South Africa is set to be launched into the global superyacht industry following a landmark agreement between Italian yachting organistion Navigo and South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province
The partnership agreement is to co-develop a superyacht manufacturing hub in the province, with the areement reached at the KZN-NAVIGO Boat Building and Yachting Industry Roundtable held in eThekwini, South Africa.
The deal could help unlock billions of rand in the province’s ocean economy while positioning KZN as an ideal location for yacht building and has been welcomed by South African leaders.
Highlights of the agreement include the development of a superyacht manufacturing hub with KZN co-developing and exporting luxury vessels in partnership with Navigo, and competing on the world stage with countries such as Italy and France.
We are turning our ocean into jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Premier Ntuli
Thousands of jobs are expected to be created in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training taking place at maritime schools in the province.
In addition, Durban and Richards Bay ports will be upgraded and expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism.
KZN-branded yachts will be shown at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events.
The partners say SMEs and coastal communities will benefit through supply chains, boat repair cooperatives, and eco-tourism ventures.
The premier’s office said the province has the potential to be a ‘giant’ in the ocean economy.
Port expansions
KZN is a gateway to the Indian Ocean trade routes, with existing infrastructure such as Dube TradePort, Richards Bay IDZ, in place and major port expansions planned.
Premier Ntuli declared that the agreement is about launching KZN into the global superyacht industry stating: “We are turning our ocean into jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
MEC Zondi described the strategic partnership as a convergence of a shared vision to grow inclusive economies, embrace innovation and position KwaZulu-Natal as a destination of choice for tourism, investment, and maritime excellence.
He added that Navigo’s interest in KwaZulu-Natal was a significant endorsement of the province’s strategic vision to become a premier destination for tourism and maritime excellence.
“What we are envisioning together is not just economic growth, but growth with purpose. Growth that upskills young people. Growth that partners with local businesses.
“Growth that places KwaZulu-Natal on the global map as a yachting and refit destination – supported by our deep-water ports, SEZs, air connectivity through King Shaka International Airport, and our investor-ready environment,” said MEC Zondi.
Maritime leader
The agreement is said to send a clear message that KZN is ready to take its place as a continental maritime leader, not only in ports and logistics, but also in design, technology, skills and sustainability.
“The agreement we sign today reflects our intent to co-brand, co-develop, and co-market high-value vessels globally, while jointly investing in research, recycling and sustainable marine technology,” the Premier added.
He added: “We are repositioning KwaZulu-Natal as a hub of ocean-based industrialisation – from superyacht manufacturing and coastal tourism to aquaculture, port logistics and marine component innovation.”
Navigo president, Katia Balducci expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Navigo looked forward to a fruitful collaboration with the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Navigo is a network of around 400 boating companies based in Tuscany.
