Located in Antibes, between Fort Carré, Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands, Port Vauban operates in an exceptional but sensitive Mediterranean environment. The marina is home to protected species and lies close to natural areas and Natura 2000 sites, while supporting a wide range of maritime activities including yachting, sailing, water sports, shipbuilding, fishing and tourism.
To balance these environmental and economic challenges, Port Vauban has developed a proactive environmental management policy focused on five key priorities: water quality, biodiversity protection, waste management, energy efficiency and responsible resource consumption.
This approach relies on the involvement of berth holders, maritime professionals and port teams, alongside a network of institutional and environmental partners including the Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse, Région Sud, the Union des Ports de Plaisance Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur et Monaco, the City of Antibes, the Communauté d’Agglomération Sophia Antipolis, Ecocean, Azur Trend (Ecotank), Pollustock and Ekopol.
Port Vauban has held the Ports Propres certification since 2014, recognising its commitment to responsible environmental management. In November 2021, it also obtained the Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité certification for its actions to protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
On 22 May 2026, Port Vauban received the Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité trophy during the General Assembly of the Union des Ports de Plaisance Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur et Monaco, recognising the everyday commitment of its teams to environmental protection and biodiversity.
Preventing marine pollution is a key part of Port Vauban’s environmental policy. The port provides dedicated facilities for the collection and treatment of household waste, waste generated by boating activities and vessel wastewater through specialised pumping systems.
A wide range of selective waste collection services is available throughout the marina for materials, equipment, oils, liquids, paints and other potentially polluting waste. Each year, Port Vauban achieves a waste recycling and recovery rate of nearly 80%.
The port also organises regular seabed clean-up operations, removing several tonnes of submerged waste every year and helping to protect the marine environment of Antibes.
Water quality in the harbour is monitored annually through sampling campaigns carried out at six locations across Port Vauban. These analyses measure the main physicochemical parameters of the water and help monitor the environmental quality of the marina.
Through its partnership with Azur Trend and the Emergen’Sea initiative, Port Vauban also benefits from 24/7 emergency assistance in the event of major pollution, complementing the port’s own equipment and procedures for responding to accidental pollution incidents.
Shallow coastal waters play a vital role in Mediterranean marine ecosystems, providing essential habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. These fragile environments can be affected by port activities and increasing coastal urbanisation.
As part of its environmental policy, Port Vauban has implemented several projects to protect biodiversity and support the ecological restoration of the marine environment in Antibes.
From 2015 to 2018, the Cystore project, supported by the Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse, focused on reintroducing algae from the Cystoseira genus along the riprap of Port Vauban’s main seawall.
At the same time, Port Vauban worked with Ecocean, with support from the Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse and Région Sud, to install Biohut® artificial nurseries in several areas of the marina.
These ecological habitats provide food and shelter for fish larvae and juvenile marine species, helping to restore biodiversity within the port environment.
Today, Port Vauban is equipped with 56 Biohut® nurseries, mainly located in the outer harbour and near the harbour master’s office. Ecological monitoring carried out by Ecocean has identified more than 60 species of marine flora and fauna within these habitats.
Port Vauban’s biodiversity initiatives also extend to terrestrial ecosystems. Actions include the revegetation of landscaped areas, the preservation of native Mediterranean species and the removal of invasive plants.
Together, these projects contribute to protecting and restoring both marine and terrestrial biodiversity across Port Vauban.
Port Vauban is continuing to reduce its environmental impact by developing more sustainable mobility solutions across the marina. As part of this transition, petrol and diesel vehicles used for port operations are gradually being replaced by electric microcars, utility vehicles and scooters.
Visitors and berth holders can also benefit from shared mobility services available throughout Port Vauban. Lime and Pony shared bikes, located at several points around the marina and accessible via mobile apps, provide an easy way to travel between the different port areas and Antibes town centre.
Special benefits may also be available to berth holders. Please contact the Port Vauban reception team for further information.
Port Vauban is also transforming its outdoor spaces as part of its wider redevelopment programme. New landscaped areas, pedestrian routes, greenery and public spaces are being designed to improve the experience of port users while integrating the marina more closely into its Mediterranean environment.
Protecting the environment at Port Vauban is a shared responsibility. By using the waste collection, recycling and environmental facilities available throughout the marina, and by respecting the rules in place, berth holders, visitors and professionals can all help preserve the quality of the port and its marine environment.
Every action counts, both on land and on the water. Thank you for helping us keep Port Vauban clean, safe and environmentally responsible.
Port Vauban uses four DPOL robots to collect floating waste from the water. Positioned at strategic locations throughout the marina, these devices help improve water cleanliness and support the port’s ongoing efforts to prevent marine pollution.
The Promenade de la Mer, connecting Antibes old town to the Port Vauban harbour office, was created to highlight the richness of the local marine biodiversity.
Along the waterfront, visitors and berth holders can discover 10 emblematic species found in the waters of Port Vauban through artworks by Pascal Papalia installed along the quay.
QR codes placed throughout the promenade provide additional information about each species, offering an educational and engaging way to explore the marine life of the port.
Composting at Port Vauban is part of the port’s commitment to reducing waste and encouraging more sustainable everyday practices.
In partnership with UNIVALOM, a dedicated composting area has been installed within the marina. Equipped with four compost bins, the site makes it easier for port staff and users to sort organic waste and adopt more responsible waste management habits.
The composting area is located near the APPA, behind the waste sorting stations.
Port Vauban works with TchaoMegot to collect and recycle cigarette butts, helping prevent this highly polluting waste from reaching the marine environment.
The collected cigarette butts are processed and transformed into insulating materials for the construction and textile industries, giving this waste a second life through an innovative recycling process.
Eight dedicated ashtrays are available at different locations throughout the port to make collection easier for users and visitors.
Through the Riviera Ports network, Port Vauban is a partner of the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA Index®), an independent initiative created by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse, now part of UBS Group, to support a more responsible future for yachting.
The SEA Index® CO₂ certification provides yacht owners and captains with an independent assessment of their vessel’s environmental performance. Based on internationally recognised maritime methodologies and third-party verification, it helps identify opportunities to reduce emissions and improve the environmental efficiency of superyachts.
The certification is available for yachts over 24 metres and is designed to support more informed decisions throughout the ownership, operation, sale or charter of a yacht.
Port Vauban customers wishing to obtain SEA Index® certification benefit from a preferential certification rate and access to the IYCA Bar as part of the partnership.
For further information: info@sea-index.com
Since 2022, the Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office and Convention Bureau, certified ISO 20121, has been actively promoting more sustainable tourism across the destination.
Its approach is part of a broader CSR strategy designed to reduce the environmental impact of tourism while supporting inclusion, accessibility and responsible working practices.
Port Vauban is a member of the Sustainable Tourism Club, which brings together local stakeholders to share best practices and discuss key sustainability issues affecting the destination.
In recognition of this commitment, Port Vauban has been awarded the “Local player committed to sustainable tourism” label.
