Superyacht UK seminar to focus on regulatory change and operational risk
Image courtesy of SYUK
Rapid regulatory change and increasing operational complexity are shaping how superyachts are built, refitted and managed, and these pressures form the core focus of Superyacht UK’s technical seminar 2026, which takes place in London later this month.
The annual event brings together shipyards, designers, technical managers, classification societies and regulators to discuss regulatory developments, emerging technologies and the operational issues affecting the global fleet.
The seminar, now in its 15th year, will be held on Thursday 19 March at the Union Jack Club in London. Organisers say the programme focuses on the practical regulatory and technical challenges currently influencing strategy across the sector.
Seminar to cover developments and pathways
Julian Smith of the Cayman Islands Shipping Register will provide an update on amendments to the REG Large Yacht Code, including developments relating to shell doors and openings, an area of particular technical and compliance interest.
Lars Lippuner from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency will outline progress on the cadet training and modernisation programme, including evolving pathways to unlimited Certificates of Competency, a key consideration for future crewing strategy.
International regulatory developments will be addressed by Lorenzo Pollicardo of SYBAss, and Patrick Hemp of ICOMIA, who will examine recent and forthcoming IMO changes and what they mean in practice for large yacht construction and operation.
Collaboration between classification societies will also come under the spotlight in a joint session from Corrado Musso of Lloyd’s Register and Matteo Magherini of RINA, who will explore the practical implementation and future direction of YSEC, providing clarity on how the framework is evolving and how it impacts shipyards and designers.
Influence of emerging technology
The seminar will also address the growing influence of emerging technology, in two dedicated sessions. Harry Strange of Withers & Rogers will examine the intersection of artificial intelligence and intellectual property, addressing how AI tools are reshaping design, innovation and ownership rights. While Rupert Mills and Dan Turner of Krome Technologies will deliver a cyber security update, focusing on the expanding threat landscape and the practical steps businesses must take to protect both vessels and shore-based operations.
A specialist panel discussion will look at one of the most commercially sensitive areas of the sector: post-build and refit warranty works. Senior representatives from Pendennis Shipyard, Mayfair Marine, Hill Dickinson, Pantaenius, Willis and Oceanco will share first-hand experience of how warranty issues are managed, where disputes most commonly arise, and how risk can be mitigated through clearer contractual and operational frameworks.
The seminar will conclude with a keynote from maritime archaeologist and explorer Mensun Bound, who led the expedition that located Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance. His address will focus on leadership, resilience and collaboration.
Tickets are available from British Marine.
