Fraser Says More Than 600 Superyachts Over 30m Are Under Construction

Fraser says the global new-build market remains highly active in 2026, with more than 600 yachts over 30 metres currently under construction and top-tier yards operating with long lead times. The brokerage reports that average build length has reached 48.5 metres as owners pursue larger, more complex and technically sophisticated projects.

More than 600 yachts over 30 metres are in build

Fraser’s market overview places the active order book above 600 yachts measuring more than 30 metres. The company says demand remains resilient across custom and semi-custom construction, while capacity at established shipyards continues to create long delivery schedules for buyers seeking particular builders.

The number alone does not describe the workload because project complexity and gross tonnage can vary substantially between yachts of similar length. Larger hotel loads, hybrid systems, glass structures, pools and specialist owner requirements can increase engineering effort even when overall dimensions remain within an established range.

Average build length has reached 48.5 metres

Fraser says the average length of yachts in construction has reached an all-time high of 48.5 metres. According to the Global Order Book 2026 figures cited by the company, 26 projects exceed 100 metres and together represent more than 160,000GT.

Growth at the upper end places additional pressure on specialist design, classification, supply chains and large-yacht construction facilities. It also changes the ownership equation because bigger yachts require larger professional crews, more complex operating systems and greater long-term expenditure after delivery.

Italy remains the dominant production country

The report says Italy accounts for more than 55 per cent of yachts in build, with Azimut-Benetti remaining the largest builder by volume. Türkiye is identified as the second-largest building nation with 90 projects, while the Netherlands ranks third with 52 active projects.

The Dutch total is lower by unit count, but Fraser notes that the country continues to dominate some of the largest and most technically demanding custom builds. National comparisons therefore need to distinguish between the number of hulls and the scale, complexity and value represented by those projects.

Fraser points to 13 new-build projects in two years

Fraser says it has secured 13 new-build projects up to 80 metres during the past 24 months. The brokerage uses that activity to position new-build advisory as a distinct service requiring commercial negotiation, technical oversight and owner representation across a multi-year programme.

For owners, the current market means early decisions can be important when a preferred yard has limited capacity. Buyers must balance the benefits of a fully custom project against semi-custom platforms that may offer earlier delivery, known engineering and more predictable development risk.

Official sources: www.fraseryachts.com.