South Africa’s EThekwini Municipality has achieved a projected investment of around US$110 million – as part of its campaign to position Durban as Africa’s premier superyacht destination.
The investment follows a visit to the Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) conference in Viareggio, Italy.
During the event, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between eThekwini Municipality and Navigo, custodians of the YARE programme and a leader in superyacht destination development.
Through the partnership, Navigo has confirmed its commitment to mobilise significant private-sector investment towards Durban’s superyacht infrastructure and refit capabilities, with projected investment estimated at over R1.9 billion.
Projections indicate that more than 2,500 direct jobs could be created by 2030.
Lungelo Buthelezi
The delegation also extended formal invitations to over 100 superyacht captains and more than 100 global yacht manufacturers to attend the YARE Symposium to be held in Durban in November this year – the first African city to host the event.
“The anticipated economic impact of this partnership is significant,” said inner city regeneration programme manager Lungelo Buthelezi.
“Projections indicate that more than 2,500 direct jobs could be created by 2030 across marine engineering, refit services, advanced manufacturing, and tourism.
During the visit, Durban’s delegation held several engagements with senior executives from leading shipyards.
First Superyacht Authority
The city’s proposed superyacht precinct, located on a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban, was presented as a compelling and competitive offering for future investment.
The site is reserved for the refit market, including superyacht servicing and maintenance in the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Ship Repair Strategy (2025-2035).
Parallel to this, eThekwini and the Durban University of Technology are advancing plans for a Superyacht Academy to train young South Africans in high-demand skills such as welding, marine engineering and advanced composites fabrication.
Navigo president Katia Balducci affirmed the organisation’s confidence in Durban, stating: “This partnership represents the beginning of a historic chapter for Africa’s participation in the global superyacht industry.
“Durban has the vision, the infrastructure and the commitment to succeed.”
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