The luxury yacht industry is riding a wave of change. Charter bookings have skyrocketed as Covid introduced a new generation of clients. This views yachts as property ownership and as a gateway to experiential luxury. Meanwhile, sustainability has evolved from an industry buzzword to a business mandate, with owners and operators competing to reduce their environmental footprint and without compromising the ultra-high-end experience.
Leading this evolution is Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, a Monaco-based intermediary with 78 legacy and global reach. A 25-year industry veteran who led the turnaround at Finland's Balto Yacht, Kruten shares insights into how the marine industry is navigating this oceanic change and why the future belongs to those who can balance heritage and innovation.
Can you tell us more about Fraser Yachts, especially the US business?
With over 230 professionals and 21 offices worldwide, we offer expertise in sales and purchases, new build management, yacht management, chartering, luxury yacht vacations and crew placement. Our in-house central intelligence team provides clients with real-time insights into market trends and pricing, while our global network ensures access to the best yachts in the market.
The US is an important market for us and we are proud to have three offices here. Our US experts are veteran industry experts with a deep understanding of the gorgeous yacht landscape. Whether you're advising experienced owners, leading first-time buyers, managing new build or refit projects, or matching charter clients with the perfect yacht and destination, our team provides the knowledge and network to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience.
What will the future hold for the marine industry?
The future of marine industry is increasingly shaped by the rise of experiential luxury. Yachts are no longer considered ownership of valuable assets. It's about unlocking lifestyles centered around privacy, freedom and open ocean love.
Covid has accelerated this shift. First-time charter clients have skyrocketed by nearly 30% from about 10% to nearly 30% in bookings. This new generation of clients have broadened the demographic footprint of our industry, from young families to adventure seekers, creating a more resilient and sustainable charter market.
Modern yachts are now designed to reflect their priorities. Connecting, wellness centre and spa, vast beach clubs, versatile water toys, open layout for a multi-talented crew. These yachts have become platforms for living, entertainment and discovery. A good example is the Carinthia VII, with her own hammam and art collection, and it was delivered to the Greek Fleet in 2025 and is on display at this year's Monaco Yacht Show.
When it comes to destinations, the Caribbean, Western Mediterranean and the Bahamas remain strong, but what our clients really want is flexibility. A seamless integration of last mine escape, immersive itinerary, and onboard and terrestrial experiences. This demand continues to drive bookings in 2026, highlighting that empirical luxury is not a trend to pass, but a critical force in the next yacht era.
How do you see your role in ensuring sustainability remains at the top of the industry agenda?
In our industry, sustainability is no longer an option. This is an important part of doing business. At Fraser, we consider it a responsibility to not only adapt, but to lead. That's why we were the first brokerage to adopt the Water Revolution Foundation's Yacht Environmental Transparency Index.
These insights can guide you to reduce owner footprints through energy efficiency upgrades, cleaner technology, or smarter refit decisions. Through our company's future initiatives, we incorporate sustainable practices into our global office. Working with eco-friendly suppliers, we have equipped captains and owners with “Guide to Green” and advocate for advanced projects such as Artexplorer and Anjelif, which have set new benchmarks for Yacht designs across the environment.
My own commitment to this issue goes back to my time at the Balto Yacht. There they created over 100 feet of sailing yachts that could cross the ocean without fossil fuels. This technology exists today to build a fully sustainable superyacht, but it is just part of the equation.
Of the 6,000 to 7,000 superyachts, only about 200 are new builds each year. The real opportunity lies in improving existing fleets. Owners, charter operators and managers can make an immediate difference through practical procedures, such as switching to HVO fuel, slower cruise speeds, connecting to green shore power, and training crews in sustainable practices.
None of these steps are innovative, but together they combine meaningful influences. Also, as one of the most visible service providers in the industry, Fraser is determined to set an example. As sustainability enhances compromise and enhances luxury experiences, clients will make informed choices today, as they shape sustainable information more than tomorrow.
What's next for the Fraser Yacht?
Our focus is on Fraser doing his best. That is to provide world-class service with integrity, trust and respect, while still being agile and prepared for the future. Charter continues to be a major growth driver, demand is very strong, with bookings already outweighing last year in 2025, with bookings ahead until summer 2026.
It is investing in sustainability initiatives that will deepen its presence in emerging markets, expand its use of technology, and define the next chapter in the industry. One yacht that captures this vision is the Project Master. Originally an offshore rescue ship, it has now been converted to a 2,801GT global cruiser designed to minimize environmental impact.
With the support of Marinemax, a powerful industrial owner with a long-term vision, you have the stability to invest in talent, technology and new opportunities. Fraser has thrived for 78 years by combining heritage and forward thinking. That balance continues to lead to remain “Fraser first and foremost.”
