The superyacht industry represents a pinnacle of luxury and engineering, with vessels typically exceeding 24 meters (approximately 79 feet) in length. As of 2023, there are approximately 5,000 superyachts in operation worldwide.
Global Superyacht Ownership
Ownership of superyachts is predominantly concentrated among a few nations. According to data from 2023, the distribution of superyacht ownership by country is as follows:
| Rank | Country | Ownership Percentage | Average Length |
| 1 | United States | 23.6% | 54m |
| 2 | Russia | 8.1% | 62m |
| 3 | Greece | 6.2% | 51m |
| 4 | Turkey | 5.7% | 47m |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 5.4% | 56m |
| 6 | Italy | 4.8% | 50m |
| 7 | United Arab Emirates | 3.4% | 62m |
| 8 | Germany | 3.3% | 50m |
| 9 | Saudia Arabia | 3.1% | 68m |
| 10 | Australia | 3.0% | 52m |
| 11 | France | 2.5% | 49m |
Superyacht Registrations by Country
The choice of a vessel’s flag state is influenced by factors such as regulatory environment, tax considerations, and maritime laws. As of May 2022, the distribution of superyacht registrations is as follows:
| Rank | Country | Registration Percentage |
| 1 | Cayman Island | 54% |
| 2 | Malta | 9% |
| 3 | Marshall Islands | 8% |
| 4 | Bermuda | 5% |
| 5 | Panama | 5% |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 4% |
| 7 | Oman | 3% |
| 8 | Saudi Arabia | 2% |
| 9 | United Arab Emirates | 1% |
| 10 | Unknown | 1% |
| 11 | Other Countries | 6% |
Superyacht Manufacturing Hubs
The construction of superyachts is a specialised industry concentrated in specific countries known for their maritime expertise. In 2016, the global superyacht order book was distributed as follows:
| Rank | Country | Order Book Percentage |
| 1 | Italy | 42% |
| 2 | Netherlands | 14% |
| 3 | Turkey | 10% |
| 4 | United States | 7% |
Italy’s dominance in superyacht manufacturing is further highlighted by the presence of renowned shipyards such as Azimut, Sanlorenzo, Mangusta, Ferretti Riva, and Codecasa. In 2022, the Italian yachting industry had an economic impact of €27 billion, with half of the 1,024 superyacht orders placed at Italian shipyards.
Economic Impact and Employment
The superyacht industry significantly contributes to the global economy. In Europe, it accounts for 54% of the annual turnover, amounting to €24 billion. The United Kingdom’s superyacht sector alone turns over nearly £700 million and employs over 4,500 people.
Conclusion
The superyacht sector continues to thrive, with ownership and manufacturing concentrated in specific regions. The industry’s substantial economic contributions underscore its importance within the global maritime landscape.
