– MetsTrade – Amsterdam 21 nov 2024 –
De Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement worden gezamenlijk georganiseerd door IBI en METSTRADE en gehouden in samenwerking met vaste partner Raymarine. Dit jaar werden 97 nominaties geaccepteerd voor een definitieve overweging in 11 categorieën die de belangrijkste prioriteiten van de industrie weerspiegelen – innovatie, groei van de klant, duurzaamheid en mensen en vaardigheden. In totaal stonden 31 bedrijven op de shortlist en werden 11 winnaars en drie eervolle vermeldingen genoemd tijdens het spectaculaire diner en de prijsuitreiking gisteravond.
De overdekte binnenplaats van het Maritiem Museum was opnieuw het toneel van veel feestvreugde toen er nieuwe geschiedenis werd geschreven tussen de oude. Gasten werden meegenomen op een culinaire en visuele reis door verschillende eeuwen van maritieme en culturele ontwikkeling, terwijl ze applaudisseerden voor winnaars van elke bedrijfsgrootte, van starters tot multinationals en elke generatie, van leerlingen tot mensen die al vier decennia in dienst zijn van de sector.
De volledige lijst met winnaars, eervolle vermeldingen en finalisten, samen met het commentaar van de jury, kan hieronder worden bekeken en op de Boat Builder Awards website – www.ibinews.com/bba2024.
IBI hoofdredacteur en voorzitter van de jury van de Boat Builder Awards, Ed Slack, gaf als commentaar: “Het lijkt bijna niet mogelijk dat we net een decennium hebben gevierd van de Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement. We lanceerden dit initiatief samen met METSTRADE in 2015, vanuit de overtuiging dat individuen en bedrijven binnen de wereldwijde jachtbouwsector meer erkenning verdienden voor hun vooruitgang en prestaties. De afgelopen 10 jaar hebben de awards de toenemende complexiteit van de industrie, de veerkracht van COVID en de energieke post-pandemische respons in kaart gebracht. Op weg naar het midden van de jaren 2020 veranderen de dingen opnieuw. De awards van dit jaar hebben de schijnwerpers gericht op hoe de sector briljante innovatieve manieren vindt om de duurzaamheid te verbeteren, tegemoet te komen aan de veranderende demografie van de klant en de talentenpool uit te breiden.“
Niels Klarenbeek, directeur van METSTRADE, vervolgt: “De Boat Builder Awards is snel een belangrijk onderdeel geworden van het uitgebreide programma van METSTRADE. De gezondheid van de hele maritieme industrie is afhankelijk van een succesvolle jachtbouw en refit sector. Teams van alle grote boot- en superjachtwerven over de hele wereld zijn ook dit jaar weer hard aan het werk geweest om tussen de bijna 1.600 exposanten van METSTRADE de producten te ontdekken, te onderzoeken en aan te schaffen die zullen bijdragen aan hun volgende succesvolle lanceringen. De Boat Builder Awards bieden METSTRADE en IBI een fantastische kans om iets terug te doen voor dit onschatbare deel van onze maritieme gemeenschap. Elk jaar pauzeren we uit onze drukke agenda’s om de vaak ongeëvenaarde individuele en bedrijfsprestaties te erkennen en ze om te zetten in spraakmakende levensherinneringen, die permanent in de blauwdrukken van onze industrie worden gegrift. Onze felicitaties gaan naar de winnaars en finalisten van de speciale editie van de Boat Builder Awards van dit jaar.“
Boat Builder Awards 2024 Winnaars
Breakthrough Launch of the Year
Sponsored by High Pressure Watermakers
WINNER – Sunseeker International – Ocean 156
Judges’ summary – the large motor yacht segment is seeing bold developments in living spaces and hull design that would have been unthinkable not long ago. Our three finalists all represent brilliant examples of a change of shift for their respective manufacturers. In the end the Ocean 156 was named as representing the biggest breakthrough of this trio in terms of its potential to attract a different range of owners to the Sunseeker badge.
