70% of companies in the yachting sector describe themselves as leading according to a study performed by Yacht Harbour on a sample of over 100 companies. It can therefore be hard for customers to differentiate at first glance the real financial position of companies and their scale.
Following a very active past 20 years in the mergers and acquisitions space in the yachting industry, some behemoths have emerged, controlling a large portion of the market and shaping the industry moving forward. Some high-profile individuals and corporations have also become involved in the superyacht industry in recent years. We have therefore investigated some of the most powerful corporations and individuals in the yachting space.
Dalian Wanda Group
Princess AVK
Annual revenue: $39.47 billion (2014)
Chairman & Founder: Wang Jianlin
Brands: Sunseeker
Largest commercial real estate operator in China and world's largest cinema chain operator, Wanda Group was founded in 1988 by Wang Jianlin. The company has today 634 billion yuans in assets and manages over 26 million square meters of hotel property. In 2013, the company decided to purchase UK-based yacht manufacturer, Sunseeker.
Having gone through losses of 9 million pounds in 2009, Sunseeker restructured its debt and was taken over by FL Partners, an Irish private equity company. Sunseeker was sold in 2013 to the Wanda Group for around 300 million pounds according to the Financial Times.
LVMH
Symphony - © Feadship Fanclub
Annual revenue: $35.6 billion (2015)
Chairman & CEO: Bernard Arnault
Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, better known as the French luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH, is perhaps not so surprisingly also a player in the superyacht industry. In 2008, L Capital, the company's investment arm, purchased Princess Yachts in a deal worth 200 million pounds according to Reuters, with support from the Calyon investment bank.
Later that year, the conglomerate strengthened their position in the company with the purchase of Royal Van Lent, part of the Feadship organization, for a reported sum between 200-400 million euros. In 2007, Royal Van Lent had posted sales of 100 million euros.
Gavio Group
Fast - © Baglietto
Annual turnaround: €2.2 billion (2012)
Gruppo Gavio, a large Italian corporation whose main business lies in motorway concessions with the company operating over 1400 kilometers of motorways in Italy, also has interests in the yachting industry. In 2012, Bejamino Gavio led an acquisition of the iconic Italian Baglietto shipyard for a sum of €18.5 million. The shipyard had been through some rough waters during the financial crisis resulting in 73 million euros of negative equity in 2009.
The group further consolidated its position in the sector by purchasing Cerri Cantieri Navali, a few months before the Baglietto deal, and by later acquiring US-based Bertram in 2015.
Privinvest Group
Siren © Yacht Harbour
Current owners: Akram & Iskandar Safa
Privinvest Group is one of Europe's largest maritime corporations which is involved in naval manufacturing and is also involved in the superyacht industry. Founded by the Safa brothers, Privinvest purchased Constructions mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) based in Cherbourg, France in 1992. The company then managed to turn around the fledging shipyard with new orders from the Middle East according to the Independent.
In 2007, the group funded 30% of the Abu Dhabi MAR company which ventured into shipbuilding through ADMShipyards and worked on the 141-meter Yas. In 2009, Privinvest continued to consolidate its position in the sector by acquiring German shipyard Nobiskrug.
Azimut-Benetti Group
I Dynasty © Superyachts Monaco
Maximum recorded asset net worth: €300 million (2011)
Current owner: Paolo Vitelli
Brands: Benetti, Azimut
Azimut was established in the early 1970s by Paolo Vitelli as a dealership of Amerglass boats. The company then evolved into yacht manufacturing by building its first 43ft boat. It later delivered Failaka, the first 30-metre fibreglass yacht ever built, to a Kuwaiti prince. In 1985, Azimut took over the Fratelli Benetti boatyard in Viareggio, setting the roots for the group. The company later started collaborating with young designer, Stefano Righini, which would bring the Azimut lines the company is known for today.
The company acquired the Gobbi shipyard in 2001 which now produced the group's Atlantis range from 10m to 18m. In 2004, the group acquired Fraser Yachts, a large yacht brokerage company. It later developed Marina di Varazze and the Royal Yacht Club in Moscow. By 2011, the group's net assets grew to €300 million according to this presentation with a turnover of €600 million, a significant cut on its €1 billion turnover in 2008 according to the Financial Times.
