Gouvia Marina being transformed with €8.5m investment from D-Marin

D-Marin has completed a major upgrade of Gouvia Marina, transforming it into a modern, premium destination for yachting and leisure.

With an investment of €8.5 million, the redevelopment strengthens the marina’s role as a key regional gateway, while also delivering measurable environmental, social, and customer impact.

Located in a strategic position between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean, Gouvia Marina is the largest marina in Corfu and an important economic hub for the island. The upgrade reflects D-Marin’s long-term vision to elevate the yachting experience while strengthening the marina as an open and active space for both visitors and the local community.

The project delivered a comprehensive transformation of the infrastructure, increasing capacity and improving operational efficiency. In total, 104 new berths were created for vessels up to 50 metres, supported by new parking areas and an additional 6,000 sq. m. of onshore dry storage space. The waterfront was fully pedestrianised, the internal road network was extensively rebuilt, and all sanitary and shower facilities were renovated. These improvements significantly enhance accessibility, comfort, and the daily experience of visitors and crews.

Landscape redesign also played a central role, with more than 2,000 new trees and plants creating an open, modern, and welcoming public space. A new playground and an amphitheatre further enhance the marina’s social and cultural character. The space will host concerts, cultural events, and open-air cinema nights, turning Gouvia Marina into a destination beyond boating.

Ioannis Koutsodontis, Regional Director of D-Marin Greece, stated:

“The upgrade of Gouvia Marina goes far beyond infrastructure. It is a complete transformation that combines construction excellence, technological innovation, and sustainability, creating a premium destination that is open, vibrant, and closely connected to the local community of Corfu.”

The redevelopment also introduced a major leap in digital capabilities. Smart Pedestals were installed at each berth, enabling remote management of electricity and water consumption via the D-Marin app. This improves customer experience while enhancing operational efficiency and energy management. At the same time, the marina’s digital infrastructure was fully upgraded, including enhanced Wi-Fi coverage across all areas, ensuring seamless connectivity.

These improvements translated into clear customer benefits, as reflected in an 11% increase in the marina’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), with users recognising the upgraded facilities, services, and overall experience.

Environmental performance, safety, and ESG principles are an integral part of the upgrade. The marina now features high-pressure water filtration systems, advanced fire detection and emergency alarm systems, and low-energy LED lighting. Electric vehicle charging stations, extensive green interventions, and improved accessibility further reduce the environmental footprint and strengthen the marina’s connection with the local community.

As part of the broader upgrade, Gouvia Marina also completed its first on-site solar energy installation, marking the first such project by D-Marin in Greece. The 100 kWp photovoltaic system is expected to generate approximately 167 MWh of clean electricity annually, covering around 20% of the marina’s operational electricity needs.

Korina Kostakaki, Head of Sustainability, Health & Safety of D-Marin in Greece, stated:

“The new solar installation at Gouvia Marina reflects D-Marin’s continued progress on its decarbonisation journey and marks our first marina in Greece producing on-site renewable energy. The project complements the 5 MW of solar capacity already deployed across our marinas in Turkey, Croatia, and Italy, supporting our SBTi commitment and our ambition to reduce emissions by 42% by 2030.”

The upgrade of Gouvia Marina sets a new benchmark for Greek marinas, combining premium design, smart technology, and measurable ESG impact in a fully operational environment.

The redevelopment was supported through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. D-Marin considers this initiative a significant step forward for Greece’s nautical tourism sector, contributing to the acceleration of sustainable investments, the modernisation of infrastructure, and the long-term competitiveness of the industry.

About D-Marin

D-Marin, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Athens, is a leading luxury marina operator managing 26 marinas across nine countries, including Greece, Turkey, the UAE, and several Mediterranean destinations. It offers more than 14,000 berths, including 1,000 dedicated to superyachts, and serves more than 50,000 customers annually, with a strong focus on superyacht services supported by specialised facilities and professional shipyards.

In 2023, D-Marin expanded by adding ten marinas and entering new markets such as Spain, Malta, and Albania, reflecting its rapid growth and strategic ambition. The company leads in digital innovation with the D-Marin app, enabling online bookings, renewals, and free smart sensors for real-time vessel monitoring, enhancing safety and convenience for customers.