Cape Town’s ambitions to become a leading global maritime destination have received a significant boost after the V&A Waterfront’s Quay 7 Superyacht Marina was recognised with a major provincial innovation award.
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The development has been named the recipient of the 2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Award for Outstanding Innovation and Contribution to Growth and Development in Infrastructure and Connectivity. The accolade was presented by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry in recognition of the marina’s role in strengthening maritime infrastructure, improving international connectivity and supporting economic growth across the Western Cape.
Currently under construction in the Granger Bay precinct, the R230 million marina is scheduled for completion in October 2026.
Once operational, Quay 7 will provide dedicated berthing facilities for superyachts measuring between 30 and 90 metres. The project aims to meet growing international demand for world-class superyacht facilities in Cape Town while simultaneously supporting South Africa’s marine manufacturing industry.
According to V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood, the award highlights the broader economic potential of strategic infrastructure investment.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition,” said Wood. “Quay 7 demonstrates how strategic infrastructure investment can create meaningful economic opportunities across marine services, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and logistics.”
Supporting tourism and marine manufacturing
Cape Town has increasingly established itself as a preferred stopover and servicing destination for international superyachts, thanks to its location, technical expertise and scenic appeal.
The Quay 7 facility has been designed around a dual-use operating model. During the busy summer season, it will accommodate visiting superyachts, while in quieter months it will serve local boat builders by providing commissioning and export staging facilities.
This approach is intended to maximise year-round use of the marina while supporting both tourism growth and local industry.
Southern Wind CEO Marco Alberti welcomed the development, describing the additional capacity as arriving at an important time for the sector.
The South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX) also praised the project. Chairman John Craig noted the longstanding collaboration between the V&A Waterfront and local boat builders, while Executive Manager Vanessa Davidson said the development would help strengthen South Africa’s position as a globally recognised marine manufacturing hub.
Economic benefits beyond the harbour
Beyond the yachts themselves, the marina is expected to create opportunities across a wide range of sectors.
Marine engineering firms, logistics providers, fuel suppliers, hospitality businesses, training institutions and tourism operators are all expected to benefit from increased activity generated by the facility.
Andre Blaine, Executive: Marine & Industrial Property at the V&A Waterfront, said the marina had been designed to address practical industry needs while maximising economic impact.
“What makes Quay 7 unique is that it has been designed to solve real operational challenges while maximising economic impact,” said Blaine. “By supporting both international superyacht visitation and local marine manufacturing, the marina creates long-term value for the broader marine economy.”
Looking ahead, the facility will also pursue Gold Anchor accreditation, an internationally recognised benchmark for marina excellence. Achieving the certification would further enhance Cape Town’s standing among the world’s leading maritime and superyacht destinations.
As construction continues toward its October 2026 completion date, Quay 7 is already being recognised as a key investment in the future of Cape Town’s ocean economy.
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