Two naves capable of accommodating 280 boats
Since 2014, the Dry Port of Lorient has occupied two former naval vessels that were used as maintenance space for German submarines during the Second World War. It accommodates motorboats - mainly semi-rigid boats, some open hulls and a few helmsmen and fishing boats with cabins between 5.50 m and 7.50 m long. Sailing boats do not fit into this system because of their mast height and draught.
A total of 280 boats are stored in these two spaces, 15 m high, 15 m wide and 150 m deep, on a 4-high shelving system.
A protected and semi-automated dry port
It offers two specificities. First, it is one of the only dry ports enclosed by walls and a roof. Second, it is semi-automated. Indeed, two robots take charge of the entire fleet stored in the two naves to load them and bring them to a transit area outside. It is then the human that takes over, with an operator taking over the transit of the boat to the pontoons via a protected slipway offering 120 m of pontoon space, which allows boats that have left the port in the dry to be stored under cover.
In addition to this equipment, the dry port of Lorient is equipped with relief zones.
"The operators take out 70 boats on big days, but we don't have 70 immediate places in the water. So we store the boats on wheeled crates. This way, the boats are in transit as they come out and are launched." explains Julien Bothuan, Dry Port Manager.
During the summer period, another relief zone offers 120 places on outdoor pontoons.
"The idea with this dry port was to relieve the waiting lists of the ports on the water and thus free up space for sailing boats by accommodating semi-rigid boats in particular. Most yachtsmen generally sail 15 days a year, so it avoids blocking a place afloat" details Julien Bothuan.
As soon as an owner's request arrives, the port agents check with the owner the dimensions of the boat (length, beam...) in order to determine the compatibility with the stocks.
A notion of service and proximity to the customer
The Dry Port of Lorient also offers a different notion of service from a floating port. This is based on a ratio, in terms of tariff, 10% more expensive than a berth.
"This is justified firstly by the initial investment, which is colossal, but also because storing in a dry port does not generate the same obligations as boaters in a wet port" details Julien Bothuan.
Indeed, no need to go and check your boat's moorings in case of a gale or to do fairing and antifouling. The fact that you are also protected - unlike most dry harbours that are outdoors - means that you can avoid UV impacts on the gelcoat of your boat, which will tend to yellow outdoors.
"It keeps the boat from losing value visually, and in terms of resale value, the boater is in the clear", explains the dry dock manager.
Two people are present all year round to ensure - even out of season - boat launches. Large reinforcements are planned from spring until almost halfway through the autumn.
"We're in the service, in the exchange and the proximity with the boaters. We build a relationship of trust with the owners. Boaters put their boats at our disposal and we hope it goes well. When we are entrusted with a RIB, we make sure that it goes well. Satisfied customers are word-of-mouth." says Julien Bothuan.
Precisely, victim of its success, the dry port of Lorient now has a waiting list of a year and a half.
"Eventually, the initial problem of lack of float room also affects the dry dock."
"For boaters, dry docking is much more convenient than storing your boat on a trailer. In this case, you have to be comfortable with the launch and be able to store the trailer. At our company, we manage the launching, which is part of the service. The customer calls between 48 hours in advance and the day before, by phone, e-mail or live. We also develop an application. They have an unlimited number of launches. After each outing, the boat is rinsed a little, always in this notion of proximity and customer service"
Stored in the dry port of Lorient, boats must not remain afloat for more than 48 hours. If the boat has still not moved during this time, then the owners must notify the port agents who will put it ashore.
"If the boat has to stay in the water for several days, the passport can be used as a port of call with the other ports of Morbihan. The idea is to give the dry port a boost by preventing boats from staying in the water for too long", concludes Julien Bothuan.
Rates
Vessels are divided into 4 categories, with corresponding pricing levels. The first level of pricing is 1?600 euros including tax for the year and the highest is 2184 euros for 7.50 m boats.
