How Luxury Yachting Is Navigating Toward A Sustainable Future

The luxury yacht industry is riding a wave of transformation. Charter bookings have surged as Covid introduced a new generation of clients who view yachting less as asset ownership and more as gateway to experiential luxury. Meanwhile, sustainability has evolved from industry buzzword to business imperative, with owners and operators racing to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising the ultra-high-end experience.

Leading this evolution is Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, the Monaco-based brokerage with a 78-year legacy and global reach. A 25-year industry veteran who previously spearheaded the turnaround at Baltic Yachts in Finland, Kurtén shares his insights on how the marine industry is navigating this sea change—and why the future belongs to those who can balance heritage with innovation.

Tell us more about Fraser Yachts, particularly your U.S. operations.

With more than 230 specialists and 21 offices across the globe, we provide expertise in sales and purchase, new build management, yacht management, charter, luxury yacht vacations and crew placement. Our in-house central intelligence team gives clients real-time insights into market trends and pricing, while our global network ensures access to the finest yachts on and off the market.

The U.S. is a key market for us, and we’re proud to have three offices here. Our U.S. specialists are seasoned industry professionals with a deep understanding of the luxury yacht landscape. Whether advising an experienced owner, guiding a first-time buyer, managing a new build or refit project, or matching charter clients with the perfect yacht and destination—our team offers the knowledge and network to ensure seamless, stress-free experiences.

What does the future hold for the marine industry?

The future of the marine industry is increasingly shaped by the rise of experiential luxury. Yachting is no longer viewed solely as ownership of a prized asset—it’s about unlocking a lifestyle centered on privacy, freedom and the love of the open sea.

Covid accelerated this shift. First-time charter clients surged from about 10 percent to nearly 30 percent of bookings. This new generation of clients—ranging from younger families to adventure seekers—has broadened the demographic footprint of our industry and created a more resilient, sustainable charter market.

Modern yachts are now designed to reflect that priority: open layouts for connection, wellness centers and spas, expansive beach clubs, versatile water toys and multitalented crews. These yachts have become platforms for living, entertaining and discovery. Fine examples are Carinthia VII, which has her own hammam and art collection, and O’Madeleine, delivered in 2025 to our Greek fleet and on display at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

In terms of destinations, the Caribbean, Western Mediterranean and the Bahamas remain strong, but what clients are truly seeking is flexibility—last-minute escapes, immersive itineraries and seamless integration of on-board and on-shore experiences. This demand continues to drive bookings well into 2026, underlining that experiential luxury is not a passing trend, but the defining force for the next era of yachting.

How do you view your role in ensuring that sustainability remains top of your industry’s agenda?

Sustainability is no longer optional in our industry—it’s an essential part of doing business. At Fraser, we see it as our responsibility not only to adapt, but to lead. That’s why we were the first brokerage to adopt the Water Revolution Foundation’s Yacht Environmental Transparency Index, which gives us clear, data-driven insights into the environmental performance of yachts under our management.

These insights allow us to guide owners in reducing their footprint—whether through energy efficiency upgrades, cleaner technologies or smarter refit decisions. Through our in-house FUTURE initiative, we are embedding sustainable practices across our global offices: working with eco-conscious suppliers, equipping captains and owners with our “Guide to Going Green,” and championing forward-thinking projects like ArtExplorer and Anjelif, which are setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious yacht design.

My own commitment to this issue goes back years to my time at Baltic Yachts, where we built 100-plus foot sailing yachts capable of crossing oceans without fossil fuels. The technology exists today to build fully sustainable superyachts, but that’s only part of the equation.

Out of the 6,000 to 7,000 superyachts afloat, only about 200 are new builds each year. The real opportunity lies in improving the existing fleet. Owners, charter operators and managers can make an immediate difference through practical steps: switching to HVO fuel, reducing cruising speeds, connecting to green shore power and training crews in sustainable practices.

None of these steps are revolutionary on their own, but together, they add up to meaningful impact. And as one of the most visible service providers in the industry, Fraser is determined to lead by example—helping clients make informed choices today that will shape a more sustainable tomorrow because we believe sustainability strengthens—not compromises—the luxury experience.

What’s next for Fraser Yachts?

Our focus remains on what Fraser does best: delivering world-class service with integrity, trust and respect, while staying agile and future-ready. Charter continues to be a major growth driver and demand remains exceptionally strong, with 2025 bookings already outpacing last year and reservations being placed as far ahead as summer 2026.

We’re deepening our presence in emerging markets, expanding our use of technology and investing in sustainability initiatives that will define the industry’s next chapter. One yacht that captures this vision is Project Master. Originally an offshore rescue vessel, it is now being transformed into a 2,801GT global cruiser designed for remote exploration with minimal environmental impact.

With the backing of MarineMax, a strong industrial owner with a long-term vision, we have the stability to invest in talent, technology and new opportunities. Fraser has thrived for 78 years by combining heritage with forward thinking, and that balance will continue to guide us to remain “Fraser, First and Foremost.”