The nautical industry

Charente-Maritime, the Challenge of Innovation

Prominently located on the Atlantic coast, Charente-Maritime surfs the waves of innovation with a competitive edge 

379 businesses,

including 45 shipbuilders,

and 51 equipment manufacturers

4 000 directly-related jobs

20 marinas, 8000 rings, 2500 moorings, 1200 dry berths

©François Poche - Atelier Culturel

Charente-Maritime:  Committed to Boating Excellence

The state-of-the art boating industry has developed into a highly technological field: Charente-Maritime remains a world leader in this traditional sector.

Pooling Top-notch Employment Opportunities and Boating Skills

The nautical industry in Charente-Maritime covers the entire spectrum of shipbuilding trades ranging from initial design to final fitting out, and is served by an extensive pool of highly-skilled professionals and experts who participate in the international dimension of this field:  naval architects, structural engineering R&D firms, sail makers, mast and spar manufacturers, rigging and electronics suppliers, CADD engineers, weather forecasters, shipyards, research and development firms, service providers, etc.

An Industry Focused on Constant Innovation

Thanks to the wide-ranging boating expertise available in Charente-Maritime, the industry remains a forerunner of innovation:  improved production techniques, energy and raw materials savings, compliance with new environmental standards.

First-rate Research and Development

Industry development is actively supported by specialized training programs and R&D centers:

• CRAIN (Centre de Recherche pour l’Architecture et l’Industrie Nautique - nautical industry and architecture research center),

http://www.craintechnologies.com/index.php

• CRITT Matériaux (Centre Régional pour l’Innovation et le Transfert Technologique - regional centre for innovation and for technology transfer on materials)

http://www.crittmateriaux.fr

• ICNN (Institut pour la Certification et la Normalisation dans le Nautisme - nautical certification and standards institute),

http://www.icnn.fr/

• EIGSI School of Engineering (Ecole d’Ingénieurs en Génie des Systèmes Industriels)

http://www.eigsi.fr/accueil/index.html

A Dynamic Environment Actively Supported by Local Stakeholders

Local port structures and international boating venues in Charente-Maritime serve to showcase our extensive industry know-how.

Charente-Maritime, the Challenge of Innovation

Programs to foster economic development and employment

• Charente-Maritime Incubator

Aid for business startup initiatives

• Charente-Maritime Initiatives

Fund for entrepreneurial creation or take over

• Departmental Assistance Fund for Commercial Real Estate

Financial aid for the construction or renovation of business premises

Additional information:

General Council of Charente-Maritime

Agency for Employment, Economy and Tourism

Economic Development and Business Service

Contact: Corinne NUYAOUËT/ +33 (05) 46 31 71 00