Brokerage news

From today until February 28, over 100 yachting professionals are gathering in Bangkok for the 18th edition of Convergence, an annual training event organized by the Ferretti Group. The event focuses on innovation, safety, and future prospects within the yachting industry.Held in the vibrant Thai capital, Convergence provides attendees with three days of technical updates, discussions, and team-building activities. Officially opening on February 26, the event will highlight the group's recent achievements, showcase new models, and delve into the latest product innovations. An afternoon team-building exercise involves a guided tour of the Grand Palace, a historically and culturally significant site in Bangkok.The training program for 2025 centers on yachting safety, exploring topics such as emerging risks, new technologies, and changing scenarios. Notable speakers include Andrea Venturelli from RINA, Enrico Della Valentina from MARIN, Steve Clinch from Clinchmaritime Ltd, and Ulrich Heinemann from Heinemann Yacht Assessment, with Lucy Dunn moderating the discussion. In addition to the educational sessions, participants will engage in various team activities, exploring Bangkok's famous landmarks, bustling local markets, and other iconic attractions. Supported by esteemed sponsors including RINA, Sleipner, Volvo Penta, and Xenta, as well as technical partners Amare, Asea, MTU, Nanni, and Seakeeper, the event promises to foster meaningful connections and knowledge exchange within the industry.Ferretti After-Sales Services will also be present, offering attendees comprehensive information regarding their customer services tailored specifically for the group's captains. "For us, Convergence is an essential occasion to come together and learn," said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. "Our captains represent the backbone of the Group, and we are deeply grateful for their professionalism and expertise. Events like this help us provide better tools and services to meet their evolving needs."The event concludes on February 28, leaving participants with enhanced skills, updated knowledge, and renewed enthusiasm for the future of yachting.Credits: Ferretti Group

Feadship announces the completion of Project 714, a 79.95-meter yacht destined to become a significant addition to its fleet. Having left the construction shed at the Aalsmeer facility, the vessel is now undergoing final outfitting and preparation for sea trials.Designed by RWD, Project 714 boasts an exterior characterized by sculpted curves and a striking blue hull, reflecting the pinnacle of sophistication and style. Feadship’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout, ensuring that both aesthetics and performance meet the highest standards.Naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects plays a crucial role in delivering optimal performance, while the yacht also incorporates cutting-edge technology through the FEAD (Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive) program. Featuring a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, Project 714 benefits from increased electrical storage capacity, surpassing previous iterations like the Savannah. Two contra-rotating thrusters replace conventional drive shafts and rudders, minimizing drag and improving efficiency.Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis informed the design of the pods and propellers, resulting in reduced vibration and enhanced comfort. This approach underscores Feadship’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its leadership in the superyacht industry.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship

MB92 Group, a leading superyacht refit specialist, is significantly expanding its Mediterranean presence with a multi-million euro investment in its newly acquired Golfe-Juan shipyard. Located on the French Riviera, approximately 70 nautical miles east of La Ciotat, the facility is now operational, providing refit, maintenance, and repair services for yachts up to 43 meters. The move aims to enhance MB92's refit capacity in the Mediterranean and meet the growing demands of the superyacht industry.The investment, totaling €5 million, will be focused on modernizing the Golfe-Juan facility. Plans include building renovations, restoration of hard-standing areas, and the implementation of advanced pollution-prevention infrastructure. This follows the recent certification of the shipyard's new 240-tonne travel lift, which enables MB92 Golfe-Juan to accommodate up to 16 yachts of up to 43 meters simultaneously.Rob Papworth, Managing Director of MB92 La Ciotat, expressed confidence in replicating the success of their La Ciotat operations at the new Golfe-Juan location. "Our experience with the 300t Origins platform in La Ciotat has proven the value of a flexible, client-focused approach, and I am confident we can replicate the same success in Golfe-Juan," Papworth stated . He further emphasized that clients will benefit from MB92 Group's substantial investment in the site, access to their extensive network of global and local providers, and project support from the La Ciotat team.Philippe Escousse, a former skipper with extensive yacht refit experience, has been appointed as the site manager to oversee the transformation. His responsibilities include integrating MB92's operational efficiencies while ensuring continuity for existing clients. He will be supported by a team of over 15 professionals from the previous shipyard.MB92 Golfe-Juan specializes in a comprehensive range of services, including mechanical and electrical engineering, painting, carpentry, and full rebuilds . Situated between Cannes and Antibes, the shipyard is strategically positioned to serve the yachting community along the French Riviera.The launch of MB92 Golfe-Juan coincides with a comprehensive redevelopment of the Camille-Rayon port, led by D-Marin. This initiative aims to transform the port into a high-performance service hub, meeting the demands of clients for both superior infrastructure and environmentally responsible practices.Corinne Reynaud, Global Chief Financial Officer at D-Marin and President of D-Marin France, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "As we continue to enhance the capabilities of the Camille-Rayon port, the opening of MB92 Golfe-Juan marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to delivering exceptional infrastructure and services."For 25 years the MB92 Group comprises the refit and repair shipyards MB92 Barcelona and MB92 La Ciota.  Both sites offer unrivalled facilities and employ a workforce of over 300 in-house professionals. In 2019, MB92 was acquired by Squircle Capital, a European alternative investment firm focused on private equity and real estate value-add investments.  Credits: MB92 Group

