The 37th edition of Metstrade Amsterdam delivered a vivid and comprehensive snapshot of the global marine industry at its most dynamic. For the first time this year, the entire RAI Amsterdam complex was fully occupied, with a steady flow across halls and thematic areas covering everything from superyachts to construction and refit, advanced materials, marina and yard management, and experimental spaces dedicated to start-ups and sustainable innovation. This breadth transformed the event into a seamless marine trade show platform where business, technology and forward-looking ideas converged naturally.
The dates for the 2026 edition are already set: the Superyacht Forum will return on 16–17 November 2026, followed by Metstrade from 17–19 November, once again at RAI Amsterdam, reinforcing its role as a key reference point for professionals across the global marine industry.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence solutions were visible across the full breadth of the exhibition, emerging both from ambitious newcomers and from long-established marine brands. Strong and sustained interest continued to gravitate towards electric and alternative propulsion systems, alongside the rapidly expanding world of foiling technologies, key drivers of marine industry innovation.
A particularly clear trend was the growing adoption of AI marine technology in navigation safety systems. Advanced cameras and thermal-imaging devices are now capable of detecting not only vessels and fixed obstacles, but also floating debris and even marine mammals – an evolution with the potential to significantly reduce navigational risks and redefine onboard safety standards. These developments will be explored further in upcoming issues of Nautech.
The Next Gen Zone once again confirmed the sector’s increasing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, while the communities surrounding foiling and electric propulsion continued to gain momentum within the wider context of a rapidly evolving marine trade show ecosystem.
Excellence was also in the spotlight. LXNAV’s E360 Round Chartplotter won the DAME Design Award as Product of the Year, and the Boat Builder Awards celebrated leading figures in global shipbuilding, presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Johan and Britt-Marie Carpelan, co-founders of Targa Boats.
The superyacht sector played a particularly central role. Beyond dedicated exhibition spaces, it took the stage at the Superyacht Forum and the Superyacht Coating Conference – two essential gatherings underscoring the significance of Metstrade for the entire high-end supply chain. A newly expanded layout, designed specifically to accommodate increasing demand, further strengthened this strategic direction.
Side events
Among the side events, the closing of Metstrade – entrusted to the Yacht Racing Forum – stood out. Many of the industry’s most influential figures gathered there, and the event was moderated by Shirley Robertson, a double Olympic gold medallist in sailing and journalist and presenter. Sir Russell Coutts, an Olympic gold medallist and multiple America’s Cup winner who is currently the CEO of the SailGP circuit (which is revolutionising the traditional way of viewing sailing by bringing it closer to the dynamics of motorsport) gave the keynote speech.
