A new study has revealed that the global superyacht sector generated approximately €54 billion in total economic output in 2022.
The data positions the sector among the world’s most impactful high-value maritime manufacturing ecosystems.
The study, the Global Economic Impact of the Superyacht Industry, was carried out by Deloitte and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and commissioned by Superyacht Life Foundation (SYL) and the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss).
According to the study, the industry generated €22 billion in direct expenditure, which subsequently created an additional €32 billion in indirect economic activity through global supply chains, tourism, operations, hospitality, and maritime services.
The study identifies the new build segment as the single most economically catalytic activity within the entire superyacht sector, generating a multiplier effect of 2.8.
Recurring annual economic activity
In practical terms, every €1 invested in building a yacht creates an additional €1.8 in economic value across the wider global economy through suppliers, subcontractors, logistics, engineering, services and long-term operational activities.
The study points out that operational economy surrounding superyachts can only exist because yachts are first designed, engineered, built and continuously renewed.
Sectors such as fleet operations, charter, tourism, brokerage, marinas and hospitality account for the majority of recurring annual economic activity, however the report shows that this ecosystem depends on the continuous creation and renewal of the global fleet by builders and yacht owners.
Refit and maintenance sector
New vessel construction alone generates 37% of the industry’s total economic impact, representing around €20 billion globally.
Meanwhile, the refit and maintenance sector contributes an additional €5.6 billion, representing approximately 11% of total industry impact.
The report also highlights a structural imbalance within the sector: while builders assume the greatest concentration of industrial investment, delivery risk and long-term accountability; the majority of recurring economic activity is generated from the fleet they create.
The report states that the global superyacht fleet is currently approaching 5.600 vessels, with a single superyacht contributing on average €9 million annually to the economy throughout its lifecycle.
