Explore the Future of Boat Financing at The Superyacht Forum
In November, St Julian’s Maritime Finance joined delegates at the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, an event shaping the next decade of superyachting. The event’s theme, “NXT”, looked toward what’s ahead: new generations of yacht owners, sustainable and advanced technologies, and digital transformation across the marine sector.
As first-time attendees, the team used the forum to strengthen relationships with yacht builders, brokers, and legal experts, while sharing the company’s perspective on the evolving landscape of boat financing and financial leasing.
We also attended the Superyacht Investor London. Read about it here
The “Next” Generation of Yacht Ownership
The next wave of yacht owners is redefining what it means to own a vessel. Rather than focusing solely on traditional boat financing models, many are embracing flexibility, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. SJMF has seen growing interest in yacht leasing structures that offer adaptability, reduced long-term risk, and a more fluid approach to luxury asset management.
This change reflects a broader shift in priorities, from prestige to practicality, as owners seek smarter, more sustainable routes into yachting.
Digitalisation, AI and the Value of Data
Digital innovation was another dominant focus, especially in discussions around AI, digital twins, and yacht data management. SJMF views digitalisation as key to speeding up service delivery and preserving long-term asset value.
By migrating operations away from traditional paper-based documentation, SJMF is able to complete most financing processes within 3–5 weeks, placing the company as a leader of marine finance in Europe. Enhanced data also helps verify vessel condition and support more accurate valuations, an essential factor in protecting the residual value of leased yachts.
Interested in leasing? Learn more here
Regulation, Safety and the Unified Yacht Code
The introduction of a Unified Yacht Code, aimed at harmonising global safety and build standards, was another important talking point. These efforts are seen as a positive step for both lenders and owners, as consistent construction and operational requirements increase industry trust and transparency.
For SJMF, standardising regulation improves confidence in vessel safety, making it easier to assess funding across markets and supporting the company’s goal of reducing uncertainty in international transactions.
Financing the Refit Market
Refit financing continues to grow in popularity. Rather than always purchasing brand-new builds, buyers are frequently investing in upgrades to existing yachts. SJMF has seen strong demand for refit funding across a broad range of projects - from year old yachts receiving early system upgrades to major rebuilds of classics such as the Belle Brise.
This offers a mix of opportunity and individuality, enabling owners to add value, enhance efficiency, and bring older yachts in line with modern sustainability expectations.
Innovation and Industry Collaboration
The Startup Innovation Lab, hosted by Jodie Clarke, Conrad Empson, and Gabriella Richardson, presented a forward-looking snapshot of how AI and emergent technologies are reshaping the sector. Their insights on digitisation across design, operations, and ownership resonated strongly with SJMF’s commitment to innovation in finance.
Beyond the panels, the forum also created valuable introductions to new shipyards and legal partners from around the world. Many cited tight project timelines and payment delays as recurring challenges, areas where SJMF’s personalised approach and fast payout cycles continue to provide real advantages.
Looking Ahead
Participating in the Superyacht Forum provided a valuable perspective on the direction of maritime finance and the opportunities it presents. By staying closely involved in discussions around sustainability, digitalisation, and regulation, SJMF aims to refine its approach and continue supporting clients as the landscape of boat financing and yacht leasing evolves.
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