Brokerage news

The 50-meter Heesen motor yacht Bijin has completed a comprehensive refit at Monaco Marine's La Seyne-sur-Mer facility. Formerly named Sibelle, the vessel was sold in October 2024 with Burgess representing the buyer and Ocean Independence the seller.The nine-month project involved exterior repainting from oyster white and grey to Matterhorn white with jet black accents and a red boot stripe. Interior updates focused on Japandi-inspired design elements blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian influences. Milan-based studio Hot Lab led the design in collaboration with Austrian contractors List GC.Hot Lab design director Enrico Lumini stated: "Their hands-on involvement and constructive approach were instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and complete the project within the established timeframe." The owners maintained an active role throughout the process, having previously worked with the design studio.Refit work concentrated on soft furnishings including beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture rather than structural modifications. The color palette shifted toward lighter tones and softer brown shades to create what the owner described as "an organic, naturally blending and appealing design" for guest relaxation.Originally delivered in 2015 with a Fast Displacement Hull Form design, Bijin received recognition at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. The yacht accommodates 10 guests with an owner's suite featuring dual bathrooms serving as buffer zones before the main cabin.Monaco Marine project manager Augustin Fabre noted the refit met "the most demanding standards" for visual identity and functionality. The yacht will operate for both private use and charter in the Western Mediterranean, with initial seasons fully booked.The refit demonstrates continued market activity in large yacht refurbishment projects, particularly for well-maintained vessels requiring aesthetic updates rather than technical overhauls. The collaboration between ownership, design teams, and shipyard resulted in a nine-month completion timeline.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Viken Group

Azimut has developed Neuron, a fully digital yacht management system designed to streamline vessel operation and maintenance. The system was created by Azimut Technical Development in partnership with MDP Tech following a six-month trial installation aboard an Azimut Fly 53 model.Neuron enables remote monitoring and control of onboard systems including lighting, climate control, and entertainment through a customizable interface. The system reduces routine and extraordinary maintenance requirements by approximately 70% through continuous diagnostics and remote troubleshooting capabilities. According to the company, the technology allows after-sales technicians to perform system diagnostics while maintaining customer privacy protections.Technical specifications include a 50% reduction in wiring weight compared to conventional systems, freeing space for other functions. The plug-and-play architecture permits rapid component replacement, starting with control units. Power management features adjust electricity consumption based on real-time requirements.Azimut Technical Director Ruggero Gandolfi stated: "Neuron truly improves the owner's life, not only allowing them to monitor their vessel from home and directly manage certain systems with great ease, but also performing diagnostic tests and reducing unscheduled maintenance."The system is scheduled to become standard equipment on Azimut models up to 24 meters (80 feet) following final verification testing. The development represents Azimut's continued investment in digitalization projects aimed at enhancing owner experience and operational efficiency.Neuron's architecture incorporates risk analysis protocols to minimize system disruptions both at sea and in port. The technology will be rolled out across Azimut's production lines as part of the company's ongoing digital transformation initiatives in yacht manufacturing and support services.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut

The Italian Sea Group will participate in the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, exhibiting vessels at both Vieux Port and Port Canto locations. The company's display will include the Picchiotti Gentleman 24 and Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 models at the Super Yachts Extension 146 area.Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a key strategic event for us – a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in international markets and engage with owners, partners, and leading industry players."The 24-meter Picchiotti Gentleman features design by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, combining wooden superstructure elements with steel details. The model presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional yacht design elements.The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 represents a collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini, incorporating carbon fiber components and automotive-inspired design features. The yacht's design includes signature lighting elements and a cockpit configuration derived from automotive influences.The exhibition demonstrates The Italian Sea Group's continued focus on the luxury yacht market through its multiple brand portfolio. The company's participation aligns with its strategy of presenting distinct design philosophies across its product ranges.The Cannes Yachting Festival expects approximately 50,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors for its 2025 edition. The Italian Sea Group will maintain its exhibition space in the superyacht section of the event, which features vessels exceeding 24 meters in length.The company's presentation emphasizes its dual approach to yacht design, balancing traditional nautical aesthetics with automotive-inspired performance concepts. Both exhibited models represent current production offerings from the group's shipyards in Italy.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group

Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts has reorganized its Adriatic distribution network, appointing Newera Yachting as regional dealer for Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, and Montenegro. The arrangement rebrands existing partner Vrtinc Navtika under the Newera Yachting identity with expanded territorial coverage.Montenegrin dealer BEN-KOV, representing Saxdor since 2022, will transition to sub-dealer status under Newera Yachting's regional management. The consolidation aims to standardize customer service and support operations across Adriatic markets.Jon Hautamäki, Sales Director at Saxdor Yachts, stated: "Newera Yachting has been instrumental in developing our presence in Central and Southeastern Europe. This consolidation reflects our trust in their team and their deep understanding of our brand and product philosophy."Newera Yachting Managing Director Boštjan Granda added: "We're proud to strengthen our partnership with Saxdor and take on a broader role in the Adriatic region. It's a brand we truly believe in: innovative, dynamic, and aligned with what our customers are looking for."The dealer restructuring forms part of Saxdor's global network optimization strategy, which now encompasses 150 locations across five continents. The Adriatic region represents a significant market for the builder due to established boating culture and expanding marina infrastructure.Newera Yachting will provide sales and service support for Saxdor's model range, which includes outboard and inboard powerboats from 6 to 12 meters length. The company's experience with Saxdor products positions it to implement standardized customer service protocols across the newly consolidated territory.Credits: Saxdor Yachts

The Azimut|Benetti Group forecasts €1.5 billion in revenue for the 2024/2025 nautical season, representing a 15% increase over previous results. The company's current order backlog totals €2.5 billion with production scheduled through 2029.Three strategic priorities guide the Group's operations: €115 million in infrastructure investments, expansion of product categories targeting both experienced and new-generation owners, and penetration of emerging markets. The company maintains geographically diversified orders with 38% from Europe, 31% from the Americas, and 31% from EMEA-APAC regions.Infrastructure developments include upgrades to the Avigliana production facility for yachts up to 28 meters, a Light Steel Hub for vessels under 45 meters, and a Composite Hub in Tuscany specializing in fiberglass and carbon fiber processing for megayachts. The Lusben refit division continues to expand its specialized service capabilities.Product innovation focuses on two primary segments: Azimut's Seadeck series emphasizing reduced environmental impact and the Grande series between 26-40 meters, alongside Benetti's Oasis and B.Yond families emphasizing connection with marine environments. The Group plans September introductions of new voyager-class yachts from Azimut and a new category combining motor yacht comfort with sailing inspirations from Benetti.Market expansion continues with new showrooms in Monaco adjacent to the Monaco Yacht Club and Fort Lauderdale's Pier Sixty-Six development. The Middle East represents the fastest-growing market, increasing from 23% to 31% of order portfolio, with Saudi Arabia generating over €300 million in sales during the past 24 months. New offices will open in Jeddah (Azimut) and Riyadh (Benetti).The Asia-Pacific region maintains established representation through direct offices and dealer networks across Japan, China, Australia, and Southeast Asian markets. Despite new import tariffs, the Americas remain a crucial market where the Group maintains leadership positions in multiple yacht categories.The Group's production infrastructure and order portfolio demonstrate continued resilience amid market fluctuations, with strategic investments targeting both operational efficiency and market expansion through fiscal year 2025/2026.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group