NT missing out on hundreds of millions from superyacht industry

THE Territory is missing out on a potential windfall worth millions of dollars from the lucrative superyacht industry to neighbouring northern ports simply because of inferior marine infrastructure.

Ayla Lewis-Wharton and husband Toby Wharton began North Australia Yacht Support in 2017 to assist the superyachts arriving in Darwin. Picture: Justin Kennedy.

THE Territory is missing out on a potential windfall worth millions of dollars from the lucrative superyacht industry to neighbouring northern ports simply because of inferior marine infrastructure.

Darwin’s northern “neighbour” Cairns is set to attract more than $570 million from the industry by 2021, while Darwin is predicted to capture only $5 million because Kitchener Dr and Stokes Hill Wharf can’t accommodate the luxury vessels.

North Australia Yacht Support (NAYS) founders Ayla Lewis-Wharton and husband Toby Wharton created the superyacht industry in the NT.

The company organises everything needed to service the superyachts upon arrival, from fuel to food provisions to mechanical parts — all sourced from small businesses.

The vessels can spend anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million in a week on these services.

In 2018 Ms Lewis-Wharton welcomed Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s former vessel Octopus, worth about $200 million USD.

Ms Lewis-Wharton said superyachts such as Octopus can easily spend $1 million in a week.

She says her business cannot grow with Darwin’s current infrastructure.

“Unless we can get modifications to existing infrastructure or new infrastructure, I think we’ve hit the ceiling,” she said.

Industry professions say a $10 million upgrade to Kitchener Bay would give the industry the necessary boost.

ABP Permits director Chris Lovewell submitted a proposal for a mooring facility in Kitchener Bay in 2017, which has been sitting on Government desks for two years.

“The viability and sustainability of it is achievable, it’s not that far out of reach really.”

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics minister Eva Lawler said updates were being considered.

“There has been consideration for improving our marine facilities, such as a future ship lift to enable the servicing of large ships in the NT,” she said.

“This is explained in the 10-year Infrastructure Plan.”