The Pulse of the Trade: Shipyard Chiefs Unearth Insights on the Current and Future Perspectives of the Market

There’s never a dearth of forecasts about the direction in which the market is steering. Consultants, journalists, owner’s reps, brokers - everyone has a piece or two in the prediction puzzle. But often, the most critical perspective is least audible - the shipyard CEOs who are at the helm of yard operations.

In a quest to capture their invaluable insights, we engaged in insightful conversations with nine trailblazing yard executives. They include leaders from Royal Huisman, Azimut Benetti, Damen Yachting, and Feadship in the Netherlands, Palumbo, Sanlorenzo, and Ferretti in Italy, and Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany, extending up to Bilgin in Türkiye.

Their collective thoughts offer a crystal-clear barometer of the current new-build panorama, revealing intricate details about the market’s health and anticipated future. Unsurprisingly, they don’t always align, but certain themes emerge vociferously.

However, hiring the right talent, transferring the time-honoured craft knowledge to the new recruits, and ensuring its continuation are persistent challenges. Even with significant facilities investments, labour remains the Achilles heel.

Supply chains for specialist components are now steady yet fragile. Quality maintenance, without bleeding margins, is frequently identified as the determining survival factor.

Orders are coming in strong, yes, but the quality of orders is changing. Today’s owners exhibit a more measured approach. They are driven less by the boat’s material possession and more by the experiences it shall offer. Concerns like purpose, sustainability, and a thirst for authentic adventures deeply impact design choices.

And as for the market’s potential, these titans aren’t expecting rapid growth. They foresee a market that prizes the quality of the produced yachts, the yards’ reliability, and their relevance to a generation whose needs transcend the vessels themselves.

We kickstart this series with Massimo Perotti, the Sanlorenzo CEO’s comprehensive interview. Get ready for a riveting journey into the market’s heart, crafted from the perspectives of those leading the way. Stay tuned for more such stimulating discussions in the following days.