KwaZulu-Natal province is progressing plans for a new superyacht marina at the Port of Durban, South Africa, with projected private investment of R1.9 billion and more than 2,500 direct jobs created by 2030.
The proposed development forms part of the wider Durban Bay Waterfront Project, a 24-hectare precinct that would combine berthing with refit, maintenance, fuel and provisioning services for yachts operating along Africa’s eastern coast.
The project builds on a partnership established in July 2025 between the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and NAVIGO, an Italian maritime cluster representing more than 400 yachting businesses.
Superyacht circuit
In March 2026, eThekwini Municipality presented NAVIGO with a signed letter of intent at the Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience conference in Viareggio. Durban City Council subsequently approved a three-year partnership and development of an implementation plan.
City manager Musa Mbhele said the marina would position Durban as a gateway to the Indian Ocean superyacht circuit and provide a high-value economic engine for the area.
NAVIGO has committed to attracting at least ten superyacht visits a year from 2028. The municipality estimates associated fuel sales could generate about R100 million annually, excluding expenditure on repairs, provisions, accommodation and tourism.
Plans also include work with Durban University of Technology on a proposed superyacht academy to develop local refit and servicing skills.
