Australia

Southport Yacht Club Marina

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate Marina and Shipyard</a>, the family-owned business located on the Brisbane River on the east coast of Australia, was established in 2006 and is recognised &nbsp;as one of the top three superyacht refit facilities in the world. It features 300-tonne and 75-tonne travel lifts, 55-metre refit shed, hardstand, berthing for vessels up to 90 metres, 24-hour fuel wharf and more than 20 world-class marine trades.The Australian shipyard was awarded a major investment last year that will enable it to expand and further bolster the region as a premium superyacht destination. We sat down with Tom Hill, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate Marina and Shipyard</a> Director, to hear all about it. <img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263279/image/large-616f8ad3044079c871ae54162b7a4e80.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=4d231e15cb328c3617eafd0a4414c79c557e28fcf824b7688ed4bcf9211f4f2b" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263279">How busy has <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a> been these past years, and has there been an uptick in demand?"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate’s</a> refit and maintenance services have been more in demand than ever before due to several factors. Firstly, there has been a large increase in superyachts being built across the globe, with industry body Superyacht Australia reporting that the domestic superyacht fleet has doubled in the past two years.&nbsp;This means local demand for our refit facilities has increased. Secondly, during the height of COVID and subsequent international travel restrictions, more superyacht owners used that downtime to have their superyacht undergo maintenance works or a refit.&nbsp;Finally, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate’s</a>reputation as a premier superyacht facility has grown globally over the past few years, meaning more superyacht owners are choosing us as their refit or repair destination of choice."<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263280/image/large-5679d1740648aba834fb6f655a6a9415.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=7a9771d8f84f39751b2915de749bdea8643d4f5c46ec80f6d799168337b6546d" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263280">Has Australia –or Brisbane, to be more specific – grown as a superyacht destination? If so, how instrumental a role have refit and repair facilities like&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate Marina</a>&nbsp;played in this growth?"Traditionally, the Caribbean and Mediterranean have been known as the two ultimate superyacht destinations. However, Australia and the South Pacific are emerging as popular alternative cruising destinations, especially with younger, exploration-focused owners.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate’s</a> strong global brand, central location in this region and the quality of our superyacht capability have definitely contributed to superyacht visitation to the region. Visiting superyachts benefit from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate’s</a> deep water access on all tides, near perfect weather for year-round operations, extensive world-class skills base and professional management."<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263282/image/large-0e3276fae83a111c5131006221e222de.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=6465c7bec3e31ae33b9994d2fcacbb664c7ef31f731c7ac9ad6c2dadc8d4013b" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263282">Are the majority of your clients local or international, and do you foresee this changing in the future?"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a> has a healthy mix of local, interstate and international clients. When Australian superyacht charter laws changed in 2019 (the Special Recreational Vessels Bill 2019) to allow foreign-owned vessels to be chartered in our waters, we noticed more international clients choosing us as their preferred refit and maintenance shipyard.&nbsp;Now that borders have reopened and we’re able to visit potential international clients more freely, whether through yacht shows or other networking opportunities, we expect that more international vessels will visit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a> for refit and maintenance work."<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263278/image/large-831c2f4566a287e7110c038ff50d0d6f.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=12743142ae1526dc86c1792a24ecef5cb85a15434eddcef1f7b1bae2e93a9a1e" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263278">Earlier this year<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">&nbsp;Rivergate Marina</a> announced an AUD $200m expansion for its site. What work has been done? And when do you expect to complete the plan?"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate Marina and Shipyard</a> is continuing to progress plans for a proposed expansion of our internationally acclaimed maintenance, repair and refit shipyard on the Brisbane River. The project has received local Government development approval after significant initial investment in design and engineering works.&nbsp;The timing for construction commencement is still to be confirmed and remains dependent on several factors, including the prevailing economic and construction industry conditions and achieving the required private investment and Government funding support."<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263284/image/large-0b1453bc26c315ccbdd8a28e7d7db1ec.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=68d722102a03d7113b20a3e18ca028af998b3e386755b4dc050f622f15115f40" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263284">As part of the expansion plans, you also announced that it would include a new 3,000 tonne shiplift. When will it be in operation?"Our expansion plans include a state-of-the-art 3,000-tonne ship lift, SPMT transfer system, additional open hardstand space and in water service berths suitable for a wide range of superyachts, commercial and Defence vessels. Once again, the timing of this component of the expansion is dependent on several factors as outlined above."<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263281/image/large-cd0840f6a3bc8dca174b823f72789588.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=d9c9f851e1d2a56dec54fb1c81eec4e0b0a8899fd2072c3d3f380661b30da297" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263281">Investment is also being channelled into training – how important is this for the region?"Like most industries, the maritime workforce has a huge demand for skilled professionals and having dedicated training hubs for marine-related trades are critical. The COVID-led superyacht and boating boom have created an increase in demand for the services of marine tradespeople, so it will be crucial to have a bolstered workforce that can fulfil the refit needs of local and international vessels.&nbsp;The proposed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a> expansion will create opportunities for Brisbane and Australia to become an international training hub for the superyacht industry. A future stage of the expansion includes plans for a 5-storey Trade Centre with dedicated apprentice training rooms, and the potential for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Rivergate</a> to establish a new Superyacht Centre of Training Excellence located within the facility, attracting students from around the world."<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/263283/image/large-60fb75981b65741dbaa183633a457554.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20230329%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20230329T140638Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=4d3f322d4fd5b180e94b5bd3f3e11f09438ac3ae3ad29b4678965824d2074976" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263283">Has there been investment for the superyacht industry elsewhere in the region?"Australia is answering the call for the increase of superyacht visitation. One example of this is the Queensland Superyacht Strategy (2018-2028), which is a comprehensive plan by the State Government that supports growth in this high-value industry.&nbsp;With support from various levels of Government, the superyacht industry has been investing in new and upgraded facilities. In southeast Queensland, there is a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southport Yacht Club Marina (Company)">Southport Yacht Club</a> mega berth, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanctuary Cove Marina (Company)">Sanctuary Cove Marina</a> has recently undergone an expansion to include covered superyacht berths, and several other shipyards have been increasing and enhancing their facilities to cater for the growing superyacht market."This article was originally published in I<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/syt-issue-44-newspaper-published" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">ssue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with Rivergate Marina's director Tom Hill

