Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is investing in a new purpose-built superyacht marina, designed to create new economic opportunities for the region’s marine services sector.
The investment of R230 million (approximately $13.7 million) will see the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina located at one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working harbours and among the most visited destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa (Cape Town).
The marina is scheduled for completion in October 2026 and is set to position Cape Town as a key player in the global ocean economy, as a working maritime hub with the infrastructure and expertise to service an increasingly sophisticated international industry.
“Superyacht visits have grown steadily since 2009 and we welcomed 35 vessels in the 2024/25 season alone,” explained V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood.
Superyacht visits have grown steadily since 2009 and we welcomed 35 vessels in the 2024/25 season alone.
Graham Wood
“Many stay for extended periods – six months, sometimes a year – because Cape Town offers a unique mix: world-class tourism, reliable marine services and access to adventure cruising routes that simply don’t exist in traditional yachting hubs.”
The marina is designed for dual-purpose use. During peak season, six stern-to and two beam-on berths and their floating jetties will accommodate superyachts of 40–90 metres. In the off-season, the facility will support commissioning and export staging for Cape Town’s catamaran manufacturing industry.
“This isn’t only a leisure marina, it’s economic infrastructure,” said Andre Blaine, executive: marine and industrial property at V&A Waterfront.
This new marina formalises what the market has been signalling for years: Cape Town belongs on the global maritime circuit.
Andre Blaine
“It creates sustained demand for fuel suppliers, provisioning companies, marine engineers, crew training facilities and logistics operators.
“It supports local manufacturers who need berthing space for commissioning. And it positions Cape Town as a credible technical hub, not just a beautiful harbour.”
Features of the new marina will include floating jetties with full utility servicing (electricity, water, Wi-Fi), fuel supply, Golden Anchor accreditation, a concierge facility and a storage facility.
Global maritime circuit
Additional services will include security, repairs, refits and catamaran berthing in the off-season.
“More than 30,000 vessels pass the Cape annually for trade and tourism,” added Andre. “The cruise season has extended from seven to nine months. Marine training, repair, and manufacturing sectors are already well-established.
“This new marina formalises what the market has been signalling for years: Cape Town belongs on the global maritime circuit.”
