28 March 2025

by Emma Slater

Superyacht UK Technical Seminar 2025: A resounding success providing the latest industry insights and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the superyacht industry today

The highly anticipated Superyacht UK Technical Seminar 2025 held on Tuesday 25 March, at the prestigious Union Jack Club in London has been hailed as an outstanding success, with over 90 attendees joining to gain valuable insights, foster networking, and to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the superyacht industry today.

With a full agenda of expert speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and game-changing technologies, the Seminar delivered key takeaways for all those involved in the sector.

The event opened with an engaging update from Julian Smith, Regional Director for Europe and Africa at the Cayman Islands Shipping Register (CISR) on the REG Code.  This was followed by an in-depth case study of Project 821, a hydrogen vessel navigating the challenges of certification through the alternative design and arrangement process. The session offered real-world lessons and underscored the ongoing evolution in maritime technology.

Gabrielle Lazaridis, Business Editor at Boat International gave a captivating talk on the industry trends and changes over the years covering the details of the global order book with data in some instances going back decades showing how the industry has evolved. Covering statistical changes in new build numbers, size and type of craft, full custom vs semi-custom vessels, brokerage numbers, number of shipyards and much more, providing delegates with a complete picture of the superyacht industry.

Gabrielle Lazaridis, Business Editor at Boat International gave a captivating talk on the industry trends and changes over the years covering the details of the global order book with data in some instances going back decades showing how the industry has evolved. Covering statistical changes in new build numbers, size and type of craft, full custom vs semi-custom vessels, brokerage numbers, number of shipyards and much more, providing delegates with a complete picture of the superyacht industry.

Computer Network Defence CTO, Jeff Ames then updated delegates on the ever-changing cyber security issues. With a focus on AI and how this is being used by the superyacht industry, Jeff covered the potential threats that companies and individuals are opening themselves up to by using the available technology, as well as how AI is being used by nefarious agents to overcome security measure, and how the cyber security industry is able to use AI to prevent and overcome active threats.

Speakers also addressed the pressing sustainability challenges facing the superyacht industry, exploring a range of alternative fuels and innovative solutions. Tobias Kohl from Rolls-Royce Solutions highlighted methanol’s potential as a key alternative to diesel, explaining why it is particularly well-suited for applications where space and weight constraints—such as refits and engine replacements—make other options less viable. Jez Sims from Lloyd’s Register provided a compelling look at the possibilities of nuclear technology, specifically the role micro-reactors could play in the marine sector, including superyachts. While acknowledging the significant regulatory hurdles that must be overcome, he offered a candid assessment of the changes needed to make nuclear a feasible option in the future, positioning it as a technology to watch.

The pre-lunch panel discussion on paint application brought together some of the industry’s leading experts, including Amy Cardale (Hill Dickinson), Stephen Hill (Pendennis), Stuart Downie (Safinah), and Chris Jackson (Werde Consulting), with Ken Hickling moderating the session. The panel provided invaluable guidance on identifying and mitigating risks, managing expectations, and setting realistic standards to ensure successful outcomes. They also explored strategies for minimising disputes and costly litigation between shipyards and owners, both at the point of acceptance and later under warranty claims, helping delegates navigate this complex and often contentious aspect of superyacht maintenance and construction.

After lunch the seminar featured essential updates on MARPOL VI Regulations from Rachel Goult of Yacht Carbon Offset and Nigel Marrison, Founder of Blue ESG, followed by insights on hydrogen fuel cell technology from Alasdair Reay of HPi Verification. Alasdair explored the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for smaller vessels, offering valuable insights into the systems used on the Chase Zero vessels. He discussed the challenges of certification and safety in the absence of established small craft industry standards, highlighting how the project navigated this regulatory gap. While the certification process differs from that of larger yachts, he emphasised the shared need for a risk assessment-based approach, demonstrating how similar methodologies can be applied across different vessel sizes.

The day concluded with an inspiring keynote from Marnix J. Hoekstra, Co-Creative Director at Vripack, who shared the vision behind Project Zero and Foundation Zero. He highlighted the importance of open-source collaboration, ambitious innovation, and fresh thinking in driving the industry forward. Marnix offered a candid look at both the successes and challenges of these projects, emphasising that failures are just as valuable as achievements in accelerating progress. He provided fascinating insights into the technologies developed, including the power hub, which integrates thermal and electrical generation and storage, as well as advanced insulating solutions that improve vessel efficiency. This is certainly a different way of thinking, helping to break down barriers to making a more sustainable industry.

The event also provided ample opportunities for networking, with delegates connecting during lunch and at the afternoon drinks reception, sponsored by Laurent Giles. While a number of delegates also took advantage of attending the exclusive SYUK Technical Seminar dinner, providing the perfect opportunity to foster even more in-depth discussions.

The Superyacht UK Technical Seminar has proven once again to be a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of the superyacht industry, offering unparalleled insights and fostering critical conversations that will shape the future of the sector.

Special thanks to our networking and drinks sponsor, Laurent Giles and our event partners Döhle Yachts, Defenda, Houlder, Kongsberg, Mayfair Marine, Pantaenius and Pendennis.

What the delegates said of the day:

“It’s been great to see lots of short to the point punchy presentations on wide ranging subjects.” - Duncan Saunders from Saunders Morgan Harris Ltd

“Really pleased to be here today to enjoy all these super informative talks about how the industry is now and where the industry is going, and it has been incredibly fascinating to hear all the insights from industry experts, panels and questions from the public.  It’s been a great day.” - Kristian Arens, RWD

“It’s a really great opportunity to find out more about what is going on in our sector.  In particular I found the information on alternative fuels very interesting, seeing where that is going in the future.  Really keen to see where that goes.” - Simon Headly, Pantaenius

“I think the event is quite interesting as it covers a big bandwidth of topics.  It was very interesting that we talk about nuclear for example, which is always a good challenge or a benchmark for our conventional systems.  The networking is great here, you meet people from around the industry and I enjoyed it very much.” - Tobias Kohl, Director of Application Engineering for Marine, Rolls-Royce Solutions

Learn more about Superyacht UK by visiting www.superyachtuk.com