Monaco Yacht Show: the world rendezvous for luxury yachting

Nearly 30,000 visitors gathered in Port Hercules to discover the latest yachts exhibited by shipyards and brokers. No less than 46 new yachts out of the 120 exhibited made their debut, a figure compared to the 15 units presented last year, proof that this industry is showing the greatest dynamism, both in production and in innovation. Year after year, dock layouts have gained more space to welcome visitors, mainly professionals, whether they are exhibitors (554 this year), proven shipowners or potential new owners. For the latter, the first day of the MYS is reserved for them to be able to visit the yachts in complete peace of mind and establish privileged contacts with shipyards, brokers, architects and designers.

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This niche industry, which is perfectly rooted in its era, brings in its wake a considerable number of small businesses, often artisanal, dedicated to the luxury of tailor-made fittings, interior decoration, and all the elements present on board superyachts to offer owners a personalized and sophisticated universe.

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‍Innovation and sustainability‍

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Often portrayed by traditional media as slow to innovate or adapt to new environmental challenges, the superyacht industry has, in recent years, been involved in the promotion and implementation of sustainability projects. Organizations such as the Sea Index, Water Revolution Foundation, and YETI were created to promote a sustainable future. The United Nations International Maritime Organization has implemented regulations on nitrogen oxide emissions aimed at significantly reducing emissions from ships. Since 2016, every large yacht exceeding 500 gross tons and equipped with diesel engines over 130kW has been required to meet rigorous standards. These have since been extended to smaller yachts, thus covering a wider segment of the industry. Hybrid propulsion is now widely used and hydrogen is in turn becoming essential on board superyachts to considerably reduce the impact on the environment and preserve fossil fuel reserves.‍

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The hidden side of the Monaco Yacht Show‍

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The Principality's involvement in the protection of the oceans and the environment has been a tradition for several generations, and it is quite natural that this policy finds a major place in the MYS. The luxury window never fails to dazzle, the yachts are sumptuous, but it is in the shadows that the future of this industry is being played out.

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Superyacht Times organizes no less than 22 conferences bringing together all the actors, architects, shipyards and exhibitors of the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub. It is during these informal conferences that the yachting of tomorrow is taking shape. All topics are explored, such as the transition to alternative propulsion systems, the use of ecological materials or the introduction of artificial intelligence on board.

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This 33rd edition has kept all its promises, as summarized by Gaëlle Tallarida, Executive Director of MYS: ”The Monaco Yacht Show 2024 once again highlighted an exceptional collection of superyachts and an exhibition of leading companies in the sector, attracting visitors from around the world eager to explore the world of yachting and its development opportunities. They discovered yachting integrated with economic and technological developments, meeting the expectations of customers and society. This edition confirms that the Monaco Yacht Show is much more than a luxury showcase: it is becoming a driver of innovation and reflection on the future of yachting in a global context.”