Superyacht Refit Crisis: PLC Upgrades, Skilled Labour & Yacht Infrastructure | Yachting USA

Описание: The superyacht industry talks about growth. What it rarely talks about is service capacity, technical skill shortages, and the infrastructure needed to support 800+ yachts currently in build or contract worldwide.

In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down with Marcel Aartsen of OEM Yacht Service to discuss what happens after delivery — the refits, PLC upgrades, hydraulic systems, control platforms, and the skilled technicians who quietly keep the global fleet operational.

From entrepreneurial pivots to cross-Atlantic service strategy, this is a candid conversation about craftsmanship, collaboration, and the real future of yacht support.

In this conversation
Why OEM Yacht Service was created and the original collaboration vision
The pivot that transformed the business into a fast-moving refit and control systems specialist
Replacing obsolete PLC systems on yachts and why time-to-delivery matters
Why skilled technicians are harder to find than project managers
The migration of refit work between the U.S. and Europe
Why collaboration across service centers could reduce cost and travel inefficiency
The importance of culture, longevity, and craftsmanship in shipyard success
Why hands-on trades in yachting are more future-proof than many AI-exposed professions

If you care about yacht refits, superyacht infrastructure, technical careers, or the business mechanics behind keeping vessels operational worldwide, this episode is essential viewing.

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🎙️ Yachting USA
Host: Rick Thomas
Guest: Marcel Aartsen, OEM Yacht Service

💬 Join the conversation in the comments:
Is the industry prepared for the wave of refit demand coming with today’s new build pipeline?

SUPPORTED BY ATPI Travel

ATPI Travel supports the global yachting and maritime industry with specialist travel solutions designed for complex crew logistics, operational travel and industry mobility.

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