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THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER

Brilliant industry and personal achievements celebrated at Boat Builder Awards

This year’s 11th edition of the Boat Builder Awards saw Targa Boats’ founders Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan honoured for Lifetime Achievement, and Brunswick’s Vittorio Bichurcher and Kevin Fehrenbach named as this year’s Rising Stars. Plus 31 companies from around the globe highlighted for their successes in innovation, design, sustainability and partnership collaboration.

The Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement is jointly organised by IBI and Metstrade and held in association with long-standing partner, Raymarine. This year 68 nominations were accepted for final consideration across six categories that reflect key industry priorities – innovation, customer growth, sustainability and people. Keeping in step with the evolutionary nature of the boat building and superyacht construction industry, the event was relocated this year right into the heart of Metstrade, just a short step from this globally critical show’s nearly 1,700 exhibitors. Held in the purpose-built restaurant and event space Harbour 8, the evening featured a dinner expertly delivered by Green Michelin star chef and Dutch cuisine pioneer Luc Kusters, alongside the host venue’s own highly rated Basement Chefs. The emphasis for this edition

was on more networking time for the 250 industry leaders attending, with a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on achievements of the past and potential for the future.

IBI editor in chief and chair of the Boat Builder Awards judges, Ed Slack, commented: “It’s clear from this year’s entries that there is an industrywide acceleration towards greater levels of product development. Start-up manufacturers are entering the arena, while major players are innovating current and new ranges to address emerging market trends. In parallel, we’re seeing evidence of much more complex approaches to sustainability now involving new technologies and partners. This is enabling companies to move beyond easier initial improvements in environmental impact.

“This year’s Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star recipients provided reason to give thanks for the incredibly gifted and dedicated founders who created much of our modern industry today, while recognising the skills and potential of valued up-andcoming people rising through to become leaders and innovators. The Boat Builder Awards plays an important role in highlighting these often otherwise unheralded vital measures of success.

Metstrade exhibition manager, Patricia Becker, continues: “The Boat Builder Awards is a very important part of our week here in Amsterdam. The health of the whole marine industry depends on a successful yacht construction and refit sector. The teams from all the different boat builders come to Metstrade each year to discover and buy new products that will make their next launches great. To have a focused event celebrating their work throughout the year is an honour for our organisation as well as of course IBI

Our congratulations go to the winners and finalists of this year’s special edition of the Boat Builder Awards.”

The full list of Boat Builder Award winners and finalists, together with judges’ comments, can be seen on the following page

Targa Boats’ Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan were honoured with Lifetime Achievement recognition

Scan the QR code to see all winners!

Boat Builder Awards 2025 Results

Breakthrough Launch of the Year

Innovative Design Solution

FINALISTS

l Azimut Yachts and WATCHIT – WATCHIT EYE marine safety

l Frauscher × Porsche 850 Fantom

l Sanlorenzo and Volvo Penta – SX Line integration of IPS Professional Platform

l Sirena Yachts, Vanemar, EmpirBus by Garmin – voice-controlled automation and AI-assisted owner experience

Sustainability Project of the Year

WINNER

Groupe Beneteau with Veolia, Composite Recycling, Arkema, Owens Corning and Chomarat – circular economy model for composite manufacturing

Judges’ comments: The finalists in this category each demonstrate encouraging and inspiring examples of how the whole industry can authentically drive sustainability objectives forward. However, the judges decided to name the latest evolution of Groupe Beneteau’s composite recycling initiative as this year’s winner. We already recognised one element of this circular economy model in the 2023 awards, but the eco system has now been completed by harnessing powerhouses in the worlds of composites and material recycling. Arguably one of the most important sustainability projects we have seen in the history of the awards.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

TU Delft Hydro Motion Team – Mira hydrogen powered boat Judges’ comments: The judges were very impressed with the progress made with this project and hope that many of the contributing team members will soon be bringing all of their hard-won knowledge to bear across global boat builders and superyacht constructors by taking up careers within our friendly and progressive industry.

