Shipbuilding Recession? Megayacht Sector Booms

Large-sized superyacht orders show a huge increase according to a recent market report.

If orders for superyachts are any indication of consumer confidence, statistics show a small but definitely measurable increase (3.9%) in global orders for yachts above 150 feet in length overall (LOA) and an astounding rebound (44% increase) in orders for the largest superyachts - those over 250 feet LOA - with 39 orders compared to 27 in 2012, according to data published by Boat International Media.

Recently released annual yacht construction statistics reveal a total of 692 private yachts of 80 feet or more under construction worldwide, and while that total shows an overall 5.2% decline from last year, those who operate in the financial stratosphere have returned to the business of ordering yachts.

Kate Lardy, editor of ShowBoats International magazine says, “there is a definite trend visible in this 2013 Order Book with the inclusion of some enormous yachts; no less than 14 projects over 100 meters [328 feet] are currently on order.” She goes on to say, “This is a new record for the industry.” Three of the 100+ meter yachts are sailing yachts being built in Germany, Holland and Turkey.

ShowBoats International’s 2013 annual Global Order Book is the definitive guide to yachts 80 feet (24m) and above under construction. Each year the magazine presents a list of yachts in build at shipyards throughout the world with comprehensive global statistics and economic activity around large yacht orders worldwide.

This new annual report is  now available to download here.