As the dust settles on Monaco Yacht Show, the focus of the industry turns to The Superyacht Forum, and a critical juncture for the industry.

With a new decade dawning, and an urgency growing for our industry to shape regulatory parameters, rather than have its hand forced, as in times gone by, we are turning to the next generation of superyacht professionals to catalyse this change.

In The Superyacht Business Report, we spoke to a number of professionals across a broad spectrum of sectors about what they are working towards changing. And as we move towards the forum, we have sought the views of two more innovators, from very different sectors, to elaborate on what they feel needs to change in the superyacht industry.

Vincent Barrelet , Design Engineer – Mechanical, Lateral Naval Architects

Superyacht owners are increasingly in the spotlight for their ‘environmental consciousness’.  Our industry, whether from design, engineering, or equipment supply, needs to be better able to explore the future possibilities and push the boundaries, and be the early adopters of the future technology available. The most common theme in the new build superyacht market is something different. This presents all disciplines with an open question to find an efficient and environmentally sustainable solution. A clean superyacht has the potential to change the image of the industry much like the automotive industry with the development of electric race series or production cars. 

Myself and my colleagues at Lateral are building a technology suite where we use a readiness level to assess the maturity of the future design solutions. This creates a perfect pin board for anyone to present their ideas for future superyacht systems. We understand there are different solutions for all different sectors whether it is coastal battery-powered vessels or long-range ocean-going ships using hydrogen fuel cell technology. Changes to the main propulsion plant have significant effects on the rest of the yacht as a platform and investigating those in further detail will increase the technology readiness of the whole industry in adopting future fuels sooner.

Mathieu Salomon, Technical Director, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas builds and designs marinas as a catalyst for a water-side development - evolving from the standalone marina, to a full mixed-use development, complete with residential, commercial and retail, while boasting a unique synergy between land and water.

Marinas have evolved into some of the world’s most glamorous destinations, and we ensure visitors, Bowners, captains and crew recognise our marinas as unique and sustainable year-round destinations.

To facilitate greater success in the future, we must work together to invest, capital and future-proof our marinas using insight and feedback from our community to help inform decisions and satisfy complex lifestyle needs with exceptional facilities that exceed visitor expectations.

The industry should research trends and offer support to new and aspiring marina locations. We pride ourselves as being ‘ahead of the curve’ with our knowledge of the market, feasibility, design, construction and operation, thus, creating successful and profitable marina businesses.

We can elevate marina industry standards by working with marine authorities, jurisdictions and our own code of best practise, acquired through 40-plus years of marina design, operations and ownership. We should engage qualified professionals at an early stage to further educate, up-skill and train in this niche superyacht industry, creating passion amongst our colleagues.

But most pressingly, we must collectively promote sustainable causes including land and sea-based non-profit and eco-friendly measures.

Be part of this industry imperative and join the conversation in Amsterdam by clicking here and securing your place at The Superyacht Forum, in association with METSTRADE, taking place in Amsterdam 18-20 November. 

Profile links

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Ltd

Lateral Naval Architects

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