Cape Town’s maritime economy is set for a boost with a R230 million investment in a new Superyacht Marina at the V&A Waterfront, part of a broader precinct expansion that aims to strengthen the city’s position in the global ocean economy.
The marina, expected to be completed in October this year, will be located at one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working harbours.
V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood said the project responds to growing demand and adds that superyacht visits have grown steadily since 2009.
“We welcomed 35 vessels in the 2024-’25 season alone. Many stay for extended periods, six months, sometimes a year, because Cape Town offers a unique mix: world-class tourism, reliable marine services and access to adventure cruising routes that simply don’t exist in traditional yachting hubs.”
The marina forms part of a wider precinct expansion that includes the Cape Town EDITION, the refurbished InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town and the East Pier Helistop.
It is also expected to create jobs and economic activity across marine services, maintenance, provisioning and hospitality sectors, with a dedicated concierge office for vessels and crew.
Traffic Concerns
People’s Post spoke to the Mouille Point Ratepayers’ Association (MPRA) to get their input on the developments.
Jane Meyer, MPRA coordinator, said the association’s primary concern, as with most new developments, is the increase in traffic both during construction and in the long term.
“The roads in and around the precinct remain the same despite the significant increase in people and traffic created by the new developments.”
The MRRA is urging the city to explore solutions to ease traffic congestion in and around the area.
“Completing the unfinished highway would be one way, as this would directly and positively influence traffic into and out of the V&A and surrounding suburbs,” explained Meyer.
Industry support
Wood said the marina would serve two purposes: hosting 40-90 m superyachts during peak season and supporting commissioning and export staging for Cape Town’s catamaran manufacturing industry in the off-season.
Andre Blaine, Executive: Marine & Industrial Property at the V&A Waterfront, said the facility is more than a leisure marina.
“It creates sustained demand for fuel suppliers, provisioning companies, marine engineers, crew training facilities and logistics operators. It supports local manufacturers who need berthing space for commissioning. And it positions Cape Town as a credible technical hub, not just a beautiful harbour.”
Wood highlighted the high-value tourism model linked to the project.
“A superyacht visit generates exponentially more economic activity per visitor than mass tourism.”
Blaine added that the economic impact is significant.
“They source fresh provisions at scale. They employ local marine contractors for repair work. The spend is substantial, the volume is manageable, and the economic benefit stays local.”
The marina will pursue Gold Anchor accreditation and include environmental management systems aligned with the Waterfront’s sustainability commitments.
Land reclamation
The public was invited to comment on a proposed land reclamation project in Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront, which closed on Wednesday 18 March.
The proposal involves reclaiming 3,81 ha of land: 0,80 ha for coastal protection infrastructure, 1,47 ha for public spaces and amenities, and 1,54 ha for mixed-use development.
Planned features include water- and land-based public amenities, a coastal walkway, landscaped promenade, tidal pools, pedestrian paths, open spaces, a slipway and a fixed quayside.
During construction the development is expected to create about 26 929 jobs over a 20-year period.
In response to whether residents believe these benefits will be felt by surrounding communities, Meyer said she welcomed the job opportunities the project will bring.
“We believe our suburb will benefit in many ways, such as increased demand for property from renters and buyers wanting to be closer to that area, the potential for jobs and the precinct’s general multi-faceted offerings.
“As for the increased work opportunities, the benefits will be wider than just the immediate neighbourhood.”
Wood is set to engage with the residents during the MPRA’s annual general meeting on Thursday 14 May.
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