on 12 Aug 2022
Port Takola's expansion will offer an extra wide concrete pontoon berth that can accommodate yachts ranging from 10 to 45 metres.
An aerial view of Port Takola with the latest Pier G expansion
Thailand’s Environmental Impact Assessment Board has officially approved Port Takola’s application for a marina expansion, which will see the marina gain up to 300 berths, and 15,000 sq.m of boatyard service area.
Port Takola, which can currently provide shelter to boats up to 45m, was once a shrimp farm but is now set to become the first fully-fledged superyacht marina in Krabi, Thailand. The expansion will offer an extra wide concrete pontoon berth that can accommodate yachts ranging from 10 to 45 metres.
A work berth will be available on a north section of the marina harbour, according to officials at Port Takola. The boatyard will increase its capacity from 9,000 to 15,000 sq.m with a lifting capability also increase from 38 to 80 tons.
Family-owned Port Takola is secluded within a hundred-year-old estate
A boatshed will be available for a 25-metre yacht refit. Matthew na Nagara, Port Takola’s general manager, and a former chairman of the Thai Yachting Business Association adds: “We are excited that our EIA application was approved by the board last month. Port Takola has a modest start, but we are proud of our steady development. We have had a great cruising community with several superyachts here. Charter yacht tenants are also increasing. This is due to our advantageous location that offers year-round shelter, and convenient access from land and sea.”
A tourist town, Ao Nang is within a 10-minute drive, while Krabi International Airport is only 40-minute away. At sea, Krabi is part of the Phang Nga Bay archipelago, and is also home to many renowned islands, including Phi Phi, Reiley, Koh Hong, and Lanta.
“This makes us an ideal home port as well as a port of call on the Andaman Sea,” na Nagara adds. Last year, the Thai government eliminated certain taxes on superyachts doing charters in Thailand in a bid to strengthen the tourism industry in the wake of the Covid slowdown.
Construction on Port Takola started in 2010
Port Takola Yacht Marina & Boatyard has been developed by father and son team, Surgeon Admiral Suriya (RTN) and Matthew na Nagara. The marina is built on hundred-year-old family land, located on the mouth of the Krabi River.
Construction began in 2010 to transform a retired shrimp farm into a full-service marina. Phase one commenced operation in 2018 with 50 wet berths, 50 dry berths with a 38-ton Roodberg trailer boat lift, a fuel dock, and a café. It has recently expanded its Pier G to offer 25 additional berths, suitable for yachts ranging from 15–45 metres.