Job boom forecast as superyachts sail into Rivergate

Shannon Wright, Owner, Wright Marine at Rivergate

Plans for an expansion of Australia’s leading superyacht centre would trigger a business and employment boom for Rivergate Marina and Shipyard’s longest serving tenant, Wright Marine.

Wright Marine, recognised internationally for its premium superyacht service, expects a huge increase in business under Rivergate’s proposal to develop a $200 million maintenance and refit hub capable of lifting vessels up to 3,000 tonnes.

The Wright name is iconic in the Australian marine industry with Wright Marine specialising in top quality cabinetry and custom furniture services for some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.

Owner Shannon Wright says his business growth has mirrored the success of Rivergate since its launch 16 years ago.

Shannon believes Rivergate’s premier location and strong reputation for outstanding tradesmen has helped Wright Marine go from strength-to-strength, generate new jobs and create career pathways for apprentices in the marine industry.

“Since moving to Rivergate 16 years ago, 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, we see that growing to at least 20, including apprentices.

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

Shannon was the first official tenant at Rivergate 16 years ago, seeing the incredible potential for his business to grow and be internationally recognised.

The expansion will be a vital step forward in keeping the national marine industry growing and thriving. As older workers leave the industry, there are now great opportunities to train new apprentices with valuable experience working on superyachts in excess of 60 metres.

“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,” he 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,” he said.

“We are 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.”

To keep up to date with our expansion plans check out https://www.rivergatesuperyachts.com.au/.