Metstrade 2025 is literally bigger than ever. For the first time the event will occupy the entire RAI Amsterdam complex, providing more space, particularly for the superyacht and refit sectors. Metstrade director, Niels Klarenbeek, says the expansion is a response to a marked and increased demand in these markets. “Previously, we couldn’t accommodate the demand for stand space, especially in the superyacht elements, where we had a waiting list for a number of years,” Klarenbeek explains.
A guide to Metstrade
The 37th edition of the trade show will add hall 8 to its footprint for the first time, where Klarenbeek says Metstrade “will be putting more emphasis towards the superyacht refit markets. The superyacht section is definitely the fastest growing part of the show, followed by the construction and material pavilion,” he adds.
Metstrade will run 18-20 November and sees the launch of a dedicated superyacht stage, designed to elevate sector-specific dialogue by showcasing the latest technologies and applications shaping the future of superyacht design, innovation, and operations. No ticket or pre-registration will be required for the superyacht stage.
“Within the superyacht segment there are numerous other shows, but Metstrade is that only B2B space. Boatbuilders view Metstrade as the place to have their discussions with their suppliers because at the boat shows they are focused on selling boats and conversing with their customers.”
The decision to expand the show is already paying off with Klarenbeek highlighting in July that the show was “almost already at capacity.”
Construction and materials
Metstrade has fielded more enquiries from material manufacturers and composites companies in recent years. In response, the team has formed a newly designated construction and material zone, with 40 per cent increased space for 2025.
AkzoNobel has been confirmed as a key exhibitor in this area, with additional participants anticipated for Metstrade 2025.
“We see more paint manufacturers moving into this space – AkzoNobel has decided to move into the new zone to be closer to construction materials and also to be aligned with the superyacht area.”
A newly announced partnership with JEC, organiser of the leading composites event in France, will also bring a sharper focus on sustainable materials and innovation in composite technology.
“We noticed that we were fielding far more interest from the composites sector, so we got in touch with JEC in Paris. It will now be offering some content elements in the Metstrade theatre and, in turn, Metstrade will bring marine-related content into the JEC next year.”
The opening of hall 8 also means a more fluid visitor experience.
“Now with hall 8 open we can, for the first time, open the sky walk between hall 7 and hall 8 meaning visitors don’t need to double back on themselves when touring the show but can walk in one, fluid circle. There’s also going to be a large restaurant area called Harbour 8,” says Klarenbeek.
Flying in the face of headwinds
The volume market has been navigating unprecedented times recently and the impact of geopolitical factors are undeniable. Yet Klarenbeek poses that in uncertain times, shows like Metstrade are even more important.
“Currently there is lots of uncertainty in the volume markets. Manufacturers are facing headwinds – how to calculate the cost of a yacht is getting more complicated all the time because of tariffs, raw material costs and price increases.
“Metstrade provides an arena where builders and suppliers can meet and discuss – it’s about that network and connection. [These times] underline the importance of an event like Metstrade. And so in terms of exhibitor acquisition, we even saw stronger demand.”
The North America stage is new for 2025, with Canada and the US jointly moving to hall 12. Given the current climate there is much to discuss.
Created in partnership with NMMA and NMMA Canada the North America stage for Metstrade 2025 will provide timely perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing transatlantic stakeholders.
“We believe that the issues of today should definitely be discussed, and that’s exactly why we initiated the new stage.
“Despite current headwinds, the NMMA and NMMA Canada both produce good turnout year on year.
“In spite of geopolitical climates and ongoing tariffs complexities, US companies want to show the world at Metstrade that they remain stable and open for business.”
DAME proves pivotal
The DAME Awards, the highly regarded marine equipment design competition, provide an anchor point for Metstrade. The jury announced 67 nomination for this year’s DAME Award and the winners will be announced on 18 November during the opening of Metstrade.
In 2024, the awards welcomed a student from TU Delft University on the DAME jury.
“As a pilot, last year we invited one of the talented students from Delft University to be a guest jury member. It worked so well that we will repeat this in 2025.
“And that’s interlinked with our ambitions for accessibility and inclusion. We want to nurture talent and retain innovators for the marine industry.”
Over the past few years the team has seen the number of DAME applications grow. But he urges the industry to submit their entries as early as possible. “Many businesses tend to submit right at the last minute, which is not ideal.”
Inclusion and access in the marine industry
The Women in Marine industry event, as supported by Marine Industry News, is one of the highest attended events across the programme at Metstrade, signalling the appetite for discourse around gender and diversity in the marine sector.
In previous years, the Women in Marine event has welcomed a panel of dynamic female leaders from across the sector to share their knowledge, experiences and visions for the future.
“It’s incredibly important for Metstrade to support diversity,” Klarenbeek says. “So we do everything in our power to help new platforms. When this initiative came to us, of course, we wanted to back it. The momentum is well timed.
“There are plenty of issues about gender equality that still need to be discussed, and so the Women in Marine event is something that we really value.”
In terms of accessibility and inclusion, the urgency to retain and inspire young professionals within the industry is more palpable than ever, as companies increasingly recognise the competitive landscape for attracting qualified talent.
Klarenbeek says Metstrade is trying to take its responsibility to nurture talent and have a positive impact on skill building in the industry with initiatives such as the Young Professionals Club.
Open to all show participants under the age of 35, the club provides an area to connect
with businesses and get the best out of the show for those starting out in their marine career.
“If you are visiting Metstrade for the first time as a youngster it can be very overwhelming so the club provides excursions around the show and group tours tailored to their needs.”
What’s next for Metstrade
This will be Klarenbeek’s fourth edition of Metstrade. Outlining his vision for the future he sees the event becoming more cohesive.
“We feel that Amsterdam has really become the anchorpoint for the B2B industry – not only during show hours but also during the evenings when we host Metstrade events but there are also a growing number of client functions hosted by customers.
“We aim to facilitate all of that. Not to own it or organise it – but to make it more integrated and to give attendees more clarity on what is going on in Amsterdam during the show.”
As of 2024, the Metstrade assumed full responsibility for organising The Superyacht Forum, with Klarenbeek noting the event “delivered really well”.
“My vision is for the three-day Metstrade show to be part of a leisure marine industry week, running from Monday till Friday. And anyone globally involved in leisure marine should find something of interest because – in addition to a growing and successful Metstrade – we are expanding the niche boutique events around it as well.
“Last year we had over 1600 exhibitors and we anticipate that number will be topped off again this year.
The post Metstrade 2025: director Niels Klarenbeek on market evolution and what’s new appeared first on Marine Industry News.
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