Ferretti Group
Chopi Chopi © Yacht Harbour
Maximum recorded value: €1.5 billion (2007)
Current owners: Weichai Group, Royal Bank of Scotland
Ferretti was established in 1968 as the first marine division of Alessandro and Norberto Ferretti's family business. In 1971, the company delivered its first wooden motor-sailer and by 1982 it began producing boats for sport fishing with a flybridge. By 1996, the group decided to expand into a larger range and set up Custom Line, a division meant to operate in the growing 26-40m range. In following years, the company multiplied acquisitions buying CNA in 1998, CRN in 1999, Riva in 2000, Mochi Craft in 2001 and Itama in 2004.
As the company was preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) after having been acquired in a leveraged buyout by Candover Investments which put the Group's value at €1.5 billion in 2007, the financial crisis led to a significant drop in sales. As a result, the Group had to restructure debt and its creditors, led by the Royal Bank of Scotland, converted a portion of their €1.2 billion debt into equity according to Bloomberg.
Ferretti Group was eventually sold to Weichai Group, a state-owned Chinese company, the largest maker of bulldozer's in China.
Vagit Alekperov
Galactica Super Nova - © Dick Holthius
Net worth: $11.1 billion (2016)
Brands: Heesen Yachts
Mr. Vagit Alekperov is currently considered to be Russia's 9th richest man according to Forbes. In May 2015 it became known that the head of Lukoil, Russia's largest independent oil company, is the current owner of Heesen.
In 2008, Mr. Alekperov purchased Heesen Yachts from founder, Frans Heesen, for a reported sum of 100 million euros. The shipyard posted profits of €5.2 million in 2013 according to Forbes Russia.
In March 2016, Heesen launched its newest flagship, the 70m Galactica Super Nova (Project Kometa) which was built for Mr. Alekperov according to Dutch publication, Quote.
Mohammed Al Barwani
Turquoise - © Ocean Independence
Net worth: $1.2 billion (2015)
Energy tycoon, Mohammed al-Barwani made his wealth investing in oil, gas, minerals and manufacturing. In 2010 he however decided to purchase Dutch shipyard, Oceanco from Greek shipping magnate, Theodore Angelopoulos. First company to build spa pools on superyachts, Oceanco has much benefited from the hands-on approach of Al Barnawi delivering the beautiful Nirvana for Russian billionaire Potanin as well as expanding its facility to be able to construct yachts up to 160 meters.
In December 2013, al-Barwani further consolidated his position in the industry, purchasing Turkish yacht manufacturer, Proteksan (now Turquoise Yachts), which was struggling following the highly publicized sinkage of M/Y Yogi.
Turkish builder Alia Yachts has delivered the 52.5-meter Limerence, a full-custom expedition yacht designed for both luxury charters and extreme adventure operations. The vessel, now available for Mediterranean summer charters through Christie Yachts, will reposition to the Caribbean for winter season.Developed with Azure Yacht Design, Limerence features a commercially certified helideck approved for Bell 429 and Airbus H145 operations, complete with integrated refueling systems storing 2,000 liters of jet fuel. The yacht carries four tenders deployed via a 7.5-ton crane, including a custom Wajer 38S and 12.5-meter X-Tender, alongside comprehensive diving gear and water toys.The helideck converts to a sports court with netting for basketball or volleyball, while below deck, a dedicated watersports lounge replaces conventional salon space. Three convertible guest cabins include a full-beam owner's suite designed by Istanbul-based CT Mimarlık."Her helicopter capabilities unlock remote destinations from alpine regions to jungle airstrips," noted Christie Yachts' Caroline Antlett. Alia Yachts President Gökhan Çelik emphasized the project's custom nature: "Every system was engineered specifically for dual-purpose luxury and operational use."Limerence joins Alia's growing portfolio of expedition yachts, with four new builds currently under construction at their Antalya facility. Charter rates remain undisclosed. Winter operations may expand to include Costa Rica pending regulatory approvals.Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 m2, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.Credits: Alia Yachts
July 11, 2025
The latest 60-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen facility for outfitting, following hull construction at the company's Gydnia shipyard in Poland. Scheduled for delivery in 2027, the vessel marks the eighth hull in the Amels 60 series.Designed by Espen Øino with custom interiors by Laura Sessa, the 853 GT yacht will accommodate 12 guests and 13 crew. Project Manager Joppe Osté noted: "We're excited to begin outfitting and look forward to collaborating again with Laura Sessa's team, given their experience with Amels Limited Editions."The Amels 60 series features hybrid propulsion options and meets IMO Tier III emissions standards. Seven units are currently operational worldwide, primarily in Mediterranean and Caribbean charter service.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
