Peters & May reports sharp upturn in business

Peters & May, the UK-based global marine transport and logistics provider, is reporting the return of strong demand in 2021 from owners wanting to relocate their yachts. Feedback from customers at numerous boat shows, says the company, suggests that 2022 will be busier still.

Despite pandemic-related hurdles, Peters & May says the year got off to a surprisingly strong start with numerous departures. Routes between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean have seen regular sailings again, with a marked increase in enquiries from clients interested in shipping their yachts within the Mediterranean itself. A recurrent motive in this respect, says the company, is that boat owners often lack the time to undertake the sail themselves or have had trouble sourcing qualified crew.

“Our route from the Med back to Northern Europe has been well used this year because many of our clients want to have their yachts closer to home or are keen to explore cruising grounds in the North and Baltic Seas,” says Inge Valk, general manager of P&M’s Netherlands and Germany operations. “This has helped to offset a significant decrease, cued by the introduction of American tariffs, in the imports of US boats which have been traditionally dealt with by our Netherlands office. However, we’re eagerly awaiting some hopefully positive news on that front in the coming months, with the potential removal of these retaliatory tariffs.”

Peters & May says it has also been a rewarding year in terms of boat shows, with representatives attending events in Cannes, Genoa, Southampton, Monaco and La Rochelle. The company is now gearing up for the Ft Lauderdale show at the end of October and Düsseldorf in January 2022.

“The shows have felt gratifyingly busy,” says Stefano Grotti, regional manager, P&M Europe. “In speaking to customers, one common thread seems to be the same supply chain issues which have introduced a new series of challenges for the industry. Nevertheless, the relationships we have with our suppliers and shipping lines remain extremely robust. Together, we are working tirelessly and methodically to ensure that bookings and quotes are handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Encouragingly, conversations at the boat shows with P&M customers on the manufacturing and broking side have revealed a surge in demand for both new-build and second-hand yachts. “On this basis,” Grotti concludes, “we feel confident that the remainder of the year and especially 2022 will see us cheerfully addressing the growing needs of new and existing clients around the world.”