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An inexhaustible source of adventure, Australia is the quintessential superyacht destination. Overflowing with iconic destinations that bask in the country’s infectious laid-back style, it is no wonder Australia is an enduring favourite for sport, adventure and natural wonders.

 With an eclectic mix of unique experiences, there are memories to be made in Australia that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Escape to a country that in one moment will leave you in awe at its untouched natural beauty, and the next throw you into the very heart of the some of the world’s most exhilarating events. Beaches are more than a spectacular blend of sand and sea in this colourful country; they’re a lifestyle and inhabit every piece of Australia’s coastal character, from the boho fashion of the locals to the delicious seafood cuisine served in waterfront restaurants.

Australia boasts an all-year-round cruising calendar, outstanding tourism experiences and world-renowned refit and maintenance facilities that welcome the global superyacht fleet. For those willing to indulge their inner hedonist, Australia is the ultimate superyacht playground.

Unique experiences, all-year-round

Summer and Winter cruising seasons afford Australia an irresistible outdoor spirit that lasts 365 days a year – rather fortunate given the abundance of experiences that await…

A country surrounded by water, Australia is a superyacht haven. Ranging from unspoilt, secluded stretches of glowing white sands to towel-strewn golden paradises and rough surfing havens, beach-lovers will never be disappointed here. Diversity reigns supreme in this huge island nation, where a cruising itinerary can encompass an amazing range of sights not found anywhere else in the world.

From the stunning coral reefs of Queensland, to the spectacular waterways of New South Wales and the crocodile-filled waterholes of the Northern Territory, Australia is a truly unique yachting experience. The kaleidoscopic colours of the Great Barrier Reef are the pinnacle of any diver’s fantasy. From Port Douglas down to Bundaberg stretches 300,000 square kilometres of coral cays, brimming with marine treasures and exquisite sea life. There is simply no better destination for water-based activities.

Not all of the adventure is concentrated at sea. Step inland and discover Australia’s diverse flora and fauna, along with a rich Aboriginal culture. Stop off to play with kangaroos, koalas and wombats or sample fine wines at one of Australia’s exemplary vineyards. The rugged beauty of The Kimberley and Tropical North Queensland presents the opportunity to learn something new. Immerse yourself in 50,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art, brush up on your bush tucker skills or get an awe-inspiring perspective of it all from the sky.

For those who can’t stay too long away from the hustle and bustle of a city, world-class marina facilities in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne can take you right back into the action. Sydney is perfect for a long weekend of luxury comforts, fine dining, and high-end shopping. New Year’s Eve onboard a superyacht with the backdrop of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge is certainly one for every owner’s bucket list. Head down to Melbourne, the events capital, for some of the world’s best events. From the Harbour, you are a short tender cruise from the major sporting events held throughout the year, including the Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup and Australian Open. Alternatively, a short walk down the newly renovated dockside will bring you to the Marvel Stadium, where leading artists flock to perform.

Indulge in infinite luxury

No matter where in the country your itinerary may take you, Australia’s highlife is never far away.

Premium superyacht marinas scattered across the islands lead into luxurious five-star resorts, leaving your yacht in good care while you delve into an authentic barefoot island retreat. Ideal for groups carrying a wide demographic, the Whitsunday Islands offer everything from chic beach glamour to high-octane water sports.

Should you wish to venture into Australia’s richly diverse regions, the Luxury Lodges of Australia will welcome you in sumptuous style. A collection of the finest lodges and camps around Australia, Luxury Lodges offers over 250 individual experiences and activities that connect guests to Australia’s most breath-taking locations, unlocking their curiosity and adventure-seeking spirit. The standards of comfort and service in Australia’s high-end heritage sites are parallel to that of a stay onboard one of the finest superyachts. Whether overlooking the Ningaloo Reef on Australia’s West Coast, staying in the world-renowned Barossa Valley wine region in Southern Australia or dining underneath the iconic Ayers Rock in the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Lodges deliver a truly special experience.

If you prefer not to stray too far from the natural playground of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands offer a selection of high-end luxury resorts. Surrounded by a bewitching blend of sublime landscapes, intriguing marine life and infinitely perfect anchorages, the tropical coast marinas offer something for every superyacht party. Superyacht owners have enthused that being able to explore the coastal towns without the need for a security detail has added a special touch to their Australian exploits.

World-class superyacht facilities

Nowhere else in the world can a superyacht sit so detached and isolated yet still be within a short cruise from premier, state-of-the-art shipyard facilities. Australia has a thriving refit and maintenance industry that has benefitted recently from significant investment to cater to larger vessels, meaning no project is too complex.

All along the East Coast there is an array of shipyards that constantly makes sure the South Pacific superyacht fleet is well serviced and pristine. The capabilities available are not to be understated. In Cairns, the world’s largest Mobile Boat Hoist at BSE Maritime Solutions gives the area significant pulling, and lifting, power. The City can accommodate superyachts of up to 140m in length, while highly experienced agents take great care in providing everything needed for a seamless transition from or to life at sea. Cairns itself provides the perfect setting for a superyacht homeport, situated between the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, two World Heritage listed natural wonders.

Queensland’s vibrant South East region boasts a similarly impressive offering. The well-established facilities in Brisbane and the Gold Coast have given the green light to significant investments as they prepare for an influx of visiting superyachts. Rivergate Marina & Shipyard has its own prominent international reputation, having completed over 250 superyacht projects since opening in 2006. Rivergate’s positioning on the Brisbane River provides easy access to both the bustling city and the immaculate cruising grounds of Australia and the South Pacific.

