European Boating Industry expands membership and elects new leadership
by European Boating Industry 17 Jun 23:24 PDT
European Boating Industry convened its biannual General Assembly © European Boating Industry
Hosted by the German Marine Federation (VMWD), European Boating Industry convened its biannual General Assembly yesterday in Hamburg, Germany, bringing together its members to reflect on the progress made in supporting the recreational boating industry and to define the path forward amidst a dynamic EU policy landscape.
The French Federation of Pleasure Ports and the Marine Industry Association of Portugal, join EBI to bring the membership to 32. The newly elected Council appointed Robert Marx as President of EBI for his second mandate.
Held in the maritime city of Hamburg, the General Assembly was a key occasion to strengthen cooperation across the sector and welcome new members into the EBI network. This year, EBI proudly expands its community with the addition of two new full members: ACAP APICAN, representing Portugal, and Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance, representing French marinas. EBI now represents 32 members across 21 European countries.
Fernando Sá, President of ACAP APICA, stated: "The Nautical Division of ACAP represents companies in the recreational nautical industry, trade and services in Portugal. Being member of the EBI is an important step to achieve our objectives as solving the problems of recreational boating and helping this sector growing."
Guillaume Nardin, General Delegate of Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance added: "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 nautical tourism industry."
These new members further reinforce EBI's role as the unified voice of the recreational boating industry in Europe. Their joining reflects a growing momentum across Europe to advance cooperation, sustainability, innovation, and resilience in boating and nautical tourism.
EBI is also pleased to announce that Slovenian Marine Industry Association (SMIA) is rejoining the association as a member. This return marks a significant step forward for the Slovenian boating sector and comes under the new leadership of Matjaž Murko, a seasoned industry professional and passionate advocate for the region's marine development. He also serves as President and CEO of MennYacht Group.
Matjaž Murko, President of SMIA shares: "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."
Elections to the council were held during the General Assembly
For the coming two years, the association will be led by Robert Marx as President (VMWD/Germany), Vice-President & Treasurer Anne-Marie Bouweraerts (Nautibel/Belgium), Vice-President Jean-Paul Chapeleau (FIN/France). Elected as Council members are Jordi Carrasco Abad (ANEN/Spain), Mirek Hajdukiewicz (POLBOAT/Poland), Jeroen van den Heuvel (HISWA-RECRON/ The Netherlands), Ana Calic (CEA/ Croatia), and Jarkko Pajusalo (FINNBOAT/Finland), and Fabio Planamente (Confindustria Nautica/Italy) appointed as special representative for the large yacht sector.
Leaving the Council, with the gratitude of EBI and the European industry is Vice-Chair Piero Formenti (Confindustria Nautica/Italy).
Robert Marx, President of EBI commented: "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."
Throughout the discussions in Hamburg, members reflected on the evolving global trade landscape and its implications for the recreational boating industry. Topics included the current economic outlook, consumer expectations in a changing market. Particular attention was given to how the industry can diversify trade relationships, strengthen Europe's internal market, and respond to shifting demands. These conversations also highlighted the importance of collaboration between national associations and EBI to support businesses and ensure the sector remains competitive, resilient, and well-positioned for the future.