FINALISTS

l Evene Tenders – integrated sustainability programme

l Ferretti Group – Ravenna Shipyard environmental management

l Thunderjet with Supersede – adoption of Supersede plywood replacement recycled plastic board

Recognising excellence in the marine industry: 68 nominations were accepted for the 2025 Boat Builder Awards across six categories celebrating innovation, customer growth, sustainability, and people

Rising Star

Lifetime Achievement

Unlocking global insights into the next generation of boat buyers

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) vice president of North American marketing, Kevin Williams, delivered an eye-opening presentation Wednesday afternoon on the Metstrade North America Stage on pathways for the industry to reach, engage and retain young consumers.

New research conducted by global research firm Ipsos on behalf of North America’s Discover Boating initiative revealed that the face of consumers in the US – the world’s single largest recreational boating market – is changing rapidly as baby boomers,

Expert Panel To Examine ‘Yacht

2030’ Project

Thistorically the core boat-buying demographic, age out and leave the market.

“Today millennials and generation Z consumers represent the largest market cohort in the United States,” said Williams. “20 years ago, the median age for a boat owner was 40 years old. Today, they’re 60 years old. So, the share of the market lives with people who may very well be on their last boat.

Whereas 20 years ago we had some runway ahead of us, we are rapidly running out of runway now as these people buy their last boat and exit the market.

“Today in the United States the millennials and

he future of superyacht sustainability will be put firmly under the spotlight this morning on the Superyacht Stage as a panel of industry experts consider the potential of the exciting ‘Yacht 2030’ project.

The Yacht 2030 concept aims to reimagine how sustainability can be woven into yacht design. At its core is the integration of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within the sector. During the session, the panel will introduce a prototype tool designed to bring environmental impact data together, enabling designers and stakeholders to make informed, responsible choices from the earliest stages of a project.

Amongst the experts taking part will be Hanna Dabrowska, technical director of the Water Revolution Foundation, who has previously worked as both a marine engineer and naval architect.

The Water Revolution Foundation aims to stimulate sustainability in the superyacht sector through collaboration and innovation to help neutralise the industry’s ecological footprint and improve the environmental pressures on the world’s precious oceans.

Yacht 2030 Panel Discussion

Thursday 12:15 - 13:45

generation Z represent the largest market cohort by far, at 170 million people. As an industry, we need to engage these consumers because they are increasingly driving the economy.”

The approach to engaging younger buyers is very different than that used to engage baby boomers, he notes, pointing to the importance of social media platforms which have largely replaced traditional media. Moreover, says Williams, a majority of young consumers did not grow up in a boating family. “Right now the industry focuses on those buyers who did grow up boating, but that pie is now so small it cannot sustain the long-term health of the industry,” he says. “We need to inspire new people to discover boating and become involved, and social media is the gateway.”

Williams says new research shows generation Z consumers typically engage in seven different social media platforms, spending multiple hours every day online. Influencers have become the new celebrities, he says, with the most successful market outreach focused on reaching gen Z consumers through their mobile phones.

“We have to change the approach,” he says. “If we exclude the short-term spike during Covid, the number of first-time buyers entering the boating industry has been on a steady decline for over a decade. But we have an immense opportunity to reach the two largest consumer groups yet. That will take an industry-wide effort, involving programs like Discover Boating, OEMs and dealers to drive outreach across the entire value chain.”

Superyacht Stage Hall 13

NMMA’s Kevin Williams shared strategies for engaging young consumers on the Metstrade North America Stage

World Boating Day goes from strength to strength

First held two years ago, the third edition of World Boating Day is now set to be held on Saturday 23rd May 2026.

“It is an international open day, and we are inviting companies across the marine industry, of any size, to open their doors to the public,” explains Dilan Sarac, executive director of the Superyacht Life Foundation, the organisation driving the success of the initiative.

“And when we say ‘the public’ we mean everyone – from small kids and school children to politicians, government authorities, and the non-industry media. The purpose of the event is to make the yachting industry a more understandable, accessible and cherished part of the broader community.”

The first World Boating Day event held in 2024 saw 46 different events held in nine countries, while last year’s event involved more than 100

events in 18 countries.

“Benetti, for example, opened their doors to 2,500 people, allowing them to see behind the scenes at their facilities and even their museum. They also invited a local music school to write a song about the sea and perform it. It was an amazing event.”

