Monaco, April 15, 2025 – One of the most thought-provoking discussions at the World Yachting Summit 2025 revolved around a crucial question for the future of the yachting industry: Are regulations and regulators an obstacle to development? This topic was explored in depth by a panel of experts from different sectors, including Edouard Mousny (Gordon S. Blair Law Offices), Jo Assael (Marshall International Registries, Inc.), Engel-Jan de Boer (Lloyd’s Register), Matteo Testa (H2OMARITIME), and Stefano Comisi (Studio Legale Armella & Associati).
Edouard Mousny – Gordon S. Blair Law Offices: Navigating Legal Complexity
Edouard Mousny, a seasoned maritime lawyer at Gordon S. Blair Law Offices, opened the discussion by addressing the delicate balance between regulation and innovation. According to him, regulations are essential for ensuring safety, environmental protection, and the legal framework within which the industry operates. However, Mousny noted that overly strict or outdated regulations can stifle innovation, especially when they fail to keep pace with technological advancements.
He argued that excessive regulation in certain areas, such as emissions standards and safety protocols, could create barriers to entry for smaller players, discouraging investment and limiting the potential for development in emerging sectors, such as sustainable yachting.
Jo Assael – Marshall International Registries, Inc.: The Global Regulatory Landscape
Jo Assael, from Marshall International Registries, Inc., highlighted the complexity of the global regulatory environment. Assael emphasized that while there are many international regulatory bodies and standards—such as the IMO (International Maritime Organization)—the lack of uniformity across different regions can create confusion and inefficiencies.
He pointed out that some regulations, especially those that vary by country or region, can be difficult for yacht manufacturers and owners to navigate, resulting in delays and increased costs. However, Assael acknowledged that a certain level of regulation is necessary to ensure consistency across the global market, protecting both owners and the environment.
Engel-Jan de Boer – Lloyd’s Register: Innovation Through Compliance
Engel-Jan de Boer, representing Lloyd’s Register, took a more optimistic view on regulations, stating that they do not necessarily hinder progress. Instead, he argued that well-designed regulations can drive innovation. For instance, regulations related to sustainability and energy efficiency are pushing yacht manufacturers to adopt cleaner technologies and more environmentally friendly designs.
De Boer emphasized that regulations can act as a catalyst for innovation, particularly in the development of sustainable yachts and new energy solutions. He pointed out that regulatory frameworks, such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and IMO regulations on carbon emissions, are leading to significant technological advancements in the sector.
Matteo Testa – H2OMARITIME: The Need for Adaptive Regulations in a Changing Market
Matteo Testa, from H2OMARITIME, brought a fresh perspective to the table, arguing that regulations must evolve alongside the rapid advancements in maritime technologies, especially when it comes to hydrogen-powered and electric yachts. Testa highlighted the need for adaptive regulations that can accommodate the unique challenges posed by new propulsion systems, alternative fuels, and environmentally friendly innovations.
He pointed out that while the regulatory frameworks surrounding alternative energy solutions for yachts are still in their infancy, they have the potential to significantly boost the industry’s growth by fostering innovation in sustainability. However, he stressed that outdated regulations could prevent the widespread adoption of these technologies unless updated to meet the needs of a changing market.
Stefano Comisi – Studio Legale Armella & Associati: Regulatory Challenges in the Luxury Yacht Market
Stefano Comisi, representing Studio Legale Armella & Associati, discussed the impact of regulations on the luxury yacht market, which often faces more stringent rules than other sectors. Comisi pointed out that while regulations play a vital role in maintaining high standards of safety and quality, some excessive red tape could hinder the development of high-end yachts.
He suggested that regulations should be designed with the specific needs of the luxury yacht sector in mind, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches that may be inappropriate for luxury craft, which often require customized solutions. While he acknowledged the importance of regulation for ensuring the safety and sustainability of yachts, he also stressed that the regulatory burden could slow down innovation if not carefully calibrated.
The Consensus: Balancing Regulation and Innovation
As the panel discussion came to a close, a common theme emerged: regulation and innovation can coexist, but only if there is flexibility and adaptation. The panel agreed that regulation plays an important role in ensuring safety, environmental sustainability, and consistency across the global market. However, they also emphasized the need for adaptive and forward-thinking regulations that can evolve alongside technological advancements.
The key takeaway from this discussion was that, rather than being an obstacle, well-designed regulations can actually serve as drivers of innovation. However, if regulations are outdated or overly restrictive, they can pose significant challenges to industry growth and the adoption of new technologies, particularly in sectors like sustainable yachting and alternative propulsion systems.
Conclusion: The Future of Regulation in the Yachting Industry
The debate on whether regulations and regulators act as obstacles or enablers to development in the yachting industry remains complex. As technology evolves and the industry faces increasing pressures to be more sustainable and innovative, regulations must evolve as well. By striking the right balance between safety, environmental protection, and fostering innovation, regulators can help propel the yachting industry into a new era of growth and advancement.
The World Yachting Summit 2025 continues until April 17, providing a platform for further discussions on these critical issues. For more details on the summit’s agenda and upcoming discussions, visit the official site: worldyachtingsummit.com.
