Local yards may not be pushing out as many new builds as last year, but tariff and economic headwinds did little to diminish positive sentiment as this year’s ABC which concluded on October 1 at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
Partly this has to do with recent progress in the Quay 7 superyacht marina at the V&A, a mega-project with catalytic potential and a key conference talking point. The development is generating widespread enthusiasm with its potential to position Cape Town as a world-class destination for visiting luxury vessels.
Fresh data presented at the conference highlighted that Southern Africa recorded 36 visiting superyachts over 24 metres last year, more than double the 14 recorded just a few years ago, underscoring the immense economic potential of expanding local berth capacity and servicing infrastructure.
However, the mood throughout the two-day gathering remained grounded by ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic realities. Delivering the opening address, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde tackled the looming issue of US tariff risks and AGOA uncertainty head-on, reminding delegates of the deep cross-border ties that underpin the sector.
“South African boatbuilders use US technology, components, and equipment, meaning restrictions on our exports can also mean fewer orders for American suppliers,” Winde pointed out, emphasising that international trade policy must recognise the two-way flow of value across the transatlantic maritime supply chain.
Beyond global trade headwinds, sessions focused heavily on unlocking regional potential across Africa’s coastlines, expanding local skills development, and addressing crucial operational hurdles, including closing critical insurance and risk gaps during sea trials and vessel delivery.
Despite the complex trading backdrop, the overriding takeaway from ABC was one of resilience and long-term vision. By pairing world-class boatbuilding heritage with strategic infrastructural investments like Quay 7, the Southern African marine industry continues to prove that it can navigate turbulent global waters while building a sustainable, collaborative future.