In order to be able to continue with the next stage of the development, Shimei Bay Marina’s supplier, Poralu Marine, is seeking support from the Chinese government. The marina is located on Hainan Island in China and is waiting for government permits to start the second phase of the construction, including a yacht club and all of its 208 berths.

Shimei Bay Marina - Image courtesy of PORALU MARINE

The first stage of the development was completed in January, with approximately 80 berths for yacht up to 50 metres being installed, as well as a fuelling station and breakwater, capable of protecting the yachts against typhoon conditions that can create waves even 7 metres high.

The Poralu-Asia Marina Consortium needs Chinese government to approve crucial permits to allow foreign yachts to berth, plus allow the developers to continue creating more services. These yacht services will comprise a yacht club and 170 additional berths.

Shimei Bay Marina is amongst a large-scale eco-tropical luxury holiday destinations and its plans also include a 12 square kilometre resort with five star hotels, Le Meridien and Westin, scheduled for completion this November.  In addition, there will be private villas on artificial islands with completion due in the next few years.

In order to attract more luxury yachts and superyachts, it is crucial that the marina completes its next stage of development. Poralu Marine believe that the lack of yachts in its berths (currently around 10) is due to the lack of attractions for the visitors to the marina. According to Poralu, the Chinese government is focusing more on low-class social housing development, proposing affordable activities, instead of promoting the luxury yachting industry. It also pointed out that the industry is still growing, with the new generations enjoying the sea, sailing and other water sports. They also believe that the next decade in the yachting industry will have a new phase, that will include luxury superyachts.