Lusben boosts superyacht refit availability with infrastructure upgrades

Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026, Italian superyacht refit specialist Lusben unveiled significant infrastructure expansions across its primary Viareggio and Livorno facilities. The strategic investment comes at a critical time for the industry, boosting shipyard capacity and refit availability to meet surging global demand.

With the active fleet over 30 metres expanding rapidly, competition for high-capacity yard space has intensified. Lusben’s multi-site model—spanning Viareggio, Livorno, and Varazze—positions the group as an integrated platform capable of managing complex mechanical overhauls, aesthetic modernisations, and routine maintenance for superyachts up to 150 metres.

A cornerstone of the expansion is the installation of a new 720-tonne travel lift at the Viareggio shipyard. The upgrade allows the yard to haul and maneuver yachts up to 55 metres with enhanced efficiency.

At the Livorno site, Lusben has completed an overhaul of its 180-metre floating dock, Mediterraneo. The asset re-establishes Livorno as a key hub for large-scale, complex superyacht refit projects for vessels up to 150 metres. Beyond technical infrastructure, construction has also commenced on a new dedicated crew lounge in Livorno to improve onboard crew comfort during lengthy shipyard stays.

Exceptional growth in the superyacht fleet has placed unprecedented pressure on refit availability, making well-equipped yards, experienced engineering teams, and structured project management essential for yacht owners and managers.

"Refit is increasingly recognised as a strategic activity for preserving, upgrading, and enhancing the existing yacht fleet," the company stated, highlighting the necessity of specialist technical capacity to maintain vessel performance, safety, and resale value over long operational lifespans.