Groupe Beneteau experienced a record year in 2023, both in terms of results and also developments within the group.
The group has launched its 2023 annual report with sustainability, recycling, connected boats and accessible boating are key topics.
“2023 was an outstanding year on a number of levels. First of all, in terms of our record results,” said Bruno Thivoyon, Groupe Beneteau CEO. “They confirm our market-leading position for boats. They also highlight the relevance and solidity of our model.”
And he said that the results also prove that the company’s strategic plan is delivering a range of benefits and that the group’s premiumisation strategy is the right one.
The report highlights the fact that 2024 is being seen as a transition year with predictions that by the end of 2025, business will return to normal.
Innovation will be crucial with technology playing a role such as the introduction of alternative propulsion solutions.
“There is also a real revolution underway in terms of user practices with the connectivity of boats.”
Gianguido Girotti, group deputy CEO and Boat Division CEO
“Concerning the environment, there is also a real revolution underway in terms of user practices with the connectivity of boats, which is already progressing within the Group,” added Gianguido Girotti, group deputy CEO and Boat Division CEO.
In 2023, Beneteau continued working to map the CO2 emissions relating to its products, using the analysis of a boat’s life cycle to drive its approach.
Investigations included improving how the boat glides over the water to reduce its hull’s drag and therefore the power requirements.
The boatbuilder has increased the quantity of biosourced materials used in its resin from 14% in 2022 to 35% in 2023.
In addition, by 2030, alternative propulsion systems will be offered on all of Beneteau’s lineup – in 2023, the boatbuilder launched ten new boats featuring electric or hybrid propulsion systems.
Other initiatives from Groupe Beneteau include working to recycle composites when boats reach the end of their life.
In 2023, the boatbuilder invested in the startup Composite Recycling with its partner Chomarat and supplies materials for testing for reintegrating composite fibres into production processes.
The group aims to reduce its CO2 emission intensity by 2030.