The Australia Marine Complex in Henderson, Western Australia is home to Echo Yachts and Silver Yachts, both multi-award-winning superyacht builders with glowing international reputations. The delivery of 84m trimaran White Rabbit by Echo Yachts in 2018 earned worldwide acclaim for reimagining the possibilities of comfort and efficiency onboard a superyacht. Superyacht projects undertaken in Australia not only benefit from the thousands of specialised trades that surround each facility and the historic expertise in aluminium, but also from the significant exchange rate advantage of the Australian Dollar.

New possibilities

With the intimacy of a small island and the might of a first world country, Australia is the South Pacific superyacht hub with a perfect balance to ensure there is never a dull moment. Some of the world’s largest superyachts frequent the sanctuary of Tropical North Queensland’s marinas as a homeport and gateway to the excitement of the South Pacific islands. Hollywood star Will Smith became the first to officially charter a foreign flagged superyacht in Australia following the passage of new legislation in 2019. Since then, interest in superyacht charters has blossomed from the tropical northern areas down to the isolated splendour of Tasmania.

Oceanfast is a world class Australian super yacht builder, offering its customers exciting designs and specialising in manufacturing excellence with personal service. Oceanfast has produced a fleet of the finest, most distinctive and awarded motor yachts in the world.

Oceanfast is owned by Austal Limited, a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Austal is the world leader in the design and manufacture of aluminium vessels. Oceanfast customers benefit from Austal’s worldwide network of customer and product support bases, which include offices in Europe, Japan and the USA. Collectively Austal provides one of the most substantial product bases of any shipbuilder worldwide.

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Custom crafted to the finest detail.

Welcome to Whitehaven, Australia’s finest luxury Motor Yacht brand. Our meticulously crafted vessels embody elegance and sophistication, providing an unparalleled boating experience. Step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary.

My Whitehaven, My Way.

With years of bluewater boating experience, Whitehaven has combined the latest in design and finishes to create boats that can be tailored to the exact specifications of each individual owner. Whitehaven’s boats are designed using the best building techniques and offer a perfect blend of style and functionality.

With a focus on customisation, each Whitehaven boat is as unique as the owner, with a range of options for interior and exterior finishes, layouts, and features. Escape the ordinary and enjoy a boating experience that is truly your own.

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Top 5 Superyacht Builders for 2021

01 April 22

Superyacht signifies luxury, wealth, and status in a way that no stately home ever could. They allow you to emulate your style while traveling the world. Just like building a house, choosing the right builder to make your boating dreams come true is crucial.

See which superyacht builders made the top 5 in the Boat International 2021 Global Order list for 2021!

Surprisingly the US doesn’t dominate the industry, Italy and the Netherlands own most of the market.

1.  Azimut-Benetti , Italy

Founded in 1969 as a sailing boat chartering company, Azimut quickly developed into a luxury yacht builder. In 1985, Azimut acquired Benetti, the oldest Italian shipyard. Today, the Azimut-Benetti group now owns a number of luxury yacht manufacturing companies including Azimut Yachts, Benetti Yachts, Lusben, and Marina di Varazze. 

The companies within this group include refit and repair entities as well as interior design companies meaning Azimut-Benetti can provide a full range of services within its operations spanning 80 countries.

With the mission to build the most beautiful, reliable and technologically innovative yachts, there’s a reason Azimut-Benetti is famous around the world and claimed 6 awards at the World Yachts Trophies 2021.

2. Sanlorenzo , Italy

Another Italian shipbuilder, Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 and specialises in building limited, made-to-measure boats from it’s 4 production plants in Ameglia, La Spezia, Viareggio and Massa. The company entered the superyacht world in 1995 with the launch of it’s SL100 model.  

Sanlorenzo is also in the process of building one of the largest hybrid yachts on the high-end market having partnered with Siemens Energy to develop a methanol fuel system based on hydrogen as well as diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems. The company has identified that sustainability will be the most important trend coming into the yachting world and intends to lead this green drive without compromising luxury.

3.     Feadship , Netherlands

When it comes to designing and building a superyacht, Feadship is consistently the leader in the industry. This is down to the level of detail put into every element on board, even if it takes longer to achieve. Their mission is perfection, not speed, serving them well for over 70 years. Being recognised for their craftsmanship in 2006, with an exclusive title (Royal), only bestowed to the best in the industry.

Feadship was formed by two shipyards, providing both the designing and manufacturing in house. Giving you the ability to work closely with architects to make sure your superyacht reflects your style both in design and in lifestyle needs. 

It is no surprise that the tech giant Steve Jobs contracted Feadship to build his custom Superyacht. The Venus is over 70 meters and filled with the latest tech gadgets, featuring a bridge filled with Mac computers. The sleek glass finish reflects the quality and looks associated with Apple.

4. Ocean Alexander , Taiwan

Founded in 1977 by Alexander Chueh, after accepting the shipyard as payment of a loan from a friend. Chueh then met boat designer Ed Monk Jr and it took only one year for the first vessel to be delivered, in 2005 Ocean Alexander introduced its first superyacht. 

Since the early 2000s, Alexander’s son, Johnny Chueh has led Ocean Alexander and the manufacturer is now specialised in 3D modelling to engineer yachts and use high-tech sound insulation and vibration isolation to provide quiet and comfort with the already luxurious interiors. 

