MDL Marinas Unveil Major Upgrades at Ocean Village

'Marina of the Year' enhances facilities and customer experience.

Ocean Village Marina, recently voted 'Marina of the Year' at the British Yachting Awards in November 2023, has undergone significant upgrades. MDL Marinas invested £2.2 million to enhance the facilities and services at Southampton's premier marina, solidifying its status as a five-star location. 

Ocean Village Marina, nestled in the heart of Southampton, is the UK's first and only five-star marina. Surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants, a cinema, and a £50 million luxury spa hotel complex, the waterfront is both bustling and sophisticated. With its deep water basin, the marina is ideal for superyachts up to 80m and is known for hosting the start and finish of round-the-world yacht races.

Ocean Village Marina in Southampton

The investment facilitated a complete replacement of all south-side pontoons and the implementation of cutting-edge smart electric technology. New concrete pontoons and decking can accommodate 25m to 50m boats. In addition, the marina's berths have been equipped with smart meters, providing customers with full control over their electricity accounts, including 24/7 online payment access and automatic notifications for any power interruptions.

Our commitment to investing in our marinas is crucial to ensure we are always delivering the highest level of excellence that our berth holders, visitors, and tenants have come to expect."

Lauren McCann

manager

Ocean Village Marina

The upgrades also prioritized environmental sustainability, with new concrete pontoon sections transported from Ireland to MDL's Saxon Wharf and then towed to Ocean Village. The old pontoons and floats were removed for re-use or recycling.

The 362-berth marina offers easy access to the busy waters of The Solent. 

The Solent The Needles
Aerial view of the Marina of Gosport behind Burrow Island in Portsmouth Harbor in the south of England on the Channel coast

The Solent

The Solent is a strait between the Isle of Wight and mainland Great Britain, adjacent to historic ports like Southampton, home to Ocean Village Marina, and Portsmouth. Spanning about 20 miles in length and 2.5 to 5 miles in width, it is a vital shipping lane for passenger, freight, and military vessels.

Known for its challenging sailing conditions, the Solent is popular for water sports and hosts the annual Cowes Week sailing event. Its unique tidal pattern has bolstered Southampton's success as a port. The Solent's coastline, designated as a Special Area of Conservation, is ecologically significant and includes protected landscapes like the New Forest National Park.

MDL operates 18 marinas, with ten located in and around The Solent region. Additionally, the company has Sant Carles Marina in Spain.