The third edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) is to be held from November 10 till November 14 at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail City. More than 120 brands and 85 boats both on land and in water will be showcased this year. QIBS 2015 has already secured many international exhibitors such as Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferreti, Riva, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, Prestige, Itama, Benetti, Sunreef, Silver Yachts, Heesen Yachts and more.
"The outstanding growth seen by QIBS adds to Qatar's rich nautical history and is made possible by countless governmental authorities. Qataris make up a significant proportion of all Gulf state buyers of yachts and maritime companies and investment opportunities are growing as a result. Ultimately, the mandate of QIBS is to play a pivotal role in promoting and fostering continued growth in the maritime industry in Qatar and throughout the region", said Essa Al Mannai, Chairman of QIBS Board of Directors.
"Last year's edition of QIBS was extremely successful from a business perspective with sales of more than 80 million Qatari riyals, and further prospective orders. The third edition will be no exception as we have expanded the shows' international presence through promotions around the globe. We have every confidence that we will be able to create another show of the highest standard ", added Faysal Mikati, Founder and CEO of Snow Comms and conceptualizer of the Qatar International Boat Show.
Mikati continued: "Within the nation we have many Qataris signing deals with prominent yacht brands to be their agents in Qatar. For instance, Ventura, a British yacht charter company, has signed with a Mr Ali Misnad, who is a member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. The internationally renowned Blohm and Voss superyacht shipyard has signed up with Art Marine.'"
'"Another Qatari shipyard - Balhembar-was founded only two years ago and very recently the company Gais Speargun opened for business. QIBS has been at the very forefront of facilitating successful deals between Qatari companies and international agencies, which is in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030 to position the country as a world class tourism hub for business, leisure, culture, education and sport. In short, Qatar can be said to be rediscovering its ancient maritime traditions," Mikati concluded.
Abdulaziz Al Zeyara, Director - Strategic and Organization Planning, Development- Lusail said: "By hosting this international exhibition, Lusail City succeeds - as usual – in attracting various segments of residents and visitors to enjoy the event. It has turned into an icon of the sustainable and green cities in Qatar and the Region; particularly as Lusail Marina that hosts the exhibition is currently considered to be one of the best marinas to attract fans of the boats and yachts sports in the region."
Pantelis Stathis, Boat Show Director, "The scope and focus of the boat show has grown to include awards ceremonies, nautical activities and exclusive gatherings for exhibitors. Now entering our third year allows us to expand the reach of the QIBS and become strong international player in the evolving marine industry. "
QIBS ensures that guests get a genuine feel for the marine lifestyle while exploring the offerings of over 90 companies. Even the most discerning boating enthusiasts will find the utilitarian craft or luxury vessel they have always wanted.
The event's location was selected to give guests beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf while guests explore its luxury offerings and have their inquiries fielded by some of the industry's experts. QIBS also boasts a family-friendly environment with a children's playground. The boat show will be open weekdays from 2:30 -9:30PM and on the weekends 12:30 to 9:30PM.
"The outstanding growth seen by QIBS adds to Qatar's rich nautical history and is made possible by countless governmental authorities. Qataris make up a significant proportion of all Gulf state buyers of yachts and maritime companies and investment opportunities are growing as a result. Ultimately, the mandate of QIBS is to play a pivotal role in promoting and fostering continued growth in the maritime industry in Qatar and throughout the region", said Essa Al Mannai, Chairman of QIBS Board of Directors.
"Last year's edition of QIBS was extremely successful from a business perspective with sales of more than 80 million Qatari riyals, and further prospective orders. The third edition will be no exception as we have expanded the shows' international presence through promotions around the globe. We have every confidence that we will be able to create another show of the highest standard ", added Faysal Mikati, Founder and CEO of Snow Comms and conceptualizer of the Qatar International Boat Show.
Mikati continued: "Within the nation we have many Qataris signing deals with prominent yacht brands to be their agents in Qatar. For instance, Ventura, a British yacht charter company, has signed with a Mr Ali Misnad, who is a member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. The internationally renowned Blohm and Voss superyacht shipyard has signed up with Art Marine.'"
'"Another Qatari shipyard - Balhembar-was founded only two years ago and very recently the company Gais Speargun opened for business. QIBS has been at the very forefront of facilitating successful deals between Qatari companies and international agencies, which is in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030 to position the country as a world class tourism hub for business, leisure, culture, education and sport. In short, Qatar can be said to be rediscovering its ancient maritime traditions," Mikati concluded.
Abdulaziz Al Zeyara, Director - Strategic and Organization Planning, Development- Lusail said: "By hosting this international exhibition, Lusail City succeeds - as usual – in attracting various segments of residents and visitors to enjoy the event. It has turned into an icon of the sustainable and green cities in Qatar and the Region; particularly as Lusail Marina that hosts the exhibition is currently considered to be one of the best marinas to attract fans of the boats and yachts sports in the region."
Pantelis Stathis, Boat Show Director, "The scope and focus of the boat show has grown to include awards ceremonies, nautical activities and exclusive gatherings for exhibitors. Now entering our third year allows us to expand the reach of the QIBS and become strong international player in the evolving marine industry. "
QIBS ensures that guests get a genuine feel for the marine lifestyle while exploring the offerings of over 90 companies. Even the most discerning boating enthusiasts will find the utilitarian craft or luxury vessel they have always wanted.
The event's location was selected to give guests beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf while guests explore its luxury offerings and have their inquiries fielded by some of the industry's experts. QIBS also boasts a family-friendly environment with a children's playground. The boat show will be open weekdays from 2:30 -9:30PM and on the weekends 12:30 to 9:30PM.
ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, has launched the ISA GT 66-meter model as part of its Gran Turismo yacht series. The exterior design was developed by Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi.The yacht features a metallic blue-grey exterior with a long teak bow designed as a multifunctional lounge area. The design includes floor-to-ceiling windows and wide side decks with glass balustrades. A sky lounge integrated into the profile can be customized as a dining area, gym, or panoramic lounge with a hot tub. The aft main deck features an infinity pool with adjacent lounge areas.The interior incorporates organic furnishings with materials including wood, wenge inserts, marble, and satin-finish brass. The main deck contains a full-beam master stateroom with a walk-in closet, bathroom, and lounge area, along with two guest cabins. The lower deck accommodates four additional double cabins.The wellness area includes a spa and fold-out platforms providing direct access to the sea. The yacht maintains the sport-oriented design characteristics of the Gran Turismo line while emphasizing social areas and natural light throughout interior spaces.Palumbo Superyachts took root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 it launched its first 54m superyacht, emblematically christened Prima (the First). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona); it also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts
September 18, 2025
Gruppo Antonini S.p.A. has been awarded the IRENA 3 EPC project by EDINA, a joint venture between Edison Gas and Croatian operator INA. The contract value is approximately €23 million. Gruppo Antonini will serve as the agent in a consortium with two other companies.The project involves the engineering, construction, and installation of an offshore platform in the Northern Adriatic. The platform will consist of a jacket, foundation piles, and a topside with a total weight of approximately 800 tons. It will be installed at a depth of 35 meters and connected via pipeline to the existing Izabela North platform.A distinctive feature of the platform is its energy system, which will be powered entirely by photovoltaic panels. The facility will be fully automated and controlled remotely through a distributed control system (DCS) that allows remote monitoring of process parameters.This project represents the first of eight planned offshore developments in the Northern Adriatic aimed at increasing production from the IVANA gas field. The contract includes supply of materials, engineering, construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning, marine transport, and offshore hook-up operations.This award follows other major projects secured by Gruppo Antonini in Libya and the northern Adriatic region in 2024.Antonini Navi, the maxi-yacht builder established in 2019 by the storied Gruppo Antonini Spa and managed directly by the same family in close partnership with partner and commercial director Aldo Manna.Credits: Antonini Navi
September 18, 2025
Forte Yachts is in the final stages of construction for its first model, the Forte 47. The 14-meter yacht, which debuted at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, is scheduled for launch in November 2025. The vessel is being built at the company's shipyard in Ameglia, Italy.The aluminum-built yacht features a vertical bow and a hardtop that spans over half its length. Its most distinctive feature consists of two fold-out terraces positioned amidships, which open outward to create sea-level lounge areas. The deck design incorporates a walkway only on the port side to maximize interior volume.The yacht is available in two configurations. The Gran Turismo version uses triple Mercury V12 600hp outboard engines with an estimated top speed of 45 knots. The Lounge Deck version features twin Volvo Penta IPS D8-800 inboard engines and an enclosed saloon with full-height glazing.The interior includes two cabins and two bathrooms with separate showers, with headroom exceeding two meters throughout. The hull design by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design emphasizes stability and efficient planing.Technical Manager Livio Franchini stated: "Opening the terraces transforms the yacht entirely. It creates a seamless connection with the sea that feels unprecedented in a 14-meter vessel."Brand co-founder Fernando Moricca stated: "Our clients are not just buying a boat; they are creating a tailored experience. The aluminium build allows us to adapt every element to individual tastes and requirements."Paolo Giordano, Head of Design, stated: "We wanted to ensure that the yacht feels like a true home on the water and challenge what owners expect in this size range. Every detail, from bathroom height to kitchen layout, has been crafted with liveability in mind."Current construction status includes completed hull, superstructure, and deck awaiting pre-paint treatment. Engine installation and interior assembly are underway, with the engine room reported to be 80% complete.Credits: Forte Yachts
September 18, 2025
Royal Huisman has unveiled a 50-meter concept yacht named AERA. The design incorporates a wing sail system and fuel cell technology aimed at reducing emissions. The concept follows the shipyard's 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental initiative focused on ecological preservation.The yacht's wing sail, developed by Artemis Technologies and Rondal, measures 245 square meters and is capable of rotating 360 degrees. The unstayed wing sail system does not require traditional sails, sheets, blocks, or winches. Two electric motors inside the yacht rotate the mast, while hydraulic cylinders control adjustable flaps along its trailing edge.AERA is designed to operate under 500 gross tonnage. The concept results from a collaboration between Royal Huisman, Rondal, designer Cor D. Rover, and Artemis Technologies. The design allows the vessel to function under both sail and power.Royal Huisman previously delivered the world's first hybrid superyacht, Ethereal, in 2009. The shipyard states that AERA represents a continuation of its focus on integrating new technologies to address sustainability in yacht building.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Royal Huisman
September 17, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has completed the acquisition of the business division of Otam. The transaction, finalized in agreement with both companies' founding families, includes the Otam brand and its historic shipyard in Genoa. The dockyard facilities in Santa Margherita Ligure remain under the current ownership.The acquired Genoa facility comprises approximately 4,800 square meters of covered areas, 3,300 square meters of open-air spaces, and a water basin of nearly 10,000 square meters. Tankoa Yachts plans to implement a restructuring program that will include extending concessions, reorganizing the areas, and constructing new production sheds.The operation includes the integration of Otam's workforce into Tankoa Yachts. All employees are being transferred to ensure job continuity and to add new skills and experience to the shipyard.The Otam brand, with its existing heritage and international reputation, becomes part of Tankoa's portfolio. Tankoa Yachts stated it will preserve the brand's legacy while defining a strategy aligned with its long-term vision.This acquisition represents a continuation of the expansion project Tankoa Yachts presented at the beginning of 2025 and strengthens the company's presence in the Genoa region.Credits: Tankoa Yacht
September 17, 2025