GMBA consultant appointed to European standards project
The Global Marine Business Advisors’ (GMBA) German consultant, Ulrich Heinemann, has been appointed to support the European Commission’s critical work on harmonised standards for the marine sector.
On 1 August 2025, Heinemann’s company, Heinemann Yacht Assessment (HYA), signed a consultancy agreement with Ernst & Young (EY). EY has been commissioned by the European Commission to manage a pool of highly specialised harmonised standards (HAS) consultants who ensure European regulations are properly applied across industries.
In this role, Heinemann will provide expert technical input within the framework of the Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU) — a key piece of legislation that sets the standards for safety, design and environmental compliance across Europe’s leisure marine industry.
Certification expert Heinemann joined the GMBA in May 2025.
Spokesperson for GMBA, MaryAnne Edwards, says: “Ulrich’s appointment is a fantastic achievement and another example of the impact GMBA consultants are having worldwide. His expertise will help shape European standards that affect every part of the recreational boating sector, from manufacturers to end users. This reinforces the unique strength of GMBA as a global network of trusted specialists influencing marine business at the very highest levels.”
With 22 consultants spanning 20 countries, GMBA brings together some of the industry’s most experienced leaders.
