Developers Circle as Interest in Marina Projects Rises
International and local developers are already showing interest and seeking partnerships to work on Hong Kong’s ambitious plan for new marinas, including the Aberdeen South harbour expansion project that will feature 250 private flats and 200 berths for yachts up to 50 metres in length.
Eight firms have submitted expressions of interest in the project, according to the South China Morning Post. This includes Singapore’s SUTL Enterprise, which operates the city’s flagship Sentosa Cove marina and has also led developments in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia under its ONE°Marina brand. Jonathan Sit, regional general manager of SUTL’s marina division, told the Post that the enterprise saw strong potential in Hong Kong’s yachting market, citing its pool of high-net-worth individuals, upcoming marina projects, and easing requirements for visiting yachts. Sit said that the company was interested in becoming involved if it could find a suitable local partner familiar with local regulations and willing to lead on the residential component of the development.
Local experts have cautioned, however, against a real-estate-focused approach that prioritises the building of apartment blocks over critical marine infrastructure. Post reporters also spoke with a real estate advisory firm, which noted that the Aberdeen project appeared to be more concerned with shoreside properties than with developing the hardware needed for high-end yacht tourism. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club added that much more than just marina spaces are needed: freshwater points, waste disposal, and jetties also have to be built, and the territory must also work on easing restrictions and recognising overseas certificates of competence. New talent will also need to be developed to support the vessel maintenance and repair industry.
With the tendering process due to begin in the first half of 2027, the winning plan for the Aberdeen project will be a bellwether for where priorities lie in the government’s “yacht economy” ambitions.