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Middle East update: Qatar suspends maritime activities until further notice
As tensions escalate in the Gulf, Qatar’s temporary suspension of maritime activities raises fresh questions for the recreational marine sector
Feadship strengthens Royal Van Lent sales team
The Dutch superyacht builder appoints Robert Drontmann and promotes Xavier Soubeyran as it expands its client-facing commercial team
Malibu Boats refinances credit facility through 2031
New term loan capacity of US$100m and a US$250m revolving facility replace the existing credit line in a refinancing with Truist Bank
Turkish shipbuilding exports on course for record 2026
Turkey’s yacht and shipbuilding sector expects record exports of up to US$3bn in 2026
Putin puts AkzoNobel’s Russia subsidiaries in temporary external administration
The move affects operations representing less than 2% of the company’s total revenue
Leadership appointment at GOST
GOST expands marine expertise by naming Parrish Westbrook as vice president
Satellite ‘space race’ ignites in SA as Starlink delays open door for global rivals
UK-based Avanti, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Chinese contender CSNC are accelerating efforts to enter the South African market
Azimut launches Grande 44M flagship ahead of Cannes debut
New superyacht combines carbon fibre construction, Hull Vane technology and mild hybrid propulsion, with seven units already sold
Vietnam tourist boat capsizes, killing 15
Reports say 32 Indians and four crew were on board the vessel
Archipelago and Chartwell demonstrate methanol-powered range extender
UK companies successfully test methanol-powered range extender designed to extend the range of battery-electric vessels as they move towards commercial deployment
Ocean Signal recognised with King’s Award for Enterprise at royal reception
The UK safety equipment manufacturer was honoured at St James’s Palace for innovation behind its rescueME PLB3 personal locator beacon
Twin Vee PowerCats to merge with USFM as marine business goes private
The US builder will merge with mineral developer USFM Corporation while spinning off its Twin Vee and Bahama Boat Works brands into private ownership
Leadership appointment at Lippert
Becky Beckman named director of marine sales
Sensar Marine and SailTies partner on automated digital voyage logging
The new service enables Sensar Marine users to automatically transfer voyage data into the SailTies digital logbook
Aspen unveils new C110 cruising catamaran
New flagship outboard model offers choice of asymmetric or twin-engine configuration
Boomeranger makes major investment in drone boats
The Finnish builder is investing €3m to expand its factory and begin producing USVs
World Cat introduces new hybrid design strategy
North Carolina boat builder’s 235HB Hybrid reflects new design approach aimed at combining fishing, cruising and watersports applications
Cantiere delle Marche names new sales manager
Filippo Buonpensiere has worked for the Italian superyacht builder for six years
NatPower Marine acquires Aqua superPower to accelerate global marine electrification
The acquisition brings Europe’s largest international electric boat charging network into NatPower Marine’s platform as the company targets wider deployment across ports and marinas
Brunswick targets lifestyle retail with new brand licensing strategy
Boat, engine and marine equipment builder partners with apparel manufacturer Changes Inc to extend the commercial reach of its brands and broaden consumer engagement through lifestyle merchandise
Turkish superyacht law firm opens Hamburg office
The firm’s founder has also been admitted to the Hanseatic Bar Association Hamburg, expanding the practice’s cross-border advisory capabilities across Turkey and Europe
Flux Marine sets sights on EU after full CE certification
The US electric outboard manufacturer has completed CE certification for its FM115 propulsion system and is now targeting OEM and dealer partnerships across Europe
Sanlorenzo launches first Heritage model ahead of Cannes debut
Italian builder’s new SHE yacht draws on 1960s design language, with five units sold prior to September showcase
Yacht Sales International appointed Oceanwalker dealer for US and Caribbean
The exclusive agreement with Revolution Marine Group brings the Oceanwalker S60 power catamaran to the Americas, while the electric S60e is scheduled to arrive in late 2026
Leadership appointment at Suzuki Marine USA
Brandon Cerka named EVP, sales, marketing and service
Cockwells delivers first Duchy 35 to US owner
The Cornish boat builder expands North American presence as first Duchy 35 arrives in Rhode Island
BWA Yachting expands into Iceland
Superyacht services provider completes its Northern European network, extending regional support across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland
Ocean Racing Trust rejuvenated to boost SA maritime sector
SAORT now has a board of trustees appointed to push the organisation’s agenda of expanding ocean racing and supporting local clubs
People on the Move this Week
New appointments at Heesen, Pettit Paint, Van der Valk and more
CNB founder and former Groupe Beneteau Boat Division CEO dies
Dieter Gust passed away on Wednesday following a 10-year illness
Singapore Yachting Festival 2027 pushes dates forward one week
Next year’s event will be held from April 22-25
Oceanco Group buys Dutch yacht components maker
The acquisition strengthens Oceanco’s capabilities in developing complex yacht components including doors, hatches and lifting equipment
