Sale of seaworthy yachts on the increase

The sale of big sailing and motor yachts has been increasing in recent years. Foreign buyers constitute the main market for seaworthy yachts. In the total turnover of the shipbuilding industry, the share of yacht-building wharfs has gradually increased in recent years, reaching about 30 percent in 2003.

Turnover in seaworthy yachts (in constant prices) 

370 million euros worth of big yachts sold

The sale of sailing and motor yachts – corrected for price increases - in 2003 was up 55 percent on 1995. In eight years time the turnover volume has increased by an average of about 6 percent a year. In 2003 Dutch wharfs sold over 370 million euro worth of luxury seaworthy yachts.

In total the turnover of pleasure and sports boats reached almost 420 million. This is over 30 percent of the total turnover in the ship building industry, whereas in 1995 this was barely 13 percent. In contrast with the turnover of big yachts, turnover of the Dutch shipbuilding industry was down in 2003.

Sales of sailing and motor yachts

Growing share of sailing shipsThe share of sailing ships in the total sales of big seaworthy yachts is gradually increasing. In 1995 their share was over 18 percent, but by 2003 this had increased to 25 percent. The completion of major projects strongly influences the turnover figures. Therefore the share of sailing ships in total turnover fluctuates.

Imports and exports of seaworthy sailing and motor yachts (in current prices)

Most yachts sold abroad

Much of the turnover on Dutch-built yachts is realised abroad. The share varies from year to year but averages around 70 percent. The development in export figures is similar. The ships built in The Dutch wharfs are mainly exported to countries outside the European Union, mostly to Central and South America.

Cees Maas