With the future of superyacht refits market evolving faster than ever, shipyards are under pressure to keep up with rising client expectations. Sustainability, advanced technology, and operational transparency have shifted from being optional extras to defining factors in determining where and how yacht owners choose to refit.
For many in the fast-paced world of yachting, gathering the insights needed to make informed refit decisions can be time-consuming and complex. That’s why, with the expertise of KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild, Turkey’s first official superyacht rebuild and refit facility, Yachting Pages explores how priorities have changed, what truly makes a shipyard stand out, and how sustainability and smart technology can be marketed as a competitive edge in today’s market.
EVOLVING REFIT PRIORITIES
Refit priorities in the yachting world have undergone a major shift. KRM has observed that yacht owners are now heavily focused on efficiency, usability, and eco-conscious upgrades. Rather than extravagant finishes, the new preference is for hybrid propulsion systems, solar energy solutions, and technologies that reduce exhaust emissions and carbon footprints. Yacht owners follow technological developments closely,” Kerem Baser, founder of KRM, noted. “They prefer new technologies in areas such as exhaust fumes, solar panels, and hybrid propulsion systems.”
The refit process is no longer about aesthetics alone. It’s about preparing vessels for a more sustainable future and integrating smart systems that enhance on-board life while meeting growing ecological expectations.
YACHT OWNER CONCERNS
According to Baser, efficiency and transparency top the list of concerns during a refit. Yacht owners, whether upgrading an existing vessel or outfitting a newly acquired one, are moving away from flashy or excessive upgrades. Instead, they want simplified, practical enhancements that improve space and usability.
“Transparency is a key factor when refitting a yacht, as the refit process is open to all kinds of manipulation”, he expressed. “Professional and reliable companies should be the first choice of owners before the first budget, as some favourable prices and offers may seem reasonable at the beginning, but unfortunately may lead to higher total renovation costs later on.”
While sustainable practices and innovation are also valued, clear communication, realistic budgets, and reputable workmanship are what owners trust most when making decisions.
MARKETING SHIPYARD TECH ADVANTAGES
“If shipyards can’t explain their technological advantages well, they won’t get what they want from marketing,” Baser observed. “Completing a thorough refit and rebuild project is very important, and you need to use technology to tell the whole industry that you’re doing it in the best way possible.” Shipyards that excel at integrating advanced systems, smart controls, propulsion innovations, or eco- tech, for example, must effectively communicate their strengths to yacht owners and managers.
Technology must be part of your marketing. It tells the entire industry that you are capable of delivering a modern, optimised refit. Transparency in your processes, capabilities, and results isn’t just a bonus; it’s now a minimum expectation.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHIPYARD
For yachts over 40 metres (131 feet), decisions often lie with management companies, who rely on accurate feedback from across the industry. Baser emphasises that the shipyard’s reputation, not just its branding, plays a decisive role.
“The shipyards should use all marketing tools to present how they do their job; after that, the client should do very good research about these shipyards and check their reality. Unfortunately, most of the companies are far from what they show. In this case, it is very important to check their reputation from local contacts, not only checking the information provided but also contacting previous references who have used their facilities in the last years.”
Clients are encouraged to contact past captains, verify recent projects, and consult local references, rather than relying on carefully curated marketing.
MARKETING SUSTAINABILITY
For KRM, sustainability starts with a broader understanding of the refit process itself: refitting is recycling. “If you are recycling a whole boat, you are recycling something that has completely lost its capability, and after refitting it, you are making something that works completely flawless,” Baser noted.
To build trust with eco-conscious clients, shipyards should clearly communicate the recycling value of refits and their commitment to reusing and maximising existing structures. It’s not enough to say you’re green; clients want to see the process and the real-world benefit. The more transparent and practical the message, the more it resonates with sustainability-focused owners.
YACHT OWNER’S RISING EXPECTATIONS
Expectations have expanded dramatically. Owners are no longer content with a limited list of upgrade options; they now expect tailored solutions that match their values and financial strategies. According to Baser, “there are those who own boats for investment purposes as well as for private use”, and as technology develops, “refit options also develop”, offering a wider range of choices.
These advancements allow owners to experience nostalgia while embracing modern possibilities, creating “much more economical and alternative options” that support sustainability. Thanks to these technological improvements, refits today blend tradition with innovation, helping owners preserve the yacht’s character while modernising its systems. This versatility encourages long-term thinking about usage, resale value, and operational efficiency.
PROMOTING ECO-CONSCIOUS REFIT PRACTICES
The role of the shipyard is not just to deliver what’s asked but to educate, inspire, and advocate for more eco-conscious refit practices. “To be honest, I don’t think shipyards are doing enough… the industry has not done enough on this issue,” Baser said. They need to pay much more attention to people’s concerns, do their research, and find a way to make the existing yacht industry much more sustainable.
They “should do it as fast as possible” and “present it in the best way they can because customers are ready to do it.”
As Baser makes clear, yacht refits are no longer just about restoration; they’re about transformation. The modern yacht owner expects sustainability, transparency, and advanced technology to be central to every project. Shipyards that embrace these values and communicate them with clarity will stand out in a competitive market.
The future of yacht refit belongs to those who view each project as an opportunity to responsibly enhance, evolve, and extend the vessel’s life. By investing in smart tech, reducing environmental impact, and building client trust through open communication, shipyards can not only meet the future, they can help define it.
By Joe Quintana