Contract signed for largest superyacht facility in Asia-Pacific region

The Superyacht Base has secured a contract for a new superyacht marina in Kobe City, Japan. The new facility, which will be the largest superyacht facility in the Asia-Pacific region, is named Superyacht Base Kobe Marina and will begin construction in April 2025. 

Service will open for yachts in 2026, while the surrounding infrastructure – including marine offices, restaurants and the Kobe Yacht Club – will be completed in 2027.

The facility is part of the Kobe Harbour regeneration programme, where previously industrial spaces close to downtown Kobe are being redesigned for public enjoyment. The marina will feature over 1.4 kilometres of usable linear superyacht quays which can accommodate "any size vessel". 

Two quays are approximately 350 metres long, with three others measuring 100 metres each. Long-term leases will be available for purchase, as well as annual and shorter-term dockage options for all sizes of yachts. Stern-to dockage will be available for all yachts up to around 80 metres.

"It's a very exciting day. We have been working very hard planning this marina for over two years with our consortium partners," said Yukio Shintani, owner of Creation Marine and marina investor. "We will have a superyacht marina in Japan that has the facilities of marinas in Monaco, France and Italy, and in South Florida. One that can accommodate any size yacht that has yet been built or even imagined."

The marina's location in Kobe City will position it next to three major airports – two with international and private jet capabilities – as well as Shinkansen (bullet trains). It will also put superyacht owners right in the centre of Japan's archipelago of over 14,000 islands.

Nigel Beatty, owner of SYL Monaco, affirmed that the "cruising potential in Japan is incredible," with more international yachts coming every year. "There is 50 per cent more coastline than the United States, so there is a massive area to explore with still many undiscovered destinations. With a Mediterranean climate in many parts of the country, and sub-tropical in others, there is great winter cruising – and while it might be a bit chilly to swim, there is world-class skiing usually just a stone’s throw away from any yacht."

Superyacht Base Kobe will now begin to organise events with international yacht industry partners, such as superyacht conferences, shows and other rendezvous.

The consortium for Superyacht Base Kobe Marina consists of seven principal investors: GLION Group, Plan Do Sea, Horizon Yachts, Setouchi Brand Corporation, Creation Co., Ltd, SYL Monaco and SYL Japan.