The Astir Marina, an exclusive “boutique” marina located on the Athenian Riviera, has commenced operations to accommodate luxury sea crafts. The $55 million redevelopment project, located near Athens International Airport and a gateway to the Aegean Sea and Cycladic Islands, meets demanding berthing needs and offers premier amenities, fine dining, upscale shopping, and privacy on the iconic Astir Peninsula.

The Marina is part of a broader investment by Astir Palace Vouliagmeni SA and includes the re-launch of the legendary Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni as Greece’s first Four Seasons hotel (Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens), and the construction of 13 high-end Astir Villas. This redevelopment enhances and upgrades the Marina’s port and land infrastructure to provide top mooring services for super and mega yachts. The Marina now offers 59 fully renovated berths, capable of hosting yachts up to 100+ meters.

The Hill team managed all aspects of this extensive project, providing comprehensive project management services for the new Marina development and its many components.

“I’m incredibly proud of the Astir Marina project, not just for the technical accomplishments but for the teamwork and collaboration it exemplified. From resolving last-minute tenant requests to managing stringent timelines, every challenge was met with a united effort,” shares Pandelis Aslanides, Project Director.

In his role, Pandelis was responsible for overseeing the construction phase, managing stakeholders, and supporting strategic decision making while maintaining project timelines and budgets. He continues, “This project showcases Hill’s ability to deliver exceptional results, satisfying our client and the local community while promoting sustainable development.”

Overcoming Technical and Logistical Challenges

Enhancements to the Marina’s sea zone included reconstructing and extending piers, deepening the sea basin, installing permanent mooring anchors, and constructing a new helicopter landing site. The electromechanical systems were updated for power and water distribution, sewage networks for each vessel, a fueling station, Wi-Fi, and automated payment systems. This work presented several challenges.

“One of the most significant hurdles we faced was accommodating larger yachts than initially planned. This required extensive dredging and additional power supplies, including a new substation with costly, high-capacity cables. Addressing these technical challenges demanded meticulous planning and innovative solutions to minimize both cost and time impacts for our client,” says Makis Bachtiar, Operations Director. In addition to some of the changes to the project scope, archaeological findings resulted in some delays and required certain design adjustments.

“Working in Athens, we anticipated archaeological discoveries. We encountered a significant settlement, likely a military observation post, which required careful excavation and adjustment of our plans where necessary,” explains Makis. “Collaborating closely with archaeologists, we balanced the preservation of these artifacts with our construction goals, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining the project’s integrity.”

Community and Environmental Impact

Throughout the project, the team maintained strict environmental standards, ensuring water quality by using floating barriers and silt curtains during construction. Heavy transport and construction activities were scheduled for early morning hours to minimize disruption, with shuttle buses provided for staff to reduce traffic impact. The local municipality supported these efforts, though they had environmental concerns, and closely monitored the construction during all phases.

Makis explains, “To work with local residents, we implemented rigorous environmental monitoring and daily water quality checks using specialized laboratories to ensure the safety of nearby public beaches.”

Noise reduction measures and work stoppages during summer months were also adopted to comply with local regulations. Makis notes, “These measures addressed traffic and parking issues, fostering a positive relationship with the local community.”

To further ease community concerns and facilitate marina operations, the client constructed an underground garage for the guests to reduce street congestion and leased land out of marina an area for the staff parking and established regular shuttle bus itinerary. These efforts, combined with the project’s aesthetic integration with its surroundings, have made the Astir Marina a beloved landmark for residents and visitors alike.

“By prioritizing environmental integrity and community needs, Astir Marina now stands as a testament to sustainable development, delivering on our client’s vision while offering an unparalleled experience for international clientele,” concludes Makis.