Governments in many of the Asia Pacific island countries are looking to support the yachting community and industry by allowing more marinas to be constructed and expanded alongside of news of upgraded and regulations on the size of visiting superyachts.
In Thailand the Marine Department recently amended a regulation for superyacht and sports boat arrivals to support the current maritime situation and promote the marine tourism business. The announcement was made by Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri on 22nd September, citing recent changes by the Marine Department. The Transport Ministry has upgraded its regulations on the size of superyachts visiting Thailand to promote the country as an Asian marina hub. The revisions focus is on expanding vessel size allowances, reducing the minimum length requirement for super yachts from 30 metres to 24 metres, while maintaining a maximum of 12 passengers, aligning with international standards. Insurance coverage was also updated, mandating at least US$5 million per incident, and administrative processes have been streamlined with a new electronic application system.
Thailand is an example of the growing number of yachts longer than 24 metres entering and leaving Asia Pacific. The Ministry of Transport noted Phuket data over the past three years showed 41 super yachts arrived in Phuket in 2021 compared to 117 in 2022 and 148 in 2023. As reported in the Bangkok Post, according to the Ministry they are now working on two cruise terminal projects in Laem Chabang Port and Koh Samui in keeping with the government’s efforts to promote the country as an Asian marina hub.
Another example of upcoming new marinas is the launching of the Zamani Islands Superyacht Marina in 2026 in the Maldives, reports APS Maldives managing director Mohamed Hameed. This cutting-edge project aims at transforming the superyacht experience into an exceptionally luxurious convenience. Set to be the island chain’s first dedicated Superyacht Marina, opening in 2026, the Zamani Islands development will comprise three resorts spread across eight islands and a Superyacht Marina that will accommodate 120 berths.
Free cruising permits are being granted to all yachts under 20m and an increase on the previous limit of 15m as rules for visiting yachts are being eased and relaxed by the authorities. In the past few years Maldives has become one of the top cruising destinations in the area with 35 to 50 superyachts visiting the country every year, including mega yachts measuring up to 150 metres. “Asia Pacific regions are enhancing worldwide yachting visits with revised charter license laws along with changes that will make it so much easier and less costly for more superyachts to visit these country islands, now more accessible than ever in the past”, reports Hameed, also noting the Maldives visiting period has expanded from November to May and vessels are staying longer, 45-60 days on average.
APS directors and experts will welcome visitors as the Platinum Sponsor of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association September 24th ‘Asia Superyacht Night in Monaco’ and 25th – 28th and at the APS Stand DS25, reports Gordon Fernandes. “APS will have the highest number to date of member experts attending MYS, ready to meet visitors that have a strong interest in visiting Asia and around the world tours. APS members in Monaco include Gordon Fernandes, Tanyuta Singhmanee (Jojo), Mohamed Hameed, Nadhira Muneer, Wadhood Adam, Keith Mellon, Gilbert o’Ffay, Christophe Houareau, R. Rathnam, and Alex Harrison.
Asia Pacific appeal and news of a lessening in restrictions for visiting Superyachts is critical information for superyacht owners, captains and industry professionals planning a trip to the area. Many Owners and Captains are recognising the Asia Pacific cruising season is year-round and South East Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Andaman Islands are particularly popular.