This year’s Metstrade has been the perfect opportunity for more than 20 organisations to come together to discuss detailed plans for the forthcoming 2026 edition.

“Metstrade is a very good hub for us to activate so many different parts of the industry to become engaged with the idea,” says Sarac. “We have had lots of useful and creative meetings this week. Our purpose is to show the general public that there’s much more to the yachting industry than just big boats for rich people – we want to show them that it’s also about the people involved in, and working in, the marine industry and how they contribute to the wider community.”

To find out more scan the QR code here

Harnessing AI - Women in the marine industry

In a well-attended forum on the Metstrade Stage, there was a lively discussion about how technology is impacting on the industry from a female perspective. Hosted by Michelle Goldsmith, the panel explored several aspects of leadership, focussing on creating ideas, promoting sustainability, and how to attract more young people, especially women, into the sector. The underlying trend was that whilst technology can help with much of the branding, promotion, and follow-up loyalty programmes, the human touch was more important than ever. ‘People buy from people’ was a phrase that summed up the general view that the marine industry is still about connections. Whilst AI has a role, no company should underestimate the role of interpersonal contact. The importance of creativity was also discussed, with 97% of leading US executives saying that they found almost no ‘quiet time’ time to think of new ideas.

AI was also seen as a tool to take away ‘pain points’ with speakers agreeing that bringing a boat into a marina, under the critical eye of other skippers, was one area where AI could be of help. Auto docking was a typical example. However, the panel was also wary, as only 33%

of AI is correct. ‘Have you ever been caught in a chat bot loop’ was quoted as a time when it could be confused.

“I think the audience and I found it a very inspirational panel,” said Lesley Robinson, the CEO of British Marine. “We were talking about

the realities of leadership in this rapidly changing world. How do you use all your skill sets, and also technology such as AI, to help adjust your business to embrace the change? But you also have to focus on the people part, which is so key to the marine industry.”

Dilan Sarac, executive director of the Superyacht Life Foundation

World Boating Day 2026

Hosted by Michelle Goldsmith (left), the panel explored the increasing role of technology, but stressed maintaining the ‘human touch’

Largest edition yet of The Superyacht Forum hosts nearly 900 delegates

This year’s NXT-themed agenda, held in the RAI Amsterdam’s Auditorium, focused on how to successfully propel the superyacht sector into the next decade and beyond. Key focal points included synergy and solutions, operational excellence and trust, and superyacht standards and evolution.

Responding to feedback, The Superyacht Forum, owned by RAI Amsterdam and powered by Metstrade, featured a carefully balanced mix of varied networking opportunities with keynotes, interactive panels and stand-up brainstorming sessions.

Highlights included a presentation of the Superyacht Life Foundation and SYBAss Global Economic Impact of the Superyacht Industry report, which indicates that the superyacht sector now contributes an estimated €54bn to economies worldwide – or put another way, €9m average per annum for each of the 6,000 superyachts in the global fleet.

In his keynote, visionary author of ‘The Blue Economy’, Gunter Pauli, encouraged The Superyacht Forum’s delegates to be entrepreneurs of the commons – prioritising community and collective benefit over private profit. “We don’t need education, we need inspiration. Then you can

transform this great industry into one that has an impact and the world will love you.”

Speaking after the close of The Superyacht Forum on Tuesday, conference manager Patricia Becker said: “These two days have seen an incredible amount of engagement among the nearly 900 senior leaders present. As we promised at the outset, the redesigned format of the programme meant they experienced first-class opportunities to learn about and discuss NXT steps for the superyacht sector, renewed friendships and made new contacts.

“Key messages from the 2025 edition of The Superyacht Forum indicate just how vital it is for this important industry sector to collaborate for success. We look forward to seeing how the many NXT steps discussed this year translate into action over coming weeks and months and look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.”

For more information on this year’s programme scan the QR code here

(Re)booking for 2026

Scan QR-code for more info

We hope you are enjoying the biggest and most influential Metstrade to date. If you want to rebook or are considering taking the next step and showcasing your services and innovations to a global audience of decision makers and buyers at Metstrade 2026, now is the ideal time. Our sales team is on-site, at the (Re)Book Office in Hall 13, and available to discuss how exhibiting next year can support your commercial growth and help you build valuable connections within the leisure marine industry.

Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award

The 16th edition of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award will reassemble the world’s best marine photographers from all over the world. Take a look at the top 20 images, which are displayed in Hall 13. The best image will receive a prize at the Yacht Racing Forum on Friday November 21st.

A creative approach to environmental sustainability can be found in Hall 8 where Slovenian company Bolta Leder Majster is displaying products made from stand materials discarded at the end of last year’s Metstrade. “Everything was destined for the tip,” explains MD Boštjan Golob. “But we’ve recycled it into some truly unique items.” Stand no 08.148

The Superyacht Forum

The NXT-themed agenda focused on propelling the superyacht sector into the next decade and beyond

ICOMIA/EBI/NMMA

update Metstrade visitors on Blue Boat Horizon Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Project

Representatives from the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), European Boating Industry (EBI), and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) delivered a well-attended presentation on the Metstrade Stage Wednesday outlining progress on the development of a globally aligned Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) framework for the recreational marine industry.

Presented by EBI technical lead for global LCA project Sébastien Milcendeau, NMMA VP of environmental compliance and marine technology

Jeff Wasil, and ICOMIA technical director Patrick Hemp, the discussion outlined the project’s goals, methodology and progress in establishing common metrics for measuring environmental impact across the full lifecycle of recreational boats, from production to end-of-life.

Wasil said that while simply building and marketing a zero-emission boat may resonate with the emotions of some end-user buyers, the inability to quantify what went into producing that boat from the extraction of the raw materials through manufacturing, use and end-of-life disposal carries no weight with regulators, who expect boat builders to back up low-emission or zero-emission claims. “That’s really where a lifecycle assessment

comes into play,” he said. “It allows us to really quantify where we’re at and what we can do to make improvements moving forward. Because there is definitely no such thing as a zero-emission boat. Short of carving up a fallen tree and making a canoe, there are a lot of inputs that need to be considered and quantified along the way, and that’s what we’re fundamentally trying to do through an LCA.”

Hemp said that LCAs have become critically

important on a number of fronts, from appealing to eco-conscious end-users to working with regulators in order to help shape environmental regulations and manage legislative expectations. He added they are also playing a growing role in attracting investment. “Investors looking at boat building companies or investing in component suppliers are also starting to demand an LCA,” he said. “So, the demand’s not just purely coming from a technical point of view, it’s also coming from an investment perspective.”

Wasil noted that the joint Blue Boat Horizon initiative between ICOMIA, EBA and NMMA aims to help manufacturers in the leisure marine sector, which are predominantly smaller firms without the resources to complete that level of research and validation on their own. “They don’t have the resources of a Toyota or Volkswagen, and they need the help to understand what they need to do moving forward,” he said. “That’s really where the previous Propelling Our Future and current Blue Boat Horizon initiatives serve the industry, by pooling insights and bringing people together. The good news is that right now there’s been relief of political pressure on the emissions front, which is good because quite frankly, our industry needs a little bit more time to explore these topics.”

From left, ICOMIA technical director Patrick Hemp, NMMA VP of environmental compliance and marine technology Jeff Wasil, and EBI technical lead for global LCA project Sébastien Milcendeau update a large Metstrade Stage audience on the Blue Boat Horizon initiative

PwC : AI will cut product development lifecycles in half

New report says multimodal AI enables manufacturers to iterate product designs in hours rather than weeks

New research from global financial firm PwC indicates that the adoption of AI technologies will allow small manufacturers to reduce new product development cycles by half. The organisation’s newly published AI Business Predictions report says that multimodal AI –capable of processing and generating diverse data types from CAD files to simulations – enables manufacturers to iterate product designs in hours rather than weeks, test solutions virtually before building prototypes, and troubleshoot problems before a firm invests in full production. “Based on PwC’s work with clients and our analysis of technology and industry trends, we’re confident that adopting AI in R&D can reduce time-to-market by 50% and lower costs by 30% in industries like automotive and aerospace,” reads the report. “In

many pharmaceutical companies, AI has already helped reduce drug discovery timelines by over 50%.”

