We came back from a tour of the Dutch shipyards, organized by the Dutch yachting association (part of a larger association promoting the Dutch marine industry, known as HISWA), with some positive news. Most (if not all) the Dutch shipyards have a number of big yachts currently under construction and the future looks bright.

From the lows of the past couple of years, Dutch yachtbuilders report increased activity in the 147-foot and up (45+-meter) market segment and rising interest from potential owners coming from Brazil, Russia, India and China. These so-called “BRIC” countries represent hope for the future. The recent sale to a Chinese client of the F45 Helix, which builder Feadship sent to the Asia Pacific region for an extended tour and appeared at the first edition of a luxury showcase held in Hainan in southern China, seems to confirm the strategy is working. Most Dutch shipyards have shown great interest in developing their marketing and commercial strategies in these regions while their traditional markets are either still declining or recovering. The US market (an educated market when it comes to superyachts and an important source of clients for Dutch builders) is showing little growth opportunity at the moment.

This said, the figures (below) provided by HISWA show a positive trend as far as construction and order of yachts 99 feet and larger (again with larger yachts leading the way). These numbers are somewhat higher than reported due to confidentiality agreements.

Please stay tuned for further insights from the 2012 Yacht Valley Tour from our European editor Maria Roberta Morso in future issues of Yachts International.