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In this blog, I’ll cover both the Balearic Superyacht Forum and the Palma International Boat Show (PIBS).

The Balearic Superyacht Forum

Coinciding with Palma International Boat Show, the second edition of the Balearic Superyacht Forum will take place on April 29 and 30 at the Auditorium of Palma.  I didn’t attend the debut edition last year, so I’m interested to see how the event is structured and the range of discussions on offer.

The Balearic Superyacht Forum is organised by the Balearic Marine Cluster, and is a strategic think tank that will focus on the future of superyachts in the Mediterranean. Topics will include marina infrastructure, refit sector expansion, environmental topics, and sustainable trends. 

Networking and Industry Insights

The Balearic Superyacht Forum isn’t just about boats; it’s an event for networking and industry discussions. The show offers seminars and Hackathons covering ten topics related to yachting, providing targeted discussions about industry trends and innovations. 

Here is more information about the ten Hackathon sessions. Participants can select one session to join with each taking one and a half hours.

1. Cost Transparency & Budget Optimisation

Refit budgeting in the superyacht sector has long been unpredictable, with owners and managers facing unexpected overruns and vague cost breakdowns. Unlike the aviation or hospitality industries, the yachting world still suffers from inconsistent invoicing and a lack of financial clarity, eroding trust between shipyards, contractors, and yacht owners.

This hackathon will explore how the industry can bring structure and accountability to the budgeting process. Collaborative dscussions will examine industry best practices for cost forecasting, ways to define project scopes in advance, and strategies to minimise unpleasant surprises at the final invoice stage.

Participants will work towards frameworks that ensure transparency at every step — from initial quotes to final invoicing.

2. Expanding Superyacht Infrastructure

As yachts grow larger and more advanced, global refit and maintenance facilities are struggling to keep pace — particularly in the Mediterranean, where capacity is already stretched thin. Increasing wait times and logistical bottlenecks are forcing vessels to look further afield for service and maintenance facilities.

In this session, discussions will rethink infrastructure strategies. From optimising existing space and berth allocation to exploring sustainable shipyard expansions, participants will map out scalable solutions to meet growing demand.  Other points will cover data-driven scheduling, temporary service points, and modular facility expansion. The goal: ensure that infrastructure growth keeps up with fleet evolution, safeguarding both service quality and industry sustainability.

3. Optimising Subcontractor Management

Refit projects rely on a huge network of subcontractors — from specialists in engineering and interiors to composite and paint experts to electricians. Yet, without proper coordination, this complex network often leads to delays, disputes, and inconsistent quality.

This hackathon aims to discuss how shipyards can centralise subcontractor management, implement real-time communication tools, and create accountability systems that improve overall efficiency.

Participants will brainstorm solutions like performance tracking, streamlined invoicing, and better-defined workflows with the aim to create a roadmap for smoother refit operations and higher-quality outcomes for owners and managers alike.

4.   Enhancing Customer Experience in Refit

For many yacht owners and captains, the refit process feels like a step down from the luxury service they’re accustomed to. Confusing updates, delayed timelines, and unclear costs disrupt what should be a seamless experience.

This hackathon will explore how we can improve the client journey during refit projects. Discussions will focus on aligning expectations, real-time project tracking, automated updates, and tools for design visualisation that keep clients informed and confident in the process.

The 2nd edition of The Balearic Superyacht Forum will take place at the Auditorium of Palma on April 29 and 30, 2025

5. Cybersecurity in the yachting sector

As superyachts become increasingly connected, they’ve become highly attractive targets for cyberattacks. Navigation systems, onboard networks, and sensitive owner data are all vulnerable, and the industry still lacks consistent cybersecurity standards to protect them.

In this hackathon, participants will discuss how to integrate cybersecurity protocols into both new builds and existing yachts, manage third-party access, and promote continuous monitoring to detect threats early. Crew training, layered network security, and alignment with insurance and regulatory frameworks will all be on the table for discussion.

