Lusail City Marina Brief

Lusail City Marina Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

UNESCO Experiment Revealed at Lusail Marina in Doha, Qatar

April 17, 2013

April 10 saw UNESCO Doha, in partnership with Mourjan Marinas IGY as well as Lusail Real Estate Development Company, present a new project supporting the growth of floating mangroves at Lusail Marina, situated in the beautiful Middle Eastern yacht charter location – Doha in Qatar. The experiment represents the first-of-kind to investigate the use of floating mangroves for ‘carbon sequestration’ – the capturing of carbon emissions.

Mr Essa Kaldari CEO Lusail Real Estate Development Company Dr Benno

Mr Essa Kaldari CEO Lusail Real Estate Development Company Dr Benno

The results of this pioneering experiment will help shape understanding on mitigating climate change as scientists will see if the floating mangroves have the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing atmospheric carbon levels. Floating mangroves can contribute to environmental wellbeing by reducing land based marine pollution through taking up potassium, nitrogen and phosphates. Globally, mangroves are rapidly declining in quantity, ramping up on-going attempts to better conserve them.

The project first began in March 2012, after Mourjan Marinas IGY approached UNESCO with the idea. It saw UNESCO carry out ecological observations, seed collection, preparation and planting in floating boxes developed specifically for the project by Mourjan Marina IGY.

“In the past, some have suggested producing mangroves in inland deserts under seawater irrigation to make the deserts green, however, this is a controversial approach due to the dangers of irreversible salinization of soils and ground-water, as well as habitat loss,” said Benno Boer, Ecological Sciences Advisor for UNESCO Arab Region. “Our floating mangroves experiment is totally unique and suggests an alternative method which has not yet grasped the attention of the climate change movement.”

Floating mangroves

Floating mangroves

The experiment showcases Qatar’s commitment to conserving the environment through eco-friendly projects.

“Floating mangroves can be developed into large-scale cash crop systems in the sub-tropical and tropical coastal oceans of the world, such as biofuel and livestock fodder, generating jobs, income and profit,” said Benno Boer.

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with UNESCO Doha in realising our vision for this iconic new city that is set to become a beacon for sustainable mega developments around the region,” said Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO of Lusail Real Estate Development Company (LREDC).

As well as having the potential to bring countless benefits to the environment, the project has involved the local community at a grass roots level.  At least five university students are expected developing the medium-scale proto-types in the second phase of the activity.

“Conservation of the local environment and being as eco-friendly as we can is extremely important to Mourjan Marinas IGY – we ensure that all of our marinas are built and maintained with the greatest sensitivity to the local environment,” said Wayne Sheperd, General Manager at Mourjan Marinas IGY. “For a long time it has been Mourjan’s vision to have this break-through initiative incorporated into the design and construction of our marinas, and we are delighted to partner with UNESCO and Lusail Real Estate Development Company to make it a reality. We are excited to see the outcomes of the experiment.”

Floating mangroves at Lusail Marina

Floating mangroves at Lusail Marina

The experimental mangroves made the switch from fifty per cent seawater, fifty per cent freshwater irrigation to one hundred per cent seawater irrigation in January 2013.  Salt-marsh plants (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Halopeplis perfoliata, Saliconia sinus-persica and Suaeda arabica) produced from cuttings have also been added to further growth ahead of the Mangrove flowering period (March – June).

“Lusail City’s involvement in environmental initiatives is a big priority to us,” added Alf Alf Ziegler, Environmental & Sustainability Manager, LREDC. “As Qatar’s premier lifestyle destination, we are excited to contribute to global research on an area of significant scientific interest.”

The floating mangroves can be viewed in their planter boxes at Lusail Marina, Lusail City.

Lusail Marina celebrates first anniversary with complimentary one-month berthing offer for superyachts

May 07, 2012

As part of its first anniversary celebration in June, the Lusail Marina, a superyacht marina located in Doha, Qatar invites its guests to enjoy one-month complimentary berthing at the fabulous Mourjan Marinas IGY-managed facility, situated in Lusail City.

Lusail Marina - a beautiful superyacht marina situated in Doha, Qatar

Lusail Marina - a beautiful superyacht marina situated in Doha, Qatar

The anniversary marks the end of a successful first year for Lusail Marina, which welcomed its first yacht in June 2011. Last March Mourjan Marinas IGY was awarded the ‘Excellence and Innovation’ award for Lusail Marina at the World of Yachts and Boats Recognition Awards. Renowned for its outstanding level of service and privacy, Lusail Marina invites visitors to experience the award-winning marina and join in the celebrations by taking advantage of one month complimentary berthing, valid through June 2012.

Wayne Shepherd, Regional Operations Manager of Mourjan Marinas IGY, said: “Lusail Marina has quickly established itself as an un-missable yachting destination in the Middle East.  Our premier facility continues to impress guests who enjoy the intimacy of the location and its unique design, which includes on water lounges and contemporary shade structures.  We’re pleased to extend this special offer to our valued guests and visitors as Lusail Marina celebrates its first anniversary.”

