Feadship and the AI in Superyacht Design: is the future already here?

The yachting industry is undergoing a profound transformation with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Long present in sectors such as automotive and aerospace, AI is now making its mark in the world of superyachts, pushing the limits of creativity and innovation like never before.

One of the most interesting examples of this evolution comes from the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, which has started to integrate AI into the design process. However, as we will see, AI is not merely an assistant for designers, but it is revolutionizing the very relationship between man and machine in the creation of these floating masterpieces.

AI as a Tool for Inspiration

Studio De Voogt, Feadship's design division, is at the forefront of using AI to generate new ideas and concepts. The studio has discovered that AI, through the analysis of vast amounts of data from previous projects and industry trends, can offer creative insights that often elude even the most experienced designers. However, as noted by Tanno Weeda, Head of Design at Studio De Voogt, "AI is still far from replacing human ingenuity."

This is because, while it can quickly generate concepts, AI still struggles to grasp the practical complexities of yacht design. Issues such as deck proportions, window placement, or a project’s structural functionality are aspects that require human intervention. "AI doesn't understand the reality of materials, it doesn't know that a ship has to float and withstand the forces of the sea," Weeda observes. In other words, AI can create inspiration, but it is always up to human designers to turn those dreams into reality.

The Feadship Competition: AI at Work

In the spring of 2023, Feadship launched a unique competition, asking participants to use AI tools to create the design of a superyacht. The competition saw the participation of over 20 aspiring designers, each of whom used software like DALL-E and ChatGPT to generate creative proposals for both the exterior and interior of a vessel.

The results were fascinating. Some designs were clearly inspired by existing yachts, while others explored entirely new concepts. Yet even here, as highlighted by the judges, including Weeda himself, the limitations of AI became apparent: many of the proposals, while aesthetically surprising, were not realistically buildable. For example, one design featured an upper deck so disproportionate that it was deemed "impossible to float," while another yacht had a series of decks poorly distributed, making stability difficult.

This experiment, however, revealed interesting potential: "AI gives us a new perspective," says Weeda, "but it’s always up to humans to take the reins of the project."

AI and Yacht Design: A Collaborative Future

The future of yacht design seems destined to be a collaboration between man and machine. AI, with its ability to process data at incredible speeds and generate endless variations of a concept, allows designers to explore innovative solutions without the limitations of manual processes. However, as already mentioned, AI does not yet fully understand the practical requirements of a project. For this reason, the role of the human designer will remain central.

Another interesting aspect is the use of AI to optimize the performance of yachts. Using fluid dynamics simulation models, AI can help improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of the hull and reduce fuel consumption, while also ensuring a smoother sailing experience. In an era where sustainability has become a crucial theme, these technologies could represent an important step toward a greener yachting industry.

The Challenge of the Future

Ultimately, while AI is already changing the way superyachts are designed, we are only at the beginning of this revolution. As Milton Glaser (co-founder of New York Magazine and a brilliant graphic designer) aptly noted, "a computer is to design what a microwave is to cooking." AI can speed up the process, but it cannot replace human creativity and passion.

Feadship and Studio De Voogt are demonstrating that technology can be a powerful ally in creating cutting-edge yachts, but for now, the future of yacht design will still rest in the hands of humans.