The goal is clear: protect owners, guests, and crew by building a cyber-resilient yachting industry before an inevitable major attack forces action.

6. Next-Gen Antifouling & Environmental Compliance

Anti-fouling solutions balance between performance and environmental impact and this fine line is getting tighter.

As the ocean temperatures rise and biofouling hull colonisation increases, superyacht anti-fouling performance finds itself at a tipping point: reaching a balance between efficacy, sustainability, and human health.

This hackathon will explore the current regulatory landscape — from the European Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) to IMO guidance — and its implications for manufacturers, shipyards, and yacht owners. With all anti-fouling formulations locked by the BPR until at least 2029, the challenge is clear: maintain effectiveness in harsher marine conditions.

Participants will discuss the current anti-fouling technologies, emerging solutions, parameters for tailored coating schemes, maintenance and how can we collectively drive a shift that balances environmental responsibility, performance expectations, spread of invasive species and commercial viability.

7. Upskilling The Superyacht Workforce

The superyacht sector faces an acute talent shortage. As experienced professionals retire and new technologies emerge, the need for skilled workers has never been more urgent. From revitalising apprenticeships to forging partnerships with technical schools, this hackathon focuses on solutions to attract, train, and retain the next generation of talent.

Attendees will also discuss how to position the sector as an attractive career option for young professionals, offering modern workplace culture, growth opportunities, and establishing clear career pathways.

8. Enhancing Communication & Marketing In Yachting

This is the Hackathon I have registered for.  This session will discuss how the yachting industry struggles to communicate its true value. Public perception often focuses on excess rather than economic impact, job creation, or sustainability efforts.

This session will dive into how we can reshape the narrative, such as proactive storytelling, community engagement, and modern marketing tactics that go beyond luxury clichés.

Participants will collaborate on ways to promote the technical excellence and positive contributions of the sector, creating a unified voice that resonates with policymakers, media, and the wider public.

9. Eco-friendly Marinas & Renewable Energy Solutions

Marinas consume enormous amounts of energy, yet many rely heavily on outdated, fossil-fuel-based systems. As hybrid and electric yachts gain traction, the gap between sustainability goals and marina capabilities widens.

This session will explore how marinas can become energy self-sufficient, integrating solar, wind, and smart grids to reduce emissions and operational costs.  Points of discussion will highlight practical steps like expanding shore power infrastructure, developing hydrogen or biofuel bunkering, and creating business models that attract eco-conscious yacht owners.

It will be interesting to hear feedback from this session.  Many shipyards are investing in R&D for alternative biofuels, propulsion and new tech, however based on the actual build numbers of electric and/or hybrid yachts in 2024 it seems the industry is far from proposed targets for alternative fuels and renewable energy.

10.  Improving Waste & Water Management in Marinas

Water waste and pollution remain some of the most critical — and overlooked — challenges in marina operations. From excessive potable water use to poor waste managment, the current approach is neither sustainable nor efficient.

This hackathon will explore scalable solutions such as seawater filtration, rainwater harvesting, and smart monitoring systems to improve environmental compliance.  Discussions will also focus on how the industry can better tackle waste management systems for greywater, bilge water, and hazardous materials. The objective is clear: move marinas from reactive to proactive environmental management, ensuring long-term sustainability and regulatory alignment.

Again, feedback will be interesting.  Here on the French Riviera, waste management differs by marina.  

There are over 100 companies attending so it appears to be an excellent opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and stay informed about the latest developments in the superyacht sector. 

See the full programme and list of speakers at the Balearic Superyacht Forum here:  https://thebalearicsuperyachtforum.com

Palma International Boat Show 2025

From April 30 to May 3, 2025, Palma de Mallorca’s Marina Moll Vell will transform into the Mediterranean’s yachting epicentre. Celebrating its 41st anniversary, the show organised by the Regional Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy, through the Regional Development Agency of the Balearic Islands (ADR Balears), and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA) promises to be a great event for industry professionals, yacht owners, and enthusiasts alike. 

