New study: Superyacht industry generates 54 billion euros in economic output

The superyacht industry has grown into an economic sector worth 54 billion euros. This is shown by the first comprehensive global analysis of the sector, carried out by Deloitte and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on behalf of the Superyacht Life Foundation and the Superyacht Builders Association. The study covers only yachts over 30 metres in length and is based on surveys of shipyards, tracking data from 100 audited company financial statements and over 50 interviews with stakeholders.

There are 6,100 yachts over 30 metres in length sailing around the world

The global fleet of yachts measuring more than 30 metres in length now comprises more than 6,100 vessels. Every euro invested in the sector generates an average of 2.40 euros in additional economic value. The economic ecosystem ranges from Mediterranean tourism to European engineering and maritime innovation.

Direct impact and multiplier effect

The sector generated 22 billion euros in direct economic output during the study period in 2022. A further 32 billion euros is generated indirectly through international supply chains, tourism expenditure and professional services. “The results show that the superyacht market is far more than just a niche industry,” says Dilan Saraç, head of the Superyacht Life Foundation. “What we see is a deeply interconnected global economy that supports manufacturing, tourism, engineering, hospitality and thousands of highly skilled jobs.” A single yacht generates an average annual economic impact of nine million euros. More than a third of the global fleet is available for charter.

Fleet operations as the biggest driver of economic growth

The operation of the vessels, together with the tourism associated with the yachts, accounts for 27.1 billion euros, making it the largest economic driver – almost half of the sector’s total economic impact. Active yachts support restaurants, hotels, marinas, transport providers and local businesses in the key cruising areas. Yachts over 60 metres generate around 5.5 times more expenditure than smaller vessels. The Mediterranean remains the world’s leading superyacht region, recording €4.7 billion in operational expenditure and €1.9 billion in tourism expenditure per year. These figures underscore the importance of marina infrastructure, refit facilities and upmarket tourism services across the entire region.

Europe dominates the new-build market

Europe accounts for around 90 per cent of the global new-build market. Italy, the Netherlands and Germany together account for just under 80 per cent of production. New-build projects alone generate an economic impact of around 20 billion euros and support a wide-ranging network of designers, engineers, interior designers and technology suppliers. The study also highlights the growing importance of refit and overhaul work, as fleets age and environmental regulations continue to evolve.

Methodology and data sources

The economic modelling was carried out using the FIGARO input-output analysis, developed by the Department of Spatial Economics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The study analyses economic activities across new-build, refit and maintenance, brokerage, charter, fleet operations and tourism. The Superyacht Life Foundation operates as a not-for-profit, commercially independent organisation dedicated to promoting understanding of the global superyacht industry and its contributions to society. The Foundation collaborates with 20 partner organisations from across the sector. SYBAss was founded in 2007 and represents the world’s leading superyacht shipyards. The association works towards the future of superyacht construction through collaboration, the sharing of expertise and the continuous development of industry standards.