Icard Maritime

What Icard Maritime does

Icard Maritime is a Marseille-based maritime transport and tourism operator founded in 1984 by Jean-Michel Icard. The company runs a fleet of five vessels (Alcyon, Hélios, Aiglon 3, Revellata 1, and Thalassa 7) with combined passenger capacity of 12–197 persons per vessel, operating from two boarding quays on the Vieux-Port de Marseille. Its service portfolio spans five guided Calanques tour circuits, full-boat privatization for corporate and private events, group transfers to Frioul and Côte Bleue destinations, specialized diver transport to more than 30 dive sites, public shuttles operated under partnership with RTM (Régie des Transports Marseillais), and year-round vehicle and freight shipping to Frioul via the éCUM vessel.

The company's core technology differentiator is hybrid diesel-electric propulsion. In 2012 it launched the Hélios, the first hybrid propulsion vessel in France and the only electric-capable boat authorized to navigate the Calanques National Park, whose circuit carries the 'Esprit Parc National' environmental label. The 2025 launch of the Alcyon added a second hybrid ship with silent navigation and panoramic viewing. Icard Maritime holds exclusive authorization from the Parc National des Calanques to operate professional boat access in the protected area — the central regulatory moat for the business.

Revenue is generated through per-person tour tickets (€11–€40 depending on circuit), one-time boat privatization contracts for groups of 12–197 passengers, group transfer fees, public shuttle operations via RTM partnership, and freight/vehicle shipping. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer online ticketing (calanques-if.com) and physical Vieux-Port ticket offices with sales-led B2B outreach for corporate privatization and a partnership/reseller channel through RTM, hotels, tourism offices, and a curated network of caterers, event agencies, and activity providers. The company is privately held by its founder with no disclosed external funding.

Name

Icard Maritime

Legal name

Icard Maritime

Website

https://icard-maritime.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Icard Maritime is a Marseille-based maritime tourism and transport operator founded in 1984, running a five-vessel fleet offering Calanques tours, boat privatization, group transfers, diver transport, public shuttles, and freight services to Frioul.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime passenger transport and tourism services

NAICS

Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation (483114), Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation (483113), Water Transportation (483)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Leisure Passenger Shipping Charters (Ferry/Excursion Vessels) (THAEAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Passenger Ferries & Water Taxis (Fast Ferries, RoPax, Catamarans) (IMAJADAC), Private Cruise Transfers & Tender Services (Water Taxis, Support Boats) (THAEAEAJ)

Keywords

• Maritime passenger transport
• Calanques boat tours
• Boat privatization services
• Diver transport services
• Coastal excursion services

Headquarters

HQ city

Marseille

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Tour Tickets - Calanques Visits: Individual and group tickets for guided Calanques tours with multiple circuit options ranging from 45 minutes to 3h30
2. Boat Privatization: Charter of vessels for corporate events, private celebrations, and custom outings for 12-197 passengers
3. Maritime Transport Services: Passenger transfers for groups, diver transport, public shuttles (RTM partnership), and vehicle/freight transport to Frioul via vessel l'éCUM

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Icard Maritime operates passenger maritime transport and tourism services from Marseille using a fleet of five vessels. Its core offerings include five guided Calanques tour circuits, boat privatization for corporate and private events, customized group transfers, specialized diver transport to over 30 dive sites, public RTM shuttle services, and year-round vehicle and freight shipping to the Frioul islands via the éCUM vessel.

Product overview

Icard Maritime operates a fleet of 5 passenger vessels for maritime tourism and transport services in Marseille and the Calanques National Park. The fleet ranges from traditional wooden boats to modern hybrid vessels: Alcyon (143 passengers, hybrid), Hélios (197 passengers, hybrid diesel-electric, zero-pollution Calanques tours), Aiglon 3 (162 passengers, high-speed), Revellata 1 (97 passengers, traditional wooden charm), and Thalassa 7 (82 passengers, fast shuttle with Cassis landing access). The core service portfolio comprises five guided Calanques tour products (Intégrale, Essentiel, Côte Bleue, Château d'If, and summer Calanques & Baignade), boat privatization for corporate and private events, group transfers, diver transport, public RTM shuttle services, and vehicle/freight shipping to the Frioul islands via the éCUM vessel. Online ticketing for individual tours is available through the calanques-if.com platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hélios: First hybrid diesel-electric propulsion boat in France, offering zero-pollution visits to the Calanques National Park with 'Esprit Parc National' label. Can accommodate 197 passengers.
• Alcyon
• Aiglon 3
• Revellata 1
• Thalassa 7

