How Innovation & Tech Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Superyachts

Sanlorenzo 50steel Superyacht

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.

According to the 2024 State of Yachting report by Superyacht Times, the global superyacht market is being influenced by changing geographic regulations such as in the Middle East and Asia, refit considerations and infrastructure demands (source 1).  As a comprehensive examination of the health and development of the superyacht market, obstacles seem to be shifting along with the sector.

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.

Sanlorenzo 50steel Superyacht
The world's first superyacht to house the green methanol fuel cell system: 50 Steel from Sanlorenzo

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.

Solar Panels on Sanlorenzo Shipyard
Smart energy management systems onboard are improving efficiency and streamlining predictive maintenance. Heesen’s Galactica Star is just one example – sensors monitor weather, engine performance, and fuel consumption, assisting the crew in cost-effective route optimisation. Another example is Smartship that keeps an eye on the condition of a yacht’s air conditioning and engines. This change from a fixed maintenance schedule to a condition-based one drastically lowers operating costs and minimises downtime by sending notifications when something requires attention.
Fleet managers can monitor vessel performance using AOT SmartShip | Source: AOT
Read our previous blog where we discuss some of the eco-conscious developments that have arisen in the industry.

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.

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has been applied to the maritime sector since January 2024. However, this will only effect specific parts of superyachts, those exceeding 5000 GT and commercial. Emission reports must be filed by March 2025; – 40% will be subject to the ETS and 100% in 2027.  Fuel EU Maritime, another regulation that only applies to yachts exceeding 5000 GT, will establish goals for lowering the average annual greenhouse gas intensity of energy consumption starting in 2025.
Source: European Commission - Climate Action
Some shipyards have made advancements in using better materials and implementing more efficient technology into the building processes.  One example is Feadship’s Project 3074 with its ability to switch between diesel and electric power to lower emissions. Onboard solar panels aid in battery charging, further reducing fuel consumption. Dutch yard Heesen Yachts have also created a hybrid propulsion system that can cut fuel usage by up to 25%.
Discussions about sustainability often focus on construction and propulsion, so we dived into the topic deeper in one of our previous blogs, highlighting the need for stronger regulations and incentives to push for change in the industry.

Crew & Guest Experiences

Crew are not often part of the beginning of a yachts lifecycle; however they are now being brought into the design and build process by offering solutions and suggestions to enhance operational efficiencies onboard.
 
Technology is already improving the guest experience. Starlink has been a big player in the industry by transforming expectations of capability and costs inside satellite communications. Voice-activated controls and smart control systems were previously limited by bandwidth availability, but due to tech advancements guests can now control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems from their devices. One example is Lürssens Aviva uses a central control system whereby the owners can adjust lights, play music, or monitor security cameras with a single touch.  Other tools give crew the ability to create guest-led charter itineraries integrating preferences and charter locations.

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 doesnt 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 Groupe SEA Yacht, 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

Find all the articles, also on LinkedIn.

 

Source 1: Superyacht Times, The State of Yachting 2024 market report

Cover image: 50Steel by Sanlorenzo

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