The Monaco Yacht Show 2024 once again proved that the industry’s appetite for innovation and collaboration is stronger than ever. Across a series of round table discussions hosted by SuperYacht Times in partnership with the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, leading voices in design, technology, and sustainability came together to debate the future of superyachting.
From rebuilds and propulsion to interiors, onboard materials, and composites, the panels revealed how shipyards, designers, and engineers are aligning with owner expectations and environmental priorities.
Key Highlights
Rebuilds and conversions are gaining momentum as sustainable alternatives – Industry veterans including Paolo Balzano (Palumbo Shipyards), Micca Ferrero (ICON Yachts), and Wim Verhoeff (Oceanco) highlighted how repurposing existing vessels offers cost-effective solutions with shorter lead times while reducing environmental impact. The trend reflects growing owner demand for eco-conscious yachting options that minimize their carbon footprint through reusing existing structures.
Next-generation propulsion systems face retrofit challenges despite technological breakthroughs – Experts from MTU Rolls-Royce, Siemens Energy, and RINA explored the complexities of updating the existing 6,000-yacht global fleet with cleaner propulsion technologies. While new builds like Sanlorenzo’s Almax and Feadship’s Project 821 showcase advanced systems, retrofitting older yachts requires strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to balance performance, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Sustainable materials and interior innovation are reshaping yacht design philosophy – Leading designers Perry van Oossanen (Van Oossanen Naval Architects) and representatives from Gordon & Gaia, Marine Leather, and Silverlining Furniture emphasized how material choices significantly impact environmental footprint. The discussions revealed a shift toward multipurpose interior spaces, locally-sourced materials, and the “reduce, reuse, recycle” approach, though challenges remain in scaling sustainable solutions and educating teams about responsible practices.
Key Participants
The roundtables featured prominent industry figures including Tim Davis (Burgess), Espen Øino, Claudia Rossi (Rossinavi), Daniel Kerkhof (Crestron Marine), Kit Rogers (Atlas Carbon Products), Kenneth Nyfelt (Baltic Yachts), and Artur Połoczański (Sunreef Yachts), among others, representing the full spectrum of yacht design, construction, and technology sectors.
Source: SuperYacht Times
