Work has begun on the first three pontoons for the V&A’s new superyacht marina, which is on schedule for an official opening on November 1.
Project stakeholders held a symbolic ‘keel-laying’ ceremony at Damen Shipyards Cape Town where staff are constructing large marina pontoons. The facility represents a R230-million investment in South Africa’s maritime economy, and a significant step forward for Cape Town’s ambitions of establishing itself as a superyacht repair and maintenance hub.
“The keel laying ceremony marks the moment where years of planning this strategic maritime infrastructure becomes a visible reality,” V&A CEO Graham Wood says in a project press update. “Quay 7 will position the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town where they belong, on the global superyacht circuit, and create long-term economic opportunities for the marine services sector, local manufacturers and the broader ocean economy. Every weld brings that future closer.”
Each of the six 30-metre pontoons is being built in three sections, with steel plates first fabricated into structural sub-panels covering the bottom, side shells, bulkheads and deck sections, before being assembled into complete pontoon structures.
“Once complete, each pontoon will be outfitted with fire and lifesaving equipment, water supply and electrical kiosks, bollards, fenders, world-class IT connectivity, bamboo decking and shear fenders securing the structure to the Quay 7 wall adjacent to the new Cape Town EDITION hotel,” the V&A says.