Safe Harbor Marinas has confirmed its acquisition of Belfast’s Front Street Shipyard, following a unanimous vote by the City Council to approve a contract rezoning amendment.
The agreement formally updates the city’s longstanding development agreement to reflect the shipyard’s new ownership.
The Front Street Shipyard agreement governs an approximately 6-acre site totalling more than 500,000 square feet of development within the area’s Waterfront Mixed Use zoning district.
The shipyard, which opened its doors in 2011, benefits from deep water at its docks and approximately 1,500 feet – 457 metres – of waterfront together with many returning, loyal customers.
Marina and superyacht servicing business
Front Street Shipyard is a yacht yard, marina and storage facility catering to a range of vessels from recreational boats to commercial vessels and superyachts.
The shipyard carries out custom boat building, service and refit work, and is able to accommodate yachts up to 200 feet in length in its undercover facilities.
Safe Harbor Marinas is North America’s largest marina and superyacht servicing business.
An agreement for Safe Harbor to acquire the shipyard was signed in 2025 by Greg Glavin, Safe Harbor’s regional vice president who requested the change of ownership to the City Council under a contract rezoning agreement and comprehensive master agreement.
In his letter, Glavin stated Safe Harbor planned to maintain the property as a working marina and boatyard.
Continuity and a smooth transition
And he said the organisation plans to invest around $5 million within the first three years of ownership and will continue to allocate resources for ongoing maintenance.
Safe Harbor is an owner and operator of around 150 locations across the US, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Central America.
Safe Harbor is owned by Blackstone Infrastructure.
Front Street Shipyard was previously owned by Dubba LLC.
JB Turner, Front Street co-founder and co-owner, is due to continue working full time in his current position for at least three years to preserve continuity and a smooth transition upon his eventual retirement.
