December 2025 WATERLINE | 7 +61 (0) 438 548 163 www.butchartmarineservices.com.au greg@butchartmarineservices.com.au QUALITY MARINE SERVICES High quality and innovative solutions to boat hoisting, transportation, storage and marina facilities. Australia’s No.1 Boat Stands FEATURE SUPERYACHTS The international superyacht industry has entered one of its most dynamic growth phases in decades. Over the past two years, the number of new vessels delivered has surged to record levels, with global shipyards reporting their busiest order books since before the pandemic. The 2025 ‘Boat International Global Order Book’ shows more than 1,100 superyachts currently in build or on order, marking a clear rebound that is reshaping the industry’s scale and composition. What is particularly striking is the sharp rise in deliveries since 2023, with new builds climbing significantly across all size brackets. This growth is most visible in the 70-metre segment, the “sweet spot” of the current market. Feedback from the major European shows this season, including Monaco and Cannes, confirms that demand for 70-metre new builds is at its highest in years, driven by buyers seeking both long-range capability and luxury customisation. Whilst European and Turkish shipyards continue to dominate construction, and Italy has held the top position for a remarkable 25 consecutive years, the centre of buying power has now shifted decisively westward. American clients now account for the majority of new build purchases, particularly in the 50 to 80-metre range. The 8% year-on-year rise in US demand has strengthened market confidence, spurring activity across brokerage, refit and superyacht financing sectors worldwide. For Australia, this global upswing presents both opportunity and urgency. With superyachts now travelling further afield, AIS data shows a 37% increase in vessels transiting into the South Pacific via the Panama Canal in early 2025. More yachts are venturing into Oceania, using Australia as both a cruising and refit destination. The local fleet, averaging 36.5 metres, remains modest in comparison to global norms, but Australia’s world-class facilities, craftsmanship and evolving regulatory framework create an ideal platform to attract and retain visiting vessels, turning transient traffic into sustained economic impact. The expansion of the 70m superyacht segment, led by American owners, underscores the need for Australia to scale its marina infrastructure. By investing in larger berths and increased service capacity, Australia can capitalise on international yacht visitation, anchoring our reputation as the superyacht hub of the South Pacific region. THE GLOBAL SUPERYACHT BOOM AND AUSTRALIA’S MOMENT TO CAPITALISE By David Good, CEO Superyacht Australia Superyacht Australia Soiree Photo Credit: Salty Dingo
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