Superyacht haven: $6m investment to expand berthing facilities at Port Denarau

Fiji’s yachting gateway Port Denarau Marina has commenced two major $6million capital projects to expand its superyacht infrastructure.

The expansion of its superyacht infrastructure is in response to the increasing demand from the global yachting community.

The investment includes a 203 meter extension of the superyacht jetty and comprehensive dredging works to improve navigational access.

The jetty extension will introduce seven new superyacht berths, accommodating up to four 75m vessels and three 40m vessels.

The extension project is designed with enhanced utilities and support services, and anticipated to improve berth availability and vessel turnover, in particular during peak cruising periods.

According to Port Denarau Marina, that will increase private berthing capacity to 62 berths – 27 superyachts berths for vessels more than 24m and 35 yacht berths for vessels from 16m, with the largest berth to accommodate vessels of up to 115m.

At the same time, dredging operations are also underway to deepen approach channels, turning basins to ensure efficient and safe access for superyachts, commercial vessels and other marine traffic.

Port Denarau Marina CEO Cynthia Rasch said these projects formed a key part of the marina’s long term strategic vision to reinforce its position as the premier superyacht destination in the South Pacific region.

She said the development was guided by findings from the 2019 Fiji Yachting Survey – conducted in collaboration with industry stakeholders and the Market Development Facility (MDF), which highlighted the growing appeal of Fiji as a superyacht hub.

Ms Rasch said 83 per cent of visiting superyachts had identified Port Denarau Marina as the preferred port of entry, citing access to services and provisioning.

She said more than 70 per cent of captains and crew had expressed a need for dedicated berthing and improved seasonal access.

She added the average length of stay for superyachts in Fiji had risen to more than 60 days, with many vessels using Port Denarau as a strategic base for regional cruising.

“We’re excited to begin work on this significant upgrade,” Ms Rasch said in the company’s market announcement to the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) where it is listed.

“The data affirms what we’ve consistently observed – Fiji is rapidly emerging as a key hub for superyachts in the South Pacific.

“This $6m investment delivers the critical infrastructure needed to support that growth and future-proof our operations.

“Our customers deserve the very best, and this development underscores our ongoing commitment to enhancing their experience.”

Ms Rasch said those capital works not only responded to market demand but also reinforced their vision to position Fiji as a premier yachting destination on the global stage.

Company board chairman Malakai Naiyaga said the extension of the superyacht berths and the launch of dredging works represented a major milestone for PDM and Fiji’s marine tourism sector.

“This is the beginning of a broader investment program to elevate our facilities to world-class standards and cement Fiji’s status as the superyacht capital of the South Pacific,” Mr Naiyaga said in the market announcement to SPX.

According to the company, the projects are scheduled to be completed just in time for the start of the 2025 cruising season, and in alignment with Port Denarau Marina’s strategic priorities of sustainability, innovation, and service excellence.

Award-winning Port Denarau Marina is Fiji’s largest marina facility, and offers premium services for superyachts, cruising yachts and commercial vessels.

It is certified as a clean and fish friendly marina, and prides itself in continuing to lead the way in responsible marine tourism, supporting local economic development and global yachting excellence.

Last month, the company released its half-year results for the period ending January 31, 2025 where it maintained a solid financial performance in that period with a net profit before tax of $2,167,007.

Though that reflected a 9 per cent decrease compared to $2.39m recorded for the same period last year, the company stated it represented a 9.4 per cent above budget performance.

The company stated it had projected a lower profit than in 2024 because of planned repairs and maintenance on its water infrastructure.

Total operating revenue for the period amounted to $4,860,485, a 2 per cent decline from the previous year; primarily attributed to a drop in berthing revenue, largely driven by a 50 per cent decline in superyacht berthing compared to the same period last year.

Port Denarau Marina continues to invest in infrastructure to support long-term growth, the latest in its expansion strategy.

Despite short-term fluctuations, the company said its outlook for the 2025 yachting season remained positive, and that the management team continued to focus on operational efficiency, strategic investments, and market expansion to ensure sustainable long-term growth.