Publication date: 05/12/2025
Port Adhoc Leucate, a dry stack marina on the Mediterranean Sea
As part of the European Port Adhoc group, the port of Leucate offers 300 berths on racks. It accommodates boats up to 9 metres in hull length, providing out-of-water storage in a stunning setting.
Located in the heart of a renowned seaside resort, at the border between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments, Port Adhoc Leucate enjoys a truly unique setting: nestled between the Pyrenean Canigou massif and the Corbières mountain range, just a stone’s throw from the Salses-Leucate lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea, the port gives boaters access to an exceptional sailing area.
Water: a precious resource
Originally, the town of Leucate is geographically located in a naturally dry area. Due to the Mediterranean climate, summers are very hot with little rainfall. The Tramontane, a dry wind typical of the region, often blows for several days in a row, contributing to the drying of the soil. Moreover, the area lacks infrastructure (such as basins or hillside reservoirs) that would allow water to be stored in winter and redistributed in summer.
With global climate change and rising temperatures, the evaporation of water from the soil has intensified. Meanwhile, beneficial rainfall is becoming increasingly scarce. During the summer season, the massive influx of tourists to the region increases water consumption, at a time when resources are already strained.
In the face of this alarming reality and following several episodes of hydrological drought, the Prefect of Aude had no choice but to implement temporary water restrictions to conserve the resource. In this context, which will affect more and more ports in the future, Port Adhoc Leucate has recognised the need to change behaviours.
Exemplary behaviour from all users, both on land and at sea, throughout the year, can help preserve the resource and prevent the closure of access points. In this way, we will be able to continue enjoying the facilities at Port Leucate, comfortably and sustainably.
“Temporary water usage restrictions are decided by the Department when the situation demands it. It is true that Aude is less affected by drought than Pyrénées-Orientales, but we are geographically close. Solidarity is essential. We all have a role to play, and it is our duty to adopt a responsible and civic-minded behaviour. This is also what local authorities expect from us, and it is in this spirit that we act“, explains Philippe Carrere, Port Manager at Port Leucate since 2012.
Acting together to make the most of the port area
An initiative from the port team
In recent years, Port Adhoc Leucate has established itself as a pioneering port in water preservation in the Mediterranean. In the offices and at the marina office, the port teams were already making a daily effort: simple actions – the same ones we apply at home – that made a difference!
For their part, the marine professionals based on site – AB Yachting, AD Nautic, Acer Nautique, Atout Boat, BLR Associés, Carina Ulixis, Philibert Plaisance, and Technique Plaisance – have also made a commitment.
The participation of boaters
Beyond the initial initiatives of the professional teams, boaters at the port were offered a shared commitment: adopting new habits and acting together. Indeed, we are convinced that it is possible to optimise water consumption so that we are never deprived of it!
Among the habits that boaters can adopt to get involved on their level, there are:
- Turning off the tap instead of letting the water run unnecessarily,
- Not using water unnecessarily,
- Using seawater instead of freshwater when possible.
“It is in no way about imposing new constraints, quite the opposite” , says Philippe Carrere. “For boaters, there is no question of giving up their boat or reducing its maintenance. Our teams are fully committed to ensuring smooth, enjoyable, and uncompromised access to all the port’s facilities and services. Comfort and quality of service remain, of course, at the heart of our priorities.“
A goal for the port team: to improve
Partnerships with several local stakeholders
Highly committed, our port team has partnered with several external stakeholders who are also involved. The Port Adhoc Leucate staff regularly liaise with the municipality of Leucate – which has committed to running all the town’s fountains on seawater by the end of the year. The University of Perpignan, which frequently conducts water analysis in the region, also provides regular advice to our team to help them meet their commitments and improve their actions.
Raising awareness among users
Regularly, the teams at Port Adhoc Leucate have the opportunity to engage with boaters about water consumption. On-site, our staff raises awareness among users about this environmental issue and introduces new practices. To reduce freshwater consumption, we encourage, for example, washing boats with seawater before returning to the port and giving them a final rinse with fresh water.
We do everything in our power to offer alternatives for a more mindful use of the resource. Indeed, there are solutions that remain just as effective for users and their boats, but are more environmentally friendly: the staff at Port Leucate regularly advise boaters, for example, on eco-friendly cleaning products, including those that can be used without water.
“Generally speaking, the users of Port Adhoc Leucate play their part on their own initiative. They are mindful. In fact, we would like to sincerely thank them all for their participation. Together, we can truly make a difference!” adds Philippe Carrere.
“At one time, we used water without limit, without thinking. But for the past 2 or 3 years, we’ve become aware that water is an increasingly rare resource. We’re more mindful now, even if we rinse the boats properly after every use. There’s no way the engines are going to suffer from the salt! The port is supporting us in this change, but it’s primarily a civic action: instead of letting the water run unnecessarily for a long time, we limit ourselves. We also make sure to turn off the water after each rinse. We have no other choice: we have to take care of the resource.“
Stéphane V., owner of a Cap Camarat and a user of Port Leucate since 2013.
Equipment provided
To facilitate the maintenance of boats stored in the dry marina while saving water, several pieces of equipment are made available to boaters.
Numerous trays have been installed at the port, one near each water outlet, approximately every four boats. In each tray, users can find water guns and engine flushing muffs, available for free use. Additionally, displays outlining the best boat cleaning practices are also provided for boaters.
Finally, owners who wish to do so can also use a high-pressure cleaner.
Today, as a result of the measures put in place, the Port Adhoc group is proud to report a significant reduction in water consumption: a 60% decrease in water usage at Port Adhoc Leucate between 2021 and 2024.
Would you like to learn more about this topic or share new ideas for eco-friendly practices to optimise water consumption at our port? Get in touch with our team!
