Cape Town yard Phoenix Marine says South Africa is well positioned to expand its global market footprint due partly to improvements in the boatbuilding operating environment.
The Atlantis-based yard says the recent G20 Summit further boosted investor confidence in South Africa’s value proposition, at a time when most economic metrics are improving: “We’re seeing increased offshore interest in high-quality composite catamarans built outside the traditional European hubs, and South Africa is firmly back on the global radar. The operating environment has stabilised, logistics have improved, and with the G20 Summit, investor confidence in the country is strengthening, positioning South Africa to compete with established French production giants,” says yard founder Clinton Johns.
Phoenix has bolstered its concept-to-market capability in anticipation of a growing value-driven market. In addition to its expanded Omegaverse facility (Africa’s largest 5-axis CNC machine), it has strengthened its Studio 34° South design and engineering office. “That integration has given us smoother, more predictable production and a level of in-house control that international buyers are actively looking for in a value-driven market,” Johns says.
The vertical alignment is reflected in the success of multiple models, including the Bahari 52, Xquisite X5E PLUS, Xquisite XSC60’ sail catamaran “and potentially others on the horizon,” the yard says. “As the global boating sector works through its correction cycle, we believe 2025 will reward builders with strong technical foundations and clear cost-value advantages. Phoenix Marine is well-positioned for that, especially by leading the charge in sustainable innovation. Our commitment includes collaborative projects with the University of Cape Town focused on BioResin composite materials and parallel hybrid propulsion systems for our 50′ and 60′ platforms.”
“With design, tooling, machining, and production aligned under one ecosystem, and the capacity to support larger international programmes and strategic investment partnerships, Phoenix Marine offers a clear advantage in a demanding market,” Johns says.