The new complex of pontoons, to be built in a F shape to the south of the current berthing, will have a total length of 260 metres, with more than 500 metres of berthing space.
Thanet Lekagul, assistant to the MD of the marina, explained to a visiting committee headed by Vice-Governor Suthee Thongyam, “The project will bring more superyachts and megayachts to Phuket because [Yacht Haven] has a proper channel that is 4.5 metres deep at low tide.
“The EIA [Environmental Impact Assessment] for the project was approved last month.” Instead of piles being driven into the seabed to keep the pontoons in place, he said, a technology from the SeaFlex company of Sweden will be used.
“The pontoons will be attached by [flexible] cable slings to anchors underwater. Because the seabed is not as rocky as in the Mediterranean [where SeaFlex has been used extensively for marinas] we have tested it carefully.
Marine Office chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut said “This project is included in the Provincial Development Plan. I will make regular checks to ensure they follow navigation regulations and do not obstruct any water channel. I will also check that the condition of any coral reefs, sea creatures and water quality are well-maintained. Also, the needs of local people must be catered for.
“I will check the pre-project conditions and post-project conditions every six months to monitor any effects from the project.”
Mr Phuripat also noted, “If there is a natural disaster [in Phuket] or if circumstances arise in which the government needs to use part or all of the marina, the rules governing all marinas stipulate that the marina must comply.”