According to a study carried out by the Government of the Balearic Islands, last year PIBS generated an economic impact of €20.1 million. The impact study certifies that PIBS improves tourism by one month of the low season, boosting the flow of national and international tourists and income for hotels, restaurants, transport and shops.

Palma International Boat Show is a fantastic show for industry networking, seminars and market insights.

Expanded Exhibition Space

This year’s PIBS will present two different exhibition areas – El Moll Vell and Club de Mar – connected by sea thanks to the addition of a new area of 5,000 square metres located in the Club de Mar.  The new area of the Club de Mar will provide a space for boats between 40 and 100 metres in length, mainly sailboats, from single-model shipyards. 

On land, there will be an exhibition area with service and equipment companies for this type of yacht, such as repair and maintenance industries, naval engineering, boatbuilding and interior design etc.

With over 295 exhibitors, the show will feature the latest in brokerage, charter, yacht design, equipment, and services, making it a must-visit for anyone in the maritime sector. 

Palma Superyacht Village

The Superyacht Village, formerly known as the Palma Superyacht Show, will showcase some of the best 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market. Another huge attraction is the Village’s wide array of shore-side exhibitors, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next-level marine electronics. 

The Superyacht Village also includes a dedicated Refit & Repair zone that targets the yachting industry’s experts and professionals featuring exhibitors including Spectro Jet-Care, Superyacht Rubbish and Idea Data Solutions.

The Superyacht Square

The Superyacht Square is a small dedicated zone focused on startups, innovation, sustainability and crew.   The Innovation Corner occupies a spacious outdoor zone, with networking events and good foot traffic.  Companies that will be present there include Yachting Ventures, Swiss Ocean Tech Ltd, ACREW, Otter, and La Purative. 

Superyacht New Build Hub

Located at the newly renovated Club de Mar, the Superyacht New Build Hub is connected to the main show via boat shuttle and golf cart.  Note: The transfer dock is located at the floating bridge at Palma Superyacht Village between the Varadero Area and Muelle de los Pescadores. With 21 premium berths for superyachts ranging from 35m to 80m, this hub is a unique zone for shipyards to present their new builds and groundbreaking projects. 

The New Build Hub will also feature Foundation Zero’s container, presenting all the details of the 68.9m Project Zero, currently under construction at Vitters with naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects. Project Zero will operate without any combustion engines and will produce zero emissions.

Yachts on Display

While full details of available yachts at PIBS will be published only very close to the event, visitors can expect to see a wide range of yachts, from chic day boats to high performance sailing vessels. 

Some vessels present will include the 37.5-metre Escapade on display by Superyacht Partners with exterior design and naval architecture by Dubois Naval Architects, M/Y Lemon not Lime, a Riva who will be exhibited by Ocean Independence and the historic 1946 Cassiopeia. Moravia Yachting will showcase the debut of 26-metre St Barth 85 Fly by St Barth Yachting. 

Sub-events during Palma Boat Show:

Don’t miss registering for the breakfasts, stopping by for a sunset drink and dropping in to listen to the seminars as part of the “Thallasophilia” sub-programme with Estela Yachting and the Port Authority of the Balearics.  

Yachting Ventures will host an opening party on April 30 from 4pm-7pm at Superyacht Square.

The Superyacht Charities Seafarers Supper will host their annual PIBS fundraiser at Restaurant ca n’Eduardo on May 2nd so grab a ticket for that.

PIBS Information:

Dates: April 30 to May 3

Opening times: 10 am to 8 pm

To see the list of participating yachts, exhibitors and maps for PIBS 2025, go to:  https://palmainternationalboatshow.com/en/

#TBSF25 #PIBS #palmasuperyachtvillage #palmainternationalboatshow25