What does a €54bn superyacht industry look like from behind the scenes?

A 2026 study by Deloitte and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam estimates that the global superyacht industry generated approximately €54bn in economic output, based on 2022 activity (*).

The number is impressive. But it only tells part of the story.

The superyacht industry extends far beyond the vessel itself – encompassing construction and refit, crew, operations, finance, insurance, charter, tourism, professional services and a complex international supply chain.

In other words, the yacht may be the most visible part of the asset. The infrastructure supporting it is considerably less visible – and often considerably more complex.

For those of us working in corporate and fiduciary services, that complexity is particularly interesting.

As we look ahead to the Monaco Yacht Show this September, we’re exploring a question that often receives less attention than the acquisition itself:

What happens to the yacht ownership structure after the purchase?

(*) Source: Global Economic Impact of the Superyacht Industry, Deloitte & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, commissioned by The Superyacht Life Foundation and SYBAss. Benchmark year: 2022.

ACQUISITION IS A TRANSACTION. OWNERSHIP IS ONGOING.

Buying a yacht creates more than an asset. It creates an ownership structure that needs to remain aligned with the yacht, its owner and its circumstances for as long as it is held.

That structure may involve:

  • Owning entity
  • Banking and financing arrangements
  • Insurance
  • Beneficial ownership information
  • Corporate records
  • Ongoing statutory and regulatory requirements

Different specialists are responsible for different parts of the arrangement.

The question is whether the overall structure continues to reflect the current position.

THE STRUCTURE CHANGES. THE RECORDS NEED TO KEEP UP.

The ownership structure is established around the circumstances at acquisition. But ownership rarely stays static. Circumstances can change:

  • Refinancing
  • Changes in ownership or beneficial ownership
  • Amendments to banking arrangements
  • Changes in the yacht’s use
  • New directors or authorised representatives
  • Sale or transfer of the yacht
  • Changes in tax treatment or reporting obligations
  • New legal or regulatory requirements

What was appropriate at acquisition may not necessarily remain appropriate years later.

Yacht ownership rarely exists in isolation. The ownership structure often sits within a wider network of advisers, financiers, insurers, service providers and regulatory considerations.

As circumstances evolve, the ownership structure should continue to reflect the current position of the yacht, its owner and the wider arrangements surrounding it.

ONE CHANGE CAN TOUCH THE WHOLE STRUCTURE.

Consider a refinancing.

A new lender may require changes to the security package. Legal advisers may prepare the financing and security documentation. The owning entity may need to approve the transaction, existing authorities may need to be reviewed and banking arrangements may need to change.

Once the refinancing is complete, the corporate records should reflect the new financing and governance position, while the relevant documentation needs to be retained by the appropriate parties.

The yacht has not changed. The ownership structure has.

The same principle can apply to changes in ownership, yacht use, governance, tax treatment, legal and regulatory environment or a sale or transfer.

THE CHALLENGE IS KEEPING THE WHOLE PICTURE ALIGNED.

There is rarely one source containing every piece of information relevant to a yacht and its ownership structure.

Yacht manager | Operational information

Bank | Financing information

Lawyers | Legal documentation

Insurer & broker | Insurance records

Corporate & fiduciary provider | Corporate and statutory records

Different parties may maintain different records, each reflecting only part of the overall picture.

The ownership structure should still present a consistent, current picture of ownership, authority,  governance and any relevant tax, legal, regulatory or reporting obligations.

For a corporate and fiduciary provider, this is where ongoing administration becomes important: ensuring that material changes are properly reflected in the structure.

WHY DOES THE JURISDICTION MATTER?

For an internationally owned yacht, the ownership structure may remain in place for many years and need to accommodate changing ownership arrangements, financing requirements, tax or regulatory developments and operational needs.

The choice of jurisdiction is therefore not simply about how a structure is established, but also about the environment in which it will be administered over time.

The Isle of Man combines an established maritime sector with a broad professional services environment, providing access to corporate and fiduciary services, banking and finance, insurance, legal and accounting expertise.

For yacht owners and their advisers, long-term continuity and access to experienced professionals can be just as important as the original structure itself.

CORPORATE & FIDUCIARY | BANKING & FINANCE | INSURANCE | LEGAL | ACCOUNTING & TAX

The right jurisdiction and structure will always depend on the owner, the yacht, its financing and intended use.

At Döhle Corporate and Trust Services (DCTS), we offer a full suite of services tailored to the superyacht sector. The DCTS relationship with the wider Döhle Group, including Döhle Yachts, allows for a depth of service to ensure comprehensive compliance and protection of our clients’ business.

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