July 11, 2025
Sanlorenzo has introduced its largest crossover yacht to date, the 36.5-meter SX120, featuring the first marine implementation of Volvo Penta's IPS Professional Platform. The yacht will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025.The SX120 represents a technical evolution in the Italian builder's crossover range, combining elements of flybridge and explorer yachts. Its key innovation is the IPS Professional propulsion system, utilizing four compact 1,000 HP engines in twin-pod configuration. This setup reduces engine room space by 30% compared to conventional systems while improving fuel efficiency through Volvo Penta's Eco Mode automation and Selective Catalytic Reduction emissions treatment.Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the 270 GT yacht features a 70 sqm transformable beach club with retractable swimming pool and opening side terraces. The four-deck layout includes: lower deck with four convertible guest cabins, crew quarters, and hammam, full-beam master suite with private bow patio, dining area for 14 located at the main deck, and 360-degree lounge convertible to media/play room at the upper deck. "The IPS Professional Platform allows unique design solutions for large yachts by reclaiming space typically dedicated to propulsion," said Sanlorenzo CEO Tommaso Vincenzi. The system enables a 15% reduction in fuel consumption at cruising speeds of 12 knots, with noise levels reduced by 7dB compared to traditional shaftline configurations.Construction utilizes advanced composites with carbon fiber reinforcement in high-load areas. The first hull features Lissoni's signature interior design with steel-clad central staircase, backlit master suite headboard, and ceramic marble-effect bathroom surfaces.Two additional SX120 units are currently in production, with delivery slots available from 2027. Pricing remains undisclosed, though industry analysts estimate base configuration costs exceeding €25 million. The model expands Sanlorenzo's SX line that began with the SX76 in 2017 and now represents 28% of the builder's order book.Volvo Penta Marine Sales VP Nicola Pomi noted: "The hydrodynamically optimized counter-rotating propellers reduce energy losses by 18% while improving low-speed maneuverability." The propulsion package includes integrated hybrid readiness for future battery retrofits.With 40% more exterior space than conventional motoryachts in its class, the SX120 offers 215 sqm of deck areas including a 45 sqm sun deck. Storage capacity accommodates a 5.5-meter tender and water toys in the garage.Sanlorenzo reports strong interest in the model from European and Asian markets, with the first unit destined for Mediterranean cruising. The builder currently has 17 yachts under construction across its SX, SP, and SD lines at its Ameglia and La Spezia facilities.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
July 9, 2025
Silent Yachts has launched its new 24.38-meter SY80 solar-electric catamaran, scheduled for world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14, 2025). The first unit, a sold 2-Deck configuration, features four guest cabins including master and VIP suites.The SY80 offers three layout options (2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, 3-Deck Closed) with customizable deck arrangements. The inaugural model includes a 360-degree helm station, panoramic saloon, and storage for water toys in a concealed garage. Performance specifications include a 12-knot top speed, 7-8 knot cruising speed, and solar array capacity of 22.4 kWp with 522-696 kWh battery options.Two additional 3-Deck versions have been sold. No pricing was disclosed. The Italian-built catamaran expands Silent Yachts' solar-powered range, following previous models like the SY60.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
July 9, 2025
Nominations are now open for the sixth edition of the Design Innovation Award, recognizing international excellence in marine design and innovation. The award ceremony will take place on September 19, 2025, at Palazzo Ducale during the 65th Genoa International Boat Show (September 18-23).Automotive designer Walter De Silva, recipient of the Compasso d'Oro and former head of Volkswagen Group Design, will chair the jury. "This award highlights how innovation and design quality merge with sustainability and beauty," De Silva commented.Organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association and the Genoa Boat Show, the competition has grown from 40 submissions in 2020 to over 90 entries in recent editions. The award evaluates projects based on technological advancement, sustainability, and design quality.All exhibitors at the 2025 Genoa Boat Show are eligible to participate. No submission deadline has been specified.Credits: Genoa Boat Show
July 9, 2025