The superyacht refit market is surging — and shipyards across Europe and beyond are racing to scale their capabilities. Driven by a growing global fleet, ageing vessels, and increasing owner demand for eco‑upgrades, the refit sector is entering a defining moment.
At Metstrade 2025, the spotlight will fall squarely on this transformation. Organisers are launching a dedicated Refit Pavilion, highlighting the growing importance of refit clusters — from full-service yards to technology providers and regional marinas. Key players including Lürssen, Palumbo, Pendennis, MB92 and Damen are expected to showcase their refit offerings.
One of the clearest indicators of this shift? Cantieri di Pisa’s refit division is currently handling over 30 superyacht projects, ranging from class renewals to extensive hull and interior overhauls. The yard has expanded its space, staff, and supply-chain network to answer the rising demand — underlining how refits are no longer a niche service but a core business.
The scale of this market is backed by hard data. According to market research, the global yacht maintenance and refit segment is forecast to grow from US$2.9 billion in 2025 to $6.3 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. This growth is being fuelled by owners who want sustainability upgrades — like hybrid propulsion, smart automation, and lower-emission systems — alongside bespoke interior refits.
Interestingly, the rise in refit activity is also stretching the industry’s capacity. In some regions, yards are already working at full throttle — a sign that the refit wave is more than a blip. At the same time, specialists in composites repair (such as BMComposites in Palma) are seeing complex refit jobs increase: full hull rebuilds, in-situ keel box work, and structural composite repairs are becoming more common.
Ultimately, what we’re seeing is a refit renaissance — one defined by strategic investment, sustainable innovation, and deep technical collaboration. For owners, it’s no longer about patchwork upgrades: the industry is evolving toward holistic renovations that extend a yacht’s life, improve its performance, and align with modern operating expectations.
