Superyacht agenda

Eleuteri quoted UN Secretary-General António Guterres, saying, “Ocean support is not charity, it’s an investment. Climate action is not optional, it’s an imperative.” Eleuteri also emphasised the benefits of prioritising ocean finance: “Anything we do for the ocean has a multiplier effect.”

Panellists shared specific approaches to achieving sustainability goals. Aino Grapin, CEO of Winch Design, addressed the challenges facing designers in their pursuit of net zero.

“Designers don’t yet have a roadmap to net zero, and we are focused on reduction rather than removal currently,” she explained.

Grapin highlighted three key strategies: “To experiment and measure; to collaborate far more; and to establish a protocol and industry commitment.” She noted that a new designers’ protocol has been co-developed and signed by many leading firms in the sector.

Representing the De Vries Group, technical director Roderick de Vries described Feadship’s commitment to surpassing regulatory targets. “Our goal is to achieve net zero by 2030, much quicker than the IMO or the Green Deal by the EU,” he said. “Why? The quicker we go, the less we must restore or remove. If we make today’s vessels already green, we can then focus on refit yachts to meet whole industry goals by 2050.”

De Vries detailed Feadship’s use of green aluminium and steel, HVO and multi-fuel systems, diesel-electric hybrid power, and AI-driven lightweight designs as part of this strategy. He acknowledged hurdles, including the need for updated regulations and owner education. “We need class and flag organisations to create appropriate regulations, the shipyard has to adapt its engineering and production processes, and owners have to accept recycled products and be educated in how to make more sustainable choices, like slower service speeds.”

Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, announced a partnership with the WRF to implement the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) programme across the 130 yachts under the company’s management. Kurtén outlined a four-step plan to cut emissions: “The first one is switch to HVO, because that’s going to dramatically slash all emissions apart from particulates; the second is pressurising marinas to offer green shore power; the third is to encourage captains to go slightly slower; the fourth step is to continually educate captains and crew on circular and sustainable practices.” He stressed that better data through YETI would enable Fraser Yachts to provide more effective guidance to its clients.

The forum also addressed the role of mergers and acquisitions in driving investment and supporting the workforce. Tommaso Nastasi, partner at Deloitte Financial Advisory, noted an already significant volume of deals, with approximately 600 transactions completed in the yachting sector in recent years. “Activity has reduced since 2022, but the outlook is positive into 2025,” he added.

Bruno Barago, principal at Wise Equity, linked investor interest to market fundamentals, including relatively low penetration among potential customers and advancements in yacht safety and accessibility.

Chuck Cashman, chief revenue officer at MarineMax, underscored the benefits of inward investment, stating, “We need more money and more smart people in our industry. If someone can come in and help us do better, that’s good for our industry.”

Later sessions explored the impact of generational wealth transfers on the market, with Annalisa Tarquini-Poli and Dr Phil Klaus of the University of Monaco forecasting that “the largest shift of wealth in human history” would occur by 2030.

Klaus explained, “Money from the current generation moves to the next generation. And we’re talking about trillions of dollars.”

Their research highlighted evolving expectations from younger clients and the importance of adapting engagement strategies.

The event concluded with a keynote by Henry Coutinho-Mason, who encouraged attendees to focus on their strengths while embracing the industry’s current technological and cultural shifts. “The world is moving faster than ever, but at the heart of all these waves of change, the yachting sector is a people business, and that’s what you are brilliant at,” he remarked. “Don’t be a futurist. Be a ‘now-ist.’ You need to ask better questions about the futures you can create.”

Closing the event, METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek reflected on its success and shared plans for 2025. “We’ve been delighted at the high interest in this fully sold-out edition of The Superyacht Forum, which has been under our management for the first time,” he said.

Klarenbeek confirmed plans to expand the Superyacht Pavilion to meet growing demand and incorporate lessons from this year’s event into the next programme, further establishing Amsterdam as a key hub for the superyacht sector.

The next edition of The Superyacht Forum returns from 17 to 18 November 2025.

metstrade.com