Dutch shipyards are leaders in market for super yachts

Dutch shipbuilders need to be more innovative and develop new ideas in order to keep their leading position in the global super yacht market, according to ABN Amro analysts.

The report suggests Dutch yacht builders, most of which are family firms, do more to keep their customers happy and offer greater service.

‘A super yacht needs maintenance, crew and fuel but Dutch yards are disadvantaged because they are not located in the Mediterranean, the report states. ‘By working together, a Dutch collective could set up a joint yard in a foreign port which would take refitting close to the client,’ it said. ‘This would also be more attractive for the crew.’

Last year Dutch yacht builders delivered 16 super yachts with a length of over 24 metres and pulled in a further 27 contracts.

The Netherlands is world leader in building super yachts in the 40 metres plus category, and third in the market overall behind Italy and Germany, ABN Amro said.

There are 16 specialist yacht builders in the Netherlands.