70 JUNE–JULY 2018 | International Boat Industry http://www.ibi-plus.com
TECHNICAL
SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | SUPERYACHTS - WORLD REVIEW
but it is in the very early stage of
development in respect of superyacht
infrastructure and services. The
government is keen to expand marine
tourism and has announced plans for
some 30 marinas, but these will take time
to develop.
In terms of visiting superyachts, the
country has simplified its documentation
requirements and regulations but more
needs to be done. A number of yacht service
companies can provide visiting superyachts
with support services such as clearance,
agency and cruising information. Currently
there are about six marinas across the
country in places such as Jakarta and Bali,
but others are in different stages of planning
or development.
MYANMAR
Myanmar is developing as a cruising area
for superyachts but it has no support
facilities such as marinas.
VIETNAM
This country is at an early stage of
developing its leisure marine sector. It’s
first serious marina is under development
in association with Camper & Nicholsons
Marinas (CNM), which will expand as
demand grows. Vietnam offers a number
of cruising grounds for superyachts but
the country has a long way to go before it
will be ready to accept a good number of
yachts.
Vietnam has a strong shipbuilding
industry, including facilities owned by Vard,
the subsidiary of Fincantieri. A number
of hulls for superyachts have been built in
Vietnam and such craft may present an
opportunity for the country’s shipyards in
the future.
JAPAN
'Making a comeback’, might be the
appropriate phrase. Japan has a historical
association with building superyachts and
visiting yachts. The country is now being
promoted as a superyacht cruising area
and a new facility is under development in
Yokohama which will provide a hub facility
from 2019 onwards. The Inland Sea is seen
as offering excellent cruising opportunities
for superyachts.
With its strong marine industry history,
Japan can offer visiting yachts a full range
of support services. The annual Yokohama
show is also a key event in the Asian boat
show calendar.
PHILIPPINES
After seemingly not taking advantage of
marine tourism options, the Philippines is
now giving this a stronger emphasis and
superyachts are seen as part of this. The
country offers a range of cruising grounds
across its many islands and there is some
marina infrastructure to support this.
The Philippines has an annual boat show,
which this year is being held in October and
the HYS shipyard in Subic Bay offers full
repair and refit facilities for superyachts.INDIA
India is another Asian country at an early
stage of development. After a period of
seemingly being in limbo, it now appears
to be moving forward with action on
developing marinas in various locations
such as Goa and Mumbai. A definite work
in progress.SRI LANKA
With a more stable political and economic
situation, Sri Lanka is in a better position
to develop its superyacht opportunities.
A marina facility is available in Galle and
one is planned for the new port project
in Colombo. The country also can offer
repair and maintenance facilities and
cruising options.MALDIVES
A long chain of islands to the southwest
of India, the Maldives attracts visiting
superyachts for cruising. The Maldivian
government is keen to expand marine
tourism and there are reports of plans
for various marina projects including
superyacht berths.AUSTRALIA
Australia is already a key market for
superyachts and if current plans come
to fruition then this will be significantly
enhanced. Under the leadership of
Superyacht Australia, the national
association for the sector, there are
government plans to allow a superyacht
charter licence scheme for visiting foreign-
flagged superyachts. After years of lobbying,
it is hoped this will be passed imminently.
At the 2018 ASMEX-Australian
Superyacht and Marine Exports Conference,
a new five-year superyacht strategy was
launched, setting ambitions to grow
the market, employment and revenues.
Superyacht Australia will shortly be
launching a national superyacht strategythat is based on the Queensland one.
If the new charter licence and national
strategy are completed, a new era for
the superyacht market in Australia is
anticipated. Superyacht Australia, through
the membership of its regional branches,
already offers cruising superyachts all the
support services needed – be it repairs or
refit, marinas, brokerage or others.
There is seen to be a need for additional
infrastructure, especially in the form of
larger berths for superyachts and this is an
area to be addressed. Otherwise the country
is able to offer a full package of services to
support both domestic and international
superyachts visiting Australia.
New investment is planned for the refit
and repair sector, especially in Queensland.Two new travel lifts for facilities in Brisbane
and Cairns are under negotiation.
On the superyacht build front, Echo
Yachts and Silver Yachts, both based in
Henderson, south of Perth in Western
Australia, are active on large projects.
Echo Yachts will this year complete the
84m (276ft) trimaran superyacht White
Rabbit Echo for a Singaporean owner. This
is the largest trimaran superyacht built
in the world. Silver Yachts, which is now
majority-owned by a Chinese company, is
building the 85m (279ft) Silver Loft, due to be
completed this year.NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is seen as one of the countries
in the Asia-Pacific region that has got its act
together when it comes to allowing visiting
foreign-flagged yachts to charter easily. The
country, like Australia, offers a full package
of services – especially refit, marinas and
support needs. In terms of superyacht
new-builds, business has been significantly
reduced over recent years as various builders
closed. The main one left is Yachting
Developments, which is currently building a
33m (109ft) sportsfisher.Under the leadership
of Superyacht
Australia, there are government
plans to allow a superyacht
charter licence scheme for
visiting foreign-flagged
superyachts