Royal Phuket Marina begins dredging to expand channel
on 18 Aug 2021
The improved access channel will allow round-the-clock access for yachts up to 35 metres
Royal Phuket Marina has announced a THB10 million (US$300,000) project to dredge the 750 metres of the Koh Kaew Canal inner channel up to the marina’s entrance, allowing 24-hour access, even at low tide.
The project will ensure an inner-channel width of 20 metres, and a depth of 2.5 metres, even at the lowest tide levels, and is scheduled to be completed in October 2021, at the start of the high season.
Together with the current outer-channel dredging work by Phuket’s Marine Department, slated for completion by the end of September, the project will greatly increase the accessibility to the marina, allowing boats up to 35 metres to safely enter and exit Royal Phuket Marina around the clock.
The initiative comes in addition to the marina’s continuous investment in sustainability. The marina has recently added new solar panels, quadrupling its solar-energy production.
Royal Phuket Marina
“This latest investment reinforces our commitment to our customers and to the betterment of the island’s overall marine infrastructure. We aim to attract additional yacht and boat owners to the island, who may have previously opted for other destinations, thereby benefiting the local economy with their tourism spend. It is part of our vision to make Phuket the yachting hub of Asia, and a destination on par with any other marine destination in the world,” said Mr. Gulu Lalvani, chairman of Royal Phuket Marina.
The marina is a full service operation with 100 wet berths for yachts up to 35 metres and dry stack storage for yachts up to 15 metres.
Thailand’s government has made clear that it intends to boost yachting tourism in the country after Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed. Relaxed rules on taxation of charter yachts is intended to boost visits. In January 2022, the marina is slated to host the new Thailand International Boat Show.