Standout Marina Developments of 2022

By George Bains

With the growth of the world’s superyacht fleet showing no signs of slowing, it has been more imperative than ever that marina facilities across the globe develop to meet this demand. Whether through more sustainable process, greater berthing capacity, or even entertainment offering, we take a look back at some of the exciting marina news to break over the last year…

Porto Montenegro Leads Way as Clean Marina

Porto Montenegro became the world’s first Platinum-status superyacht marina to be awarded the ‘Clean Marina’ accreditation. The luxury Mediterranean superyacht hotspot was presented the accreditation by The Yacht Harbour Association, becoming also the first in Europe to achieve this internationally recognised award.

As a newly refined award, the International Clean Marina Programme from TYHA stipulates a rigorous assessment of the environmental impact of a marina’s services, procedures, and amenities, designed to regulate a clear and recognisable identity for marinas, yacht clubs and more, worldwide. The overarching aim of the programme is to reduce ‘non-point source pollution’ from yachting and marina facilities, promote clean water and clean air, in order to aid the marina industry’s sustainable nature.

This new 'Clean Marina' accreditation emphasises the booming success of Porto Montenegro, after it also became the first marina in the world to receive the highest level of award by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), a 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation, in 2017.

Marina Port Vell Rejuvenates Experience in The Gallery

Marina Port Vell unveiled their latest remodelling of flagship building The Gallery, instantly recognisable for its glass, superyacht-inspired silhouette.

Led by the Barcelona interior design studio, Alfons & Damián, The Gallery's main hall has been transformed into the calling card of Marina Port Vell, highlighting the elegance and quality that characterise the marina. When first entering the glass building, visitors will find an inviting circular walnut bench with camel-coloured upholstery that houses a lush natural kentia in the centre.

"We wanted to convey a greater warmth and exclusivity to be able to offer a truly unique experience, and clearly we have achieved it”, said Marta Tuñí, Port Vell’s Director of Marketing and Communication.

The Gallery also boasts A VIP room for meetings and networking. Presided over by a 6.5-meter travertine table, the room is crowned by a suspended slab, upholstered with terracotta-coloured acoustic fabric, which in turn is projected on the floor like a large carpet of geometric pieces of different matching colours. This table is surrounded by Rely & Tradition chairs, 16 in total. Perfect for holding meetings or boards of directors in a unique environment.

New Marina Development Enhances Fiji Superyacht Offering

The development of Nawi Island Marina in Fiji’s idyllic Savusavu Harbour has made headway this year, with the new marina set to provide another world-class hub for superyachts in the South Pacific.

The custom-designed marina provides all-year-round mooring, and has a full range of services and facilities to accommodate large visiting superyachts. The 132-berth marina has 21 dedicated superyacht berths catering to vessels of up to 85m in length, with 5.4m draft.

The marina offers 240V single and 415V 3 phase power, along with plenty of other amenities including a pump out facility, wireless internet, and a filtered UV treated water supply.

Visiting superyacht Owners, Captains, and their crews will be able to take full advantage of the lifestyle offering at Nawi Island, with access to a yacht club, restaurant, swimming pool, hilltop pavilion, and barbeque areas.

Minutes away from Balaga Bay, Nawi Island’s boatyard is a fully appointed service facility offering maintenance, repairs, 24-hour security, as well as fueling and power services. The boatyard can accommodate 112 vessels, with plenty of dry dock and hard stand space for works to be completed.

Nawi Island Marina’s unique sheltered location and extensive superyacht facilities further enhance Fiji’s offering for visiting superyachts, providing another reason to visit the stunning South Pacific region.

New Developments Bolster Gold Coast Infrastructure

The Australian superyacht industry celebrated the opening of two major infrastructure developments on Queensland’s Gold Coast, including the country’s largest superyacht berth.

Southport Yacht Club commemorated the opening of its A$9m state-of-the-art megayacht berth, aimed at furthering the country’s ability to accommodate some of the largest superyachts in the world.

The berth is over 160m in total length and can fit private vessels of up to 130m in length. Led by Southport Yacht Club’s Commodore, Ken Tregeagle, and General Manager, Brett James, there were more than 700 VIP guests were in attendance for the opening, including representatives of the Queensland government and Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.

The opening of Southport Yacht Club’s megayacht berth coincided with another major development in the same city. The Boat Works celebrated the opening of its Mega Sheds with by welcoming Moonen superyacht Beluga.

Like the megayacht berth, the sheds have been built to meet the growing number of large superyachts in the country. Expanding on the existing sheds at the shipyard, The Boat Works’ new sheds have 20-metre height clearance and 16-metre width, able to accommodate superyachts up to 50-metres in length.

Since the opening of the new Superyacht Yard in 2020, demand has accelerated the growth of The Boat Works into what is now a world-class refit and maintenance destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

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By George Bains