The excitement in the luxury boating world is palpable as the Boat Builder Awards 2025 approaches, set to unveil its winners on Wednesday, 19 November, in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. Now in its 11th year, these awards are a beacon celebrating the creativity, partnerships, and pioneering spirit invigorating the leisure marine and superyacht sectors globally.
Hosted by the International Boat Industry (IBI) and Metstrade, with Raymarine as the headline sponsor, the awards shine a light on exceptional achievements in innovation, design, sustainability, collaboration, and emerging talent. This year, a panel of seven esteemed international judges reviewed a remarkable 68 entries, narrowing them down to a shortlist of 34 companies. This promises a fiercely competitive edition brimming with creativity and vision.
The awards dinner will unfold at Harbour 8, a venue deliberately chosen for its proximity to Metstrade’s vibrant exhibition floors. This thoughtful location will facilitate a seamless transition for guests from the day’s discussions and showcases into an evening that fosters networking, dialogue, and camaraderie. Guests can look forward to a menu crafted by celebrated Green Michelin star chef Luc Kusters, encapsulating the theme of returning “back to the source”—a nod to sustainable practices.
Ed Slack, judging panel chair and IBI Editor, underscores a notable increase in development activity across the industry this year. Despite a streamlined categories approach, a higher number of entries reflects a resurgence in product development, new market entrants, and significant contributions from emerging talents. The diverse shortlist includes everything from innovative electric catamarans and advanced tenders to collaborative AI-driven systems and projects focused on circular composites.
Patricia Becker, Metstrade’s Exhibition Manager, emphasizes the evolving nature of the awards as not only a prestigious recognition but also an industry gathering. By hosting the event at Harbour 8, the organizers aim to fortify connections between exhibitors and attendees, fostering collaboration and idea exchange in a welcoming atmosphere.
2025 Boat Builder Awards Shortlist
Breakthrough Launch of the Year
The contenders in this category are: Evene Tenders Origin Series; Lazzara Yachts LPC 300; MODX Catamarans MODX 70; Omaya Yachts Omaya 50; and X Yachts XR 41.
Innovative Design Solution
This year’s nominees include the following: Amare Group AMY 330e; De Antonio Yachts D60; Highfield Boats ADV7; Lazzara Yachts LPC 300; and MODX Catamarans MODX 70.
Collaboration Between Builder and Supply Chain Partner
This category highlights innovation born from partnerships: Azimut Yachts and WATCHIT; Sanlorenzo and Volvo Penta; Sirena Yachts with Vanemar and Garmin; and the collaboration between Frauscher x Porsche, as well as Starcraft with Uflex USA, Axium Group, Rollie Williams, and Williamsburg Marine.
Sustainability Project of the Year
This category showcases the commitment to sustainable practices, with nominees including: Evene Tenders; Ferretti Group; TU Delft Hydro Motion Team; Thunderjet with Supersede; and Groupe Beneteau alongside Veolia, Composite Recycling, Arkema, Owens Corning, and Chomarat.
With only five days until the ceremony, the marine industry eagerly anticipates an evening dedicated to celebrating meaningful progress, strong collaborations, and innovative ideas shaping the future of global boatbuilding. This event is a vital acknowledgment of the remarkable talents and companies that continue to lead the way in contemporary boatbuilding.