VMG Astilleros de Sagunto (VMG) completes the installation of the world’s largest yacht-dedicated shiplift drydock at its facility in Sagunto, Spain…
Image credit: VMG Astilleros de Sagunto
VMG Astilleros de Sagunto (VMG) has successfully completed the installation of the world’s largest yacht-dedicated shiplift drydock at its flagship facility in Sagunto, Spain. The state-of-the-art system was engineered and supplied by Pearlson Shiplift Corporation (PSC), widely recognised as the global leader in shiplift drydock design and engineering.
The milestone follows a strategic modernisation and expansion initiative at VMG’s established Mediterranean shipyard, significantly enhancing its capacity to service the world’s largest superyachts, megayachts and gigayachts.
The newly installed Pearlson Shiplift system features a lifting platform measuring 102 metres in length and 22 metres in width, capable of accommodating yachts up to 125 metres in overall length. Designed with advanced structural engineering, the platform incorporates PSC’s proprietary continuous platform structure, enabling the system to operate as a single lifting unit while maintaining exceptional structural integrity and precision.
Equipped with a cutting-edge PLC control system, the shiplift continuously monitors block loading along the full length of the platform, providing real-time data to the dockmaster and ensuring optimal safety, balance and vessel protection during lifting, lowering and transfer operations.
This groundbreaking installation establishes VMG’s facility as home to the largest yacht-dedicated shiplift drydock in the world. Once lifted, vessels will be transferred to land-level repair berths using rubber-tyred self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), enabling highly efficient vessel handling and significantly expanding repair flexibility. The upgraded facility will also offer extensive hardstand capacity, further strengthening VMG Astilleros de Sagunto’s position as a leading superyacht refit destination in the Mediterranean.
Fernando Alcalde, Shipyard Manager at VMG Astilleros de Sagunto, says: “The installation of this shiplift represents a major milestone in the development of VMG’s shipyard infrastructure. With this new capability, we are able to accommodate significantly larger yachts while ensuring safe, efficient lifting and optimized working conditions for complex refit and maintenance projects.”
Kelly Pearlson Fraind, CEO of The Pearlson Group, states: “We are proud to partner with VMG on this transformative project. This installation represents not only a major milestone for VMG, but also a significant advancement for the global yachting industry. Our engineering team designed this system to deliver unmatched precision, safety and long-term reliability.”
With this addition, VMG Astilleros de Sagunto joins a global network of more than 280 shiplift facilities operating in over 70 countries worldwide, each supported by the engineering expertise and long-term service commitment of The Pearlson Group.
About VMG Astilleros de Sagunto
VMG Astilleros de Sagunto (VMG) is a full-service superyacht refit and repair shipyard located in the commercial port of Sagunto, Valencia, Spain. The yard specialises in the maintenance, refit and repair of large yachts, offering over 76,800 square metres of hardstanding area, advanced lifting capabilities and direct access to the Mediterranean. Following its recent expansion, including the installation of the world’s largest yacht-dedicated shiplift, VMG is positioned to accommodate vessels of up to 125 metres, providing flexible and efficient solutions for complex refit projects. VMG continues to invest in infrastructure and capabilities to strengthen its position as a key refit hub in the Western Mediterranean.
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