Plans for $200 million Brisbane Superyacht hub unveiled
by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard 31 Oct 2020 19:58 NZDT
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard © Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Brisbane is set to become one of the world's premier superyacht destinations under plans for a new $200 million maintenance and refit hub unveiled by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.
The proposed expansion of the internationally acclaimed shipyard would create an estimated 2,000 jobs including 1,500 new marine industry positions and 500 tourism jobs in a post COVID-19 employment bonanza for Queensland. It could contribute close to $1 billion a year to the state's economy.
The 8.4-hectare hub at Murarrie in Brisbane's Gateway precinct would also be the catalyst for a major increase in superyacht visitation to Australia and the wider Pacific region due to its capability to service the world's rapidly growing fleet of large luxury vessels over 50 metres.
Plans for the hub are at an advanced stage with a Development Application lodged with Brisbane City Council this month and construction ready to commence in 2021.
The expansion would provide a massive $35 million shiplift capable of lifting superyachts of up to 3,000 tonnes, or around 90 metres, for vital inspections, maintenance, repairs and refits.
Other plans include a hardstand with capacity for multiple superyachts, three large superyacht refit sheds, two in water superyacht service berths, a new 5-storey Trade Centre with offices, training rooms, café, crew accommodation and crew recreation facilities, and extensive car parking.
Rivergate Director Tom Hill said the superyacht centre would have an end value of $200 million, spark a significant increase in the number of superyachts visiting Australian waters, and deliver a major boost for jobs and tourism in Queensland.
"We know that there is substantial pent-up demand among superyacht owners to visit our region, which is currently hampered by the lack of adequate lifting, repair and refit facilities," said Mr Hill.
"The world is experiencing a superyacht building boom and the average size of these vessels is also increasing, so the expansion of Rivergate is ideally timed to capitalise on this growth and capture a larger share of the market for Australia," he said.
"Brisbane is by far the best place in Australia for a superyacht hub due to its central east coast location, proximity to an international airport, deep water access, year-round safe climate and existing and scalable supply of skilled trades.
"Rivergate is within easy cruising distance to the Great Barrier reef, Pacific islands and other iconic destinations much favoured by superyachts, which because of the distance will typically spend up to two years in our region with permanent crews."
The multi award-winning Rivergate Marina and Shipyard was established in 2006 at the invitation of the State Government to replace existing ship building and maintenance services historically centred around Bulimba.
Rivergate is now recognised as one of the top three shipyards in the world and respected by superyacht owners and crew for its highly-skilled trades, safe environment and warm hospitality.
Mr Hill paid tribute to the State Government for its visionary Queensland Superyacht Strategy, which recognised the tremendous opportunity presented by the high-value superyacht industry.
He said research commissioned by Rivergate had found that a Brisbane centre for large superyachts would generate $459.4 million a year for the local economy, including around $167.3 million in direct revenue from 60 superyachts undertaking repair and refit works. The regional tourism and provisioning benefits could be up to $525 million, making a total of about $984 million.
"Our research also shows that 75 per cent of the shipyard revenue will flow directly to small and medium-sized marine businesses in the local area, creating a huge economic boost and fostering new training and apprenticeship opportunities.
"Rivergate is already Australia's most successful and experienced superyacht centre after servicing more than 300 vessels over the past 14 years.
"This expansion will dramatically increase our capabilities, create the largest facility in the Asia Pacific region capable of lifting out and servicing multiple superyachts, and put Queensland and Australia firmly on the map as a priority superyacht destination."