The global superyacht new build market continues to show a high level of activity in 2026. According to Fraser, demand remains strong for both fully custom and semi-custom yachts, while shipyards — particularly those operating in the upper end of the market — are working at full capacity, with increasingly long delivery times.
The most significant figure concerns the global orderbook: more than 600 yachts over 30 metres (100 feet) are currently under construction. This confirms the resilience of demand within the superyacht segment while also highlighting the pressure on shipyard production capacity. The market is not only growing in quantitative terms, but is also evolving qualitatively, with owners seeking increasingly sophisticated products.
The average length of yachts under construction has reached a historic high of 48.5 metres (159 feet). This reflects a clear trend: owners are demanding larger yachts with higher levels of complexity and technical sophistication. The increase in average size directly impacts yacht design, project management, supplier coordination and the ability of shipyards to handle longer and more complex construction programmes.
According to the Global Order Book 2026 referenced by Fraser, 26 superyachts over 100 metres are currently under construction, representing a combined volume exceeding 160,000 GT. The gross tonnage figure is particularly significant because it reflects not only length, but also overall onboard volume and therefore the technical, engineering and systems complexity of these projects. In this size range, every yacht requires advanced engineering expertise, highly specialised project management and extensive levels of customisation.
Fraser also highlighted its own position within the new build sector, stating that it secured 13 new projects up to 80 metres over the past 24 months, approximately double the number achieved by its closest competitor. In a market characterised by long lead times and high contractual and technical complexity, owners increasingly rely on brokerage houses with proven expertise in managing new build projects.
From a geographical perspective, Europe continues to dominate global superyacht production. Italy leads the sector with more than 55% of all yachts currently under construction worldwide. The figure confirms the industrial strength of the Italian yacht building industry, particularly across segments where advanced series production, semi-custom and full-custom construction coexist within a highly diversified offering. Fraser identifies Azimut-Benetti as the world’s largest yacht builder by production volume.
Turkey remains in second place with 90 projects under construction. The country continues to play a major role in the industry, although 2025 recorded a slight slowdown in new orders after several years of sustained growth. According to Fraser, inflation and rising costs have contributed to this trend.
The Netherlands ranks third with 52 projects currently in build. While Dutch shipyards deliver fewer yachts in numerical terms, they continue to dominate the construction of the world’s largest and most technically sophisticated superyachts. It is a production model focused less on volume and more on highly complex, large-scale projects.
Overall, the picture emerging from Fraser’s data is that of a solid but increasingly selective new build market. Demand is no longer simply for new yachts, but for larger vessels offering greater volume, higher levels of personalisation and advanced technical content. In this environment, shipyard production capacity, delivery management and the expertise of specialised advisors are becoming increasingly strategic factors in the value of a new build project.
Cristina Bernardini