Products and services

• Intégrale des Calanques Tour A 3-hour 15-minute grand circuit from Marseille to Cassis covering the full Calanques (Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En Vau, Port-Pin, Port-Miou) for individual tourists and groups.
• Essentiel des Calanques Tour A 2-hour 30-minute circuit from Marseille to Sugiton via Cap Croisette and the closest calanques (Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton) for time-constrained visitors.
• Château d'If Tour A 45-minute historical circuit to the Château d'If island fortress built by François I in the 16th century, with a stop for island visits.
• Côte Bleue Tour A 2-hour circuit from Marseille to La Redonne along the northern harbor, passing fishing villages, Natura 2000-classified cliffs, and small ports from L'Estaque to La Redonne.
• Calanques & Baignade Tour A 3-hour 30-minute summer-only circuit (July-August) from Marseille to Cassis combining the Essentiel des Calanques route with swimming stops at Sormiou, Morgiou, or Sugiton.
• Boat Privatization Service Customized sea excursions and private events on Icard Maritime vessels for corporate and private groups of 12 to 197 passengers, including brunches, sunset aperitifs, literary walks, star-gazing, sea urchin tastings, and diving baptisms.
• Group Transfer Service Customized maritime transfers between the Vieux-Port de Marseille and destinations including the Frioul archipelago, L'Estaque, Mucem, Pointe-Rouge, Port du Roucas Blanc, Cassis, La Ciotat, and Martigues for corporate, school, and association groups.
• Diver Transport Service Maritime transport for divers to over 30 diving sites including the Riou archipelago drop-offs and Marseille bay wrecks, with purpose-equipped vessels Thalassa (45 divers) and Revellata (70 divers) fitted with ramps, hot showers, and toilets.
• Public Shuttle / RTM Navette Public passenger shuttle service operated in partnership with MSM and coordinating with RTM (Régie des Transports Marseillais) to serve the ports of Frioul, L'Estaque, Pointe Rouge, and Les Goudes from April through September.
• Vehicle & Freight Transport (éCUM) Year-round cargo and vehicle transport service to the Frioul islands operated by vessel éCUM, capable of carrying trucks, light vehicles, vans, and heavy goods vehicles up to 38 tonnes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Calanques circuit label 'Esprit Parc National' certified environmental quality
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• La Truffe NoirecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred caterer for on-board events. Provides picnic baskets, brunch options, cocktails, and buffet services for sea outings.
• KIFminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEco-certified caterer (2 Ecotable macarons) offering 100% seasonal, local, and organic homemade cuisine. Zero-waste approach with jar recycling.
• Vacances Léo LagrangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVacation center on Ratonneau island (7,000 m²) offering accommodation for school groups, corporate seminars, weddings, and family events. Strategic location for island-based packages.
• So HappycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent agency partner since 2014. Provides team building activities, games, local product tastings, and 'Prix Sardine' events both at sea and on land.
• S'Cape ÉvénementsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent communication agency for organizing conventions, seminars, product launches, and audiovisual production.
• ISY ProvenceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor activity creator offering walking or nautical rallies, team building, treasure hunts, game evenings, and culinary tastings.
• Active RoadminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReceptive agency for active and responsible tourism. Offers paddle initiation, snorkeling, diving, and canoeing activities to complement sea outings.
• Le Bateau JauneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecialized in scuba diving (beginner to certified), snorkeling, and sea urchin fishing (seasonal). Provides underwater activity partner services.
• Fada BikeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBike tour operator offering combined Bike-Boat excursions for original Marseille discovery experiences.
• MSMcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharter partner operating Icard Maritime ships for regular passenger transport to Frioul, Estaque, Pointe Rouge, and Goudes ports.
• Régie des Transports Métropolitains (RTM)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic transport authority coordinating Icard Maritime shuttle services as part of Marseille's public maritime transit network (April-September).
• Office de Tourisme MarseillecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Marseille tourism office providing visitor referrals and promotional support for Calanques and Marseille bay tours.
• Parc National des CalanquesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body managing Calanques National Park. Icard Maritime holds exclusive authorization for boat access to protected areas. Hélios circuit carries 'Esprit Parc National' label.
• Association Marseille Capitale de la MerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation promoting maritime culture in Marseille through projects like swimming basins, maritime professions center, and 'Marseille capitale de la mer' initiative.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Le Bateau Jaune: Marseille-based partner offering scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea urchin fishing activities complementary to Icard Maritime's boat services. Closely intertwined through a partnership and competes for the same diving segment via diver transport services.
• La Méridionale: Marseille-based passenger ferry operator running routes to Corsica and serving Frioul archipelago. Operates from the same port and shares the Frioul public transport route that Icard also services through éCUM and shuttle partnerships.
• Vedettes de Marseille: Marseille-based direct competitor operating Calanques tours, Frioul shuttles, and Château d'If excursions from Vieux-Port. Same geography, same target customers (tourists and corporates), and competing on overlapping circuit offerings.

Others

• Parc National des Calanques: Government authority managing the protected marine area that grants Icard Maritime its exclusive operating authorization. Not a competitor but a critical counterpart and ecosystem partner whose policies directly shape Icard's right to operate.

Regional players

• Bateaux Parisiens (Sodexo Live): Operates Seine river cruises and dinner cruises in Paris with a similar model of fixed-departure tourist circuits, B2B privatization for events, and combined sightseeing/restaurant packages. Comparable business model but different geography (river, not coastal/calanques).
• Maritime Toulon Provence (TLV/TVM): Operator of maritime shuttle services (Réseau Mistral) in the Toulon/PACA region, providing short-sea public transport. Comparable business model of public maritime shuttles, but serving a different coastal city.

Broad incumbents

• Transdev: Global public transport operator that runs urban ferry and maritime shuttle services in multiple coastal cities, including partnerships with municipal transit authorities. Comparable as a partner-class operator for public maritime shuttles like Icard's RTM arrangement.
• Baleària: Spanish ferry company operating passenger and cargo routes across the Mediterranean with a stated commitment to LNG and electric propulsion. Comparable on sustainability positioning (hybrid/green fleet) and passenger ferry business model, but at a much larger regional scale.
• Compagnie du Ponant: French luxury cruise and expedition operator with a fleet of small ships focused on premium, low-impact voyages. Comparable in emphasis on eco-certified, small-capacity vessels and access to protected marine areas, but operates at a much higher price point and global scale.
• Corsica Ferries: Major Mediterranean ferry operator connecting France and Italy to Corsica and Sardinia. A broader incumbent offering similar passenger ferry services but on much longer international routes rather than the short-haul excursion niche Icard serves.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/icardmaritimemarseille
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/icard-maritime
• Instagraminstagram.com/icardmaritime

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Icard Maritime