Boat reuse: Yuniboat aims to build Europe's first decarbonization port
Less than a year: that’s the average actual lifespan of recreational boats—even though they’re designed to last nearly forty years! This premature obsolescence has serious environmental consequences, as most end-of-life vessels are incinerated or landfilled. In light of this, Thierry Boussion, an entrepreneur with a passion for boating, founded Yuniboat four years ago. It’s a market that’s still emerging but promising, with more than one million boats registered in France.
Reducing Waste Through Reuse
Based in Batz-sur-Mer, on the Guérande Peninsula, the company collects unused boats to give them a second life by incorporating more sustainable technologies. “We offer an alternative to both new and used boats, with high-quality vessels that are up to 60% cheaper,” explains Thierry Boussion.
Beyond the economic argument, it is the environmental impact that stands out most: about 50 boats have already been saved from destruction, representing approximately 60 metric tons of waste and 50 metric tons of CO₂ avoided. Yuniboat currently refurbishes about 20 boats per year with a team of seven employees. “After four years of experimentation, we have established a standardized industrial process that ensures the technical and economic viability of refurbishing these vessels,” emphasizes Thierry Boussion.
Almost 50 employees
To scale up operations, the company is focusing on developing the Port Lavigne site—a 2.5-hectare dry dock in the town of Bouguenais—and acquiring a building measuring more than 3,000 m². “The goal is to transition from a pilot project to a full-fledged industry, with more than 500 boats refurbished per year in the long term,” explains the CEO. This expansion will be accompanied by an increase in the workforce to 50 employees. The current boat storage business will also continue.
“Port Lavigne benefits from multimodal accessibility—by sea, river, and road—as well as a strategic location on the outskirts of Nantes and near France’s largest recreational boating area, stretching from Brittany to the southern part of the Vendée.”
“The region’s commitment to reuse and the circular economy has been a key factor” — Thierry Boussion
A pilot site for decarbonizing the recreational boating industry
Yuniboat thus aims to help build an industrial Reuse sector within the maritime industry. “Our ambition is to make this site Europe’s first decarbonization port and a showcase for Reuse, dedicated to recreational boating and small commercial vessels.” The future site will place digital and environmental technologies at the heart of its operations. The company is developing its own tools and relies in particular on artificial intelligence to refine boat diagnostics and manage production.
The proposal to acquire the site is currently under review, with plans to move in by the end of the year.
Support from local stakeholders is crucial to the success of this project. We therefore appreciate the assistance provided by Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement, which helps us connect with key contacts in the region. Thierry Boussion, founder of Yuniboat
Relocation of Industrial Maritime Expertise to Europe
An initial fundraising round of one million euros is currently underway to finance the Nantes facility, ahead of an acceleration phase. “More broadly, the project contributes to the reshoring of European industrial expertise in the marine sector in response to rising costs for new vessels and imports from outside Europe,” adds the CEO. In the longer term, Yuniboat aims for a Europe-wide expansion, with about ten production sites and 500 employees within ten years.
- Learn more about Yuniboat
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