Metstrade 2025: Bold expansion, significant uptake and fresh identity

by Nino Kersten 2 May 06:24 BST 18-20 November 2025

Metstrade 2025 © Metstrade

Metstrade, the world's largest trade exhibition for the leisure marine industry, is set to mark a significant new chapter as it prepares for its 37th edition in 2025. Marking an historic first the event will occupy the entire RAI Amsterdam complex to provide a more spacious layout with numerous advantages.

Responding to evolving market dynamics, Metstrade 2025 will provide a platform that fosters international trade and shared industry progress. The show's expansion will be marked by a refreshed brand identity, featuring a new logo and visual suite inspired by maritime signal flags. The design will enhance clarity and cohesion across the exhibition experience, both physically and digitally.

Metstrade Construction & Materials Zone Press Release - photo © Marianne Ottemann

Record interest from exhibitors underscores industry confidence

Exhibitor registration for the upcoming edition is already significantly ahead of schedule, surpassing the pace set by the 2024 show, which welcomed a record of close to 1,600 manufacturers. Flying in the face of the industry's current headwinds, this strong momentum underscores Metstrade's critical importance as the must-attend global meeting point for the leisure marine sector.

Metstrade continues to work closely with long-standing partners including ICOMIA, NMMA, and IBI. These collaborations have resulted in new initiatives for 2025, such as the USA stage, created in partnership with NMMA, IBEX and Soundings Trade Only. This dedicated space will provide timely perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing transatlantic stakeholders.

Superyacht sector to expand in dedicated Hall 8

The superyacht sector will receive increased attention in 2025 with the introduction of a significantly expanded Superyacht Zone in Hall 8. Addressing previous capacity limits, this development reflects growing interest in the sector's refit market, which supports a fleet of approximately 6,000 active vessels requiring regular major works.

Key players such as DAMEN, Lürssen Yachts, MB92, Pendennis Shipyard and the Australia Refit cluster will exhibit their refit capabilities.

Metstrade Superyacht Zone - photo © Metstrade

The launch of a dedicated Superyacht stage will further elevate sector-specific dialogue by showcasing the latest technologies and applications shaping the future of superyacht design, innovation, and operations. Meanwhile, The Superyacht Forum, now part of the Metstrade portfolio, continues as the premier C-suite event where industry leaders engage in high-level strategic discussions about the direction of the sector, in close collaboration with SYBAss, PYA, IAMI, MYBA, IYBA, ICOMIA and The Superyacht Alliance. These powerful partnerships enable greater synergies and seamless alignment of content and programming across the show floor and beyond.

Refined zoning and new collaborations

Elsewhere, construction materials and coatings will take on greater prominence with a new zone in Hall 11. AkzoNobel is confirmed as a key exhibitor in this space, with further participants expected. A newly announced partnership with JEC, organiser of the leading composites event in France, will bring a sharper focus on sustainable materials and innovation in composite technology.

Boat Builder Awards: a new setting

The Boat Builder Awards will relocate to Harbour 8, a purpose-built hospitality and event space adjacent to Hall 8 in the RAI. This shift, made in close consultation with industry stakeholders, is designed to make the ceremony more accessible and to foster informal networking among participants. Look out for further details soon.

Boat Builders Awards 2024 - photo © bmfotografie

Niels Klarenbeek, Director Maritime at RAI Amsterdam, commented:

"This year's expansion is not only about scale—it's about responding to the complex needs of the global marine industry. Ongoing dialogue with Metstrade's global community shapes our show in its vital role of supporting clear communication, meaningful engagement, and innovation at every level."

Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager Metstrade, added:

"The changes we are introducing this year focus on further strengthening Metstrade's unrivalled position as a relevant and reliable business platform for the leisure marine sector. Our new identity will bring clarity across all channels, with the broader content and layout delivering tangible value for all involved."

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