Finalist – Azimut Yachts – Seadeck Series yachts
Finalist – Pearl Yachts – Pearl 82
Innovative Design Solution
Sponsored by Fusion
WINNER – Faro Boats – Powerdock
Judges’ summary – a difficult decision for the judges with truly impressive layout features from Azimut and WiderCat and plenty of innovative ideas on the multirole B-Craft Akoya. But the judges kept returning to the Powerdock, liking the way it complemented infrastructure requirements for smaller electric boats and how it would work particularly well in warmer climates to preserve the boat and minimise the need for cleaning.
Finalist – Azimut Yachts – Fly 62 Beach Cockpit
Finalist – B-Craft – Akoya multi-use design features
Finalist – WiderCat – WiderCat 92 seamless interior and exterior layout
Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner
WINNER – Azimut and Volvo Penta –IPS Drive hybrid system
Judges’ summary – In this pilot project, Azimut Benetti’s R&D department worked closely together with Volvo Penta to introduce the first ever hybrid-electric version of the IPS Drive on Azimut’s new Seadeck 7. Trials have continued through 2024 to optimise the installation. The Seadeck 7 can cruise in pure electric mode up to 11 knots and anchor with zero emissions for up to 12 hours.
Honourable Mention – Cantiere del Pardo and NLComp – Grand Soleil Blue
Honourable Mention – Sanlorenzo and Siemens Reformer – green methanol to hydrogen fuel cell system
Finalist – Zerojet and Prestol Composites – Spark Boat electric tender
Retail Marketing Initiative
WINNER – Manitou by BRP – Kirk Cousins Campaign
Judges’ summary – the North American pontoon market is highly competitive, and market differentiators are important. The Boat Builder Awards recognised Manitou in 2022 for lifting its boats out of the crowd through innovative design features, but this marketing campaign adds another facet. Drawing a strong connection with NFL Quarterback, Kirk Cousins has tangibly raised the profile of the business – the camera work and natural enjoyment of the Cousins family is great at selling boating too.
Finalist – Brunswick EU Venture Group – rapid response digital campaign
Finalist – Simpson Marine Group – marketing initiatives
Sustainability Project of the Year
Sponsored by ePropulsion Technology
WINNER – Williams Jet Tenders – sustainability programme
Judges’ summary – Each of the finalists in this category have influential projects of great merit and it was not an easy decision to pick one over the others. After much debate, the judges decided to highlight Williams Jet Tenders’ multi-faceted efforts to reduce its environmental impact. We particularly applauded the establishment by this 140-employee business of a well-crafted annual sustainability report and its commencement of full life cycle assessments for its models.
Honourable Mention – Sunreef Yachts – structural foam from recycled PET bottles
Finalist – Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept
Finalist – ICOMIA – Propelling Our Future initiative
Eco-focused Boat of the Year – under 10m LOA
WINNER – De Antonio Yachts – E23
Judges’ summary – De Antonio Yachts has cleverly taken design themes from the larger monohull models in its range, but the E23 is in fact a foil-assisted electric outboard powered catamaran, the first in this company’s history. It enjoyed a high-profile launch thanks to being selected as the official electric boat of the recent America’s Cup. De Antonio has now entered series production with this model.
Finalist – IMPACD Boats – IMPACD 680
Finalist – Riva – El-Iseo
Eco-focused Boat of the Year – over 10m LOA
Sponsored by JL Audio
WINNER – Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept
Judges’ summary – What boat would you design if you created it to match peoples’ real world boating experiences? This is precisely the way in which Beneteau created its Island Cruising Concept, drawing on a lot of data from boat users over the summer and letting that inform a design that meets their most likely needs and usage habits. The result is very different to the yachts that many are using today and thought-provoking for Beneteau and the wider industry.
Finalist – HanseYachts – Hanse 410
Finalist – Greenline Yachts – Greenline 58
Designer of the Year
WINNER – Japec and Jernej Jakopin, co-founders, J&J Design
Judges’ summary – Japec and Jernej Jakopin have been a major force in the world of design and boat production since 1983. Their company, J&J Design, has been involved with close to 400 projects from 70 boatbuilders across 30 countries, resulting in the production of 75,000 boats and yachts from 10m to 150m in length. Today its office has 24 naval architects, designers and engineers, and operates a tooling, milling and prototyping operation with 45 technicians and two 20 metre milling machines.