Product development cycles for smaller, more agile businesses could accelerate even more quickly, says the firm.

Authors Dan Priest, Matt Wood, Anthony Abbatiello, Jennifer Kosar, Scott Likens and Sammy Lakshmanan contend that most companies remain unprepared for what they describe as a revolution in physical product design, and say that companies need to begin upskilling design teams and recruiting AI-savvy talent right now to avoid being leapfrogged by competitors.

To leverage AI for elements like product design, manufacturers will need to make investments in up-to-date cloud and data architectures, including platforms that can push “edge AI” to engineering teams. Upgrading computer skills of those teams will also be paramount to leveraging the capabilities of AI in order to accelerate product development. The payoff for firms which embrace AI’s potential in product development, they say, include significantly faster speed to market and extended first-tomarket advantage, lower costs and increased opportunity for mass customisation enabling more satisfied end users.

Over 80 Italian companies are showcasing marine components and accessories at Metstrade 2025, representing a sector worth nearly €2bn in 2024 and occupying 1,757m2 across Hall 12 and the Superyacht Zone. Italian production quality and innovation are further recognised through seven DAME Design Awards nominations received by participating companies.

Startup pitching competition

Today,

at 14.45

on the Metstrade Stage

The highly successful start-up pitching competition – organised by Yachting Ventures – will return again. The competition’s primary objective is to nurture ground-breaking ideas and forge connections between promising startups, industry experts, investors, and potential partners. Not one to be missed!

The following startups will be attending the competition:

• Roxen Innovations

• Boatscribe

• Hefring Marine

• Smart Drinx

• Titanium Technology

• Effetto Venturi SA

Metstrade Stage Hall 13

Student Day 16+

For the first time, Metstrade welcomes students aged 16+ on the Thursday for a dedicated programme spotlighting innovation and career opportunities in the leisure marine industry. The goal is to connect students with industry leaders, offering them a firsthand look at the passion, challenges, and opportunities that define the maritime sector. The day starts with an inspiring kick-off by Kim Hollamby, of Hollamby Partnership, in which he will share his insights, experiences, and vision for the future. Followed by a joint lunch and networking with professionals shaping the future of marine technology.

Kim Hollamby of Hollamby Partnership

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Telephone numbers

• Organisation Metstrade Show

+31 20 549 1212

• RAI emergency number

+31 20 549 1234

• Metstrade Hotel Services

+31 20 549 1927

Opening hours

Tuesday 18 Nov: 10:00 – 18:00

Wednesday 19 Nov: 10:00 – 18:00

Thursday 20 Nov: 10:00 – 17:00

RAI event desks

General information on the RAI

Amsterdam Convention Centre and Metstrade 2025 is available at three event desks (triangular shaped desks) located in entrances C, F and K.

Badge

For safety and security reasons, it is mandatory to wear your badge at all times on the RAI premises. Please ensure that your badge is clearly visible.

Networking Lounges

Comfortable Networking Lounges

with free WiFi to do business, charge mobile devices and rest your feet. Located all over the show floor.

Metstrade online

• Free WIFI is available throughout the entire show floor

• Like & follow us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

• Join our Young Professionals Club LinkedIn group (for young professionals < 40 yrs)

Rebooking

You can rebook for the 2026 edition with a Metstrade representative who will visit your stand. You are also welcome in the Metstrade (Re) Booking Office in Hall 13.

Get in touch

The Daily News is published jointly by IBI and RAI Amsterdam every day during the show. Any suggestions or input for the Daily News can be handed in to Ed Slack (Chief editor IBI News). He can be reached via the IBI Newsroom (Hall 13) or email ed@ibiplus.co.uk.

Get the most out of your visit by using the brand-new Metstrade app. Browse the full exhibitor list, explore the content programme across five stages, and navigate the show floor with the interactive map. Personalise your agenda, bookmark sessions, and access all practical information right at your fingertips.

Just log in with the same email address as your registration for Metstrade.

Rebook for Metstrade 2026 in our Booking Office in Hall 13