THE eThekwini Municipality is advancing its plan to position Durban as Africa’s premier superyacht destination and service hub, with the City set to host the first African edition of the Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) On Tour Symposium at Moses Mabhida Stadium in November 2026.

The KZN Superyacht Marina anchors a R1.9b investment pipeline and is projected to create 2500 targeted jobs. It forms a strategic component of the Durban Bay Waterfront Project, aiming to establish Durban as the entry point to Africa on the emerging superyacht route linking the Mediterranean and the Eastern Seaboard, with a proposed superyacht precinct earmarked on a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban.

City Manager Musa Mbhele said the project was about far more than tourism.

Mbhele said: “The KZN Superyacht Marina is not just about berthing boats. It is about industrial development, skills transfer, and positioning Durban as the gateway to the Indian Ocean superyacht circuit. By hosting YARE and working with global partners such as Navigo, we are turning our maritime heritage into a high-value economic engine for the City and its residents.”

Investment and job creation

The City is advancing an estimated R1.9b private-sector investment pipeline with its international partner, Navigo, the Italy-based custodian of the YARE programme. The project targets more than 2500 direct jobs by 2030 and complements Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) ship repair strategy, which projects more than 25 000 employment opportunities across the sector.

The economic case is significant. A single superyacht visiting Cape Town has been reported to spend about R10m on diesel alone.

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With Navigo committing to bring 10 or more superyacht visits to Durban each year from 2028, annual fuel sales could reach around R100m, before spending on provisions, repairs and refits, accommodation, and tourism is counted.

Mbhele added: “Every superyacht that calls at our port supports local suppliers, technicians, hospitality businesses, and young people entering maritime careers. Our task is to make sure this opportunity translates into real jobs and skills for the people of eThekwini.”

Key milestones

• March 2026: The City signed a Letter of Intent with Navigo in Viareggio, Italy, introducing the new route to the international superyacht community.
• July 2026: Council approved a three-year partnership with Navigo and authorised the development of the KZN Superyacht Implementation Plan.
• September 2026: The City engaged global industry leaders at the Monaco Yacht Show under the Navigo umbrella.
• October 2026: eThekwini is a lead panellist on the blue economy at the African Boating Conference (ABC) in Cape Town, represented by Captain Londy Ngcobo.
• November 2026: Durban hosts the YARE On Tour Symposium at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Strategic alignment

The initiative is aligned with national and provincial ocean economy priorities, including Operation Phakisa (Oceans Economy), the Oceans Economy Master Plan 2035, TNPA’s Ship Repair and Manufacturing Plan – which is moving towards a landlord port model with private-sector concessions and the Presidential eThekwini Working Group.

The municipality invites investors, maritime businesses, and skills partners to engage with the programme ahead of the November symposium.

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