Lusail Marina can accommodate 93 yachts between 10-40 metres in length.  Designed within strict environmental guidelines, the marina has been built from the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards.  The marina uses aluminium marina systems built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames and composite wood decking.

In line with all Mourjan Marinas managed facilities, Lusail Marina currently boasts a five-star concierge service, 24-hour security and marina cart service to and from your yacht.  On-water lounges ensure your stay in the marina is as comfortable as possible.

Lusail Marina is located within the futuristic Lusail City development, one of the most ambitious real estate projects in Qatar and the wider Middle East.

Mourjan Marinas IGY welcomes yacht ‘Lulwa’ into Lusail Marina in Doha

June 06, 2011

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations, has welcomed the first yacht into Lusail Marina, Doha’s stunning waterfront destination located within the prestigious Lusail City development.  The first luxury vessel to berth at the beautiful marina is the 29 metre motor yacht Lulwa.

Motor Yacht Lulwa berthing at Lusail Marina - Mourjan Marinas IGY

Motor Yacht Lulwa berthing at Lusail Marina - Mourjan Marinas IGY

Mourjan Marina IGY’s CEO Michael Horrigan and Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO of the Lusail Real Estate Development Company, were present to welcome the 29 metre yacht ‘Lulwa’ and its owner Salman Jassim Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO of Porsche in Doha, as it arrived into the world-class marina.

The milestone occasion marks the beginning of a new era in the marina industry in the Middle East as Mourjan Marinas IGY’s world-class capabilities and unique focus on hospitality combined together with the services and facilities offered at the Lusail Marina District are expected to make it one of the premier boating and lifestyle locations in the region.

“We are very proud to see the arrival of the first yacht into this landmark marina, offering the community a yachting and marina lifestyle experience, which signifies the very beginning of an extremely exciting time for the industry in this region,” said Michael Horrigan, CEO of Mourjan Marina IGY.

“Lusail Marina, and the wider Marina District within Lusail City, are going to be something special and will push the marina industry to a whole new level that has never been seen before in the Middle East.”

At the Lusail Marina - Left, Michael Horrigan, middle, Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, right Salman Jassim Al Darwish - Image Mourjan Marinas IGY

At the Lusail Marina - Left, Michael Horrigan, middle, Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, right Salman Jassim Al Darwish - Image Mourjan Marinas IGY

Mourjan Marinas IGY, who is undertaking the full responsibility for design, construction and operation of all marinas in Lusail City, has developed 96 modern floating marina berths catering for yachts of 10-40 metres in length. The marina has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both the regional and international market with berths filling up quickly and a notable demand from high profile boat owners who are attracted by the privacy and exclusivity of the marina.

“We are pleased with the results we have seen so far,” Mr Horrigan added. “People are invited to come down and see for themselves what Lusail Marina is all about.”

The new marina includes three on-water lounges, which will become a café, a juice bar, a family lounge and a dedicated area designed and built for events. Unique integrated misting technology will air condition the walkways during the summer season in addition to over 10 000 sq/ft of contemporary shade structures on the marina.

The marina’s features include underwater lighting, black and grey water ‘pump-out’ at the berths, 24 hour security, a five-star concierge service, Wi-Fi services, laundry service, a deck wash for all yachts and valet parking. In addition, the marina was designed as an eco-friendly facility, using the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards. The marina is utilising aluminium marina systems that are built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames, composite wood deckings, plastic floats and stainless steel hardware.

“It is my honor to welcome the first of many proud boat owners to our marina and we look forward to welcoming many more as we make daily progress on our visionary Lusail City development and its state-of-the-art marinas,” commented Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO of the Lusail Real Estate Development Company.

Lusail City, which covers 38 square kilometers north of Doha, is not only Qatar’s largest domestic real estate project, it is one of the most prestigious community developments currently being undertaken in the region and world at large. Lusail represents a new way of thinking about the environment in which 190,000 residents, 170,000 workers, and 90,000 visitors will live, work and play. Lusail City will encompass not only new residential, commercial, and retail opportunities, but a full array of community needs, complete with schools, hospitals, entertainment and social centers. Lusail City is a visionary development master-planned by QATARI DIAR to become a unique state-of-the-art city in Qatar, the region, and worldwide.

“I am excited to be the first boat owner in the Lusail Marina, and to be part of this great project.” said Salman Jassim Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO of Porsche in Doha. “This is a stunning location and a truly one of a kind marina. As a boat owner you could not ask for anything better.”

Mourjan Marinas IGY utilises its design, engineering, management and marketing expertise to benefit waterfronts around the world with the vision to be at the forefront of the maritime industry in the Middle East.

Mourjan Marinas IGY report rapid progress on the Lusail City Marina in Doha

November 19, 2010

The first marina within the Lusail City development in Doha, Qatar, is rapidly moving ahead with Mourjan Marinas IGY marking a number of construction milestones in recent weeks.

