Cape Argus News

R230 million superyacht marina set to enhance Cape Town's marine economy

Tara Isaacs and Staff Reporter|Published

R230m superyacht marina set for V&A Waterfront. The dual-purpose facility will support year-round catamaran exports, said V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood.

Image: SUPPLIED

Cape Town’s marine economy is set for a boost with plans for a new R230 million superyacht marina at the V&A Waterfront.

The Quay 7 facility will be one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest purpose-built marinas and is scheduled for completion in October.

V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood says the development responds to growing demand, noting that the city has seen a steady increase in superyacht visits, with 35 vessels arriving in the 2024/25 season alone.

“Cape Town offers a combination of reliable marine services, technical expertise, and access to unique cruising routes that other ports cannot match,” he said.

Located at one of the country’s oldest working harbours, the marina will feature eight berths, six stern-in and two beam-on, capable of accommodating superyachts between 40 and 90 metres.

During the off-season in the winter months, the facility will support the commissioning and export of locally built catamarans.

Wood said the project aims to strengthen Cape Town’s position as a working maritime hub while creating new economic opportunities across the marine services sector, including marine engineers, refuelling operators, provisioning companies, and crew training facilities.

Local catamaran manufacturers are also expected to benefit from additional berthing space, he said.

“We’re responding to real demand from the industry, building infrastructure that works year-round and supports local business,” said Wood.



Andre Blaine, executive for Marine & Industrial Property at the V&A Waterfront, spoke on the broader employment impact: “The marina will require permanent staff and support a wide range of local service providers. It will help create a sustainable maritime ecosystem, not just a leisure facility.”

Sustainability and responsible marina management are also central to the project, he said.

The Quay 7 Marina will seek Gold Anchor accreditation, an internationally recognised standard, and will incorporate environmental management measures in line with the Waterfront’s broader sustainability commitments, said Blaine.

Strategically positioned as a gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Oceans, the marina will further reinforce Cape Town’s standing in global maritime circuits.

With the expansion of the Waterfront precinct, the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina represents a step towards strengthening Cape Town’s maritime economy while providing year-round technical support for the local marine industry.

Andre Blaine, Executive for Marine & Industrial Property at the V&A Waterfront, spoke on the broader employment impact: “The marina will require permanent staff and support a wide range of local service providers. It will help create a sustainable maritime ecosystem, not just a leisure facility.”

Sustainability and responsible marina management are also central to the project, he said.

The Quay 7 Marina will seek Gold Anchor accreditation, an internationally recognised standard, and will incorporate environmental management measures in line with the Waterfront’s broader sustainability commitments, said Blaine.

Strategically positioned as a gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Oceans, the marina will further reinforce Cape Town’s standing in global maritime circuits.

With the expansion of the Waterfront precinct, the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina represents a step towards strengthening Cape Town’s maritime economy while providing year-round technical support for the local marine industry.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus