Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025

With Kobe hosting the third Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit from May 7-8, organiser SuperYacht Times revealed a rich range of topics and a strong line-up of speakers two months ahead of the event.

Following two previous editions in Hong Kong, the event’s move to Japan – home to more than 21,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals – reflects increased industry focus on the country’s expanding superyacht infrastructure and cruising potential.

La Suite Kobe Oceans Garden, Kobe

Bringing together owners, operators and industry leaders, the two-day forum at La Suite Kobe Oceans Garden will examine how markets such as Japan are evolving and what’s required for the region to support more consistent, year-round superyacht activity.

Kobe as a regional gateway for superyacht operations

This panel will explore the development of Kobe’s marina and associated superyacht facilities, assessing how improved infrastructure, services and regulatory access may strengthen the city’s role as a gateway for yachts operating in Japanese waters.

Speakers include Koji Kinoshita, President and CEO of the Hotel New Awaji Group, representing the Awaji Island Tourism Association (DMO), and Nigel Beatty of Yachtzoo, also Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) and a key figure behind the Superyacht Base Kobe marina due to open in 2027.

Superyacht Base Kobe

Developing Japan as a superyacht destination

Recent amendments to regulations governing foreign-flagged yachts have begun to reduce long-standing barriers to entry in Japan. This session will explore how these reforms, combined with infrastructure investment and destination development, are influencing cruising patterns and the country’s broader appeal to visiting superyachts.

Yukio Shintani, founder of Creation, one of Japan’s leading yachting companies, is among a strong line-up of speakers including Kenta Inaba (President & Partner, Super Yacht Logistics Japan), Kirk Patterson (President, Konpira Yacht Services) and Yoshiteru Sakaguchi, Director of the Chugoku-Shikoku Office in Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.

La Suite Kobe Oceans Garden, Kobe

Why international shipyards are investing in the Asia-Pacific

Several international shipyards have expanded their presence in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. This panel will examine the strategic motivations behind that investment and how these builders evaluate the region’s long-term commercial potential.

Erwin Bamps (CEO, Gulf Craft Group), Enrico Chiaussa (CCO EMEA-APAC, Azimut), Nick Stratton (Chief Sales Officer, Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific) and Sarah Flavell (Marketing Manager, Damen Yachting) form a high-profile panel.

Refit readiness in Asia-Pacific: Infrastructure and capability for large superyachts

The number of superyachts active in the Asia-Pacific has risen steadily in recent years. After 372 unique yachts were recorded as either based in or visiting the region in 2022, the total increased to 445 in 2023 and 530 in 2024, reflecting double-digit annual growth.

Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025

As activity expands, so too does demand for maintenance, repair and major refit works. The panel will assess whether local yards have the infrastructure, technical expertise and workforce capacity to support larger yachts year-round, and examine whether gaps in capability may continue to push vessels towards established refit hubs elsewhere.

Q&A with Michael Breman, Sales Director at Lürssen

Breman will draw on his experience working with Japanese clients to discuss how cultural expectations, communication styles and decision-making structures influence the sales and ownership process.

How superyacht purchasing patterns are evolving in Asia-Pacific region

As wealth demographics shift and new generations of owners enter the market, purchasing behaviour across the Asia-Pacific is evolving.

Angel Zhou (third left) of Benetti and Julien Solari (seated) of Camper & Nicholsons

This panel will explore how client expectations, usage patterns, brokerage practices and financing structures are changing, and what these developments mean for builders, brokers and service providers seeking to engage buyers in the region. Panellists include Angel Zhou (President of Sales for Asia, Benetti) and Julien Solari (CCO Asia, Camper & Nicholsons).

Developing marinas for superyacht operations in Asia-Pacific region

As more superyachts cruise the region, marina infrastructure is becoming a prerequisite for sustained growth.

This panel will examine how developers and operators are both building new facilities and upgrading existing marinas to accommodate larger yachts, from berth depth and shore power to technical services and crew amenities, and assess what operational standards are required to support consistent superyacht activity across the Asia-Pacific.

Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025

Building in Asia-Pacific: Can regional yards compete globally?

The number of superyachts constructed in the Asia-Pacific region has increased steadily over the past decade, driven by growing domestic demand and expanding technical capability.

This panel will examine whether regional shipyards can compete with established European and American builders across key areas including design, engineering standards, build quality and after sales support. Chris Blackwell, Sales & Marketing Manager of Australia’s Echo Yachts, is among confirmed speakers.

Q&A with Gunter Pauli

Pauli, author of The Blue Economy and owner of the 35m solar-powered, carbon-fibre Porrima (formerly PlanetSolar and Race for Water), will discuss Japan’s growing importance in the yachting sector and the development of its maritime ecosystem.

superyachttimes.com/events