Wright Marine to more than double staff in line with Rivergate Marina and Shipyards expansion

A fit-out business that services luxury vessels expects to more than double its staff in the wake of the $200m Rivergate Marina expansion in Brisbane.

A luxury vessel fit-out business is set to ride the employment wave triggered by the planned multimillion dollar expansion of one of Australia’s leading superyacht centres.

Wright Marine will more than double staff over the next few years with the expectations of growth sparked by the proposed $200m expansion of the Brisbane-based Rivergate Marina and Shipyards.

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Owner Shannon Wright — whose company specialises top quality cabinetry and custom furniture services for some of the world’s most luxurious vessels — said his business growth had mirrored the success of Rivergate since its launch 16 years ago.

“Since moving to Rivergate, we have been able to significantly grow our business and close to double our employment opportunities,” he said.

“We currently have eight staff but with the expansion and we see that growing to at least 20, including apprentices.

“With an international superyacht boom, it’s an amazing time for our industry, and we all have this great opportunity at Rivergate to further expand our businesses.”

The proposed expansion of the shipyard in Murarrie is expected overall to create 2000 new jobs post COVID-19.

Wright Marine owner Shannon Wright.

When completed the marina will contribute close to $1 billion a year to the Queensland economy.

Mr Wright, who owns the company with his wife Megan, was the first tenant at Rivergate 16 years ago, and said the expansion will be a vital step forward in keeping the national marine industry growing and thriving.

He said as older workers leave the industry, there are now great opportunities to train new apprentices with valuable experience working on superyachts in excess of 60m.

“I started my business at 22 years of age, in an industrial estate and I knew I was very good at what I did and wanted to share that with the rest of the world,” Mr Wright said.

“Rivergate’s location and our skilled tradesmen are what makes us such a big drawcard for superyachts not just in Australia but around the world.

Inside one of Wright Marine's fitted superyachts.

“We’re all very excited about the expansion at Rivergate, as there is great potential for an employment boom as we see an increase of superyacht vessels visiting our shores.”

The planned expansion will dramatically increase the shipyard’s capabilities, create the largest facility in the Asia Pacific region capable of lifting out and servicing multiple superyachts.

The expansion would provide a synchrolift capable of lifting superyachts of up to 3000 tonnes, or around 90m, for vital inspections, maintenance, repairs and refits.

Other plans include a hardstand with capacity for multiple superyachts, three large refit sheds, two in water service berths, a five-storey Trade Centre with offices, training rooms, cafe, crew accommodation and crew recreation facilities, and extensive carparking.

Plans for the expansion are at an advanced stage with a Development Application lodged and construction ready to commence this year.