Interview with Rivergate Marina's director Tom Hill. Is Australia the new capital of refit?

Investment, expansion and the rise in the Australian superyacht market: Director Tom Hill on Rivergate Marina

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southport Yacht Club Marina (Company)">Southport Yacht Club</a> in Queensland, Australia has opened a new superyacht berth. The pontoons, built by Eleven Superior Jetties, span 160 metres and can accommodate yachts up to 130 metres in length. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171529/image/large-59c6e88a5a3d7ec73aa8fbe883e71ede.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171529">Over 600 club &amp; community members, government representatives and industry leaders attended the milestone event, which is a key part of the Queensland Government’s superyacht strategy that aims to make Queensland the superyacht hub of the Asia-Pacific.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53010" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Unpicking the Asian yacht market 'boom' (2021-05-25 11:45:00 +0200)">Unpicking the Asian yacht market 'boom'</a>Suzanne Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the Marina Industries Association, shared on LinkedIn that “John Hogan and his Superior Jetties team were on hand to celebrate and should be very proud of the result!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171530/image/large-80e97f616105bdecd9eee2f16e83e900.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171530">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southport Yacht Club Marina (Company)">Southport Yacht Club</a> first established in 1946 and is multi-award winning – most recently it was a recipient of the &nbsp;‘Hall of Fame Award’ from Keno &amp; Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence. The club has a range of restaurants, bars as well as sailing programs and events on offer to its members. It can also host hundreds of yachts, thanks to the onsite 300-berth Marina.&nbsp;

Southport Yacht Club opens new 130m superyacht berth

Southport Yacht Club has opened a new superyacht berth. The pontoons span 160 metres and can accommodate yachts up to 130 metres in length. 