Ocean Alexander prides itself on incorporating innovative ideas into its luxurious and beautiful yachts - without compromising on its engineering principles. Ocean Alexander has deep roots in US manufacturing, worldwide service and strong alliances with the finest architects and designers in the world.

Alexander Marine Australia is the exclusive dealer for Ocean Alexander and Galeon Yachts in Australia and New Zealand. We’re dedicated to matching your ideal yacht to your lifestyle.  Contact us today to discuss your vessel requirements.

5. Lürssen , Germany

Responsible for building what is now the sixth largest superyacht in 2015, the Dilbar, standing at an impressive 156 metres. They are one of Germany’s oldest yacht builders, now also owning Blohm + Voss, increasing their yearly build capacity. Synonymous for customising superyachts up to 220 metres in size.

Lürssen began its journey in 1875 in Bremen, Germany as a manufacturer of boats for fishing and ferry services. From 1880, the company entered the luxury yacht industry. Interestingly, Lürssen is also a builder of naval ships with many E-Boats in World War II having been based on Lürssen designs.

The company has also built the longest private motor yacht in the world (until 2019), the Azzam with a length of 180 metres. In 2016, Lürssen acquired Blohm + Voss and because of this, seven of the top ten longest motor yachts in the world .

If you have any yacht questions or inquiries, feel free to call our friendly yacht sales executives today on   07 5618 0000  or contact us online today.

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A premier global refit destination

Rivergate will put Australia on the world stage as a premier superyacht hub under plans for a major expansion of our multi award-winning shipyard.

Already recognised as Australia’s leading refit destination and one of the top three international superyacht shipyards, Rivergate is set to become the primary base for the Asia Pacific region.

Our $200 million repair, refit and maintenance centre will create around 2,000 new jobs in an employment windfall for Queensland and contribute close to $1 billion a year to the state’s economy.

It will meet global pent-up demand with increased service capabilities for superyachts and support the expanding Defence, Government and commercial vessel markets.

The expansion will see the creation of a state-of-the-art shiplift for vessels up to 90 metres and 3,000 tonnes and capacity for 8 to 12 vessels, making Rivergate the largest superyacht hub in the Asia Pacific region.

As the catalyst for a substantial increase in large superyacht visitation to Australia, the Rivergate expansion will also deliver a huge shot in the arm for the tourism industry through generous spending by owners, guests and crew.

Key Elements

10-fold increase in lifting capacity to 3,000 tonnes and up to 90m

Innovative $35 million syncrolift shiplift and vessel transfer system

3 refit sheds and hardstand capacity for up to 10 vessels

2 large in water service berths

5-storey trade centre with offices, training rooms, café and car parking

Australian-first on-site crew accommodation and resort-style recreation

The Benefits

Massive employment and economic boost for Queensland

Tourism spinoffs from increased cruising and chartering

75% of shipyard revenue flowing directly to SME’s

World-leading maritime industry skills and training

Estimated 60 additional superyacht visits per year

Sustainable maritime industry to service expanding superyacht, commercial and defence fleets

Vital support for growing domestic and foreign-flagged charter industry

The heavy lifting:

World-class Facilities and Technology

World class facilities and technology, premium offering for visitors.

The proposed Rivergate expansion will not only deliver the largest superyacht refit facility in the Asia Pacific region, but also premium offerings and services that will match or better anything else on the world stage.

Captains & Owners lounge

Captains studio accommodation

Crew outdoor recreation & pool

Meeting rooms

Crew lounge, kitchen and dining

Project offices

Gymnasium & sauna

Training rooms

Movie theatre

Cafe & restaurant

Innovative Superyacht Service

The expanded Rivergate shipyard will feature leading-edge technology with the latest platform shiplift and yard infrastructure to ensure safety for both vessels and crew.

Vessels will be transferred from the shiplift to the yard using a state-of-the-art Self-Propelled Motorised Transporter (SPMT) featuring a grid of computer-controlled and precision-guided axles. Enclosed refit sheds incorporating 10t gantry cranes will allow for 24/7 works to be carried out unaffected by weather. The shipyard will also deploy the latest safety environmental systems and showcase green-star and clean marina accreditation.

Why Rivergate

Perfectly positioned for the future.

When it comes to meeting the expectations of the world’s discerning superyacht owners, only the best will do.

Rivergate is the ideal location for a superyacht hub with deep water access on all tides, near perfect weather for year-round operations, an extensive world-class skills base and professional management.

Together with vibrant capital city services, including a 24 hour international airport, a favourable exchange rate and Australia’s enviable record of safety and security, many more superyacht visits and extended stays at Rivergate will be inevitable.

Midway between Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, Rivergate is also the perfect launching pad for superyacht owners visiting the many delights of Australia’s east coast or cruising the stunning South Pacific Islands.

Australia’s current infrastructure is holding back the growth of superyacht visitation in the region.

The planned expansion will allow Rivergate to say “yes” to the many clients Australia has had to turn away in the past.

Our ‘shovel ready’ expansion will release this pent-up international demand and immediately capture increased market share for Queensland and Australia.

Rivergate is also strategically located to tap into the expanding defence and commercial markets operating on the east coast of Australia.

Rivergate is highly popular with superyacht captains and crew, who are key influencers in refit and maintenance decision making.

