The impressive time-lapse footage takes viewers from the first pile being driven into the seabed to the moment the massive platform touched water, offering an unprecedented glimpse at one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades in Asia’s superyacht sector.
The project, completed in partnership with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation (PSC), marks a new era for Horizon’s refit and maintenance capabilities. Built to safely launch and retrieve yachts up to 60 metres in length and weighing 1,800 metric tons, the shiplift will dramatically expand the yard’s capacity to handle larger, more complex projects.
“This shiplift represents a strategic leap forward for Horizon,” said John Lu, CEO of Horizon Group. “It allows us to accommodate the growing demand for superyacht refit and maintenance right here in Taiwan, using the safest and most reliable technology available.”
It allows us to accommodate the growing demand for superyacht refit and maintenance right here in Taiwan, using the safest and most reliable technology available
CEO
Horizon Group
Engineering on Display
The video showcases the complexity of building a shiplift entirely over water. The project began with precision pile driving, where massive steel piles were driven deep through the harbour waters into the earth below to create the structural foundation. From there, the platform’s heavy-duty support frames and mechanical systems were installed, followed by PSC’s advanced transfer system that will move motor yachts seamlessly between the water and onshore facilities.
Viewers can watch cranes manoeuvre structural beams with millimetre accuracy, engineers calibrating the lift’s operating mechanisms, and the final stage where the shiplift was tested and lowered into full operational readiness.
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Horizon
The 1,800-ton shiplift does far more than replace an older system. It redefines what the Premier Shipyard can do.
- Bigger Builds – Horizon can now construct superyachts up to 60 metres with significantly greater beam and displacement than before. This removes previous launch constraints and positions Horizon alongside leading European yards in terms of size capability.
- Expanded Refit Potential – Larger yachts in the Asia–Pacific region, which previously had to travel to Australia, Singapore, or Europe for major works, can now be hauled out and serviced in Taiwan.
- Faster Project Turnarounds – The integrated transfer system allows vessels to be moved quickly from the lift into covered sheds, freeing the platform for the next arrival and increasing annual project throughput.
- Regional Hub Status – The facility enhances Taiwan’s position as a strategic service hub for cruising and expedition yachts in the Pacific, reducing repositioning time for owners and captains.
Building on Horizon’s Product Range
The Premier Shipyard is home to the construction of Horizon’s largest and most luxurious models, including the Horizon EP150 expedition yacht, the new Horizon FD130 Tri-Deck, CC115 custom series, and the RP series of long-range luxury motoryachts. Until now, these builds have been limited by launching capacity, but the new shiplift removes those restrictions entirely.
With 1,800 tons of lifting power, Horizon can now look beyond its current flagship models and explore new designs in the 55–60 metre range, with broader beams, heavier displacements, and greater volume for features such as beach clubs, larger tenders, and hybrid propulsion systems.
In addition, the expanded capacity will allow Horizon to take on more ambitious custom commissions, including explorer yachts built for transoceanic range as well as full refit projects on vessels from other builders that were previously too large for the yard’s facilities.
A Boost for the Asia–Pacific Superyacht Market
The new shiplift solidifies Horizon’s position as a leading refit and repair hub in the Asia–Pacific region, offering turnaround speeds and technical capabilities comparable to Europe’s top yards. It also provides owners and brokers with a clear signal: Horizon is investing for the long term in the large-yacht segment and is ready to handle the most ambitious projects in the region.
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