With his recent appointment to the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) General Committee and as Chair of its new Superyachts Cluster, Simone Centola is helping sharpen Singapore’s direction in the sector. His aim is clear: position the city‑state as Asia’s leading destination for refit, repair, technology upgrades and specialised superyacht services.

“Singapore offers construction and engineering depth, world‑class logistics and legal certainty; three pillars that matter enormously to owners and captains,” he says.

A Shifting Global Landscape

For decades, Europe and the US have led in superyacht construction and after‑sales service. Asia is now emerging as a strong complement. Singapore, in particular, is recording steady growth in visiting yachts, most arriving from within the region and the Pacific. Although wider geopolitical conditions have temporarily reduced Mediterranean‑to‑Asia transits, regional yacht movements continue to increase.

“Asia’s fleet is growing because the next generation of owners lives here,” Simone says. “The want proximity, reliability and access to cruising grounds. International owners are also drawn to Asia’s cruising destinations. To support that, the region needs trusted service hubs, and Singapore is ready to take on that role.”

More Than Shipyards: A Complete Marine Services Ecosystem

Singapore’s advantage goes beyond its shipyards. The city‑state is a centre for wealth and asset management, advisory work and specialist professional services—an environment that naturally aligns with superyacht ownership and management. Its regulatory framework is predictable, logistics are exceptionally efficient and visiting technical teams benefit from clear and dependable processes.

A Strategic Operational Base for Southeast Asia

While Singapore is not a leisure cruising destination in the way Thailand or Indonesia are, it serves a different purpose: the region’s operational and technical base for superyachts.

Changi Airport remains one of Singapore’s major strengths. Rapid customs and cargo processing ease the movement of spare parts, specialist equipment and crew, and provide owners and guests with seamless international connections.

Local shipyards already deliver complex engineering, refit and maintenance work supported by experienced subcontractors and suppliers. International design and technology partners can integrate their systems without difficulty. Additional local capacity, along with potential future expansion in nearby Batam, is strengthening the regional service landscape.

Long‑term national infrastructure plans are also opening possibilities. The consolidation of container operations at Tuas is gradually freeing central waterfront space for marine‑related uses. The proposed Long Island coastal protection project, an 800‑hectare reclamation along the East Coast, may create new waterfront areas, parks and marine tourism infrastructure as part of a future 120 km continuous coastline.

Market Activity & Berthing

According to sgmarineguide.com, Singapore hosts 30–40 resident yachts in the 24–30 m range and around 10 above 40 m. The greatest economic impact comes from visiting 50–100 m yachts: typically four to five vessels per month, staying one to three months, with each visit generating between SGD 500,000 and over SGD 1 million in local spending.

The same source notes:

• Superyacht berths at Raffles Marina, ONE°15 Marina, Marina at Keppel Bay and the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
  
• Options for 90 m+ yachts at Keppel Island’s East Wharf and HarbourFront Cruise Centre (via agents)
  
• Eastern and Western Anchorages for yachts not requiring a marina berth
  
• Bunkering best scheduled during arrivals or departures, as some barges cannot enter marina basins
  

Yard and marina space remain in high demand, but interest in Singapore’s services continues to grow. Investments by selected yards and suppliers, combined with major infrastructure developments, are positioning Singapore to capture a greater share of the market. The wider economic benefits extend into marine services, hospitality, retail and culture.

SBIA Superyachts Cluster: From Vision to Delivery

Mission: Connect. Elevate. Deliver.

• Connect regional and global stakeholders through delegations, roundtables and technical exchanges
  
• Elevate sustainability, compliance and innovation standards
  
• Deliver outcomes that build confidence among owners, captains and advisors
  

Singapore’s superyachts potential has been discussed for years, but the new Cluster places emphasis on implementation. By involving local yards and suppliers, and aligning activities with international associations and major yacht shows, it aims to close capability gaps and integrate Singapore more fully into the global superyachts network.

Why Singapore?

Predictability and performance underpin Singapore’s appeal. Superyacht projects rely on precision, from customs processes to technical execution and project management,

and Singapore can offer these conditions at scale. “Our goal is to help position Singapore as Asia’s benchmark for superyachts services, aligned with global standards,” Simone says.

