6 | WATERLINE December 2025 FEATURE SUPERYACHTS Today’s marina facilities service a wide variety of users and facilities are evolving to handle the growth in superyachts. Once a 24m vessel in a marina was considered large, the last 30 years have seen further increases in boat size up to 100m and beyond. Looking for safe, permanent, as well as transit, marina facilities, requiring greater thought to be given to engineering and design. Marina facility developers needs to plan for both the yachts themselves and also the crew who live on these boats for significant periods of time. GROWTH The global superyacht sector is expected to at least double over the next 5-10 years. In 2022 Allied Market Research estimated the global superyacht market was worth USD$10.29 billion. They expect growth to soon reach USD$25.7 billion while other researchers have it as high as USD$45.16 billion. Whatever the number, the growth is staggering. The Australian superyacht marina industry in 2021 was estimated to be worth $3 billion, by the end of 2025 it is forecast to reach $4.3 billion, with visiting superyachts set to increase from 160 to 244. The challenge for owners, developers, and marina construction companies is to match supply of facilities with demand, requiring increased infrastructure investment. STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATION Moving past the typical marina design issues of wave environment/ wave protection, pontoon systems and pile design, bigger vessels require bigger more robust infrastructure such as wider walkways (3m plus), and fingers (2.4m plus), to provide adequate access and to run the range of services and utilities to support the larger superyacht vessels, which include power, data, in slip sewage disposal systems and fire protection systems. Freeboard options increase generally up to 600mm or greater to accommodate transitioning from one freeboard to another. Pontoon systems must incorporate larger, more robust bollards that withstand greater pull loads from bigger mooring lines while at the same time offer ease of lassoing and permanent line fixing. GREATER CUSTOMISATION Like five-star hotels, marinas compete for the top end customers. Apart from the obvious preference for location, choosing berths will be based on security of the vessel and the amenity offered to the crew as well as yacht owners. Power is one of the main design drivers and consideration needs to be given to the shore power available for supply and the cost of getting it from the mains board to the pedestal. There are factors to consider in the electrics design including voltage drop, diversity factors, the location of the mains board, switchboard/distribution units, Which option will provide the most economic cable run and install cost often drives discussions between owner and contractor with MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) works close to 20% of new build cost. The term pedestals now understates the power outlet for a superyacht berth, which is a customised switchboard cabinet requiring verification testing to comply with AS/NZS61439. Any outlet over 125amp/10ka requires verification testing. The SBP THE FUTURE IS NOW EXPECTATIONS FOR SUPERYACHT MARINAS By Bruce Birtwistle, General Manager Bellingham Marine (switchboard pedestals) are also segregated to allow the water connection to vessels. The size of these SBP also allow greater customised branding and lighting; backlit panels with marina logos are popular. Connecting pedestal readings to marina management systems is an essential tool for operators, having real-time data as well as being able to analyse / forecast usage. With crew living on board or minor works being undertaken, berth cost may be insignificant when measured against power usage charges; especially when the amperage delivered is equivalent to a small hotel. Thought must be given to the future needs of services and that capacity needs to be considered in the pontoon design. Facilities of the future will move away from truck dispensing and the single marina fuel dock. When it comes to fuel, Safe Harbours Charleston City Marina (USA) is impressive. The 460m double sided side-tie pier with multiple fuel bowsers provides permanent and visiting vessels with easy access to high low dispensers. Shoreside tank capacities will grow. A well-known facility in NZ had upgraded its fuel facility and diligently filled their tanks on a Friday in preparation for a busy weekend ahead. Saturday morning panic set in when, after an early morning reading, they suspected a major leak in the new system before CCTV revealed a superyacht squeezed into the facility to drain it of its new diesel capacity. Black water disposal, like fuel, won’t just be taken care of at the fuel dock. In slip connection with a push button remote system will push waste from the vessel ashore connecting to the shoreside sewer system. Water filters placed by crew are a common sight on marinas sitting between pedestal and boat hoses. Filters are not just about water safety, but the desire to lessen the chlorine content to reduce spotting on gel coat and other polished surfaces. Some facilities are going to the expense of installing a central filtration system to discourage ‘filtration clutter’ on fingers and walkways. Gone are the (few) days when customers also wanted a phone connection on the pedestal, free wifi is now an expectation. The wifi network typically shares the pole with CCTV. Fire response needs to comply with the requirements of AS3962:2020 and the local fire regulations. The finger length of superyachts may require multiple fire apparatus locations. For example, a 60m+ berth may require three fire hose reels as well as three fire hydrant stands, adding to the complexity of design on typically utility free finger pontoons. The fire hydrants demand their own dedicated supply line. Developers of the new superyacht facilities are looking for a point of difference, marina contractors are driven to provide a ‘premium look’ and deliver a ‘different experience’. The competition between facilities will also be driven by the luxury amenities on offer as part of the destination. Entry statements, security systems, VIP lounges, crew recreational activities, concierge service, complementary transport, proximity to hospitality, proximity of cruising waters, relationships with maintenance facilities will add to the superyacht experience. Jones Bay Superyacht Marina was awarded the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year 2025 when they successfully reconfigured their marina to accommodate bigger berths, with more power, then added a variety of amenities on the water - floating marina office, storage units for berths owners, ‘chill’ spaces, showers and bathrooms, these additions add to the atmosphere as well as income. THE FUTURE It is clear the Superyacht fleet will grow, and marina facilities must plan for the needs this important segment of the market will demand.
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