The UK’s marina market is stable but softening. That’s the findings of British Marine’s latest UK Marina & Moorings Market Report.
The report is based on survey responses from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) member marinas who represent around 60% of UK berth provision.
Figures show the sector is increasingly cautious, as operators adjust to easing demand following the post-pandemic high and face economic headwinds, capacity constraints and longer-term structural challenges.
Berth occupancy remains high across much of the sector, particularly in coastal locations, with many marinas continuing to operate close to capacity, however waiting lists have eased slightly since 2022 but remain a feature of high-demand regions.
The data highlights the pressure points marinas are facing from affordability and customer retention to infrastructure constraints.
Jon White
“This report shows a marina sector that is still performing well operationally, with high occupancy levels across much of the UK, but which is increasingly cautious about the future,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.
“Operators are having to adapt to softer demand, changing customer demographics and limited opportunities to expand capacity, all against a challenging economic backdrop.”
Challenges facing the marina industry include planning constraints which continue to limit expansion and a noticeable decline in confidence with falling enquiries and affordability challenges in their customers.
Capacity-constrained market
Increased competition in a constrained market were also cited as concerns.
There is also a growing financial and operational burden of abandoned and end-of-life boats, with marina operators increasingly calling for a coordinated, government-led approach to disposal and recycling.
Consolidation, supported by private equity interest, is increasingly shaping the market as operators seek to maintain performance in a capacity-constrained environment.
Electric charging and alternative fuels
Despite wider industry debate around decarbonisation, the report found that demand for electric charging and alternative fuels remains very low.
“Our members are operating close to capacity in many locations,” concluded Jon White, general manager for TYHA.
“The data highlights the pressure points marinas are facing from affordability and customer retention to infrastructure constraints.”