Brisbane’s vibrant hotel, dining, shopping and nightlife are within a 15 minute drive of Rivergate. From strolling through South Bank, exploring trendy bars, discovering the delights of the Moreton Bay islands, visiting a theme park, or simply relaxing at a Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast beach, leisure activities for visitors abound.

For those wanting to travel further from the home port, Brisbane’s major international airport is only 10 minutes away from Rivergate to take guests anywhere in Australia or the world.

The Opportunity

Boom times for large superyachts, commercial and defence vessels.

More superyachts are being built than ever before, vessel size is increasing and our region has a critical shortage of infrastructure to haulout and berth these large vessels.

Recent changes in Government policy and increased commercial activities servicing the mining industry have also seen a boost in Defence and commercial vessel operations off the north-eastern coast of Australia.

Our expansion plans for Rivergate coincide with a period of strong growth in these industries and closely align with both the Queensland Government’s Superyacht Strategy and Australia’s new laws allowing foreign-flagged vessels to charter in our waters.

More superyachts are being built than ever before with the most recent research finding that 193 builds were underway or planned in 2019, a 26% increase on 2018. Industry body Superyacht Australia has reported the domestic superyacht fleet has doubled in the past two years, increasing local demand for a premium refit facility to service this growing market.

Together with close to 6,000 vessels already in service, and the Asia Pacific region increasing in popularity, this global growth will require a similar expansion in superyacht support facilities and Rivergate is ideally positioned to fill a clear gap in the market.

The attraction of large superyachts to the new 3,000t shipyard would trigger increased demand for the existing 75t and 300t shipyard to refit, store and support their tender vessels. A dramatic rise in the number of visiting yachts would also create new opportunities to redesign and upsize the existing marina berths, increasing the revenue yield and bottom line of the business.

Visiting our region

To visit Australian waters, a superyacht will travel more than 9,000 nautical miles from their traditional cruising ground of the Mediterranean or Caribbean, and 4,000 nautical miles from major Asian ports.

These vast distances mean visiting superyachts typically spend up to two years in our region with permanent crews while owners and their guests fly in to explore our coastline and the South Pacific.

All boats, regardless of size, encounter regular maintenance issues and require shipyard services. Large refit projects can take up to 6 months, are planned well in advance, and need certainty around lifting capacity and yard availability.

As the only location in the region with the capability to lift and service multiple large superyachts of up to 90 metres and 3,000 tonnes, Rivergate will be firmly on the radar of captains around the world.

Owning a superyacht

Not surprisingly, superyacht ownership is an expensive undertaking and one of the biggest sources of wealth redistribution in the world.

To ensure they meet regulatory, insurance and safety standards, vessels typically undergo annual out-of-water routine maintenance and survey certification every five years, which can represent several months on the hardstand or in a refit shed.

Full superyacht refits typically occur every 5 to 7 years, usually because of an ownership change or a current owner’s desire for a refresh.

Such refits can be significant, costing between $1 million and $5 million per month and taking on average about six months.

The Bigger the Better

The larger the vessel equates to exponential benefits....

DIRECT SPEND PER VESSEL BY VESSEL LENGTH ($M) SEQ

Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. Source: ABS (2012), ABS (2017), ABS (2019b), ABS (2019c), Luxury Yacht Group (2019), TRA (2019), AEC (2016), AEC Rivergate Expansion Economic Impact Assessment 2020.

Commercial and Recreation

Rivergate is expected to increase its existing commercial vessel capability and capture a large segment of all maritime markets due to its proximity to the east coast and Pacific operating areas, location below the cyclone belt, ideal year-round climate, and flexibility of docking arrangements with the new platform shiplift.

There are hundreds of commercial vessels greater than 40 metres actively operating on the east coast of Australia. This market is expected to continue its growth on the back of robust resources, tourism and transportation industries.

Defence and Government

The Australian Navy is undergoing transformative growth in its Pacific fleet. Rivergate will be best placed to provide overflow support to Defence contractors based in northern Australia facing capacity and trades constraints for existing and new vessels such as the Arafura Class and Mine Hunters.

The expansion would eliminate the need for vessels having to steam to Perth to undergo routine and unplanned maintenance.

In addition to the Defence opportunities, the Queensland Government recognises Rivergate’s excellent refit capabilities, having recently completed three extension of life refits on Police and Fisheries vessels.

Economy and Jobs

An export income and employment bonanza.

Superyacht refit and maintenance work is high value, export-oriented and labour intensive, generating enormous economic and employment benefits.

The Rivergate expansion will make a significant contribution to the economy and jobs during the construction phase and an even greater ongoing contribution once fully operational.

An economic impact assessment report by leading advisory group AEC found the Rivergate superyacht hub will generate $154.6 million for local businesses during construction and create a total of 433 direct and indirect jobs.

Post-construction, Rivergate will contribute an estimated $459.4 million a year to the local economy, including around $167.3 million in direct revenue from 60 superyachts undertaking repair and refit works. The regional tourism and provisioning benefits will be up to $525 million, making a total of up to $984.4 million.

Our research also shows that 75% of the shipyard revenue will flow directly to small and medium-sized marine businesses in the local area, creating a huge economic boost and fostering new training and apprenticeship opportunities.

AEC found the overall increase in spending from superyachts would support 1,457 new fulltime equivalent jobs, consisting of 525 direct positions and 931 flow on jobs.

