Plans for an expansion of Australia’s leading superyacht centre would trigger a business and employment boom for Rivergate Marina and Shipyard’s longest serving tenant, Wright Marine.

Recognised internationally for its premium superyacht service, Wright Marine expects a huge increase in business under Rivergate’s proposal to develop a $200 million maintenance and refit hub capable of lifting vessels up to 3,000 tonnes.

The Wright name is iconic in the Australian marine industry with Wright Marine specialising in top quality cabinetry and custom furniture services for some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.

Owner Shannon Wright said his business growth had mirrored the success of Rivergate since its launch 16 years ago.

Mr Wright said Rivergate’s premier location and strong reputation for outstanding tradesmen had helped Wright Marine go from strength-to-strength, generate new jobs and create career pathways for apprentices in the marine industry.

“Since moving to Rivergate 16 years ago, we have been able to significantly grow our business and close to double our employment opportunities,” he said.

“We currently have eight staff but with the expansion, we see that growing to at least 20, including apprentices.

“With an international super yacht boom, it is an amazing time for our industry, and we all have this great opportunity at Rivergate to further expand our businesses.”

Mr Wright was the first tenant at Rivergate 16 years ago, seeing the incredible potential for his business to grow and be internationally recognised.

The expansion will be a vital step forward in keeping the national marine industry growing and thriving. As older workers leave the industry, there are now great opportunities to train new apprentices with valuable experience working on superyachts in excess of 60 metres.

“I started my business at 22 years of age, in an industrial estate and I knew I was very good at what I did and wanted to share that with the rest of the world,” Mr Wright said.

“Rivergate’s location and our skilled tradesmen are what makes us such a big drawcard for superyachts not just in Australia but around the world,” he said.

“We are all very excited about the expansion at Rivergate, as there is great potential for an employment boom as we see an increase of superyacht vessels visiting our shores.”

The planned expansion will dramatically increase the shipyard’s capabilities, create the largest facility in the Asia Pacific region capable of lifting out and servicing multiple superyachts, and put Rivergate and Australia firmly on the map as a priority superyacht destination.

The expansion would provide a synchrolift capable of lifting superyachts of up to 3,000 tonnes, or around 90 metres, for vital inspections, maintenance, repairs and refits.

Other plans include a hardstand with capacity for multiple superyachts, three large refit sheds, two in water service berths, a 5-storey Trade Centre with offices, training rooms, café, crew accommodation and crew recreation facilities, and extensive car parking.

Plans for the expansion are at an advanced stage with a Development Application lodged and construction ready to commence in 2021.

To find out more, go to www.rivergatesuperyachts.com.au or follow Rivergate Marina and Shipyard on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RivergateMarina