DOCKYARD DELIVERS FOR THE MARINE INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Located at Largs North on Port Adeliade River, just 20 minutes’ drive from the Adelaide CBD, DockYard is a state-of-the-art Marine Services Precinct covering approximately 16 hectares of marina, purpose-built marine hardstand and docking facilities.

Known as Marina Adelaide until 2019 when the facility was acquired by DockYard Co with the aim of expanding the footprint and investing in industry training, the facility provides 175 berths up to 30-metres, marina facilities, boat ramp, fuel dock, 75 and 150 tonne travel lifts, and maintenance sheds.

A vibrant hub for the cruising and racing community since 1897, the Port Adelaide Sailing Club is situated within DockYard and owns 98 of the facility’s 175 berths.

According to Jason Day, DockYard general manager, the facility is composed of two businesses: DockYard Services and DockYard Adelaide.

DockYard Adelaide manages the infrastructure and operation of the site including the buildings, marina, lift and hardstand operations as a common user facility. DockYard Services was an asset acquisition of an existing 40-year-old service and boat building business in August 2023 previously known as Port River Marine Services.

On site, an array of tenants spans the gamut of marine trades, project managers and boat builders catering to commercial and recreational vessels, as well as hardstand space for boat owners to undertake DIY works.

Currently the yard currently lifts around 13 vessels per week, or a total of 700 per annum.

“The vision of the CEO and Board of Directors is to invest in the facility and building the local industry which will be achieved through a focus on rebooting the apprenticeship and training program with the BIA, the Australia Institute of Engineers, aiming to train the next generation of shipwrights,” Day explains.

“Our shipwrights and marine specialists have a combined 200 years of experience among them, and some close to retirement. We have a responsibility to invest in the industry and make sure the conditions are right for all the other related businesses to grow too.”

Trailerboats, medium to large motor yachts, defence vessels and commercial craft including charter, tourism and work boats form the bulk of DockYard’s clientele. Its proximity to major marinas including Royal South Australian Yacht Club, Haven Cove and Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia to the north and marinas in Glenelg and Seacliff to the south ensure a steady flow of boats.

“We’re proud to say that in its class, DockYard is the best that’s been built,” asserts Day. “It’s an exceptional facility and we have a bigpicture plan to build on this, with further investment in an 800 or 1,000 tonne lift, and expansion of marine businesses in the precinct.”

South Australia has all the attributes of an alluring cruising yacht destination, offering around 300 or so islands off its coastline, including Kangaroo Island (Australia’s third largest island), Boston Island off Port Lincoln, the Investigator Group, Gambier Islands, Sir Joseph Banks Group and several islands in Spencer Gulf.

There is a strong marine tourism sector, comprising diving, fishing, surfing, whale watching, cage diving with sharks and wreck diving around the reefs and islands, and South Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, vineyards and agriculture, festivals, events, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

“Once you’re here, there’s a lot to explore,” Day says.

A BIA member since 2007 when it operated as Marina Adelaide, DockYard has benefited from the organisation’s support and advocacy, specifically the strong relationship BIA has fostered with government agencies in South Australia.

“The BIA is a great way to share expertise and experience among members. It is also important to be part of the organisation that represents industry to government. South Australia is very fortunate that the BIA has an incredibly good relationship with government departments.”

And while tempting international superyachts to Australian shores is a priority on the east coast, South Australia has its collective eye on the small to medium sized segment.

“We have a lot of rebuilding to do among the smaller end of the market with a focus on boating as a family pastime. We can’t take our eyes off that. If we don’t cultivate this segment, there won’t be an evolution to larger vessels.” dockyard.com.au