Annual Economic Contribution of Rivergate Expansion Project Construction and Operationally to SEQ

Notes: Totals may not sum due to rounding. Source: ABS (2012), ABS (2017), ABS (2019b), ABS (2019c), Luxury Yacht Group (2019), TRA (2019), AEC (2016), AEC.

Rivergate — opening Asia Pacific to the world superyacht fleet

The benefits of a large superyacht refit centre at Rivergate will extend to every corner of Australia, especially the tourism sector.

Our expansion will be as much a tourism initiative as it is a marine industry initiative. It will allow vessels to spend more time in the region, staying for up to two years before or after works have been completed.

An additional 60 vessels coming to Rivergate will generate direct expenditure of approximately $150 million, assuming they also undertake cruising activity. The flow-on effects from this in terms of provisioning, travel, shopping and other spending will see a further $325 million to $375 million annual boost to the Australian tourism economy.

In total, the direct and indirect economic contribution to tourism will be up to $525 million per year and felt mostly in the popular regional cruising grounds from the Gold Coast to Cairns. This level of spending will create an estimated 520 new fulltime equivalent jobs.

Rivergate will be marketing Brisbane, Queensland and Australia to the world, including high net worth individuals who will become ambassadors for our region with the potential flow-on of international investment in Australia as a result of this visitation.

News that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games, and recent reduction in red tape now allowing superyachts to charter in Australia will place Brisbane on the world map for tourism and result in even more superyachts visiting Rivergate.

Tourism and economic contribution pre and post REFIT works

Notes: Totals may not sum due to rounding. Source: AEC (2016), AEC.

Skills and Training

An industry centre of excellence.

The Rivergate expansion will create opportunities for Queensland and Australia to become an international training hub for the superyacht industry.

Already well known around the world for our highly skilled workforce, Rivergate will become an incubator for innovation and excellence in more than 25 marine-related trades and professional skills.

Ongoing training and apprenticeship programs will be vital to our long-term sustainability with AEC forecasts indicating there will be 36 apprentices or trainees employed at any one time.

Our plans include a 5 storey Trade Centre with dedicated apprentice training rooms and the potential for Rivergate to establish a new Superyacht Centre of Training Excellence located within the facility, attracting students from around the world.

About Rivergate

Rivergate is recognised as Australia’s premier superyacht facility with an enviable track record that has placed us among the top three shipyards in the world and earned numerous industry awards. In November 2020, we were named Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the year at the Australian Maritime Industry Awards and in May 2021 inducted into the Marina Industries Association Hall of Fame.

Established in 2006 to create a world-class superyacht refit centre, Rivergate reflects the vision and values of a family with a genuine passion for the marine industry, boating and the ocean. These passions, coupled with a strong work ethic and deep commitment to community, underpin Rivergate’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.

Our prime location on the Brisbane River, Queensland, Australia provides deep water access on all tides and an ideal climate for year round refit and painting projects. Rivergate is also moments to a 24-hour international airport, close to all capital city services and offers easy access to the beautiful cruising grounds of eastern Australia and the South Pacific.

Led by a management team with more than 200 years of combined experience, we deliver a wide range of world-class marine services. Rivergate has approximately 320 contractors across 20 trades onsite and many more experienced workers just a short drive away from the precinct.

Our commitment to safety and security is second to none. Rivergate has Clean Marina Level 3 accreditation and scored an incredible 99 percent in our most recent independent audit.

Apart from the quality of the work we perform on some of the world’s most prized superyachts, the Rivergate team is known for its excellent hospitality, organising social activities and recommending local tourism sights to make visiting captains and crew feel right at home.

To find out more about Rivergate, please view our Capability Statement.

Marine Industries Association 2021 Hall of Fame

Australian Superyacht Industry Business of the Year Service Provider

Australia Superyacht Industry Business of the Year Service Provider

Australian superyacht industry champion — steve fisher.

Marine Industries Association 2017 / 2018 Best Boat Yard 20 plus Boats

Marine industries association 2017 / 2018 marina of the year.

Australian Superyacht Industry Business of the Year Manufacturer

Australian Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year

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Rivergate Marina & Shipyard Pty Ltd 7 Rivergate Place, Murarrie Brisbane Queensland 4172 AUSTRALIA

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Superyacht Australia

Echo yachts.

Australian Superyacht builder Echo Yachts specializes in the design and manufacture of large fully customized luxury Superyachts, at its purpose built superyacht facility within the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson Western Australia.

Echo Yachts is founded on the success and talents of the Western Australian superyacht building community, boasting a world class in-house team of management, design and manufacturing staff with proven know-how and the technical expertise required to realize the new builds, refits and maintenance of very large custom Superyachts for the international market.

Echo Yachts strives to provide best possible value for money for their clients through specially tailored Build Contracts and total flexibility in design and manufacturing options, creating truly bespoke Superyachts and an enjoyable build process for discerning Clients.

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A Bluewater Cruising Yacht is a true, ocean going luxury yacht. Each one is custom made, from world renowned designers, tailored to your exacting specifications.

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From their solid fibreglass hulls, to the care and attention to detail you can see in every aspect of each yacht’s construction , a Bluewater Cruising Yacht makes a sound boating investment. These yachts are built to a standard, not a price... and built to last, no matter what!

