We’re going to need a greener boat: Sustainable superyachts make a splash at Dubai Harbour
▶ More than 200 luxury vessels are on show as budding seafarers gather for annual maritime exhibition
Sustainability might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about superyachts.
But that is what many people considering doing a deal for a superyacht are concerned about right now, said experts who gathered yesterday for the first day of the Dubai International Boat Show.
Industry insiders told The National it was not uncommon for potential buyers to avoid the usual luxurious trappings of a superyacht if it failed to deliver on sustainability.
Another emerging trend is a need for privacy, fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic that helped people to see the value of uninterrupted family time.
“The drive towards sustainability is down to the regulation that’s coming in to push it and also because consumers are very interested, especially after seeing the growth spurt with electric vehicles,” said Abeer Alshaali, deputy managing director of UAE-based superyacht manufacturer Gulf Craft.
“Clients still want that level of luxury, but they understand that comes at a price [to the environment] and that the price might not be worth paying.
“That means they are looking for sustainable solutions.”
Superyacht manufacturers have begun to offer sustainability-focused touches, including carpets made from used fishing wire.
“Our clients today are concerned with the environment, they are concerned with having more [energy] efficient boats and the maintenance and service,” Ms Alshaali said.
This year’s boat show, which is taking place at Dubai Harbour, features more than 1,000 brands and at least 200 vessels from internationally renowned shipyards.
The harbour was packed with a fleet of superyachts worth millions of dirhams, with the show set to run until Sunday.
Among the companies with boats on display were Azimut, Sunseeker Gulf, Gulf Craft, Finnmaster, HP Watermakers, Oceano and Althaus Yachts.
Apart from sustainability, potential buyers also appear to be increasingly keen on making sure their boats provide a homely environment.
“There is trend right now to look for family-friendly boats that provide quality time,” Ms Alshaali said.
“I think Covid-19 taught a lot of people that quality of life really matters. And it taught a lot of people that they want to make sure their home environment is comfortable and that they are happy.
“[The vessels] are a home on water – it’s an expansion of your home environment.
“Superyacht clients are often people who grew up with boats and can now afford to buy the larger yachts and want that as part of their lifestyle.”
Among potential superyacht buyers, there are also those who consider such a vessel to be an investment, rather than a place to spend time, Ms Alshaali said.
“People who buy a superyacht often only use it for two to three weeks of the year and put it out to charter for the rest of the time.”
Superyacht owners are now more likely to take their vessels on longer voyages than before, another expert at the boat show said.
“They’re not going out for a one or two-day cruise, now they’re aiming for a week or 10-day cruise minimum,” Michel Torbey, sales representative in the Middle East for yacht manufacturer Sanlorenzo, told The National.
“People are looking for bigger boats than before as well.
“They want more room for the family to go on bigger excursions than perhaps they’re used to.
“Everyone wants bigger boats since the pandemic.”
If you are thinking of buying a superyacht of your own, you might want to start saving.
Mr Torbey estimated such a vessel would set customers
People are looking for bigger boats than before ... they want more room for the family to go on bigger excursions MICHAEL TORBEY
Sales representative, Sanlorenzo
back at least Dh119 million ($32.5 million).
While sustainability and quality time with family are increasingly important to those looking to buy a boat, many are still drawn by the sense of adventure and fun of yacht ownership, said Michel Antoun, sales representative with Grande Marine Ships and Boats Trading.
“People still want luxury. They want to discover the sea and reach that faraway horizon,” he told The National.
“They still want to have those adventures.
“It’s the younger generations that are more concerned with the environment.”