Industry Insight
Yacht Technology Trends for 2023
With the latest yacht technology transforming how owners interact with their yacht, we have taken a look at three of the most interesting yacht technology trends to look out for in 2023.
1. Streaming on board
Connected technology on superyachts
As our lives become increasingly integrated with online activity, our expectations for instant access to the latest blockbuster movies and binge worthy series, connection to the internet for access to those important virtual business meetings, or watching live sports events while on board have all been heightened in recent years. While such services are available at our fingertips on land - at sea they have traditionally struggled with unreliable internet connection, and eye watering prices.
But, with satellite technology more advanced than ever, certain companies are offering reliable worldwide connectivity so all your safety, comfort, and entertainment needs are met while on board. Here at Ocean Independence we have formed a strategic partnership with Excelerate Marine to offer seamless access to such services for all of our clients.
Giving you access to all the latest VSAT and 4/5g data hardware, Excelerate Marine provides unrivalled integration, and support services to ensure your new build, refit, or upgrade benefits from the best connectivity solutions for your yacht, so you are always connected while on board.
Aiming to offer groundbreaking internet speeds at sea for superyacht owners and commercial vessels alike, another yacht streaming solution has come from Starlink Maritime. Yet another innovative venture of Elon Musk’s, while coverage has only included all cruising grounds in the northern hemisphere up to now, 2023 will see the service expand to allow yachts to connect to a high-quality internet connection from anywhere on Earth thanks to the impressive Starlink satellite network.
Whether you want to stream the Monaco Grand Prix from Port d’Hercule to follow the on-track action, cosy up with your family for a movie night in the Norwegian Fjords, or keep up to date with business from the comfort of your private superyacht, both Exelerate Marine and Starlink Maritime enable you to stay connected from the most remote cruising grounds around the globe.
Truly the future of yachting, maritime streaming services are revolutionising the on board experience. With unparalleled levels of entertainment and connectivity now available while at sea, connected technology is certainly a trend for yachting technology in 2023.
2. stabilisers
smooth sailing on smart yachts
Considered by many in the marine world as an essential piece of yacht technology, today active stabilisation has transformed the luxury yachting experience. With even the largest yachts affected by ocean swell, high-tech marine technology developed by innovative companies such as Quantum and Dynamic Marine Systems (DMS) have radically improved on board comfort, so you and your guests get the maximum enjoyment out of your yacht and the experience of life at sea. As stabiliser technology continues to develop, it remains one of the most important technological advancements in terms of onboard comfort.
From gyros to interceptors, and fins to some yachts combining various systems - there are a range of active stabilisation methods, all reducing the roll and improving the comfort on board your yacht. Combatting the pitching and rolling motion of your yacht, the latest developments in this high-tech marine technology such as the Quantum XT, and Quantum MAGLift can reduce your yachts roll by up to 80% at anchor, and when cruising between destinations.
While improving onboard comfort to make the yachting experience yet more luxurious, stabilisers make your yacht capable of dealing with larger swells. As a result, fuel consumption is reduced and the time you spend at the spectacular anchorages you choose to visit is increased by taking the most direct routes.
Essential for most charter yachts, stabilisers are greatly valued in the charter market making life at sea all the more elegant for you and your guests. Not to mention the safety advantage with unexpected roll eliminated, the risk of trips and falls while on board is greatly reduced.
Of course, this innovative boat technology that can transform your cruising experience comes at a cost. But, with a variety of stabilisers now available on the market for a wide range of yacht types and sizes, almost all modern superyachts due to kiss the water for the first time in 2023 boast the latest stabiliser technology.
3. invisible technology
clean design with integrated user interfaces
As a symbol of success and the ultimate in luxury, it is rare you’ll ever encounter a superyacht with a poorly thought out or unattractive interior. Normally the defining factor of each superyacht is a unique interior that has been tailored to fit the Owner's personal preferences and needs. Generally finished with the finest furniture, fabrics, and surfaces, yacht interiors are designed over countless hours to curate the most luxurious and stylish spaces one can imagine.
But when it comes to practicality and making a home from home, interior designers are challenged to reduce the visual impact necessities such as televisions, remote controls, and gadgets on these carefully crafted designs.
Dutch company Van Berge Henegouwen (VBH), may hold the answer to this for owners and designers alike. Launched at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show, their all-new Invisible Technology for superyachts was developed alongside shipyards and interior yacht designers and offers a clean and intuitive solution to this issue for yacht owners.
The new product, now able to be installed on any yacht, includes a Magic–UI control panel and blended screen that – when not in use – are invisible and seamlessly integrated into the walls / surfaces of a yacht.
Affording yacht designers more freedom without the hindrance of screens affecting their elegant and refined designs, VBH’s Invisible Technology will surely set the precedent for cleaner, more aesthetic interior yacht design on both new builds and refit projects throughout 2023.
In the ever evolving world of yacht technology, knowing what high-tech upgrades to include in your next refit or new build can be a daunting thought. At Ocean Independence we have an outstanding global network of expert brokers and yacht managers who you can advise on the latest yacht technology, and what tech is best suited to meet your exacting requirements. If you require more information, please don't hesitate to contact your Ocean Independence broker or enquire below.