MDL Marinas committed to investing £60 million over the next decade

2020 has been a year for postponements, cancellations and putting things on hold. But MDL Marinas has continued with its investment programme, which it says will help ensure that berth holders and visitors to its marinas have the best experience possible.

According to the company, this year, one fifth of the £5m investment across its UK marinas has been spent on dredging and upgrading the pontoon systems, maintaining all tides access and a safe and stable berth upon arrival. Quay walls and breakwaters have also received a lot of attention, providing a protected haven.

“As always, most of the investment we make is not always the most visible, such as dredging and pontoon refurbishment,” says Tim Mayer, MDL’s Sales and Marketing Director, “but it would be very noticeable if we didn’t complete these major works, and would impact heavily on a customer’s experience of our marinas. Our aim is always to provide excellent infrastructure and facilities for our core boating clientele – everything else that we do expands on that, enhancing the experience for all.”

Linked to providing a great customer experience, especially in a marina location, is the environment and the need to respect and care for it. MDL says it takes meeting the challenge of improving its environmental impact very seriously. Three MDL marinas (Hamble Point Marina, Cobb’s Quay and Ocean Village) have solar panels installed producing 118,447 kWh of electricity last year – a further two locations are to receive solar panels in the very near future. MDL also has 20 charging points across its locations for all varieties of electric vehicles, including Teslas.

Specialist Filtabund filtration systems have also been installed at certain marinas, and very soon at Hamble Point Marina as well, filtering micro particles and oils from the wastewater generated by boatyard services before it drains into the marina and accesses the marine ecosystem. There is now a planned programme to roll out these green filtration systems across other marinas.

“MDL has recognised that social trends are transforming leisure boating and marinas need to present a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for people to enjoy the on-water scene and lifestyle with family and friends,” continues Tim.  “Provision of bars, restaurants and the very best facilities are a core part of our marinas’ infrastructure, but we’re planning on taking this a step further, broadening the appeal of our waterside locations for all in the coming months.” 

Over the next 10 years MDL has committed to investing a further £60 million in its marinas. Some will be spent on environmental initiatives, and some will be spent on diversifying its business to make its locations more attractive to boaters and non-boaters alike. But the majority of investment will be spent on upgrading facilities, new marina hardware and the provision of services which underpin any marina operation.