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2.6 Smart small harbour services

On Estonian islands and coastal harbours, it is difficult and costly to manage small harbours and
provide services, as the numbers of visitors and residents is limited. In response, the authorities are
encouraging, improving and expanding the network of harbours. A smart harbour system is being
developed as part of solutions involving 50 harbours across Estonia. Information is provided for tourists,
including online booking (accommodation and transport). An automated management system has
been set up, including mobile payments. This “marine mastermind” model and the concept of “easy
port” are particularly suitable for low tonnage vessels, small ports and service suppliers. Saaremaa is
also changing its “business model” by receiving more cruise ships. A business label is emerging from
the initiative.
The same model could be used for bigger boats and bigger harbours, and is not limited to one country;
it can be enlarged and rolled out by other island and coastal communities. It could be a good solution
for sparsely populated communities, where manning small harbours is not possible simply because
the manpower would not be available.
Website for the initiative: www.marinaahoy.com

3. Innovation, including energy, transport and

environment

3.1 Best practice demonstrated during on-site visits

The EESC observed several initiatives, such as the offshore wind farm and reduction of traffic on Île
d’Yeu, solar energy on Favignana, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility on Favignana, use of
straw from local farms for collective heating systems on Samsø, the introduction of renewable sources
of energy in the power mix on Kythnos, the Energy Academy of Samsø, public filtered water fountains
to prevent plastic waste on Favignana, and the Marine Protected Area of the Egadi islands.

3.2 Offshore wind farm

Together with Île de Noirmoutier, Île d’Yeu is planning to build an offshore wind farm. The farm would
be built for 25 years of use. Île d’Yeu would be used as a base for construction and the project would
create jobs for the islanders, partly since Île d’Yeu would be required to set up a maintenance base for
the wind farm (setting up a maintenance base on the
island means providing training for islanders and
bringing in new skills and therefore new inhabitants/
families to the island).
The wind farm would have 62 turbines and be located
12km out. It would have an output of 496MW, a
surface area of 82.5km2 and an estimated cost of EUR
2 billion.
Offshore wind farm project, The project promoters have been confronted with
islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu, France protests against the farm because of the visual impact
© Éoliennes en mer, îles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier
from the seashore. There are also concerns about
fishing, but scientific experts generally consider that such construction has a positive impact on the
renewal of fish stocks. These examples clearly show that dialogue with civil society is vital throughout
such projects. People need dialogue and information.
This initiative is necessary for the development of the island, and is backed by Île d’Yeu’s excellence
in energy, with its successful Yeu 2030 energy transition programme. The goal is to make Île d’Yeu
a showcase of excellence in energy with local and renewable energy generation, energy storage
(development of hydrogen storage), a smart grid project, etc. Another aspect involves reducing energy

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