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This initiative is part of a wider drive to transform the port into an attractive, lively and sustainable place, fully integrated into the city and accessible to all.
A structuring project for the port of Nancy
The ambition of the public partners is clear: to make the port of Nancy a multifunctional space, a place to live, a leisure center and a tourist destination.
The project aims to enhance the attractiveness of the site by developing an environmentally-friendly activity in line with contemporary urban and river uses.
Situated just a few minutes' walk from the city center and the lively Rives de Meurthe district, the port is strategically located in the heart of the city. The high-potential site has also been awarded the Pavillon Bleu and Accueil Vélo labels, both of which reinforce its positioning in terms of environmental quality and welcoming visitors.
An opportunity for those involved in electric boating and river tourism
This call for projects is aimed at entrepreneurs, investors and project leaders wishing to develop an electric boat rental business dedicated to river cruising.
VNF's Direction territoriale Nord-Est is providing the infrastructure needed to launch this activity in the Sainte-Catherine dock:
- 45 linear meters of quay,
- a dedicated stretch of water,
- a land right-of-way within the Nancy marina.
The aim is to enable the emergence of an accessible, silent and low-emission water sports offer, in line with the public's growing expectations for more sustainable tourist experiences.
A lever for the energy transition in river boating
The choice of electric motorization is fully in line with the strategic orientations of VNF and local authorities in terms of energy transition, reducing noise pollution and improving the quality of use in urban environments.
For the boating industry, this project is a concrete showcase for the potential of electric boating in the river environment: license-free boats, charging solutions, fleet management, maintenance and associated services. It also opens up interesting prospects for manufacturers, equipment suppliers and operators specializing in carbon-free river mobility.
Procedures and timetable
- Purpose of use : Tourism and Leisure
- Expected activity: Rental of electric pleasure boats
- Location: Nancy marina - Sainte-Catherine dock (54)
- Publication of call for projects: January 15, 2026
- Application deadline: April 15, 2026
Interested candidates can consult the complete application file on the VNF website. Two other calls for projects relating to nautical rental activities are also underway on the platform.
