“The marina and boatyard industry in New Zealand is booming,” says Edwards. “Kiwis started boating while the country’s borders were closed during the Covid years, celebrating the America’s Cup and investing in boats instead of traveling. On top of this, marine infrastructure development, which the government and private investors have prioritized as part of post-pandemic recovery efforts, has further boosted what was already a healthy sector before the pandemic.”

New Zealand has a vast coastline but a relatively small population of about 5.5 million people, who own about 20,000 50 vessels moored at XNUMX marinas from the far north to the deep south. Edwards says the industry is increasingly limited by water space and the ability to expand, and strict regulations designed to protect the environment make establishing new operations difficult, if not impossible. Nevertheless, new marinas are being built on Waiheke Island near Auckland and in Fakatana on the east coast of the North Island.

“While the Waiheke Boutique Center provides much-needed berthing for Auckland’s upscale pleasure craft fleet, Whakatāne and Ōhope are strategic investments that provide infrastructure for commercial vessels and shipbuilders,” explains Edwards. Demand for berths is high and many marinas have extensive waiting lists. Therefore, Edwards says, rather than building new facilities, it is much more common to see marinas and shipyards investing in expansions and reconfigurations. Alongside this, the industry is improving its environmental performance and finding ways to operate more efficiently to meet the needs of a growing fleet.

Chris Galbraith, chairman of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association (NZMOA), says: “Capital investment is a sure sign that the sector is in good shape, and there has been plenty of it in the last 12 months, in both on-water and onshore development, including transportation. equipment.”

Queenstown Marina enters its second phase

The $20 million Queenstown Marina officially opens at the end of 2022, a major milestone for Queenstown, a tourist town known for its natural beauty and ski slopes. Lakes Marina Projects partners Iraj Barabi from the US and Alan Kirker from Queenstown opened the first phase of the project and its 85 new berths and 17 floating buildings in November 2022.

The partners recently announced plans for the second phase, which will include about 85 more marina berths that will be available for occupation from March 2025. Construction of the first phase was completed just as the coronavirus broke, and despite the timing, interest in the moorings has been high. unprecedented over the past two years. Construction of the second phase, which includes additional moorings and electric charging for boats and vehicles, will begin in mid-2023.

“Before we built the marina, there were no facilities on Lake Wakatipu that catered to larger vessels. Marine tourism is booming and the marina has attracted affluent visitors and residents to the area because it can fully service boats over 14 meters in length,” says Kirker. Additional investment is planned to purchase a hydraulic boat trailer suitable for larger vessels, which allows boats to be pulled out of the water for necessary repairs and maintenance. Lakes Marina Projects is working with Queenstown Lakes District Council to provide a large canopy to safely accommodate boats during the works.

Eco-marinas

While marina projects signal great opportunities, GMBA notes that insurance coverage and insurance costs are a challenge for the New Zealand industry. And like its international counterparts attracting and retaining staff, inflation, climate change and supply chain costs are also challenges facing the industry. Strict environmental policies and progressive regulations may mean marinas and shipyards must adapt their approach to meet changing demands, but the NZMOA believes this is an opportunity to discover new and better ways of doing things and new business opportunities.

Galbraith says, “Marinas and shipyards are like a gateway to the environment to minimize the impact of vessels due to biofouling, maintenance and waste dumping, and New Zealand has been particularly innovative in this area, setting benchmarks under both the Clean Marina Program and the stringent environmental standards required to build or expand a new marina in recent years.” Regeneration projects continue at pace. Combined with a strong start-up culture and progressive environmental protection, the future of New Zealand’s marine industry looks bright.

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Composite materials and construction

New Zealand shipyards have been ahead of the times in the use of composite materials in yacht building. These materials, such as carbon fibers and fiberglass, provide lightweight but strong structures. They improve the maneuverability and speed of the vessel and reduce fuel consumption. An example of such innovation is the yacht New Zealand Endeavour, built using advanced composite materials.

