According to Italian Marine Industry Association, the global yachting market has grown significantly, reaching a total turnover of 33 billion euros in the most recent year, an 11% increase from the previous year. This growth, which has averaged a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% since 2014, is primarily driven by increased demand and rising prices. North America and Europe dominate the market, accounting for approximately 70% of global sales. Motorboats represent about 90% of the market, with outboard engines prevalent in North America and inboard engines more common in Europe.
Superyacht Market Sees 21% Growth
The superyacht market alone reached a value of 25.3 billion euros, a 21% increase from the previous year. The order book recorded 600 units, with the segment for yachts over 60 meters contributing significantly. The primary demand is for yachts between 30 and 40 meters, often constructed with steel and composite materials.
Increased Penetration in the Luxury Market
Although superyachts remain a niche within the luxury market, the segment has shown a CAGR of 5.4% since 2019. The industry's profitability has been improving, with a 5.5% increase in margins from 2015 to 2022. Despite a slight drop in potential demand due to fewer billionaires in 2022, the superyacht order book showed a positive trend, indicating significant untapped potential in the market.
Mergers and Acquisitions in Yachting
From 2021 to 2023, there were approximately 400 M&A deals in the yachting sector, with North America seeing the majority. Most deals were in downstream segments of the value chain. Marine operators were involved in around 60% of these transactions, and financial investors accounted for about 20%. Italy saw 30 M&A deals, mainly in marine components and equipment.
Italian Shipyards' Growth
Italian shipyards produced 4.4 billion euros worth of yachts in 2022, a 20% increase from the previous year. Superyacht production is a major contributor, with 70% of the value coming from this segment. Italian yards focus mainly on inboard boats and have seen a CAGR of 15.6% from 2017 to 2022. About 90% of Italian production is exported.
Italy's Leadership in Superyacht Production
Italy remains the world leader in superyacht production, holding a 54% market share by volume and 31% by order book value. The country ranks second globally in overall yacht production, with a 15% market share, which increases to 25% for inboard yachts.
Positive Market Outlook
For 2023, the Italian shipbuilding segment is expected to grow by 5% to 15%. Globally, the retail yacht market is projected to grow by 8%, with a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2026. Large yachts will drive market growth, while the craft boat segment is expected to slow. The sailing segment is forecasted to continue its positive trend with a growth rate of 3% to 5%.
Credits: Confindustria Nautica
Italian yacht builder Dolomia Yachts has introduced its inaugural power catamaran range, developed in partnership with design firm Centrostiledesign. The initial models include the 22-meter D100 and smaller D70, designed to provide monohull-equivalent volume with reduced hydrodynamic resistance.The D100 model offers approximately 300 square meters of interior space, comparable to 30-meter monohull yachts. Configurations include four-cabin layouts with full-beam master suite or five-cabin charter arrangements with crew accommodations. The design incorporates 66 square meters of solar panels generating 15kWp of power.Construction utilizes non-toxic resins, FSC-certified wood, and renewable cork materials. Propulsion options include Volvo diesel engines with IPS or straight-shaft transmission, alongside hybrid and fully electric system alternatives. The yacht features photovoltaic panels and semi-solid-state battery technology.Design elements comprise a flybridge with active spoiler, retractable tender garage for 5-meter watercraft, and 18-square-meter beach club area. The company emphasizes reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact through hull design and sustainable technologies.Dolomia Yachts founder Alessandro Righi stated the company is "very close to achieving the highest technological quality" while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Construction of the first D100 unit is underway with scheduled delivery for 2027, while development continues on the smaller D70 model.The company has established partnerships with four Italian marine suppliers and contracted NSS Charter for yacht management services, including luxury charter operations in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda region. The yachts will be constructed in facilities utilizing established Italian shipbuilding expertise.Credits: Dolomia Yachts
August 27, 2025
Italian marine engineering company West Navaltech has launched Forte Yachts, a new yacht brand focused on aluminum vessel construction. The debut model, the Forte 47, is currently in development at the company's Ameglia facility near La Spezia.West Navaltech operates from a 1,300-square-meter covered production area with 1,800 square meters of hard standing. The company has previously specialized in constructing steel and aluminum workboats ranging from 14 to 50 meters, including fire department vessels, electric catamarans, and tugboats. The company also supplies aluminum components to shipyards in the Miglio Blu district.Livio Franchini, Technical Manager and partner at West Navaltech, stated: "The creation of Forte Yachts marks a strategic expansion. We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary."The Forte 47 measures 14.3 meters in length with