Queensland’s premier shipbuilding facility, Rivergate Marina, is pressing ahead with plans to develop a $200-million maintenance and refit hub in partnership with general contractor Wright Marine.
Wright Marine, an established name in marine refits and repairs, expects to see their workforce increasing in the coming years once the plan receives the greenlight. Owner Shannon Wright acknowledges Rivergate’s premier location and strong reputation for outstanding tradesmen in helping their business go from strength-to-strength and in generating new jobs and creating career pathways for apprentices in the marine industry.
“We currently have eight staff but with the expansion, we see that growing to at least 20, including apprentices,” said Wright, who was the first official tenant at Rivergate 16 years ago.
Rivergate is aiming to be the largest superyacht hub in the Asia Pacific, with a new hub that would be capable of lifting vessels up to 3,000 tonne and the capacity for 8 to 12 vessels in refit sheds and on the hardstand. It will feature an on-site crew accommodation and resort-style recreation, as well as a 5-storey trade centre with offices, training rooms, café and car parking.
Once complete, the new hub will create an even greater ongoing contribution to Brisbane’s economy. Based on the advisory group AEC’s economic impact assessment report, the superyacht hub will generate $154.6 million for local businesses during construction and create a total of 433 direct and indirect jobs.
About Rivergate
Rivergate is recognised as Australia’s premier superyacht facility with an enviable track record that has placed them among the top three shipyards in the world and earned numerous industry awards. In November 2020, they were named Superyacht industry Service Provider of the year at the Australian Maritime Industry Awards.
Anyone interested in learning more about the job opportunities at Rivergate Marina are encouraged to visit rivergatesuperyachts.com.au.
