VMG Astilleros de Sagunto Expands Large-Yacht Refit Capacity in the Mediterranean

The completion and classification of its 5,000-tonne Pearlson Shiplift marks a new stage in VMG Astilleros de Sagunto’s development as a specialist facility for large superyacht refit, repair and maintenance projects.

The superyacht refit market continues to evolve as vessels become larger, more technically sophisticated and remain in service for longer. Increasing maintenance, upgrade and lifecycle extension requirements are creating growing demand for specialised facilities capable of supporting increasingly complex large-yacht projects.

Against this backdrop, VMG Astilleros de Sagunto has completed a major phase of its development programme, adding new infrastructure specifically designed to meet the operational and technical requirements of the modern superyacht fleet.

Located within the commercial Port of Sagunto, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the shipyard has completed a three-year modernisation programme centred around its new 5,000-tonne Pearlson Shiplift.

At the heart of the facility is what VMG describes as the world’s largest yacht-dedicated shiplift: a 5,000-tonne Pearlson Shiplift featuring a 102-metre by 22-metre lifting platform. Combined with an advanced SPMT transfer system and 76,800 square metres of hard-standing area, the facility provides the capacity and operational flexibility required to accommodate large and complex refit projects.

The lifting system has been designed to accommodate yachts up to 125 metres LOA, subject to vessel configuration and operational assessment.

The infrastructure was classified by Lloyd’s Register (LR) in April 2026 in accordance with its Regulations for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, providing independent verification against internationally recognised requirements for marine lifting equipment.

Once ashore, the SPMT transfer system enables vessels to be moved from the lifting platform to dedicated repair positions across VMG’s 76,800-square-metre hard-standing area. This configuration allows several work phases, specialist teams and technical operations to be coordinated within the shipyard while maximising the flexibility of the available working area.

More Than Lifting Capacity

The development of VMG Astilleros de Sagunto goes beyond the installation of new lifting infrastructure.

The objective is to provide the environment required for increasingly complex superyacht projects, ranging from scheduled maintenance and class inspections to extensive refits, structural modifications and major technical upgrades.

Large-yacht projects require the coordination of multiple disciplines, suppliers and technical teams over extended periods. VMG’s shore-side infrastructure is designed to facilitate this process, providing space for project execution alongside professional workspaces, crew facilities and welfare areas.

Owners’ representatives, project managers, captains, yacht managers, crew and contractors require appropriate facilities, clear communication and efficient site logistics throughout a refit period. Bringing these elements together within the same working environment facilitates coordination throughout the different stages of a project.

Building a Refit Ecosystem

Sagunto’s location gives VMG access to the wider industrial and maritime network of the Valencia-Sagunto region.

Large-scale infrastructure is only one part of a successful refit operation. Modern superyachts require specialised expertise across multiple disciplines, including mechanical and electrical systems, propulsion, automation, coatings, composites, interiors, electronics and classification compliance.

The region already benefits from an established industrial and maritime cluster, bringing together engineering companies, manufacturers, specialist contractors and marine service providers.

This concentration of expertise can help reduce logistical complexity, facilitate coordination and communication between contractors, and provide project teams with access to a broad range of specialist technical resources within a coordinated environment.

By connecting this technical network with large-scale shipyard infrastructure, VMG aims to facilitate the delivery of increasingly demanding refit projects while providing specialist companies with access to projects involving larger yachts.

Earlier in 2026, VMG Astilleros de Sagunto and Astilleros de Mallorca announced a strategic partnership focused on developing a new mainland Spain centre for superyacht refit and maintenance, extending service capabilities for yachts exceeding 75 metres.

Sustainability and Technological Modernisation

Alongside its physical infrastructure, VMG is continuing to invest in digitalisation, automation and operational efficiency, together with renewable energy solutions.

The shipyard’s development also incorporates advanced water collection, treatment and reuse systems, as well as enhanced waste management practices.

These initiatives form part of a broader approach aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of shipyard operations while developing infrastructure capable of supporting the long-term technical and operational requirements of the superyacht sector.

International Recognition

The classification of the new shiplift represents an important milestone in this development.

The class certification will be formally presented to VMG Astilleros de Sagunto during the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, bringing the project to an international industry audience.

Miquel Lliteras, Managing Director of VMG Astilleros de Sagunto, said:

“This recognition reinforces VMG Astilleros de Sagunto’s commitment to professional standards in the superyacht refit and repair sector. It provides owners, captains and yacht managers with additional confidence in our processes and capabilities, reflecting our dedication to quality, technical expertise and continuous improvement.”

Looking ahead

As the global superyacht fleet continues to grow in size, technical complexity and age, the requirements placed on specialised maintenance and refit facilities are also evolving.

VMG Astilleros de Sagunto is continuing to invest in infrastructure, technology and the development of the regional marine industry, strengthening Sagunto’s capacity to support increasingly complex superyacht refit and repair projects in the Mediterranean.

With its 5,000-tonne yacht-dedicated Pearlson Shiplift, 102-metre by 22-metre lifting platform, advanced SPMT transfer system, capacity for yachts up to 125 metres LOA and 76,800 square metres of hard-standing area, VMG Astilleros de Sagunto combines large-scale infrastructure, shore-side operational flexibility and access to a broad network of specialist technical companies to support large-scale superyacht maintenance, repair and refit projects.

Image credit: VMG Astilleros de Sagunto. The Superyacht Services Guide assumes no responsibility or liability for securing or verifying copyright licenses for submitted media.

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