The V&A Waterfront and Damen Shipyards Cape Town achieved a significant milestone in the development of the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina, marking the official start of production with a traditional keel-laying ceremony at the Port of Cape Town.
The ceremony at the shipping company on Thursday, July 16, signals the formal transition from design and planning to physical construction, a recognised maritime tradition as the project’s official "birth date."
For the V&A Waterfront, it represents the welding of the first structural steel plates for six purpose-built floating pontoons, a project set to establish Cape Town as a globally competitive destination on the international superyacht circuit.
The shipping company, a specialist known for its work on patrol vessels, research ships, and tugs, is spearheading the construction.
Managing director Hermoine Manuel described this as their most technically advanced marina project to date, showcasing a powerful blend of international expertise and local capability.
"This project is an example of international expertise combined with South African talent and local supplier capability," she said.
"It demonstrates that complex maritime infrastructure can be designed, procured, constructed, and delivered to international standards right here in Cape Town," said Manuel.
The commitment to local economic growth is central to the project, with 76 percent of procurement spend directed towards local suppliers to date.
The R230 million development is currently 45 percent complete and remains on track to transform the Victoria Basin.
Beyond its immediate construction, the marina has been designed for long-term economic impact through a unique dual-purpose model.
While it will provide eight berths for luxury vessels of up to 90 metres during the peak superyacht season, it will also support the local boat-building sector during the off-season.
By facilitating commissioning and export staging for Cape Town’s world-renowned catamaran manufacturers - including Robertson and Caine, Two Oceans Marine, and Balance Catamarans - the facility ensures year-round economic activity.
Waterfront chief executive officer Graham Wood said that Quay 7 would 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," he said.
Construction is scheduled for completion by Saturday, October 31, with an official opening planned for the next day.
This infrastructure not only promises to elevate marine services but also stands as a testament to Cape Town's growing status as a premier maritime hub, ensuring lasting economic vitality for the region.
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