Rivergate Marina & Shipyard Seeks New Owner to Continue Expansion

Since its establishment in 2006, Rivergate has long been a reflection of the passion and values of its owning family. The multi award-winning facility, located between Australia’s major east coast cruising grounds, has become of the most advanced superyacht refit destinations in the world.

The shipyard’s expansion plans reflect a need to cater for an increase in the size and quantity of visiting superyachts, underlining Rivergate’s commitment to making the South Pacific region more accessible to superyachts.

Tom Hill, Rivergate Director, announced that JLL has been appointed to commence an international marketing campaign for Rivergate.

“This has been a difficult decision for our family-owned business, but we believe the time is right for a new owner to continue our work and oversee the next exciting phase of Rivergate’s story,” stated Mr Hill.

“We have been fortunate to experience continued growth in the business with strong future bookings indicative of Rivergate’s outstanding reputation in the global industry.”

Rivergate’s current facilities encompass 300-tonne and 75-tonne travel lifts, a 55-metre refit shed, hardstand, berthing for vessels up to 90-metres in length, a 24-hour fuel wharf and over 20 world-class marine trades onsite.

The appeal for superyacht owners and captains extends beyond the facilities at Rivergate, with plenty of plaudits for the shipyard’s project management team who go above and beyond to exceed expectations, as shared by Captain Josh Kay of M/Y Gran Finale.

The planned development of Rivergate includes a state-of-the-art 3,000-tonne ship lift, SPMT transfer system, additional open hardstand space, refit sheds and support building, as well as additional in-water service berths for superyachts. The project fly-through provides an exciting glimpse into the vision of this project, with the Superyacht Hub also including a purpose-built Trade Centre for Excellence.

“Australia is ideally placed to take more advantage of the buoyant global superyacht market, which has seen substantial pent-up demand to visit our region if there was more capability to service vessels over 50-metres,”continued Mr Hill.

“Any future expansion of Rivergate would also be excellent timing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Brisbane, with industry expectations that the event will attract around 200 superyachts.

“With our strong global brand, highly experienced management team and staff in place, and track record of successfully servicing hundreds of superyachts and commercial vessels over the last 17 years, Rivergate represents a rare market opportunity.”

You can hear more from Tom Hill and Rivergate in Episodes 1 and 3 of Australia InDepth Series 2.