The Government of Gibraltar has released figures showing that number of superyachts that visited the Rock in 2015 has more than doubled. Last year 478 luxury yachts moored in Gibraltar in comparison to 299 in 2014 — a 60% increase.
Despite the positive results there are several developments underway to try and persuade superyachts to stay for longer periods of time - instead of purely stopping off for cut-price fuel.
Plans are under way to transform Marina Bay into a destination marina for Gibraltar. The development includes 10 new superyacht berths and executive crew lounges, as well as 102 waterside apartments with leisure facilities.
On the east side of the rock, as part of a £1.1 billion project, a new marina is planned. The Blue Water Gibraltar marina will be exclusively for superyachts and the development will also include 450 high-end apartments and a five-star hotel.
Minister for shipping, the Honorable Albert Isola, said he was “delighted” with the figures, which also showed an overall rise in shipping activity.
“I am delighted to see such a pivotal contributor to Gibraltar's economy grow from strength to strength, particularly at a time when neighbouring ports are reporting a slowdown in activity,” he added.
“The Port’s robust performance is testament to the outstanding work of the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) in its efforts to further improve efficiency and in aggressively marketing the port”.
CEO and Captain of the Port Bob Sanguinetti added that the upward trend “reinforced Gibraltar's position as the Mediterranean’s leading bunker port”.
“I look forward to continuing to work in increasing our range and quality of services together with the team at the GPA and, of course, our private sector partners,” he added.