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