Pettit Paint expands marine sales team
Brandon Michaud will serve Pettit and ValvTect clients in Connecticut and Rhode Island
The Italian Sea Group secures court protection, considers €100m capital increase
Italian superyacht builder weighs €100m capital increase after securing court protection for restructuring process
AIATA appoints new dealer for France and Monaco
SMN Chantier Naval de Port Grimaud will represent the brand in Monaco and key boating regions across southern France
New Glendinning distributor for Poland
Airmech will provide sales, support, and service for Glendinning marine products
Vision Marine relocates tender showroom to Dania Beach
The move comes as the tech firm’s Fort Lauderdale property sale approaches
RAD secures £4.4m funding to accelerate autonomous marine tech development
UK firm will use the funds to support international expansion, product development and the commercialisation of its Axon vessel systems
Maritimo names exclusive Greek dealer
BlueSalt Marine will handle sales and service operations for the Australian motoryacht brand in Greece
West Marine asset auction cancelled in favour of reorganisation plan
The US boating and fishing retailer filed for bankruptcy protection in May
Kadey-Krogen Yachts files for bankruptcy
US long-range cruising yacht builder and two affiliated companies file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy following a joint decision by directors
EP Barrus reports sales and profit increase despite headwinds
The UK distributor of marine engines and equipment recorded higher turnover and profits for the year ended 30 September 2025, despite continued economic pressures affecting consumer demand across several of its key markets
UK yacht refit specialist enters liquidation
Plymouth-based Yacht Solutions Europe has entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation with debts of more than £600,000 following the failure of its predecessor company
Registration opens for 2026 Turning the Tide Summit
BoatUS sustainability initiative to explore the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels and other boating-related waste
In-Water HISWA embraces AI, innovation and ‘optimal visitor experience’
The 41st edition features AI integration, new layout, and multiple premieres
BRP opens distribution and logistics centre in Quebec
The 950,000ft² facility will consolidate parts, accessories and apparel for all of the company’s brands
Cape boat building sector resilient despite xenophobic unrest
South African yards escaped last week’s nationwide anti-immigrant protests with minimal disruption
IBEX expands team with three appointments
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference has appointed three new team members across sales, education and marketing as it looks to enhance its annual event and expand year-round content and customer engagement
Gulf Craft’s new Superyacht Service Centre in full operation despite Gulf conflict
IBI’s Middle East correspondent toured the facility in Ajman last week
Van der Valk Shipyard names new CEO
Dutch superyacht builder names Evan Kortmann as chief executive
UK sail training sector records more than 47,000 days at sea
ASTO’s latest impact review highlights the scale of the UK’s sail training sector, with over 10,600 participants taking part in programmes that also help support the future maritime workforce
Pioneer Yachts launches first PY60 solar-electric catamaran
The German builder’s first 18m solar-electric catamaran enters the water ahead of sea trials and its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival
Quantum Marine Stabilizers opens Monaco office
The superyacht stabilisation specialist expands its European footprint with a permanent base in Monaco, supporting clients across the Mediterranean and reinforcing its global service network
Brabus partners with AB Yachts to develop co-branded yacht line
The first vessel is scheduled to debut at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show
Teledyne appoints Michelle Hildyard as general manager of Raymarine and FLIR Marine
The long-serving executive takes responsibility for both marine technology brands after more than 20 years with the business
![Dubai Harbour[2]](https://d1ajyvl96t5n4x.cloudfront.net/Pictures/415x277/3/6/6/63366_dubaiharbour2_653719_crop.jpg)
US military power meets Iranian resilience – how the Gulf leisure marine industry is coping
IBI’s Middle East correspondent spent last week in the UAE assessing the impact of the conflict on the industry and meeting key industry players
Heesen Yachts creates new technical services and after-sales role
The Dutch superyacht builder has created the integrated leadership position to connect project management and after-sales support across the full yacht lifecycle
D-Marin sold to European private equity firm
CVC Capital Partners has agreed to sell its stake in D-Marin to InfraVia Capital Partners
Videoworks integrates Bang & Olufsen audio systems on Ferretti Custom Line yachts
The Italian AV and IT systems specialist has completed the integration of the audio systems, expanding its long-standing collaboration with both brands
Marina Ibiza retains Blue Star Marina certification
The Spanish marina has retained its five-star status following an audit by IMCI
Superyacht crew survey launched a year after Paige Bell tragedy
Protecting Crew Lives (PCL) is an advocacy group promoting positive working conditions for yacht crew
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