Metstrade 2025: Sustaining the growth of the superyacht sector

An expanded Superyacht Zone

With the refit market supporting approximately 6,000 active vessels requiring regular, major works, visitors can expand their knowledge of refitting, its impact on the whole leisure marine ecosystem, and how to capitalise on the demand for refitting. Key players such as Damen, Lürssen, MB92, Pendennis Shipyard, Palumbo Superyachts Marseille and the Australia Refit Cluster will be exhibiting their refit capabilities. 

Metstrade is launching a dedicated Superyacht Stage, a new platform for industry professionals to expand their knowledge. The stage will feature half an hour talks and discussions on the latest technologies and applications in superyacht design and operations.

In collaboration with Superyacht Times, the stage will host a live newsroom and three special interviews on stage, each followed by a networking drink end of day. Additionally, in partnership with the superyacht associations, daily sessions will be held on crucial developments within the industry. Highlights include a strategy session on building a new shipyard or a refit, an interview with a yacht designer creating onboard products, the latest technologies in cinema set-ups, and an exploration of the Owner's Rep perspective on working with clients and suppliers. The Women in Yachting Awards, organised by Yacht Femme will return as well, honouring and celebrating the achievements, contributions, and leadership of women across all sectors of the yachting industry. This stage promises to be a hub for insight and conversation for all attending.

Merijn de Waard, Director SuperYacht Times said: “Metstrade is always evolving for the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors. The show has grown year after year, and we at SuperYacht Times and Marina World are proud to be long-standing partners. This year we are especially excited about the launch of the new Superyacht Stage, located right next to our SYT stand, where we will be hosting key interviews with decision-makers shaping the superyacht market.

Further additions to the Superyacht Zone include the ‘Harbour 8’, a purpose-built event space and high-end restaurant offering three-course lunches to combine quality dining with business opportunities and learning. It is here that the Boat Builder Awards, one of the biggest celebrations of boat building globally, will be held. The event has been relocated to RAI Amsterdam to make the ceremony more accessible and a central part of the Metstrade experience, fostering informal networking among participants. 

A Captains’ Club completes the extensive new features added to the Superyacht Zone, providing exclusive networking opportunities for superyacht captains and senior crew. 
Niels Klarenbeek, Director of Metstrade, said: “The superyacht sector is experiencing positive momentum. For superyacht builders to continue this growth trajectory and stay ahead of the competition, Metstrade provides a unique opportunity to uncover new products and innovations which add value and enhance the onboard experience, providing the key differentiation and USPs that buyers and builders are seeking.

“We are excited to have a larger area dedicated to the global superyacht market with a wave of new additions and enhancements to the Superyacht Zone. It is a sector which is thriving and there are lots of learnings for the wider industry as well as essential actions for boat builders to continue this growth. With the addition of the Captains’ Club and Harbour 8, there are even more reasons to visit the Superyacht Zone.”

The Superyacht Forum

The Superyacht Forum, now part of the Metstrade portfolio, continues as the premier C-suite event where industry leaders and visionaries engage in high-level strategic discussions about the direction of the sector. The specialist event is designed for the industry, by the industry, with a range of partners collaborating to set the agenda. 

An exclusive event for superyacht designers, builders, captains, and key service providers, The Superyacht Forum will return with its compelling "NXT" champions innovation and responsible growth, emphasising adaptation to the rapidly changing world. This ensures the industry remains relevant, sustainable, and appealing for future generations. Furthermore, the forum provides extensive networking opportunities within a dynamic, high-calibre setting, allowing attendees to connect with the leading minds shaping superyachting's future.  

Designed for strategic discussions and unparalleled collaboration, this year's agenda is shaped by a series of key sub-themes: Synergy & Solutions, Operational Excellence & Trust, and Superyacht Standards & Evolution. 

Attendees will engage in visionary content sessions led by industry experts. The confirmed sessions, which are central to the programme, will delve into critical topics such as Digitalisation Onboard: Navigating Tomorrow's Superyacht Landscape, Unified Yacht Code: An Operational Perspective, Navigating Tomorrow's Waters: Designing for Extreme Weather, and Sailing the Future, Leading Superyacht Innovation. 

The Superyacht Coating Conference

Making its timely return to Metstrade is the Superyacht Coating Conference, organised by Metstrade under the auspices of ICOMIA and SYBAss. Taking place on 18-19 November 2025, the conference is the premier gathering dedicated to the evolving world of superyacht coatings, bringing together a highly select group of industry leaders, technical experts, and key decision-makers.
 
The conference will offer an unparalleled platform to connect coating brands with the superyacht industry, providing exclusive networking opportunities and deep technical focus. It will address the most pressing topics in the sector, spark crucial dialogue, and deliver actionable insights. 

Sessions will explore the latest developments in legislation, ISO standards, and sustainability, examine coatings from an owner’s perspective, and present advances in coating inspection, advisor certification, and dispute resolution. The event programme will also explore future requirements in standards and guidelines, innovations in surface preparation, paint materials, and application techniques, as well as new coating-related legislation, AF coatings, and comprehensive quality assurance measures.

Visit Metstrade 2025

The growth in Metstrade this year reflects the desire for many businesses to continue to invest, adapt and futureproof their success – no matter their size or where they are in the world. 

New to Metstrade in 2025, is a complete takeover of the RAI Amsterdam complex with exciting, revitalised zones, making it easy for visitors to experience a ‘round the world’ exploration of each hall in a continuous loop for the first time. With a larger exhibition area and over 1,600 exhibitors to meet from 135+ countries, spending more time at Metstrade to maximise every opportunity and to gain new industry insights will be time well spent.

Discover more on the Superyacht Zone and its exhibitors here: https://www.metstrade.com/zones/superyacht-zone 

Metstrade 2025 will take place from 18–20 November 2025 at RAI Amsterdam. For more information and to register for a free ticket, visit: https://www.metstrade.com/ 

To see the full programme at The Superyacht Forum 17-18 November and to book tickets to this exclusive event for the superyacht trade, visit: https://www.thesuperyachtforum.com/