Rowing systems and sail control

The New Zealand yacht industry has placed great emphasis on the development of improved rowing systems and sail control systems. Innovations in this area allow the crew to efficiently manage the sails and even automate some processes. This increases the performance of the yachts and makes them more accessible to captains with different levels of experience.

Energy-saving technologies

With growing environmental awareness, New Zealand shipyards are integrating energy-saving technologies into the design of their yachts. This includes the use of solar panels, wind turbines and water recycling systems to reduce environmental impact. The yacht “Silent Wings” is an example of this innovation and is fully equipped with solar panels and electric motors.

Ergonomic and modern design

New Zealand yacht designers are also known for their emphasis on ergonomic and modern design. They create cozy and functional interiors using high quality materials and innovative furniture solutions. This makes New Zealand yachts not only highly efficient but also comfortable for long voyages.

Automation and control systems

Modern New Zealand yachts are usually equipped with advanced automation and control systems. This includes navigation, communication and safety systems that make sailing more convenient and safer. The crew can control many aspects of the vessel using smartphones and tablets.

The New Zealand yacht building industry continues to be in the spotlight for its innovations in technology and design. Its efforts are focused on creating modern, high-performance and environmentally friendly vessels that cater to the needs of both experienced sailors and novice yachtsmen. New Zealand yachts continue to gain global recognition and remain a symbol of quality and innovation in the world of yachting.

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The use of environmentally friendly materials

One of the key trends in modern yacht building is the shift from traditional materials such as fiberglass to more environmentally friendly and efficient materials. Composite materials such as biodegradable resins and bamboo fibers are becoming increasingly popular in the construction of modern yachts. They offer outstanding durability and at the same time are more environmentally friendly.

Efficient energy saving systems

Modern yachts are equipped with advanced energy saving systems. This includes solar panels and wind generators for power generation, as well as water recycling and wastewater treatment systems. These systems help reduce fuel and water consumption, which has a positive impact on the environment.

Improved waste management system

Modern yachts are actively adopting waste management systems that manage waste efficiently and reduce marine pollution. This includes garbage recycling systems as well as measures to prevent the discharge of sewage and oil pollution.

Design with the environment in mind

Yacht design now also takes environmental aspects into account. Engineers and designers are creating yachts with improved aerodynamics and hydrodynamics that reduce drag and increase propulsion efficiency. Such solutions help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Exemplary environmental projects

Some projects in the world of yacht building are becoming exemplary in environmental sustainability. For example, the Ocean Saviour yacht is designed specifically to combat marine waste and is equipped with an ocean garbage collection system.

Current trends in yacht building are part of a worldwide trend towards more environmentally sustainable approaches in various industries. Yacht builders recognize the importance of protecting the environment and strive to create yachts that not only meet the needs of their owners, but also respect the world’s ocean ecosystems. These innovations in yacht building are making our world of marine adventure more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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Custom orders and unique design

The creation of a superyacht often starts with a customized order from a wealthy client. This allows the yacht owner to get a vessel that is completely tailored to their individual needs and tastes. Designers and architects work closely with the client to create a unique and exclusive design that reflects the owner’s status and style.

Technical innovation and high performance

Superyachts are not only luxurious but also technically advanced. Engineers work to improve control systems, hydrodynamics and motor systems to ensure outstanding performance. Many superyachts are equipped with advanced navigation systems to ensure safe and comfortable sailing.

Environmental sustainability

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many superyachts are becoming more environmentally sustainable. This includes the use of efficient energy saving systems as well as special technologies to reduce the impact on the marine environment.

Personalized services and comfort

Superyachts provide an outstanding level of comfort and service. They are often equipped with spas, gyms, movie halls, and fine dining restaurants. The yacht crew is trained to provide the best service for owners and their guests.

