Liu Qiangdong ventures into the yacht industry, establishing an independent yacht brand Sea Expandary

CNR Beijing News, February 25 — (Reporter Huang Angjin) According to “Zhuhai Release,” on February 24, the Zhuhai Municipal Government signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement for the High-End Yacht Industry Base Project with Tanhai Yacht. The project has a total planned investment of approximately 5 billion yuan. JD.com founder Richard Liu attended the project signing ceremony as the actual controller of Tanhai Yacht.

It is reported that Richard Liu recently established an independent yacht brand, Sea Expandary, entering the yacht industry with plans to develop a full industry chain including R&D, manufacturing, sales, operation, leasing, brokerage, and services. On February 24, the first day of resumption after the Spring Festival in the Year of the Horse, the brand signed strategic cooperation agreements with governments in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and other locations. Sea Expandary plans to invest in building a yacht manufacturing base in Zhuhai, establish the China headquarters for yacht business in Shenzhen, and participate in the construction and operation of multiple docks and supporting facilities in Shenzhen. Additionally, Sea Expandary will set up R&D innovation centers, yacht operation service centers, bonded maintenance centers, and other supporting institutions in the Greater Bay Area.

According to Sea Expandary’s official website, the company aims to become a leading global green intelligent yacht ecosystem, serving the worldwide market by creating an integrated full-chain yacht industry that includes R&D, design, manufacturing, global sales, yacht club services, and oceanographic research. It will provide top-tier products and services for global yacht customers. The main focus will be on new energy intelligent yachts, utilizing AI and robotics technology to develop safer, smarter, quieter, environmentally friendly, and more comfortable yachts.

JD.com officials stated that in Zhuhai, Sea Expandary will invest in building a modern, intelligent yacht manufacturing base, focusing on R&D and manufacturing in new energy propulsion technology, intelligent driving systems, new materials, and interior design. The goal is to establish a demonstration base for the yacht industry that is rooted in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, radiates globally, and has international influence. In Shenzhen, Sea Expandary is expected to set up the China headquarters for yacht business, overseeing domestic yacht operations, brand management, supply chain coordination, high-end talent recruitment, and international market expansion. The company will also participate in the construction and operation of multiple docks and supporting facilities in Shenzhen, fostering a “Yacht+” industry model.

Recently, numerous supportive policies have been issued domestically to promote the yacht industry. At the end of January, the General Office of the State Council issued the “Work Plan for Accelerating the Cultivation of New Growth Points in Service Consumption,” focusing on transportation services and explicitly emphasizing “promoting high-quality yacht consumption.” During a press conference, the Ministry of Transport clarified that it is accelerating the research and formulation of “Measures to Expand Yacht Consumption.” Prior to this, multiple ministries and commissions issued supporting documents such as the “Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Cruise and Yacht Equipment and Industry.” Several regions, including Hainan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Fujian, have also introduced local policies to encourage the yacht industry and promote its development.