While our Designers of the Year have received credit for many innovative projects, they have also had significant behind-the-scenes input on other production boats. Japec and Jernej have deep hands-on knowledge of all elements of boat production and were early pioneers in carbon epoxy and hybrid power technologies. The judges are pleased to honour the Jakopin brothers for their remarkable career and influence across a wide part of the boatbuilding industry.
People and Skills Development
WINNER – Riviera Australia – Academy of Excellence
Judges’ summary – Riviera’s dedication to training the next generation of boat builders is obvious. One sixth of the company’s 900 workers are apprentices who are now supported by a first-class onsite Academy of Excellence teaching multiple trades and supporting personal development. By any measure this is an impressive programme and an exemplar for boat builders across the world.
Finalist – Marine and Specialised Training Academy (MAST)
Finalist – Williams Jet Tenders – apprenticeship scheme
Rising Star
Sponsored by Lumishore
Marieke de Boer, founder, IMPACD Yachts
Judges’ summary – Less than four years ago Marieke de Boer left a safe job within the fast-moving consumer goods sector for the uncertainty of becoming a boat builder with a mission to use sustainable but unproven manufacturing techniques and materials. The company she founded has gone on to create a complete range of electrically powered 3D printed motor launches between 4.7m and 6.8m. Around 45 boats have rolled off this future-focused production line so far, establishing viability and market acceptance for something completely new to boat buyers.
Marieke is a passionate believer in sustainable manufacturing. She shares her knowledge with enthusiasm and has spoken at many marine and wider industry events and since 2021 has guided around 40 university students on their research into life cycle assessments and recycled plastics. This must surely be just the start of a very impressive journey for this personable and determined sustainable boat building advocate.
Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by Sleipner Group
Mohammed Hussein AlShaali – Gulf Craft
Judges’ summary – Born in Ajman, UAE in 1950, Mohammed Alshaali has been widely recognised all around the world as an inspirational businessman who has greatly influenced the adoption of recreational boating as a popular pastime in his home region. He is also a retired diplomat with more than 35 years of experience in international relations, who served as his country’s Ambassador in New York, Washington, Geneva, Canada and Mexico, and as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Coming from a long line of seafarers, fishermen, and pearl divers, the ocean is deeply embedded in Mohammed Alshaali’s DNA. Driven by a lifelong passion for boating, he co-founded Gulf Craft back in 1982, introducing more affordable leisure boating to his country, initially through building small sports fishing boats. His business expanded greatly over the four decades since, growing into one of the world’s top 15 yacht manufacturers, specialising in luxury superyachts. His leadership steered the business through numerous challenges, including the political turmoil of the 1980s, the 2007 recession, and the pandemic.
Today, Gulf Craft operates a fully integrated design and production facility across three strategically located shipyards, manufacturing boats and yachts ranging from 31 to 175 feet. Over the past 42 years, it has delivered more than 12,000 vessels worldwide.
Mohammed Alshaali continues to work full-time and maintains personal relationships with customers, fostering deep loyalty to his company’s brand. He is a true mentor, sharing his four decades of boat-building expertise with Gulf Craft’s employees. He also champions workplace diversity, with employees from 32 different nationalities. Each team member is encouraged to develop their skills, take on leadership roles, and, most importantly, have their voice heard.
The judges were unanimous in their decision to select Mohammed Alshaali as the 10th name on our incredible roll call of Boat Builder Awards Lifetime Achievement recipients.
Lifetime Achievement previous recipients
Massimo Perotti – Sanlorenzo (2023)
Paolo Vitelli – Azimut Benetti (2015)
Robert Braithwaite, CBE – Sunseeker International (2016)
David King – Princess Yachts (2017)
Annette Roux – Beneteau Group (2018)
Robert T Healey Sr and William J Healey – Viking Yachts (2019)
Christoph Rassy – Hallberg-Rassy (2020)
Leon Slikkers – Slickcraft, S2, Tiara and Pursuit (2021)
John Lu – Horizon Yachts (2022)