Bluewater Yachts offer an unprecedented Lifetime Structural Warranty on each boat we build. We are supremely confident of our building methods which have been proven over 20 years and thousands of coastal and ocean sea miles. We care about each boat we build and have worked with our owners to provide after sales service through the life of their investment. That's why, you, the proud owner of a Bluewater Yacht are GUARANTEED to CRUISE in CONFIDENCE .

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Builder operating in two Australian states collapses after 50 years in business

The majority of staff have been sacked and $120 million worth of projects are up in the air following the collapse of a major building company spanning across two states.

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A major building company has collapsed with the majority of staff sacked and $120 million worth of projects up in the air.

Project Coordination (Australia) Pty Ltd, which had been in business for 50 years, went into voluntary administration on Tuesday afternoon.

The business had offices in Canberra and Wollongong and did construction work in the ACT and NSW.

At the time of its demise, Project Coordination had $120 million worth of projects on its books and a further $90 million in the pipeline, ready to start.

The building company had been in business since 1975, and its directors, Paul Murphy and Gavin Murphy, said they had made the “soul destroying” decision to put the company into external administration.

The appointed administrators, Jonathon Colbran, Frank Lo Pilato and Brett Lord of insolvency firm RSM Australia, said that preliminary investigations show that the company owes around $20 million to more than 200 creditors.

Most of the $20 million debt the business owes to creditors was only incurred in the past two months, the administrators also noted.

Project Coordination’s 67 staff – 38 of whom are based in the ACT and 29 in NSW – have mostly been made redundant.

Only 12 have been kept on to help the administrators with their work.

Project Coordination’s collapse puts 14 building projects in jeopardy, with 10 of those based in the ACT and the other four in NSW.

“Today we informed our staff of our decision and the painful reality that we would have to let them go,” the company’s two directors said in a statement.

“They were emotional meetings and conversations.

“A quarter of our staff have been with us for 15 years or more, with many over 20 years.”

They said they had injected their own money into Project Coordination to keep it afloat but ultimately they had to shut down because they could not source any further outside investment.

Co-director Paul Murphy, who is 72 years old and has been with the business from the beginning, said he was “devastated”.

“The economic and regulatory environment that building companies are working in now is more challenging than any other I’ve experienced in the past 50 years – worse than the recessions in the 1980s and 1990s and the Global Financial Crisis in 2007/2008,” he said.

“Nothing has been as bad as this.’’

Do you know more or have a similar story? Get in touch | [email protected]

Work on these sites stopped before administrators took over.

One of the administrators, Mr Colbran, said: “Despite injecting a significant amount of their own personal money into the company the directors advised me that losses incurred from fixed price contracts combined with escalating subcontractor, supplier and operating costs had negatively impacted the company financially”.

The first creditor meeting will be held on April 2.

Creditors are urged to contact the administrators via email at [email protected] while former employees should contact RSM on [email protected].

It’s not the first builder with sites in both the ACT and NSW to go bust this year.

Last month, Cubitt’s Granny Flats and Home Extensions, which worked across both states, went bust with debts of $6.8 million, impacting 120 projects.

A week later, three companies – Rork Projects (Holdings) Pty Ltd, Rork Projects (QLD) Pty Ltd and Rork Projects Pty Ltd – that made up the Rork Group went into administration . Those companies have specialised in refurbishment for the past 26 years, with 63 current projects across NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland.

News.com.au has reported on dozens of builders going into administration and liquidation over the past two years.

In times of economic hardship and inflation, building companies are usually the first to feel the pinch as they run on such small margins.

A staggering 2349 construction firms have collapsed in the past year — with fears more may fall soon.

Indeed, of the 8471 business collapses for 2023, almost 28 per cent were in the building and construction industry, according to data put out by the corporate regulator.

[email protected]

The Transport Workers Union spent a massive sum crafting a proposal for Qantas to continue employing thousands of ground staff during the pandemic, a court has been told.

The livelihoods of 55 people have evaporated after a 50-year-old construction company went bust with $20m in debt.

Australia’s surging mining giants pushed the ASX higher on the day the Reserve Bank left the cash rate unchanged.

New Cape Coral Yacht Club designs: Most on council like a coastal, Key West vibe

Given three different design options for the new Yacht Club Community Center , most of the Cape Coral City Council is leaning toward a coastal, Key West-flavor architecture.

At a committee of the whole meeting on Wednesday, the city sought direction from the council on a design direction for the outside of the community building.

"It's a concept, just like we do with anything else, and as we are designing, things may come up that we want to shift and be nimble (on)," said Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn.

James Pankonin with Kimley Horn, a consulting firm focusing on public and private developments, presented the information about the look of the community building.

Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park, which includes a yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a beach, has been a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s but is set to undergo major renovations after Hurricane Ian delayed the original plans .

The current plans include a new two-story community center to replace the ballroom, removing the tennis courts, rearranging the area to accommodate a four-story parking garage, a new restaurant, and a new resort-style pool.

The city is also preparing for the demolition of the Yacht Club and its facilities in April as it awaits permits.

No estimates could be provided for the price of the new building.

"It will really come into how much of certain materials are needed and construction methods," Ilczyszyn said.

The city will have that information once they have 30% of the construction design.

Two public meetings for the designs are planned for April 2 and May 7.

After getting public input, the city will vote to amend its contract with Kimley Horn to approve all these changes.

The plan is to have these changes approved or introduced before the summer hiatus.

