(SINGAPORE, 2026.4.26) — Singapore’s yachting scene is set to see a notable milestone with the launch of a locally designed and built chase boat — a specialized support vessel that accompanies a mother yacht at sea.
Designed to reduce the burden on the main yacht while offering logistical support and backup amenities, chase boats are a rarity in Singapore waters and are more commonly seen alongside visiting superyachts from overseas. The arrival of a home-made chase boat marks a significant step forward in the city-state’s maritime innovation.”
“We anticipate a sizeable market for chaser and shadow yachts — this represents the next frontier in yachting. We are proud that ours will be entirely made in Singapore,” said Alvin Chua, managing director of MAG Subsea, speaking to Fortune Times aboard the superyacht Nomad 101 during the Singapore Yachting Festival. The event, held at ONE°15 Marina at Sentosa Cove, showcased around 70 vessels over four days, ending today, had drawn strong interest from both yacht enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Mr Chua revealed that the chaser boat, which is designed with his input and will be owned by MAG Subsea upon completion by a collaborating shipyard, is currently about 80% finished. It is now undergoing “soft finishing” works. The company is actively seeking a buyer, and once a purchase is secured, final completion is expected to take about three months.
With about 30 years of experience in yacht building and subsea engineering, Mr Chua helped establish the chaser boat as a new industry model and a source of national pride. MAG Subsea, founded in 2013, specializes in subsea support services, and this project is yet another integrated maritime solution driven by local expertise.
He described a chaser boat as a protective escort vessel that operates alongside a larger yacht, offering additional security and assisting with maneuvering. One of its primary roles is to serve as a refueling and supply platform, minimizing risks like fuel contamination when replenishing at remote locations.
“A chaser boat also helps relieve the mothership of extra burdens, whether it’s too many people or too much equipment on board,” Mr Chua explained. “Heavy logistical tasks can be handled by the chaser boat, allowing the mothership to comfortably accommodate the owners and his guests.”
In addition, the vessel can act as a forward deployment unit, arriving before the main yacht to set up the destination and handle logistics. In emergencies, it can also transport guests or owners to safety.
