustria Nautica/Italy) has been appointed as special representative for the large yacht sector. Piero Formenti (Confindustria Nautica/Italy) steps down from the council.
Robert Marx, president of EBI, says: “Hamburg’s rich maritime heritage offered the perfect setting for this year’s assembly. We are delighted to welcome ACAP-APICAN and Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance into our growing family. Their contributions and expertise will strengthen our collective advocacy and provide valuable perspectives on marina development and the boating value chain.
“As I begin my new two-year mandate as president, I look forward to working with the newly elected council to drive forward EBI’s core priorities — supporting sustainability, growth and industrial competitiveness in our sector. With key EU policy developments ahead, we are committed to ensuring that recreational boating is recognised as strategic and EU policy strengthens, not restrains, our businesses.
“Our cooperation on life cycle assessment in the Blue Boat Horizon project and events will drive forward our mission. With new opportunities and challenges ahead, EBI is more committed than ever to being a strong, united voice for our sector at the European level.”