As next‑generation marinas and waterfront destinations take shape around the world, Singapore is well placed to capture a greater share of the superyachts tourism and services market.

Key Cluster Events – 2026

• South East Asia Yachting Conference, 22 April
  Featuring a Superyachts Refit Panel focused on Singapore’s service strengths
  
• Singapore Yachting Festival, 23–26 April
  With a dedicated Superyachts Lounge for industry leaders and partners
  
• Monaco Yacht Show Delegation, 23–26 September
  Supporting collaboration and commercial development at the sector’s flagship event

About Simone Centola

Role: Chair, SBIA Superyachts Cluster & SBIA General Committee Member 
Experience: 25 years across maritime, defence, technology, manufacturing and luxury sectors; 15 years in Singapore 
Expertise: Advising yachts owners, shipyards, suppliers and associations on strategy, governance, transactions, contracts and dispute resolution. 
Vision: For Singapore to be recognised as Asia’s leading centre for superyachts refit, repair and advanced services, supported 

Singapore, 28 August 2025 – The Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where a new General Committee was elected to guide the Association forward.

Mr. Arthur Tay, Chairman of SUTL Global, has been elected Chairman of SBIA. Arthur will be supported by:

• Vice Chairman: James Wong, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

• Honorary Secretary: Quek Wee Teck, Wanderlust Adventures

• Honorary Treasurer: Siaw Chee Huat , Raffles Marina

Supporting the Office Bearers, five members were elected to the General Committee:

• Terence Ho, SALTS Marine

• Vijaya Jeyaprakash, Eelat

• Kent Tan, Go Ocean

• Ng Kah Meng, Bob Marine

• Simone Centola, Gateway Law Corporation

The election of this diverse and experienced committee marks a significant milestone for SBIA as it continues its mission to represent and strengthen Singapore’s boating industry and also the Southeast Asia boating industry. 

Arthur Tay, Chairman of SBIA, commented:

“Singapore has all the elements to be Asia’s leading boating hub. By uniting our industry through SBIA, we can work collectively to enhance the boating experience, advocate for our members’ interests, and build stronger recognition from government and international partners. Our focus on industry clusters ensures every sector has a platform, and together we will create sustainable growth for boating in Singapore.”

With the establishment of dedicated clusters within the boating business that will directly to support the industry needs to grow including driving for more marinas and making boating easier to access in Singapore. The Association will be able to focus on specific sectors, ensuring that members’ needs are addressed and the industry’s voice is amplified both locally and internationally.

The Association is confident that with strong leadership, focused clusters, and a growing membership base, SBIA will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of recreational boating and nautical tourism in Singapore.

The AGM concluded with a Grow Boating Singapore networking event, where members and the wider marine industry gathered to connect, share ideas, and strengthen collaboration. This further highlighted SBIA’s role as a unifying platform for the recreational marine sector in Singapore.

SBIA is proud to continue to be part of ICOMIA, a relationship that outgoing Chairman YP Loke was instrumental in establishing. Looking ahead, SBIA will focus on forming more strategic alliances in the region, building on its collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association, to strengthen boating together.

For media kit and photos click here, for more details, please contact Wade Pearce at secretariat@singaporeboating.org or visit www.singaporeboating.org

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About the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA)

The Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) is the national trade body for Singapore’s recreational marine and nautical tourism sector. It represents marinas, dealers, charter operators, suppliers, service providers and related businesses, providing a unified voice for the industry. SBIA works to grow boating in Singapore, raise industry standards, and strengthen Singapore’s position as Asia’s premier boating hub through advocacy, collaboration, and international partnerships.

Dear Members,

We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA).

Date: Monday, 25 August 2025

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Venue: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Boardroom

Video Access: Available for travelling members upon request (see below)

The AGM will cover annual reporting, election of the next General Committee, and a discussion on key industry issues and opportunities for member participation through working groups and clusters.

Please find attached:

• Notice of AGM & Preliminary Agenda

• Nomination Form for General Committee positions

Important Notes:

• Members are strongly encouraged to attend in person.

• A video link will be provided for members who are travelling.

• Voting via video link will only be permitted with prior approval from the General Committee.

• Nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, 20 August 2025, with a proposer and seconder (both voting members) and the nominee’s written consent.

