Awarded by The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC), the accolade recognizes excellence in the design, functionality, sustainability and aesthetics of modern recreational boating facilities.
Singapore, 8 April 2016 – Marina at Keppel Bay, designed by world renowned marina builder, Bellingham Marine, has become the first marina in Asia to be conferred the Marina Excellence Design Jack Nichol Award by The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC), beating other international marinas from Turkey, Croatia and Italy to clinch the title. The award was presented today in a ceremony held 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.”
The internationally-recognized Marina Excellence Design Award is administered by PIANC’s Recreational Navigation Commission (RecCom) and is evaluated by a judging committee which includes the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) members.
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.”
Setting new standards in marina construction and services, Marina at Keppel Bay’s state-of-the-art floating concrete pontoon system, designed and built by Bellingham Marine, can accommodate 168 yachts, including superyachts of up to 86 meters 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 generous entrance channel and fairways allow yachts to easily access the marina.
- Use of properly designed and placed wave protection ensures a calm, well-flushed basin.
- Extra-wide, stable pontoons and floating platforms enable the marina to function as a venue for 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, in the presence of delegates representing more than 40 countries.
