Lloyd’s Register has awarded class certification to what is described as the world’s largest yacht-dedicated shiplift at VMG Astilleros de Sagunto in Spain.
The facility has a lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes and a platform measuring 102 metres by 22 metres. It is designed to handle some of the world’s largest yachts and support higher-capacity refit, repair and maintenance projects.
After lifting, vessels can be moved to land-level repair berths across 76,800sqms of hard standing. Transfers use self-propelled modular transporters, which provide greater manoeuvrability and positioning accuracy than conventional bogie systems.
Lloyd’s Register independently verified the shiplift against its Regulations for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, covering safety and operational integrity. The certification was presented at Monaco Yacht Show 2026.
Large, technically complex yachts
The investment comes as an expanding fleet of large, technically complex yachts increases demand for specialist lifecycle infrastructure.
Earlier in 2026, VMG Astilleros de Sagunto and Astilleros de Mallorca announced a partnership to create a mainland Spanish centre for superyacht refit and maintenance, extending services to yachts over 75 metres.
“Facilities such as VMG’s provide the capacity needed to support some of the largest yachts in operation today while helping owners maintain safety, reliability and performance throughout a vessel’s lifecycle,” said Engel-Jan de Boer, Lloyd’s Register global yacht segment director.
He added that the classification demonstrated VMG’s commitment to recognised international standards and strengthened the Mediterranean’s position in superyacht maintenance and refit.
Miquel Lliteras, managing director of VMG Astilleros de Sagunto, said: “This recognition reinforces VMG Astilleros de Sagunto’s commitment to professional standards in the superyacht refit and repair sector.”
He said it would give owners, captains and yacht managers additional confidence in the yard’s processes, technical capability and approach to continuous improvement.