Following the AGM, we invite you to join us for Grow Boating Networking Drinks at Latitude Bistro, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove 6pm - 8pm. This informal gathering is open to both members and non-members in the industry, and is a great opportunity to connect with peers, share updates, and introduce potential new members to SBIA.

PORT MARINE NOTICE NO. 96 OF 2025.pdf

As of 17 July 2025, rectification works have commenced on the parapet wall at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) breakwater and are scheduled to continue until 16 January 2026, according to Port Marine Notice No. 96 of 2025 issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

Scope of Works

The project includes:

• Removal of damaged parapet walls

• Installation of new parapet structures

• Removal and replacement of affected concrete slabs

Work will take place Monday to Saturday from 0700H to 1900H, subject to site conditions.

Location

The designated working area is just off RSYC and is clearly marked by the following coordinates:

• 01°17.661’N, 103°45.532’E

• 01°17.675’N, 103°45.540’E

• 01°17.659’N, 103°45.568’E

• 01°17.645’N, 103°45.560’E

(Refer to MPA’s chartlet in the official notice for exact area details.)

Safety Advisory for Mariners

Boaters are strongly advised to:

• Keep clear of the designated working area

• Maintain a proper lookout

• Navigate with caution and at a safe speed

• Monitor VHF Channel 18 (Pasir Panjang Control) when transiting the vicinity

Approved working craft including crane barges, tug boats, and safety boats will be operating in the area and will display appropriate local and international signals.

Further Information

For project-specific enquiries, contact:

Mr. Alston Lim, Technical Manager

Tel: +65 9641 8685

Email: alston@mtc.com.sg

The Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) is proud to announce its attendance at the 2025 ICOMIA Congress, the global gathering of national marine industry associations and key stakeholders in the recreational boating sector.=

Held this year in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, the Congress brings together leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, align industry standards, and shape the future of boating on a global scale. As the voice of Singapore’s boating community, SBIA’s participation ensures that regional concerns and opportunities are represented on an international platform.

Topics on the agenda include:

• Global sustainability and decarbonisation goals for recreational boating

• Harmonisation of standards for marina infrastructure and boatbuilding

• Electrification and lithium-ion battery safety in marine environments

• Cross-border collaboration between marine industry associations

• Best practices for industry-led policy engagement

SBIA’s presence underscores its commitment to building stronger international links and bringing global insights back to Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the unique strengths—and challenges—of boating in Singapore, from limited berthing space to its role as a key gateway for regional yacht movements.

“Attending ICOMIA helps us keep pace with where the industry is headed and gives us the chance to ensure that small but important markets like Singapore are not overlooked,” said a representative from SBIA.

Following the Congress, SBIA will share a full summary of key takeaways with its members and partners, along with recommendations for how Singapore’s marine sector can align with global developments.

For updates or to get involved in SBIA’s international engagement efforts, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@singaporeboating.org

The Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) is proud to be a strategic partner of the upcoming Southeast Asia Yachting Conference 2025, taking place on 8–9 April 2025 at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove.

As the region’s only dedicated business conference for the leisure marine sector, the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference brings together industry leaders, shipyards, government agencies, and service providers for two days of insights, collaboration, and action.

SBIA’s involvement reflects its commitment to supporting a stronger, more connected marine industry across Singapore and Southeast Asia. As a partner, SBIA will play a key role in engaging local stakeholders, spotlighting Singapore’s unique role in regional yachting, and helping to raise the visibility of key issues and opportunities.

Key topics at this year’s conference include:

• Infrastructure growth and marina development across ASEAN

• Superyacht migration trends and support services

• Yacht financing, insurance, and regulation

• Cross-border collaboration between marine industry associations

• The future of electric and hybrid propulsion in Asia

SBIA members and partners will benefit from preferential access and networking opportunities during the event, including breakout sessions, business matching, and a pre-event networking reception.

“We believe Singapore is uniquely positioned to lead regional conversations on boating development, and this conference is the perfect platform to do so,” said an SBIA spokesperson.

More details on the speaker lineup and session schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Interested attendees and sponsors can register their interest via the official Southeast Asia Yachting Conference website.

For collaboration or partnership enquiries, contact the SBIA Secretariat at secretariat@singaporeboating.org