Thinking Ahead at The Superyacht Forum 2024

Following its acquisition of The Superyacht Forum earlier this year, METSTRADE has announced an ambitious future-focused agenda for TSF 2024 which takes place at RAI Amsterdam from 18-19 November.

The Superyacht Forum was acquired by RAI Amsterdam in March 2024 with bold plans to build on the foundation of past successes and fully integrate the event with METSTRADE’s SuperYacht Pavilion to create the most compelling business to business event for the sector in the world. 

Supported by headline partners AkzoNobel/ Awlgrip, DNV, Lürssen and Neom/ Sindalah, this first edition under the organisation of RAI Amsterdam will enable closer alignment with METSTRADE’s SuperYacht Pavilion and its three halls of exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers from 19 -21 November.

More than 600 top industry professionals will ‘Think Ahead’ around issues impacting innovation, sustainability and professionalisation, with specific topics for keynotes, workshops and breakouts carefully selected by METSTRADE’s newly convened Superyacht Content Board giving voice to a range of leading industry organisations.

Sample topics in this forward-looking agenda include:

Think Ahead – Innovation
TSF 2024 will examine the cutting-edge impact of artificial intelligence on shipyards and designers, with a special focus on insights from outside the yachting industry to inspire and highlight AI’s potential to transform superyacht design and engineering. A superyacht propulsion R&D deep dive will explore the range of non-fossil fuel options available and how they meet diverse requirements. Particular attention will be paid to dual-fuel solutions, which promise to align environmental sustainability with operational requirements. There will also be discussion around how strategic mergers and acquisitions can drive growth, foster innovation, and create a more integrated and resilient superyacht market.

Think Ahead – Professionalism
A keynote on the first day will address public perceptions of the superyacht industry and how this can be managed. Delegates will also witness the launch of the Yacht Owner Representative Platform (YORP), a new network of registered representatives and hear how members work in the decision-making process for new builds and refits. The quest to engage, inspire, and retain talent is pivotal. The Superyacht Alliance will explain how it is driving professional approaches towards growing and retaining talent within the sector.

Think Ahead – Sustainability
A large proportion of TSF 2024’s agenda will examine and discuss sustainable practices, headlined by a keynote exploring a 2050 superyacht industry roadmap. Workshops and breakouts will look at biofouling management, whether there is a need for a superyacht industry regulatory policy on greenhouse gas emission reduction. The International University of Monaco will offer insights into the influence of sustainability on the decisions of younger generations, while the Water Revolution Foundation will provide updates on its Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI).

Exclusive access to MARIN’s Seven Oceans Simulator
MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) will be opening the doors to its advanced Seven Oceans Simulator centre (SOSc) for a select group of TSF delegates on Wednesday 20 November. This workspace enables engineers and crew to experience and improve ships in operational conditions before they are built. It can also assist with operational mission rehearsal and training as well as complex infrastructure design.

Commenting on this year's agenda, Niels Klarenbeek, director of METSTRADE, states: “When we acquired The Superyacht Forum, we promised enhanced networking opportunities, greater alignment with METSTRADE’s many related facets, and enrichment of the content programme in collaboration with superyacht industry organisations and key knowledge partners. Three months later you can see from this advanced preview that we have kept our word to build the absolute must-attend event for superyacht sector professionals. Look out for further announcements in coming weeks.”

Tickets are now available to purchase here: The Superyacht Forum 2024