2012 Global Order Book shows superyacht orders yet to recover

November 30, 2011

Overall the 2012 ShowBoats International Global Order Book shows 728 yachts over 80 feet long on order worldwide, which is 3% down from the 753 yachts under construction at this time in 2011 and still 27% down from a high of 1,008 orders reported  in 2009.

The 2012 Global Order Book reveals an interesting trend: Despite the decline in new orders, there is an increase in the number of shipbuilding yards reporting new projects. For example, in 2008 there were 139 different yards around the world reporting orders, while for 2012, the Global Order Book received data from 209 yards. Many of the new yards are in Turkey and China. While some yards may exist for only one project, the increase of yacht-building venues supports the idea that many buyers are still shopping for value. Interest in yacht ownership by wealthy individuals from emerging nations may indicate a wish to build yachts nearer to their homes, often driven by heavy import duties levied on imported yachts.

The top builder nations are Italy with 317 projects, followed by the United States (71 projects), Turkey (68 projects) and The Netherlands (61 projects).

Three Italian yards head the list of the top 20 builders. Azimut-Benetti is the No. 1 builder by total length of projects under construction with 75 yacht projects totaling 8,661 feet at an average length of 115 feet per yacht. Ferretti Group is second (76 yachts, 7,961 feet total, 105 feet average), followed by Sanlorenzo (42 yachts, 4,635 total feet, 110 feet average) in third place.

The 2012 Global Order Book data was collected and analyzed by Boat International Media’s analysts with additional stats and analysis by the editors of ShowBoats International. The data reflects orders placed as of Sept. 1, 2011.

Regarding custom and semi-custom yachts, the leading builder is Benetti with 33 projects at an average length of 142 feet, followed by Heesen (11, average length 159 feet) and CRN (nine, average length 203 feet). Tied with eight each are Dutch builders Amels and Feadship and U.S. builder Trinity. The undisputed heavyweight champ when it comes to building very large yachts, however, is Germany’s Lürssen. Its seven projects on order have an average length of 353 feet.

One sector showing a growth trend despite macro economic outlook is that of sailing superyachts with 93 orders for 2012—7% increase YOY. Multihull projects also continue to increase with six motor yachts and 12 sailing multihulls.

Improvements in technology make both sailing yachts and multihulls more attractive in terms of fuel efficiency and running costs and both represent a more “green” alternative to the traditional motor yacht market.

For full details of this 17-page report, pick up the December/January issue of ShowBoats International. Digital editions are available via Zinio and iTunes. ShowBoats International is part of Boat International Media. For more information about ShowBoats International or the 2012 Global Order Book contact:

Marilyn Mower, Editorial Director
ShowBoats International
marilyn.mower@boatinternationalmedia.com
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