Superyachts meet METS

The Superyacht Forum 2024 at METSTRADE will focus on sustainability, emerging technologies and collaboration for the future of the superyacht sector.

17 October 2024

The final details of the programme for this year’s Superyacht Forum, taking place from 18 to 19 November at RAI Amsterdam, have been confirmed. The event will focus on providing insights and knowledge for future business planning within the superyacht sector. The programme includes a range of industry experts, including opening speakers Giovanni Vitelli from Azimut Benetti Group and Rose Damen from Damen Yachting, who will share their perspectives on the future of the industry.

During the two-day event, over 600 professionals from across the superyacht sector will gather to explore key themes such as Sustainability, Enhancing the Industry, and Emerging Technologies. Integrated with METSTRADE’s SuperYacht Pavilion, The Superyacht Forum (TSF) offers a platform for collaboration and strategic thinking as the industry faces up to future challenges and opportunities.

METSTRADE is the world’s largest exhibition for leisure marine equipment, materials, and systems. It takes place this year from 19 to 21 November at the RAI Convention Centre.

Industry professionals will gather to address topics such as safety and resilience, and how to improve the public perception of superyachting.

The Superyacht Forum will run daily on 18 and 19 November from 9am to 6pm. The event will feature a networking drinks evening on Monday, followed by an optional VIP dinner on Tuesday. Alongside the scheduled sessions, there will be dedicated time for networking, allowing participants to establish new connections and engage with colleagues from the sector.

The forum will examine the viability of non-fossil fuel options for superyachts and explore whether the industry should take the lead on emission standards rather than relying on future legislation. Sessions will also highlight ongoing efforts to develop a roadmap for achieving a regenerative superyacht industry by 2050. Additionally, workshops will focus on the human aspects of sustainability, addressing mental wellness within the industry and strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent.

Reflecting on recent superyacht incidents, such as the Bayesian disaster in Italy, The Superyacht Forum will also explore how to enhance safety and resilience.

Drawing on expertise from sectors such as cruise lines, business aviation, and reputation management, participants will discuss how to improve the public perception of superyachting.

Other sessions will address the development of yacht management standards, improving both onshore and on board leadership, performing due diligence on refit shipyards, and expanding the Yacht Owner’s Representative Program to the refit market.

Emerging technologies will be a significant focus, with discussions on the future needs of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and what they seek in superyacht ownership. A practical workshop will demonstrate how virtual reality is being used in maritime education. Additional sessions will explore how mergers and acquisitions can drive innovation, advancements in paint coatings and the Yacht Environment Transparency Index (YETI) benchmarking system for sustainability.

Delegates also have the option to tour the MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) Seven Oceans Simulator Centre (SOSc) on 20 November to gain insight into how ships are designed and tested prior to construction.

Registration for The Superyacht Forum is now live.

Key players will share visions for the future of the industry at the annual Superyacht Forum.

Monday 18 November sessions

Visions for the Future: Giovanni Vitelli (Azimut Benetti Group) and Rose Damen (Damen Yachting), moderated by Martin Redmayne (The Superyacht Group).
Introducing YETI: Enrico Della Valentina (Marin), Matteo Magherini (RINA), Edmund Beckett (Burgess), moderated by Hanna Dabrowska (Water Revolution Foundation).
Engaging, Inspiring & Retaining Superyacht Talent: Karen Passman (IAMI), Nicola Morgan (Wilsonhalligan), John Wyborn (Bluewater), Marianne Danissen, Dale Fisher (Proteus Professionals).
Yacht Owners Representatives Register for Refits: Hein Velema (YORP), Rob Papworth (MB92), Patrick Martin (Owners Rep), Andrea Carlevaris (Owners Rep), moderated by Ken Hickling.
Virtual Reality in Maritime Education: Andy Parkin (KILO), Tim Powell-Jones (MAKE REAL), Mez Hunter (Chief Officer), Henriette Weerstand, Greg Beach.
Mental Wellness in Yachting: Melanie White (Seas the Mind), Karine Rayson (The Crew Coach), Emma Baggett (Crew Mentor), Eva Lianne Veldkamp (evalianne.com).
Managing the Industry’s Reputation: Roberto Martinoli (Silverseas), Richard Kanareck (PR consultant), Robert Baltus (European Business Aviation Association), moderated by Farouk Nefzi (Feadship / Superyacht Life Foundation).

Tuesday 19 November sessions

Sustainable Future Roadmap: Vienna Eleuteri (Water Revolution Foundation), Aino Grapin (Winch), Anders Kurten (Fraser), Roderick de Vries (Feadship), Ferdinando Pilli (Lusben), moderated by Martin Redmayne.
Superyacht Emission Standards: Giedo Loeff (Feadship), Engel-Jan de Boer (Lloyds), Julian Smith (Cayman Islands Ship Register), moderated by Lorenzo Pollicardo (SYBAss).
Yacht Operations Strategy: Malcolm Jacotine, Peter Edwards (Voyonic), Russell Stockil (Yachtzoo), Philip Naylor (Burgess), Mark Kruidenier (DNV).
Yacht Coatings Innovations: Richard Jennings (AkzoNobel), Taylan Salgur (Turquoise Yachts).
Hybrid Fuels for Superyachts: Tore Longva (DNV), Erik Hofmeester (NAV-Tech), Lennart Pundt (Lürssen).
Industry Excellence: Karine Rayson (The Crew Coach), Andrew Roch (Crew Academy), Joey Meen (IAMI), Jo Assael (British Superyacht).
The Next Generation of Superyacht Owners: Professor Dr Phil Klaus (IUM), Dr Annalisa Tarquini-Poli (IUM), moderated by Dilan Sarac.
Superyacht Incidents and Lessons Learned: Paul Shepherd (CHIRP), Peter Southgate (Cayman Islands Ship Register), Snorre Halvorsen (Norwegian Hull Club), Martin Richter (DNV).
Mergers and Acquisitions in the Superyacht Industry: Tomasso Nastasi (Deloitte), Bruno Barago (Wise Equity), moderated by Hein Velema.