In order to be able to lift even large yachts out of the water, the Spanish shipyard VMG Astilleros de Sagunto has expanded its capacity for refit and maintenance work with the addition of a lifting crane with a lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes. The facility has been classified by Lloyd’s Register.
The certificate was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026. The facility, which was classified by Lloyd’s Register (LR) back in April 2026, enables some of the world’s largest yachts to be lifted out of the water and expands the capacity for extensive refit, repair and maintenance work in the region.
The facility’s platform is 102 m long and 22 m wide. According to LR, it is the world’s largest ship-lifting facility of its kind for yachts.
Once lifted, the vessels are transported by self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) to ground-level repair bays on a paved area of 76,800 m². According to LR, this technology offers greater manoeuvrability and precision than conventional undercarriage systems.
As part of the classification process, LR independently assessed whether the facility complies with its regulations for lifting equipment in a maritime environment. The certification thus confirms that the facility meets recognised standards for safety and operation.
The certification comes against a backdrop of growing demand for infrastructure for the refit of large yachts in the Mediterranean region.
With the growing fleet of large and complex yachts, shipyards are investing in facilities with higher load-bearing capacity that can accommodate larger vessels and increasingly demanding work throughout their entire lifecycle.
Hub for superyacht services
The facility is a key component of plans to establish Astilleros de Sagunto as a hub for superyacht services. Earlier this year, VMG Astilleros de Sagunto and Astilleros de Mallorca announced a strategic partnership. Together, they aim to create a new centre on the Spanish mainland for the refit and maintenance of superyachts and to expand their capacity for yachts over 75 metres in length. According to LR, the global fleet of large yachts continues to grow, making access to specialised infrastructure for refits increasingly important.
