Discover the State of the Yacht Market Through the Eyes of Industry-leading Shipyard Executives

Published: 12 Apr 2026
Gain a unique view into the future of the yachting market directly from those at the helm of Europe's premier shipyards.

Steering the course of the yachting market, shipyard executives delve into the undercurrents shaping the industry. With voices ranging from the leaders of Damen Yachting and Feadship in the Netherlands, to the powerhouses of Ferretti and Azimut Benetti in Italy, a consistent narrative emerges. Over the past few years, these shipyards have seen a fundamental shift in how they operate, brought about by significant investments in digital tools, facility redesign, and closer integration between engineering and production teams.

The quest for exceptional craftsmanship is a constant thread binding these leaders’ thoughts. With a focus on quality that extends far beyond the vessel itself, the ability to find, train, and retain skilled labour is acknowledged as an ongoing challenge. Navigating the complexities of supply chains and cost management, executives highlight maintaining quality without sacrificing margins as the definitive factor for future success.

In a comprehensive interview with Abeking & Rasmussen’s CEO, Matthias Hellmann shares how his shipyard is leveraging technology to streamline the construction process. This transformation, enabled by digital tools, signals a new era in yacht construction. While this discussion provides a glimpse into market trends, eager minds await further insights from eight additional shipyard CEOs scheduled to share their thoughts in the coming days.