Looking beyond our shores is always a valuable way to broaden our industry perspective. Australia’s marine sector has much to be proud of, with strong businesses, skilled operators and a culture of innovation that is recognised well beyond our own market. In many areas, others can learn from what is being achieved here. Equally, looking offshore allows us to measure our progress against international standards and consider where further opportunities may exist. The recent upgrade of Portside Marine in the United States is one such example, a story that invites us to look, learn and ask an important question: how do we compare locally?
PORT 32 Marinas – a leading owner, operator, developer, and acquirer of a growing collection of irreplaceable marina assets in premier markets – has announced it has completed an improvement project at Portside Marina in Morehead City, NC, delivering a comprehensive suite of enhancements designed to elevate the boating and member experience at its flagship North Carolina property.
Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway on Bogue Sound near Beaufort Inlet and adjacent to the Port of Morehead, Portside Marina occupies one of the most strategically positioned waterfront locations on the North Carolina’s “Crystal Coast.” The marina’s access to premier offshore fishing, cruising, and coastal waterway routes makes it a haven for both resident and transient boaters throughout the region.
PORT 32 acquired Portside Marina in 2024, marking the company’s first marina outside of Florida and a defining step in its east coast expansion strategy. The renovation, completed following the acquisition, fulfils the company’s commitment to bringing its portfolio-wide standards of infrastructure, service, and member experience to the Morehead City market.
“Portside Marina is a cornerstone of our North Carolina presence, and this renovation reflects the depth of our commitment to the Morehead City boating community,” said Austin Schell, CEO of PORT 32 Marinas. “Every enhancement we have made, from hurricane-proof dry storage and expanded fueling capabilities to upgraded electrical systems and a new marine forklift, is designed to give our members more confidence and more convenience for a more enjoyable time on the water.”
The scope of improvements spans every major operational dimension of the marina. At the centre of the renovation is a significant expansion of dry storage capacity, with 253 new outdoor dry storage racks now installed across the property. Engineered and rated to withstand Category 3 hurricane conditions, the new racks strengthen the marina’s resilience while substantially increasing its ability to serve a growing membership.
The fueling infrastructure received a major upgrade as well. The marina added a 6,000-gallon gasoline tank and a 12,000-gallon diesel tank, improving service efficiency and reducing wait times for both visiting and resident boaters. The expanded fueling capacity positions Portside Marina to accommodate higher vessel traffic while maintaining the responsive, concierge-level service PORT 32 delivers across its network.
All dockside electrical systems have been fully upgraded, enhancing reliability, safety, and overall infrastructure throughout the marina. The improvements bring the electrical grid in line with the operational standards PORT 32 maintains at its premier locations across Florida and North Carolina.
Vessel handling capabilities also received significant investment. PORT 32 shipped an upgraded marina forklift to the property and acquired a brand-new marine forklift, strengthening the marina’s ability to manage vessel storage and service operations with greater precision and efficiency. All interior dry storage racks have been fully repainted as part of a broader initiative of continuous property improvements.
Property-wide enhancements round out the renovation. Enhanced landscaping and a substantial increase in on-site parking improve the arrival and departure experience for members and guests, reflecting PORT 32’s focus on the full boating lifestyle, from the moment a member arrives at the marina to the moment they return to the dock.
These improvements build on a strong foundation. Portside Marina now offers 253 total outdoor dry storage racks for vessels of 36 feet or less, 12 deepwater transient slips accommodating vessels up to 125 feet, and a full suite of on-site amenities, including a fuel dock, marine repair services, a ship store, and concierge service. The completed renovation elevates each of these capabilities and positions the marina for continued growth.
For more information, visit www.port32marinas.com
