YachtTalk episode 5: The future of yacht building

New technologies are the backbone of innovation, but how can they help to make yacht building more efficient and sustainable? Gathered together to discuss this topic were Erik Veurink, director of Brainport Industries Campus, Vincent Wegener, managing director of RAMLAB, and Rick van de Wetering, COO at Heesen Yachts. The future of yacht building Brainport Industries Campus launched a year ago with the aim of creating a setting in which high-tech manufacturing industries can come together and realise their potential by uniting educational and knowledge-based institutes, manufacturers and governments. Veurink refers to the environment as an ‘eco system’ that contains The Factory of the Future. This initiative runs specific innovation-based programmes that focus on key topics, such as robotics, sustainability and digitalisation.

Innovation is required to make traditional production processes both more efficient and sustainable. Software development, such as 3D technology, is another important element, but the two methods are not mutually exclusive, says Veurink. “Some people think it’s either traditional processes or new technology, but it’s important to know that there are good combinations available,” he says. For Veurink, the main challenge at present within high-tech manufacturing is the retainment of talent.

Vincent Wegener agrees: “If you don’t provide the latest tools, you won’t be able to attract the best talent.”

This Superyacht Guide item is an original editorial summary based on the official Heesen Yachts news release.

Image source: Heesen Yachts official news release.