Our strive for refit: A Visit to Premier Shipyard
- British Superyacht
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
As we continue our mission of 'Bringing together the globally renowned quality and excellence of the superyacht industry around the British Isles', it is vital that we actively engage with the infrastructure that supports our fleet. For some time, our organisation has identified a critical need for expanded superyacht refit facilities within the UK—spaces that can meet the exacting standards of owners, captains, and yacht management companies.
Last week, together with three of our British Superyacht Ambassadors, Jonathan Turner of Maritime Aviation, Kerrie Gray of Poole Harbour Commissioners and Gill Rodrigues of the International Seakeepers Society, I had the pleasure of visiting Premier Shipyard at Trafalgar Wharf, situated at the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour. The purpose of my visit was to review their evolving refit capabilities and discuss the future of the yard with Shipyard Manager Chris Hems and Premier Marinas Chief Operating Officer John Cervenka.
A Strategic Hub on the South Coast
Premier Shipyard is uniquely positioned. Located in the sheltered waters of Portsmouth Harbour, it has long been a pillar of the commercial sector. However, its increasing focus on the superyacht market is exactly the kind of development the British Superyacht industry needs. Currently, the number of yards capable of handling significant refit projects in the UK is limited. Premier Shipyard can already service requirement by providing a facility that could encourage more superyachts ino British waters.
During our meeting, Chris Hems walked me through the yard’s technical prowess. The centrepiece is undoubtedly the Pearlson Syncrolift, which boasts a lifting capacity of up to 877 tonnes. With the ability to accommodate vessels up to 60 meters in length and 14 metres in beam, the yard is perfectly equipped to handle a wide range of superyachts.
Quality and Flexibility
What struck me most during our tour was the "open-access" philosophy. John Cervenka emphasised that while the yard provides top-tier facilities—including 24-hour security, specialised workshops including Damen, and hardstanding cradles—they also offer the flexibility for captains and managers to bring in their own preferred specialist teams. This collaborative approach is a perfect reflection of our strap line: Stronger Together.
We discussed the "quality and excellence" required for a successful refit. A shipyard is not just a place to haul out; it is an ecosystem of skill. By maintaining deep ties with the local supply chain and Portsmouth’s historic maritime expertise, Premier Shipyard ensures that every project, from routine maintenance to complex engineering overhauls, is executed to the highest standard.
Leading the Industry
At British Superyacht, we believe that providing world-class refit options is essential to Leading the Industry. When we can offer owners and captains facilities like those at Premier Shipyard, we enhance the reputation of the entire British Isles as a premier yachting destination.
This visit reinforced my view in the growth of our domestic refit sector which revolves around greater collaboration within our supply chain. If we want to realise greater success then we need to create it by being stronger together as a superyacht sector and being more reliant on each other. We all have a duty to make enough noise to encourage more superyachts to explore our territorial waters and enjoy the facilities on offer whilst they are here. As more members like Premier Shipyard invest in infrastructure and talent, the British superyacht industry grows more resilient and competitive on the global stage.
I look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to visit and review the facilities that make our industry world-renowned.
If you require more information about the Premier Shipyard facilities visit https://www.premiermarinas.com/trafalgar-shipyard or contact them via Telephone: 02393 233145
