July 20, 2021

Whangārei to host luxury vessels

Port Nikau has recently completed their $1.2 million 50m long floating pontoon which allows for on-water refits of luxury boats. The completion of this project further adds to Whangārei’s growing superyacht service industry. The pontoon can moor four vessels of up to 65m and since May 2021 has attracted three international superyachts, including Senses, Douce France and Clan V111.

The project was built to make it more accessible for larger superyachts to berth in Whangārei while also being close and having easy access to established marine service industry facilities. This builds on the strong international reputation of Whangārei’s marine service industry and is the first facility dedicated to superyacht on-water refits in Whangārei.

With border restrictions currently in place, the future of the project and hosting international vessels is unknown. However, with strong demand from vessels already in New Zealand, the production of the pontoon still went ahead and is expected to cater to many more superyachts in the future.

The pontoon gives Port Nikau capacity to cater to between five and seven 30m to 80m superyachts to undertake refits or berth. Collectively, Port Nikau’s marinas cater for up to 60 vessels, ranging from a local fishing fleet to international superyachts.

Resource consent has also been obtained recently for another 120-yacht marina which will cater for up to 20m boats. The first stage, supporting 30 vessels, is expected to be available next year.

This latest pontoon project was built to support the rapidly growing superyacht service industry and will be a huge economic benefit to Whangarei.

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