Previous Coverage Demolition of Cape Coral's Yacht Club slated for April will cost almost $1 million

Cape Coral community news Courtyards of Cape Coral South sets bingo fundraiser for residents still affected by Ian

New Designs for the Yacht Club building

John Bryant with Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, a Sarasota-based design firm, said the goal with the new designs was to maintain the experience of the original Yacht Club.

The majority of the council preferred option one.

Design one:

Bryant described the first option as "coastal vernacular" and similar to the park buildings at Lake Kennedy and Yellow Fever Creek.

"So it's sort of informed by the current architectural work in 2024," Bryant said. "Kinda Key West."

Councilmember Dan Sheppard and Mayor John Gunter preferred option one.

Gunter said the design was the most pleasing for him.

Councilmember Keith Long liked option one and said he liked the Key West aesthetic.

Councilmember Tom Hayden liked option one.

Design two:

Option two is more informed by the current Yacht Club and would have a stone base and mid-century feel to it, according to Bryant.

"There's certainly opportunity to kind of further develop this option to have even more of the existing Yacht Club feel, but a different vibe, feel than option one," Bryant said.

He also said option two might be more expressive the closer they try to recreate the aesthetic of the old ballroom building.

Councilmember Jessica Cosden liked design two as it incorporated design elements of the old building though she lamented how similar it looked to the first design.

"I wish we could have done more, but I know it's hard with a two-story building, to make it look the same as a very unique one-story building.

Councilmember Bill Steinke said two would be his choice as well, but was wary of additional maintenance of natural wood products used in the design.

"As long as we can bring that aesthetic and keep the maintenance down, number two would be my choice," Steinke said.

Councilmember Robert Welsh said he could go either way, but he liked the look of two.

Design three:

This would be more contemporary and modern.

"Even with a more contemporary language, you can still have warmth, incorporating some wood elements and stone elements," Bryant said.

None of the council members expressed any favorability for the third design.

Inside the new community center

The Community Center will have an additional 10,000 square feet for a total of 47,000 square feet, a history room to remember the first ballroom building on the first floor, and more rooms for civic and community use on the first floor.

Additionally, the new ballroom has shifted slightly as the balcony area on the second floor has been expanded to wrap around the top of the building.

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The superyacht world is speculating that Mark Zuckerberg just bought this 118-meter boat

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The 118-meter superyacht Launchpad made her maiden voyage last week.

The yacht world is speculating that her owner is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Here's what we know about the luxury vessel.

In the world of superyachts , privacy is the most valuable asset. It can be next to impossible to discern the details of a superyacht transaction — and that's particularly true if the vessel in question is worth nine figures.

Yet some in the boat blogging world are speculating that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the new owner of Launchpad, a megayacht currently moored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after she made her maiden voyage from Gibraltar to St Maarten last week. Launchpad clocks in at 118 meters long, about nine meters shorter than Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru .

The transaction could not be confirmed, with yacht world insiders declining to share what they know and representatives for Zuckerberg not responding to a request for comment from Business Insider. In the past, reports about Zuckerberg owning superyacht Ulysses have proven false.

"It is Feadship's standard policy to never divulge any information about our yachts with reference to ownership, costs, or delivery, etc," Feadship, the ship's builder, wrote to BI. "Whether it is an 18-meter Feadship from the 1960s or a 118-meter Feadship from the 21st century, we do not share private information."

But Zuckerberg's name has been connected to Launchpad for a few months now, beginning in December when reports swirled that he visited Feadship's shipyard in the Netherlands.

Then, earlier in March, yachting bloggers like eSysman SuperYachts and Autoevolution started speculating that he officially snagged the boat, originally built for a sanctioned Russian businessman, at a $300 million price tag. (While that's a seemingly huge amount, it's still less than 0.2% of Zuckerberg's $177 billion net worth.)

Another clue that might point to US ownership is that the yacht bears the flag of the Marshall Islands, a US territory and commonplace for American buyers to register their ships, according to public marine tracking.

If Zuckerberg were to have bought Launchpad, he would join a cohort of superyacht-owning tech billionaires . Along with Bezos, the likes of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have purchased impressive boats with even more impressive amenities.

SuperYacht Times , an industry publication and intelligence platform, has some of the best images of the yacht. Photos show a swimming pool on her main deck and a large helipad.

While less is known of the interior, a vessel of her size can likely sleep dozens of guests and crew and may have amenities like an expansive gym where Zuckerberg could practice his jiu-jitsu or a spa with a massage area. We suspect there's also space for plenty of toys — which could include his viral hydrofoil foil .

Do you have any details about Launchpad or any other superyachts? Email reporter Madeline Berg at [email protected].

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Why big business would rather send uranium offshore than build nuclear plants in Australia

Analysis Why big business would rather send uranium offshore than build nuclear plants in Australia

Cast your mind back, not into the dim, dark recesses of your memory but just a little, to shortly after we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two years ago, in February, when Vladimir Putin embarked on his ill-advised and misguided invasion of Ukraine – a conflict he claimed would be completed within a week – global trade links were jolted and energy supplies interrupted.

The resulting fuel shortages across Europe proved to be a volatile accelerant to a troublesome inflation outbreak which emerged just as the world economy was waking up from its enforced slumber.

Two years later, after one of the most blistering rounds of interest rate hikes in memory, we're still dealing with the aftermath.

Retail fuel and electricity prices remain elevated despite a collapse in global oil, coal and gas prices and continue to prop up stubbornly high inflation levels.

