10 | WATERLINE December 2025 FEATURE SUPERYACHTS POWERING THE FUTURE OF SUPERYACHT MARINAS By Daniel Sullivan, Managing Director Red Dog Group As the global superyacht industry continues to evolve, the marinas that accommodate these vessels must meet increasingly complex demands, not just in berthing design, but in the power infrastructure that supports them. Delivering reliable, high-capacity electrical and services reticulation systems has become one of the most critical factors in the successful design and operation of a modern superyacht marina. For developers, engineers, and operators alike, understanding these power requirements early in the design phase is essential. Unlike standard recreational marinas, superyacht facilities often require multiple highload connections, redundancy in supply, and sophisticated energy management systems. These systems must also be carefully coordinated with local supply authorities to ensure both current and future capacity can be met without costly redesigns or infrastructure upgrades down the line. DESIGNING FOR DEMAND At Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, Sydney, a comprehensive electrical design for high-capacity shore power systems that balanced modern superyacht requirements with the constraints of an existing heritage wharf environment was installed. Recognised as the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year 2025 (under 140 boats) and Superyacht Service Provider of the Year, Jones Bay Superyacht Marina demonstrates the importance of detailed planning, coordination, and load modelling, particularly when upgrading infrastructure within operational marinas, ensuring minimal disruption while future-proofing the facility for decades of use. Similarly, at Main Beach Superyacht Marina, Gold Coast, a detailed electrical design and maximum demand analysis was instrumental in securing Energex approval for the project’s power requirements. The design process involved extensive coordination to deliver the high-voltage infrastructure to site in a way that streamlined the delivery of substantial supply capacities needed for superyacht-ready berths. Accurately calculating and modelling maximum demand is a critical aspect of superyacht marina design. The electrical loading profiles of these facilities are unique, far exceeding those of standard marinas and requiring careful consideration of vessel diversity, shore power demand, and redundancy. These nuances must be addressed at the earliest design stages to avoid capacity shortfalls and to ensure the marina’s electrical infrastructure is both compliant and future ready. INTEGRATED SERVICES AND SMARTER DELIVERY Power is only one part of the picture. Coordinating all essential marina services such as communications, lighting, security, and hydraulic systems ensures the overall network operates seamlessly and efficiently. By approaching these disciplines in an integrated way, design teams can avoid service clashes during construction and deliver infrastructure that performs reliably under the demanding conditions of a marine environment. An integrated design approach supports streamlined delivery and simplifies commissioning once the project transitions from design to operation. FUTURE-READY INFRASTRUCTURE The evolution of vessel technology, including hybrid propulsion, advanced onboard energy systems, and greater reliance on shore power during extended berthing, means marinas must be designed with scalability in mind. Designing for today’s load requirements is no longer sufficient; forward planning for vessel growth and future energy profiles must be embedded from the outset. By incorporating redundancy and expansion capacity within electrical networks, modern marina designs can adapt to future load demands without major infrastructure replacement. This flexibility not only supports operational continuity but also future proofs the investment for owners and operators. As Australia’s superyacht sector continues to expand, the marinas that thrive will be those built on intelligent design foundations where power, safety, and operational excellence come together. For more information visit: rdg.com.au Stainless steel electrical control cabinet, Jones Bay Wharf
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