September 2025 WATERLINE | 37 INDUSTRY NEWS International Conference & Trade Exhibition Sunday 24 May 2026 08:00 - 23:59 13:00 - 17:00 18:30 - 20:30 Exhibitors Bump In Certified Members Meeting Marinas26 Welcome Function Monday 25 May 2026 08:30 - 17:00 17:00 - 18:30 Marinas26 Conference & Exhibition Happy Hour Royal Pines Resort - Poolside Exhibition Halls Tuesday 26 May 2026 Wednesday 27 May 2026 08:30 - 17:00 17:00 - 22:00 19:00 - 22:00 08:30 - 14:00 Marinas26 Conference & Exhibition Exhibitors Bump Out Gala Dinner Marinas26 Study Tour marinas26.com PORT DENARAU MARINA EMBARKS ON $6 MILLION UPGRADE Port Denarau Marina, Fiji has commenced a major development project designed to expand its berthing capacity and upgrade marine infrastructure. Scheduled for completion ahead of the 2025 cruising season, the $6 million initiative comes as the marina experiences a steady rise in international vessel arrivals, positioning itself as one of the premier South Pacific maritime destinations. The expansion plan includes a 203-metre extension to the main jetty and the installation of seven additional berths accommodating vessels up to 115 metres. Once complete, the facility will offer a total of 62 berths — 27 for vessels over 24 metres and 35 for vessels from 16 metres. To further improve access, dredging operations are underway to deepen approach channels and turning basins, catering to a full range of vessels from large commercial craft to private leisure boats. Port Denarau Marina CEO, Cynthia Rasch said, “the project forms part of a long-term strategic vision formed as a result of a 2019 Fiji Yachting Survey, undertaken in collaboration with the Market Development Facility (MDF) and key stakeholders.” “Survey findings revealed that 83% of visiting vessels make Port Denarau their port of entry, citing convenient location, provisioning services and on-site facilities as key drawcards.” Rasch noted that visiting yachts now stay an average of more than 60 days, with many using the marina as a central base to explore Fiji’s islands. “The data affirms what we’ve consistently observed - Fiji is rapidly emerging as a key hub for superyachts in the South Pacific,” she said. “This $6m investment delivers the critical infrastructure needed to support that growth and future-proof our operations.” Board chairman Malakai Naiyaga described the expansion as a landmark moment for the marina and Fiji’s wider marine tourism industry. “It’s the first step in a broader program aimed at raising our facilities to world-class standards and solidifying Fiji’s reputation as the superyacht capital of the South Pacific,” he said. Port Denarau Marina. Photo credit: Port Denarau Marina
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