If there was a silver lining in the events of the past few years, at least from an environmental viewpoint, it was that the savage lift in something as essential as household power would spur a renewed push to replace our aging power plants with more modern, cheaper and cleaner technologies.

Suddenly, the debate has come full circle. While coal-fired steam engines are unlikely ever to be built here again, there is a renewed push to examine the merits of nuclear-powered plants despite a complete lack of interest from the corporate world.

Expensive uranium won't generate cheap electricity

For the past month or more, the argument rejecting nuclear energy has overwhelmingly been about cost and to a lesser extent the time involved in building large-scale nuclear power plants.

When it comes to cost, the focus has centred mainly on the enormous build costs involved in projects of such complexity and the high likelihood of delays and overruns.

But there are other cost issues involved. An important consideration is the cost of the raw materials needed to fuel nuclear power plants.

In the past four years, the price of uranium has quadrupled with the graph showing similar signs to the great uranium spike of 2007.

The cause for the sudden price breakout relates to factors on both the supply and demand side. Last year, the US House of Representatives banned the purchase of Russian uranium, which supplies about 24 per cent of all US power company needs.

In future, American power utilities will need to source their raw material elsewhere.

More recently, Kazakhstan – the world's biggest producer – signalled it was encountering production problems with shortfalls predicted through this year and next.

Nuclear proponents argue that, unlike coal or gas, nuclear fuel is a relatively minor component of plant costs, making uranium costs less critical to plant profitability and, as a result, electricity prices.

But even the World Nuclear Association, the main global nuclear lobby group , notes that "for nuclear power plants operating in competitive power markets, where it is impossible to pass on any fuel price increases, higher uranium prices will cut corporate profitability."

Written two years ago, it adds this rider: "Only if uranium prices rise to above $US100 per pound and stay there for a prolonged period (which seems very unlikely), will the impact on nuclear-generating costs be considerable."

A quick look at the above graph illustrates that prices have already risen to $US100 a pound with US investment banking giant Citi tipping prices to average $US110 next year and broking firm Shaw looking at prices topping $US150.

Rates hit nuclear power harder

The larger and more complex the project, the longer it is likely to take and the more it's going to cost, particularly when it comes to finance. And one factor that can really blow out costs on long-term infrastructure projects is the interest rate, or the cost of money.

While a recent study by the country's chief scientific body, the CSIRO, found nuclear power to be the most expensive option for Australia – a study that has been derided by the federal opposition – it is in good company.

Even the World Nuclear Association admits that, as interest rates rise, nuclear power plants become far and away the most expensive form of electricity generation to construct as the graph below shows.

The axis on the left shows the levelised cost of electricity while the bottom axis charts interest rates.

The lobby group identifies gas as the cheapest form of electricity generation, under almost all interest rate scenarios, followed by coal, wind and solar.

That contradicts other studies that identify renewables as the cheaper option. But it is in furious agreement with almost every other study that higher interest rates can turn nuclear power into a financial disaster.

Miners vs Canberra, round II

Given Australia is one of the world's biggest sources and suppliers of uranium, you'd think it logical it could be a cheap source of energy to generate electricity.

But we also happen to be the world's biggest seaborne coal exporter and the world's largest supplier of shipped Liquefied Natural Gas. That, however, didn't insulate us from the mayhem that followed the Ukraine invasion.

In fact, the price of Australian gas often can be found cheaper in Asian markets than here where domestic shortages push up local electricity prices. It is highly likely we'd get the same result if we built a nuclear-powered electricity grid.

As the world's fourth-biggest uranium producer, our exporters are hoping to capitalise on improved global prices, rather than provide cheap fodder to benefit the national interest.

They'd fiercely resist any effort to provide the domestic market with fuel, just as they have with gas.

BHP is sitting on the world's biggest deposit at Olympic Dam in South Australia while other local companies include Paladin Energy with mines in Australia, Canada and Namibia along with a host of smaller explorers and producers.

Clean-up costs

Damien Nicks, the boss of AGL, one of our biggest power companies, made it clear where he stood last week when he ruled out nuclear as an option for Australia's power grid.

The build time, the cost and public opinion were prohibitive, he said. AGL was committed to its investment rollout in renewables.

Which then begs the question: If private capital won't invest, who would pick up the tab?

It is possible a federal government could build and operate nuclear power plants but taxpayers would end up lumbered with bigger deficits and escalating debts if wholesale electricity prices did not cover the cost of generation.

And given renewables often flood wholesale markets with electricity at zero cost, it wouldn't take much for a nuclear plant to become an expensive and obsolete monument to ideology.

Mining giant Rio Tinto, meanwhile, is also committed to renewable investments, to power its smelters at Tomago in Newcastle and Boyne Island near Gladstone, Queensland and, ironically, has dismissed nuclear power as too expensive.

Perhaps that's because it's still being stung by uranium. The former owner of the Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory, Rio Tinto has been lumbered with massive clean-up costs for the now mothballed operation.

Two years ago, it told the Australian Securities Exchange it could be up for $2.2 billion in rehabilitation costs .

And then, just before Christmas, it warned that its subsidiary, Energy Resources Australia, may have to raise another $1 billion to fund the clean-up .

A costly past it no longer wants to repeat.

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Scott Murdoch has been a journalist for more than two decades working for Thomson Reuters and News Corp in Australia. He has specialised in financial journalism for most of his career and covers equity and debt capital markets across Asia and Australian M&A. He is based in Sydney.

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