United States

Yacht Haven Marina

The Asia-Pacific region is increasingly attracting superyachts. This is evident in the latest figures in the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-superyacht-market-report-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">2024 Asia-Pacific Superyacht Market report</a>, which recorded a 20% increase in visits by yachts over 30-metres since 2022. Annually, more than 400 superyachts have frequented the region over the past two years.As the influx of superyachts continues, the demand for high-quality refit facilities has become increasingly pressing. In February 2024, Giorgio Campini, owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8175" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tecnopool (Company)">Tecnopool</a>, alongside two Thai investors, established a major refit centre in Phuket - the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8078" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phuket Superyacht Shipyard (Company)">Phuket Superyacht Shipyard</a> - to cater to this rising demand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357189/image/large-7ee656f0fe00349626018caedbf3cdf1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357189">What led to your involvement in establishing a refit facility in Phuket, Thailand?First and foremost, we established the Visun Tuscany refit shipyard in Sanya, in the Hainan province of China back in 2012, in partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navigo Yachts (Company)">Navigo</a>. This venture gave me a deep familiarity with the Asian market. Subsequently, we planned to develop another shipyard in Shenzhen, directly across from Hong Kong. We had surveyed the area, but the project was halted when the Chinese government intervened to review all concessions. Moreover, the advent of COVID and the increasing complexities in China led us to withdraw. Despite these challenges, we maintained collaborative relationships with regional stakeholders. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357188/image/large-86d7b7e5144ea58835542698328d57ed.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357188">Then, two Thai families from Bangkok, who already owned facilities for commercial ships, sought me out. They had the land and were eager to collaborate in establishing a refit yard, having already begun its construction. During the process, they had realised the need for someone with experience in developing shipyards. They had heard of me through their inquiries in China for a European expert experienced in this industry who could assist with this project.We initiated the project on a new site, constructing a shipyard equipped with an 820-tonne crane, situated in a lush green area near Phuket <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Haven Marina (Company)">Yacht Haven Marina</a>. We opted to focus on larger vessels up to 60-metres, as the area already had refit facilities for smaller yachts. Subsequently, we completed construction and inaugurated the site in February 2024. We have since signed collaboration contracts with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, and have received about 15 yachts since the yard’s inception.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357186/image/large-298e08b34fbc3e5c452c2cc3e1ab9551.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357186">Could you elaborate on the key challenges encountered during the establishment of this facility?The challenge lies in convincing the local community and demonstrating that this represents an opportunity – particularly for Phuket's political and social stakeholders – to promote community development and create employment opportunities for the youth. As a result, there is a significant push for us to establish a vocational school, which we are developing in partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navigo Yachts (Company)">Navigo</a>. We are also in dialogue with the Minister of Labour to advance this initiative.Furthermore, an entire ecosystem needs to be built, encompassing both relationships and business networks. The challenges are often similar when developing yards in regions lacking well-established infrastructure, yet the people here are exceptionally willing and pleasant to collaborate with.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357191/image/large-c4866accb7e54044e9e44c7035c9074d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357191">How do you ensure that the refit quality standards at the facility match those of Europe, given the logistical challenges of operating in a different region?The first and most delicate operation a shipyard undertakes is the hauling and launching of vessels, which forms the foundation of the process. When a yacht is handled, we ensure it is done to European standards. The equipment we use, such as the travel lift, is from Cimolai, the best in the world. Moreover, the operations are performed by Italian personnel we’ve sent to Phuket, who now live and work there, further ensuring adherence to European standards.Everything else - from the mechanical workshops we are still completing to the layout design of the yard itself, including protections, layout, and construction methods - is modelled after the shipyards we’ve built in Europe. For example, I’ve worked at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/681" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Marine (Company)">Monaco Marine</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, and other facilities, so the standards of this shipyard replicate those of leading European yards. Moreover, we aim to have all procedures certified by a classification society. We are in contact with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7911" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's (Company)">Lloyd’s</a> or <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1453" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ABS (Company)">ABS</a>, as certification is essential to ensuring the quality of our processes.It’s also important to note that the approach to work here is more relaxed compared to Europe. While we are making progress, things take a bit more time due to a less demanding pace than what we are accustomed to in Europe.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357187/image/large-78a38caff71b180c03e8ce3b7f85a600.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357187">What led to the decision to cater specifically to yachts up to 60-metres in length, rather than accommodating larger vessels?Observing the yachts in the area, we noticed they were becoming increasingly larger. As there were no machines available of this kind - no travel lifts of this size, no docks, or similar facilities - we decided to aim higher. Additionally, having a large travel lift doesn’t mean we can’t handle 25-metre yachts; it provides flexibility and enables us to work on larger vessels. In fact, we have already worked on yachts ranging from 50 to 60-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357192/image/large-242e7856c959c5298d72d1dac2ae2230.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357192">Since its recent inauguration, how has the facility performed, and what are your strategic goals and projections for growth in the refit market across the Southeast Asian region?We have just opened, and naturally, our focus is on growth, specifically aiming to double our capacity in the coming year. Discussions about this potential expansion are ongoing. My primary role is to ensure that this facility becomes a benchmark in the refit market, not just for Thailand but for the entire Southeast Asian region, including places like Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.The market is evolving as more owners from the Asian region - not just Westerners - are seeking high-quality refit centres for their yachts. We are excited to witness the evolution and development of the Southeast Asian region.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357190/image/large-cc4583320aa93b8e1c82184fd8d25dca.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357190">This article was first published as the cover story of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-52" target="_blank">Issue 52 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download here.</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337497/image/large-6790d38ecec2ffcd9ab555ee8c57da5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337497">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit" target="_blank">APSS</a> will take place between 7 and 8 May 2025 at the Renaissance Harbour Hotel in Hong Kong. Tickets are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit-2025-tickets-1139739805439" target="_blank">here</a>. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit" target="_blank">summit</a> aims to promote the region as a yachting destination, addressing current challenges and highlighting unique opportunities.&nbsp;Set against the dynamic backdrop of Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most influential hubs for finance, commerce and luxury, the summit will offer two days of essential discussions and strategic insights.With the Asian superyacht market continuing to expand, this event is a must-attend for those seeking to understand the evolving market landscape and capitalise on new opportunities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/347647/image/large-8cec63896a1a4502ed1b8776617ed076.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/347647"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/343984/image/large-664195a838c51d7a64421b61558d9a3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/343984"> Secure your tickets <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit-2025-tickets-1139739805439" target="_blank">here</a> for the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit" target="_blank">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit</a> on the 7 and 8 May 2025, in Hong Kong.

Tecnopool owner Giorgio Campini on Phuket Superyacht Shipyard 

Features Editor Enrico Chhibber sits down with Giorgio Campini to learn more about the recently established Phuket Superyacht Shipyard.