aluminum construction emphasizing interior volume. The design includes two full-height cabins and two bathrooms, with ceiling heights exceeding two meters below deck. Naval architecture was developed by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design.The vessel will be offered in both outboard and inboard engine configurations, with layout variations depending on propulsion choice. The design targets coastal cruising itineraries such as Monaco to Porto Cervo or Miami to the Bahamas.Fernando Moricca, co-founder of the new brand, described the venture as "a response to the desire to reinterpret the sea with respect, competence and style." The brand name references both strength (from Italian "forte") and the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi.Production continues at West Navaltech's existing facilities, with the Forte 47 representing the company's entry into the premium leisure boat market. The company's industrial capabilities provide the technical foundation for the new yacht brand.Credits: Forte Yachts
August 27, 2025
MDL Marinas has been selected for participation in the Monaco Yacht Show's Blue Wake initiative, which recognizes environmental sustainability efforts in the superyacht and marina industries. The selection follows review by the Water Revolution Foundation.Between 2022 and 2025, MDL reduced operational carbon emissions by 54% through renewable electricity adoption and solar panel installations across 18 locations. The company became the first UK marina operator to implement the BREEAM sustainability framework for marine facility development.Solar installations generated 101,918 kWh in May 2025, with annual production reaching 601,128 kWh. The renewable energy program has resulted in approximately £144,000 in annual electricity cost savings compared to grid procurement.Steve Russell, Head of Property Infrastructure at MDL Marinas, stated: "The 54% carbon reduction demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational efficiency go hand in hand. Our solar programme alone has delivered over £144,000 in annual savings whilst significantly reducing our environmental impact."Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director, added: "Being recognised as part of the Monaco Yacht Show's Blue Wake programme reflects the sustained investment we've made to reduce our emissions as part of our #greenermarinas strategy."MDL's sustainability initiatives will be featured in Monaco Yacht Show communications and considered for Blue Wake Awards during the September event. The company maintains real-time solar production dashboards publicly accessible on its website.The Monaco Yacht Show occurs annually in Port Hercule, showcasing luxury yachting and sustainable marine technologies. MDL's selection highlights increasing industry focus on environmental standards for marina operations worldwide.Credits: MDL Marinas
August 27, 2025
The 82-meter Oceanco motor yacht Alfa Nero has been listed for sale at €88.5 million through Northrop & Johnson. Broker Richard Higgins holds the exclusive listing for the vessel, which was delivered in 2007 and underwent comprehensive refitting in 2024.Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the yacht features Art Deco elements combined with contemporary aesthetics. Notable features include an aft infinity pool with glass waterfall sides and a convertible floor that rises to form a flush entertainment area. The pool system was among the first of its kind in yacht design.Accommodations include six staterooms for 12 guests connected by glass elevators. The master suite occupies the upper deck forward section with private office, marble bathroom, and hot tub-equipped terrace. Additional amenities comprise a spa, sauna, steam room, cinema, and beauty salon.Technical specifications include twin MTU engines providing 18-knot cruising speed and 20-knot maximum speed. The yacht carries a Vanquish VQ45 chase boat and extensive water toys including jet skis, seabobs, and a jellyfish-protected sea pool.The steel-hulled vessel offers 1,250 square meters of living space across multiple decks. Alfa Nero remains one of the most recognizable superyachts in global waters following its 2024 refit, which updated systems while maintaining its original design integrity.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 26, 2025
The 2021 Feadship motor yacht Somnium, constructed by De Vries shipyard with exterior design by Studio De Voogt and interior architecture by FM Architettura, is currently offered for sale. The aluminum-hulled vessel presents an opportunity for ownership without new-build waiting periods.Somnium accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite featuring a private balcony and dedicated office space. The interior design emphasizes functional luxury for extended global cruising.Key features include a 2.55-meter draft enabling access to shallow anchorages, an aft deck plunge pool with adjustable depth and counter-current system, and an expansive foredeck lounge area. The sun deck incorporates a hot tub and panoramic viewing areas.Technical specifications include an enclosed tender garage with dedicated dive storage and a fold-down transom platform creating sea-level access from the gymnasium. The yacht's design prioritizes family-oriented cruising with multiple outdoor social areas.The 2021 delivery date places Somnium among contemporary Feadship offerings with updated navigation systems and propulsion technology. The vessel's availability provides immediate access to Dutch-built superyacht ownership without construction lead times.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
August 26, 2025