MB92 Report Maps AI, Data and Connected Technology in Future Superyacht Refit

MB92 Group has published a new industry report examining how data, artificial intelligence and connected technologies are changing superyacht refit and operation. The report argues that the biggest gains will come not from AI in isolation, but from better information flows, interoperable systems and technical teams able to use digital tools alongside established engineering expertise.

The Intelligent Refit Era: How Digitalisation and AI Will Redefine the Future of Yacht Refit draws on MB92's operational experience, research, specialist interviews and a survey of more than 70 stakeholders including captains, crew, owner representatives, managers, shipyards, designers and service providers.

Better data comes before better AI

One of the report's central themes is that advanced analytics are only as useful as the data available to them. Yachts can generate large volumes of operational information from machinery, energy, navigation and hotel systems, but inconsistent formats and fragmented ownership of that data can limit its value during maintenance and refit planning.

MB92 argues that improved data quality and interoperability could allow yards and technical teams to move from reactive maintenance toward more predictive decision-making. In practice, that could mean identifying equipment trends earlier, preparing parts and work scopes before a yacht arrives, and using historical operating information to focus inspections where risk is highest.

Connected yachts create new refit opportunities

Digitalisation can also change how refit periods are planned and managed. Better connectivity between onboard systems, owner teams, managers and yards can give project teams a more accurate picture of equipment condition before the yacht enters the shipyard, reducing uncertainty in work-list development.

The report sees potential for digital twins, condition monitoring and AI-assisted analysis to improve lifecycle decisions, but it cautions against treating technology as a substitute for experienced engineers and craftspeople. MB92's position is that digital tools should support human judgement, particularly where yacht systems are bespoke and operational context matters.

Cybersecurity and interoperability are critical constraints

More connected systems also increase exposure to cyber risk. As technical and operational data moves between the yacht, cloud services, equipment suppliers and refit facilities, access control and secure system architecture become part of the refit brief rather than a separate IT issue.

Interoperability is another obstacle. Superyachts typically combine equipment from many manufacturers and generations, often with proprietary interfaces. Unless systems can exchange reliable information, the industry risks creating separate digital silos that make maintenance more complicated rather than simpler.

Skills will determine how much value technology delivers

MB92 also highlights the need for new skills across yacht crews, management companies, yards and suppliers. Data analysis, cybersecurity and digital-system knowledge will increasingly sit alongside traditional marine engineering, electrical and project-management capabilities.

For owners, the practical significance is that an intelligent refit is unlikely to be defined by one piece of software. The larger opportunity is to build a better information environment around the yacht so that maintenance, energy use, equipment replacement and refit investment can be planned from evidence rather than incomplete records or isolated system snapshots.