Planning approved for new Sunborn London Yacht Hotel at Royal Victoria Dock

Sunborn International has been granted planning permission from Newham Council for the replacement of the existing Sunborn London yacht hotel with a newbuild next-generation vessel, together with a permanent enhanced mooring position at Royal Victoria Dock.

The new vessel will form part of Sunborn’s next-generation Evolution Series, with the seven-deck hotel will featuring 223 guest rooms and suites, alongside upgraded restaurants, bars and public spaces. The development is also being designed with a strong focus on sustainability, including improved energy efficiency and ambitions for carbon-neutral operations.

Sunborn has operated yacht hotels adjacent to the Excel London since 2003, establishing one of London’s most distinctive hospitality destinations and serving visitors to one of Europe’s leading event venues. The new hotel will build on this legacy, strengthening the Royal Docks' visitor offer and supporting its continued growth as a major events and tourism destination.

Sunborn International will now proceed with the next stages of project development, including shipbuilding, financing, and stakeholder engagement, and will provide further updates as the projects advance.

Hans Niemi, CEO of Sunborn International Plc, said: “The planning approval for our new London yacht hotel marks a transformational step for Sunborn International and comes shortly after our significant achievement in Vancouver,” said . “Together, these approvals provide a clear pathway for a substantial expansion of our hotel portfolio and reinforce our position as the global leader in floating hospitality. The Evolution Series vessels planned for London and Vancouver will set new standards for guest experience, sustainability, and operational excellence, while supporting the next chapter of Sunborn’s international growth plan.”