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations who is developing one of Doha’s premiere marinas, has announced that significant progress has been made since they started construction work at the beginning of October.

Matthew Bate, Director of Operations for Mourjan Marinas IGY, said piling of the marina has been successfully completed, which included the installation of 59 piles within two weeks. With the flooding program having started at the end of October, the marina is on schedule for its grand opening and to welcome the 2011 boating season.

Lusail City Marina in Doha October 2010

Lusail City Marina in Doha October 2010

Lusail City Marina in Doha November 2010
Lusail City Marina in Doha November 2010

“We have moved ahead very quickly since we first started construction and we are pleased with the considerable progress that has been made in just a few short weeks,” Mr. Bate said.

“We are working around the clock to deliver one of the Middle East’s premiere marina facilities and we are building this marina under an unprecedented fast track program that will set a new benchmark for marina development in the region.”

Extra piling rigs were utilised on site and the launch of pontoons is scheduled to commence mid November. Mr Bate said the pontoons are being manufactured in both the UAE and Canada to meet the target date.

“This will be closely followed by adding features such as the shade structures, service pedestal and furniture for the lounges,” he added.

“This is a landmark project and we are combining elegantly designed facilities with world-class services. What we are developing is something that is very unique.”

Working with the internationally renowned pontoon manufacturer Structurmarine, the main contractor building the marina, Mourjan Marinas IGY is using the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards. The marina is utilising aluminium marina systems that are built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames, composite wood deckings, plastic floats and stainless steel hardware.

Mourjan Marinas IGY is also planting mangroves on the marina in dedicated planter boxes that are especially designed for the mangrove habitat to help promote the environment and increase public awareness of the marine eco-system.

Working with the support of local and international environmental groups, the marina developer has also approached UNESCO and engaged in an active discussion regarding mangrove development.

Added to this, the marina will be built to comply with Gold Anchor, Blue Flag and Clean Marinas Status.

The Dubai-based Mourjan Marinas IGY utilises its design, engineering, management and marketing expertise to benefit waterfronts around the world with the vision to be at the forefront of the maritime industry in the Middle East.

 Mourjan Marinas IGY
Mourjan Marinas IGY is an international marina developer, operator and investor based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Operating under a new name after an alliance between Island Global Yachting (IGY) and G-Marin; Mourjan Marinas IGY continues to drive the growth of marina development throughout the Middle East.  The company offers the full range of technical, development, operations, marketing and administrative expertise required to design, construct and manage world-class marina facilities internationally.

IGY
From the islands of the Caribbean to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and other beautiful yachting destinations around the world, IGY is redefining the very idea of luxury marina experiences.  Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, controlling and/or servicing luxury-yacht marinas and the surrounding upland real estate properties. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY; St. Thomas, USV. In Dubai, IGY is represented through an alliance with Mourjan Marinas IGY which provides marina development and management services throughout the Middle East.

Mourjan Marinas IGY begins construction on the Lusail City Marina in Doha

October 11, 2010

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations,  announced it has started construction work on the first marina within the Lusail City development in Doha, Qatar.

Lusail City Marina

Located in the Marina District of the prestigious Lusail development, the marina will start operating after Qatar National Day in mid December with services and facilities that will make it one of the premiere marina facilities in the region. Mourjan Marinas IGY, who will undertake full responsibility for design, construction and operation of all marinas in the Lusail City development, is now leasing berths at the marina and will develop 96 modern floating marina berths catering for yachts of 10-40 metres in length.

The marina will also include three on-water lounge areas, a shisha café, a juice bar and a family lounge area. Unique integrated misting technology will air condition the walkways during the summer season in addition to contemporary shade structures on the marina Matthew Bate, Director of Operations for Mourjan Marinas IGY, said:

‘‘We are delighted to have started the construction of this marina which will combine elegantly designed facilities with world-class services to become one of the region’s premiere berthing facilities.”

The marina’s features will include underwater lighting, black and grey water ‘pump-out’ at the berths, a fuel service station, 24 hour security, a five-star concierge service, laundry service, a deck wash for all yachts and valet parking. In addition, the marina – designed as an eco-friendly facility – will also offer wi-fi services and a clubhouse.

Situated along the coast just north of Doha, the Lusail City development is set to become a thriving maritime hub, with a number of marinas serving the different segments, including private, business, and community marinas. This masterplanned urban development will be home to a self-sustaining community, comprising residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, resort, and entertainment venues.

Mr Bate added:

“The marina is the first of multiple marinas to be built in Lusail City and one of the region’s most exciting and ambitious projects.”

“It will set new benchmarks for the yachting experience locally and internationally and will be the place to be for yacht owners in Qatar and beyond. This marina has been designed with the needs of the local market in mind and nothing like this has been built before in this region”

“As we expand our work on the Lusail City Marina development, we remain committed to providing the best equipped berthing facilities throughout the region.”

Mourjan Marinas IGY utilises its design, engineering, management and marketing expertise to benefit waterfronts around the world with the vision to be at the forefront of the maritime industry in the Middle East.