The Azimut|Benetti Group has joined forces with SEA Index to tackle carbon emissions in the yachting industry. Under the agreement, the Superyacht Eco Association will assist Azimut|Benetti in implementing the SEA Index CO2 Emissions Rating tool for yachts over 24 meters. This tool will serve as an eco-design instrument to enhance the sustainability of the Group's fleet.The SEA Index CO2 Emissions Rating tool provides precise, impartial, and independently verified emissions data applicable to both fully custom and semi-custom yachts above 24 meters. Owners can utilize this tool to assess the energy efficiency of their vessels, while integrating it into the conceptual stages of new builds supports environmentally friendly design and construction practices."This partnership allows us to validate our emissions targets using SEA Index's stringent methodology," says Alessandro Rossi, Chief Product Officer of Azimut|Benetti Group. "Through state-of-the-art naval architecture and cutting-edge technology, we strive to achieve sustainability while remaining at the forefront of innovation."This collaboration represents another step in the relationship between Azimut|Benetti Group and SEA Index, following the adoption of the Carbon Emission Index for yachts under 24 meters in 2023. Developed in conjunction with Lloyd's Register, this index evaluates the carbon footprint of smaller yachts, encompassing the most common vessel size in operation."We're excited to work with Azimut|Benetti Group on this vital initiative," adds Natalie Quevert, Project Lead at SEA Index. "Their embrace of the SEA Index CO2 Emissions Rating tool signifies a collective effort towards a more sustainable future in yachting."Founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, Azimut|Benetti Group is recognized globally as the leading manufacturer of superyachts, holding the top spot in the Global Order Book for 24 consecutive years. Committed to innovation, environmental stewardship, and customer-centric experiences, the Group maintains a workforce of over 2,000 employees across six shipyards and a network of 138 sales and service locations worldwide.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group

The construction of the first Sirena 42M superyacht is advancing as planned, with the hull and superstructure recently joined at the Turkish shipyard. The vessel, designed by Luca Vallebona (exterior and interior layouts) and Hot Lab (interior design), in collaboration with naval architect Van Oossanen, is expected to launch in 2026.The Sirena 42M features an elegantly customizable layout, allowing flexibility to accommodate different preferences. Highlights include a spacious master cabin with a private patio, extensive external relaxation zones, and a beach club with retractable bulwarks. Customization options include placement of the owner’s suite on either the main or upper deck, enabling configurations suited for formal dining or informal gatherings.The main deck integrates an aft saloon connected to an aft pool, offering panoramic views and ample natural light. Below deck, four guest cabins are arranged, including two VIP suites with transverse beds, optimized for maximum space utilization and soundproofing. Interior design elements combine curvilinear and rectangular forms, complemented by large fillets and dynamic walls to create a balanced aesthetic.Decorative choices incorporate natural materials such as beech, oak, and cotton, combined with luxurious textures and accents. Metal deckhead panels in a titanium finish contribute to a light, airy atmosphere, enhanced by a desaturated color palette that optimizes natural sunlight. The overall style seamlessly melds Nordic simplicity with a warmer, Mediterranean ambiance, presenting a refined yet practical environment reflective of the yacht’s floating dream-home concept.The Sirena 42M embodies a harmonious fusion of innovative design, technical excellence, and comfort, positioning it as a leader in the semi-custom superyacht market.Credits: Sirena Superyachts