The first phase of Hong Kong's largest yacht marina in the Airport Authority's ambitious SKYTOPIA development project is expected to be completed in 2028, according to Cissy Chan Ching-sze, the authority's commercial executive director.
The announcement comes as the Asia-Pacific superyacht market shows robust growth, with 530 vessels over 30 meters active in the region last year, of which 343 were owned by Asian nationals, according to the 2025 report from SuperYacht Times.
Hong Kong currently ranks second in regional ownership with 92 superyachts, or custom vessels over 30 meters long, trailing only Australia's 146.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025 on Wednesday, when the two-day event kicked off in the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, Chan said that the 500-berth facility aims to capitalize on the growing regional demand as Hong Kong positions itself as Asia's premier yachting hub.
Chan emphasized SKYTOPIA's strategic advantages: direct connectivity to Hong Kong International Airport's 70 million annual passengers, proximity to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and alignment with China's expanding yacht tourism policies.
Cissy Chan (left two) said SKYTOPIA plan includes art galleries, premium seafood markets and luxury hotels
"This isn't just about air travel," she said. "We're leveraging our prime location to create a world-class destination that combines aviation, marine and luxury experiences."
The marina development addresses Hong Kong's critical berth shortage while catering to an increasing number of superyachts in the region. According to the yacht report, 20 percent of Asia-Pacific vessels exceed 50 meters, compared to 16 percent globally.
SKYTOPIA's integrated plan includes art galleries, premium seafood markets and luxury hotels designed to create synergy with private aviation services.
"We're seeing increasing superyacht traffic that complements our growing private jet operations," Chan noted.
Since its January announcement, the project has drawn strong interest from investors across mainland China, Indonesia, Singapore and the Middle East during Chan's recent industry engagements, Chan revealed.
Chan added that construction on the yacht marina's first phase will be completed by 2028, after which the authority plans to continue promoting the development.
(Ayra Wang)
