The clock is counting down to a final decision from Gibraltar’s Development & Planning Commission on proposed new superyacht berths and short-stay rental apartments.

Vital for attracting the long-term berthing of the world’s finest superyachts, the industry is hoping for a ‘yes’.

 

Topping the ‘world’s finest superyachts’ league is 180-metre Azzam who docked in Gibraltar last year on her maiden voyage from the Lürssen shipyard in Bremen.

Dion Danino, Azzam’s Chief Officer and Relief Captain, said, “Large yachts struggle to find adequate berths in the Mediterranean, there are limited options with perhaps Barcelona or Tarragona being the only viable marinas equipped to handle these ever increasing sizes.

 

Tarragona, for example, has been refurbished for superyachts, the marina has groundbreaking shore power connections to suit the largest modern yachts and excellent facilities for crew including much welcomed modern short stay accommodation.

At the moment Gibraltar cannot offer large superyachts the same technology, facilities, or comfort which in my opinion is a lost economic opportunity given the Rock’s strategic location and tax-related incentives– always a bonus on such a financially-draining asset.”

The extravagant plans for Marina Bay at Ocean Village include the power supply improvements Captain Danino touched upon, alongside upgraded waste water disposal and pump-out facilities, state-of-the-art data networks and many crew creature comforts from wellness to laundry, workshops to lounges.

 

Security will be tight, while still giving public access to new landscaped promenades and an end-of-marina ‘mirador’.

To complement the ten new superyacht berths, a scheme of 101 waterside apartments will meet a need for short-stay accommodation for crew and their families – as well as other business-minded individuals visiting Gibraltar.

The three-storey buildings will be eco-friendly and incorporate play areas and swimming pools – all with relaxing views.

With DPC go ahead, superyachts will be able to enjoy zero VAT, duty-free fuel and zero import duty while Gibraltar’s service sector from bars to restaurants, chandlers to supermarkets, will reap the obvious knock-on rewards.

For further information on this proposed scheme contact info@oceanvillage.gi or view www.superyachtsandshortstayapts.com