Top class shipyards

High-end superyachts require shipyards that specialize in this type of shipbuilding. Shipyards such as Lürssen and Feadship are known for their exceptional reputation in creating luxury vessels. They have the experience and resources to realize the most daring and unique projects.

Superyachts represent art and technology at its best. Creating luxury superyachts requires a combination of outstanding design, engineering skill and attention to detail. These projects epitomize the dream of freedom and luxury on the open waters and continue to attract the attention of the world’s wealthy, for whom yacht building projects are a unique way to express their status and style.

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A brief overview of the New Zealand yacht building industry

New Zealand’s yacht building industry has a rich history, starting with the first wooden sailing ships created by European colonists. Over time, New Zealand shipyards have been able to improve their craftsmanship and move on to building modern vessels in steel, aluminum and composite materials. This experience and knowledge has made New Zealand one of the important players in the global yacht building industry.

Top New Zealand shipyards

Southern Wind

“Southern Wind” is an outstanding New Zealand shipyard specializing in building luxury sailing vessels. They are renowned for their attention to detail, quality materials and technological innovation. Southern Wind yachts are recognized worldwide for their elegance and performance.

Weta Marine

“Weta Marine is the shipyard that has created the innovative Weta multifunctional yachts. These vessels offer a unique experience for yachtsmen thanks to their lightness and speed. “Weta Marine” promotes marine sports and the accessibility of sailing.

Yachting Developments

“Yachting Developments is a shipyard with a rich history in building superyachts. They specialize in building luxury vessels for the world’s wealthy and regularly attract attention with their high-end projects.

Advantages of New Zealand shipyards

Why is New Zealand considered the perfect place to build modern yachts? Here are a few advantages:

• Unique nature and climate

New Zealand’s nature and climate create ideal conditions for testing and building yachts. The open seas and diverse natural scenery allow for testing vessels in a variety of conditions.

• Technological innovation

New Zealand shipyards are actively investing in technological innovation, including the use of composite materials and advanced navigation and control systems.

• Professional expertise

New Zealand has a rich pool of experienced and highly skilled boatbuilding professionals, including engineers, designers and master boatbuilders.

New Zealand shipyards have a well-deserved reputation as some of the best in the world. Their craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail make them leaders in the yacht building industry. If you dream of owning your own yacht of outstanding quality, New Zealand is the place where your dream can become a reality.

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Pioneers and first steps

The history of the New Zealand yachtbuilding industry began in the late nineteenth century when the first European settlers brought with them the traditions of marine construction. At first they were wooden sailing ships built for long sea voyages and fishing. The first shipyards were small, but over time they began to develop and improve their craftsmanship.

Transition to modernization

From the mid-twentieth century, New Zealand shipyards began to move away from wooden ships to more modern materials such as steel and aluminum. This opened up new horizons for local designers and engineers. They began to create yachts that could compete with global competition.

The Golden age of yacht building

The 1970s and 1980s were the golden age of New Zealand yacht building. This period was marked by New Zealand’s participation in America’s Cup, one of the most prestigious regattas in the world. Yachts built by New Zealand shipyards began to dominate the races, attracting the attention of the world.

Innovation and technological advances

One of the keys to the success of the New Zealand yacht building industry is the constant focus on innovation and technological advances. Local shipyards are introducing new materials, systems and designs that make New Zealand yachts in demand in the global market.

Global contribution to ocean racing

New Zealand plays an important role in organizing and participating in ocean races such as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Local teams and yachts participate in these races, promoting marine sport and New Zealand expertise around the world.

World recognition and global brands

Today, New Zealand yachts and yacht building yards inherit traditions that began centuries ago. New Zealand brands such as Southern Wind and Weta Marine are recognized worldwide for the quality and innovation of their products.

New Zealand remains a leader in the world of yacht building, providing unique vessels for racing and luxury cruising. This country continues to inspire many yachtsmen and remain at the forefront of the world’s yachting industry. In the future, it will no doubt continue its journey of innovation and quality in this exciting area of maritime adventure.

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