Safety fears forces removal of Platz am Meer marina platform

Oryx Properties says deteriorating conditions and structural concerns have forced the removal of the Platz am Meer marina platform in Swakopmund.

The deteriorating marina platform at Platz am Meer in Swakopmund will be dismantled on last week after worsening sand build-up and structural damage rendered the facility unsafe.

Oryx Properties spokesperson PJ Bergh said the removal was necessary to eliminate safety risks after years of worsening conditions inside the marina area.

“Our priority is public safety,” Bergh said in an interview this week. “The structure has deteriorated badly and it cannot continue in its current state.”

Boat owners and users were informed this week that all vessels, equipment and other items had to be removed before contractors commence work.

According to Bergh, the marina and platform structures date back to the original Platz am Meer waterfront development around 2015 and 2016. He said the marina was initially intended both as a visual feature and as a form of protection for the waterfront development.

Environmental consultants

However, he said the marina’s breakwater design no longer functions effectively, allowing sand to wash directly into the basin rather than being carried away naturally.

“The sand now accumulates inside the marina itself,” he said. “As the sand level rises, boats can no longer safely moor or move through the area.”

Bergh said Oryx Properties, which acquired the centre from Safari Investments last year, contracted environmental consultants in October 2025 to conduct studies into possible future interventions at the marina.

He said any future dredging, rebuilding or expansion work would first require environmental clearance processes.

“We are looking at several options,” he said. “We want to understand properly what can realistically work there before making long-term decisions.”

Bergh added that substantial repair work had already been carried out on parts of the adjacent jetty at considerable cost during the past year, but conditions around the marina itself continued to worsen.

Users of the facility say the floating dock had effectively become grounded as sand accumulated over the past two years. Swells and wave action reportedly caused further damage to buoys and infrastructure.

One operator who used the marina for charter fishing, activity tours and sea rescue operations said boat owners had largely maintained parts of the facility themselves in recent years. On person allegedly also slipped on the platform and sustained a fractured arm recently.