While architects and designers look for innovative ways to stand out, owners want speed, comfort, and style. Innovation has evolved beyond appearance and performance in recent years. Data, materials and technology are changing yachts in ways never seen before.
This change we are confronting is about satisfying changing demands, not just about luxury. Progressive owners, crew members and shipyards are increasingly embracing better practices, though adoption rates vary widely across the sector.
Here’s our overview of the impact of innovation and technology on improving our overall and collective advances in the leisure yachting industry.
Designs, Materials & Predictive Maintenance
Designers and builders of superyachts are pushing the limits of materials and design which is altering how boats are planned, constructed, and run. Designers can now call on AI-led design, 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) software. As a result, new boat designs have emerged, like mini explorer yachts, which blend the opulence of a superyacht with the capability of an expedition vessel. Sanlorenzo, for instance, has created a line of explorer yachts with sophisticated navigation systems and streamlined, angular lines.
Viable materials are being utilised such as volcanic fibres replacing glass, cactus leather and ethically sourced woods. Another commitment toward greener operations was demonstrated by Sanlorenzo who has installed solar panels at their Ameglia, La Spezia, and Viareggio sites, and unique suction systems in painting processes to prevent the dispersion of chemicals.


Talking About Emissions & Propulsion
The shift towards cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems represents one of the most significant challenges for the yachting sector. Despite the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) commitment to zero-emission shipping by 2050, superyachts are exempt from regulations. The IMO Tier III emissions (2021) standards to reduce nitrogen oxide apply to yachts over 24 meters, but superyachts remain exempt from other IMO emission regulations.

Crew & Guest Experiences
Education plays a key part and goes beyond Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Social Governance and Social Impact. Forward-thinking companies such as Environmental Training for Yacht Crew (ETYC) have launched sustainability training programmes to raise awareness of environmental issues among yacht crews, and Water Revolution Foundation have developed detailed crew guidelines that provide actionable steps for more sustainable yacht operations. Crew are also adopting more responsible daily operations such as using eco-friendly cleaning products and minimising plastic onboard.

Envisioning the Future
While the superyacht industry doesn’t yet have a definitive commercial metric for measuring sustainability compared to the commercial shipping sector, we must continue to bring attention to our need for establishing quantifiable benchmarks to measure progress and demonstrate commercial benefits. Without the ongoing push of builders and demand from clients, traditional build materials and technologies will continue to reign and, therefore, slow the rate of development for more sustainable innovations. Additionally, we must tackle the challenges of the existing yachts already on the water, who also struggle with the time and investment needed to retrofit propulsion systems and generally cleaner and more efficient systems.
For those looking to buy or charter a superyacht, understanding the latest innovations and market forces is crucial. At SEA Yacht Group, our expertise ensures that you get the best advice on choosing the right yacht for your needs, whether it’s a new build motor yacht or a classic sailing yacht. We stay updated on the latest advancements and can guide you through the complex nuances of superyacht purchasing, chartering and management.
As the industry grows and evolves, one thing is certain: we must view collaboration, innovation and technology as more than a convenience to the conventional setups for our sector, but an important factor to drive the industry forward. Tell us: which products or services do you think will impact the future of this ever-changing industry?
Author: Malcolm Moss | CEO & Founder of SEA Yacht Group
P.S: We’d love to hear your thoughts about the role of innovation and tech in the superyacht sector. Don’t miss browsing the NEWS section of our website to explore our other articles with industry-relevant topics and insights, such as:
–Blessing Or Burden? Examining the True Local Impact of the Yachting Industry
–Are We There Yet? Sustainability Struggles and Confronting our Industry’s Progress
–Building a Sustainable Yachting Future: Embracing Open Source and Community Solutions
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Source 1: Superyacht Times, The State of Yachting 2024 market report
Cover image: 50Steel by Sanlorenzo