Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 20
Blackstone Amasses 200 Marinas After $5.6 Billion Safe Harbor Deal
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 20

Blackstone Amasses 200 Marinas After $5.6 Billion Safe Harbor Deal

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 20

Summary

  • Blackstone’s infrastructure fund has gone from owning no marinas in 2024 to roughly 200 today, making it the world’s largest marina owner.
  • A $5.6 billion purchase of Safe Harbor in early 2025 drove the expansion, adding a network that then included 138 marinas across the United States and Puerto Rico.
  • Safe Harbor also operates nine Mediterranean marinas in hubs such as St. Tropez, Antibes and Monaco, extending Blackstone’s reach into large-yacht markets.
  • Demand is being fueled by wealthier buyers purchasing bigger, costlier boats that need scarce waterfront docking, repair and service infrastructure.

Insights

Could the billion-dollar race to control luxury superyacht marinas eventually price everyday boaters out of the water completely?
Why are Wall Street giants quietly buying up the world’s coastlines, and what does it mean for public waterfronts?