ICOMIA Podcast

This episode explores how the ICOMIA Asia Working Group is addressing fragmentation across Southeast Asia’s yachting ecosystem. Wade Pearce shares insights on aligning marina standards, improving cross-border collaboration, and strengthening industry communication. With infrastructure largely privately owned and regulatory frameworks inconsistent, the discussion highlights the need for unified data, standard operating procedures, and stronger government engagement. Ahead of the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference 2026, the conversation underscores how collaboration, market education, and shared platforms can unlock sustainable growth, improve client experience, and accelerate investment across emerging Asian marine markets.Key PointsFragmentation limits growth across Southeast Asia marine markets Standardisation and data-sharing key to industry maturity Collaboration drives long-term commercial and ecosystem valueEliteMarinas supports the marina series on the ICOMIA Podcasts.

In this ICOMIA Podcast episode, Ben Taylor speaks with Robert Parton, owner of Aqueduct Marina and President of British Marine, about the evolving economics of inland waterways. From building a 150-berth marina into a fully integrated, one-stop canal boat hub, to successfully lobbying government on business rates reform, this conversation explores the commercial realities behind UK inland marine infrastructure.They address funding pressures on the Canal & River Trust network, the impact of canal closures on tourism and boat sales, and why industry associations remain critical for policy influence. For marina operators, investors, and marine trade leaders, this is a timely discussion on resilience, investment strategy, and protecting a national leisure asset.Key Points:Marinas must diversify to remain commercially resilient.Collective lobbying protects marine businesses from policy risk.Canal infrastructure funding underpins long-term industry growth.EliteMarinas supports this series of ICOMIA Podcasts.

From superyachts in Palma to traditional fishing boats in the Balearics, Spain’s marine landscape is diverse and world-class - yet its nautical culture is still evolving. In this episode, Fernando from ANEN shares why hosting the ICOMIA Congress is a milestone for Spain’s marine sector, and how the organisation is working to make boating accessible beyond the millionaire stereotype. We explore strategies to attract new audiences, particularly younger generations seeking experiences over ownership, and how charter, boat clubs, and flexible access models can fuel industry growth. With unmatched cruising grounds, strong connectivity, and a global spotlight, Spain is positioning itself for a more inclusive and vibrant marine future.Key PointsShifting boating from ownership to experience-based access.Positioning Spain as a global marine destination.Building nautical culture to drive long-term participation.🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.

The ICOMIA World Marina Conference returns for its 14th edition - this time in Venice. In this episode, organisers Roberto and Alberto explain why this three-day event is regarded as an accelerator for the global marina industry. With over 500 delegates, it offers a rare opportunity for decision-makers to gain strategic insights on sustainable infrastructure, technological innovation, market trends, and regulatory adaptation. Beyond the conference hall, attendees will tour marinas across the Venetian lagoon - a UNESCO site - to see best practices in action. Whether your focus is investment, operations, or policy, this event provides the platform to build partnerships and access the latest thinking shaping marina development worldwide.Key PointsGlobal collaboration drives sustainable marina growth and investment.Networking sparks high-value partnerships and industry innovation.On-site marina tours deliver real-world operational insights.🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.

Ben Taylor speaks with Matt Anzardo from AkzoNobel to explore how coatings innovation, regulatory foresight, and workforce training are shaping the future of the marine industry. From navigating complex biocide and VOC regulations to driving sustainable product development, Matt reveals how AkzoNobel leverages ICOMIA collaboration to influence policy, accelerate R&D, and elevate application standards globally. The discussion also examines the role of the new Yacht Paint Application Center and virtual reality training in tackling skills shortages, streamlining processes, and improving quality outcomes. For decision-makers, this episode offers clear insight into the intersection of compliance, performance, and talent development - and why getting it right drives both environmental and commercial success.Key PointsHow regulation shapes coatings R&D and market readinessWhy VR training is a game-changer for marine tradesThe commercial benefits of global industry collaboration 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with Darren Vaux, President of ICOMIA, on how global collaboration is driving innovation, sustainability, and industry growth. Drawing on seven years at the helm, Darren shares insights on uniting national marine associations to address emerging technologies, shifting consumer behaviour, and environmental responsibility. From the landmark Propelling Our Future project to the creation of a global lifecycle assessment (LCA) framework, ICOMIA’s work is helping manufacturers, regulators, and operators make informed, data-driven decisions. The discussion also explores regional growth in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, showcasing how shared knowledge between mature and emerging markets can build stronger, more sustainable marine industries worldwide.Key PointsHow global data and collaboration shape industry directionWhy lifecycle assessment is central to future regulationLessons emerging markets can draw from mature boating regions 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with Wyndham Tops, Operations Director at Red Sea Global and board member of ICOMIA, to explore the rapid growth of the Gulf’s leisure marine sector and the infrastructure transforming Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Representing the Leisure Marine Association for the Middle East and North Africa, Wyndham outlines how streamlined regulations, strategic marina development, and regional cooperation are making the GCC a competitive superyacht destination. From iconic Dubai backdrops to emerging itineraries spanning NEOM, Red Sea Global projects, and Jeddah, this episode highlights how a coordinated approach between private industry and government is opening the region to global yacht owners, operators, and investors.Key PointsHow the GCC is streamlining yacht entry and operationsThe Red Sea’s emerging marina network and destinationsWhy regional collaboration boosts superyacht market growth 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch to explore the association’s current priorities - from delivering the industry’s most comprehensive global market statistics to driving the adoption of lifecycle assessment (LCA) as a worldwide environmental benchmark. Joe explains how ICOMIA’s data insights guide investment and product development, why LCA is reshaping decisions on propulsion and materials, and how aligning regions under a shared sustainability strategy will protect both the industry’s reputation and market access. The conversation also covers ICOMIA Congress 2025 in Palma and the World Marinas Conference in Venice - two key gatherings uniting stakeholders to share expertise, set standards, and shape the future of the recreational marine sector.Key PointsHow ICOMIA data supports strategic market decisionsWhy lifecycle assessment is a game-changer for sustainabilityThe role of global collaboration in aligning marine standards 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with Ulrich Manigel, Managing Director of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), to uncover the often unseen role of marine certification in protecting both manufacturers and consumers. As a Notified Body, IMCI assesses boats and components against EU directives and ISO standards, ensuring they meet recognised safety and performance benchmarks before reaching the market. Ulrich explains how certification mitigates manufacturer risk, supports innovation, and adapts to emerging challenges such as electric propulsion, lithium-ion battery safety, and foiling technologies. For decision-makers, this conversation reveals how proactive compliance not only safeguards reputations but also shapes the evolution of global marine standards.Key PointsWhy certification protects brands from costly risksHow new tech like foiling and electrification is assessedThe role of collaboration in shaping future standards 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with Jon White, General Manager of The Yacht Harbour Association, to explore how marina standards, accreditation, and shared best practice are shaping the future of the sector. From the Gold Anchor and Clean Marina programmes to international collaboration through ICOMIA’s Marina Group, Jon explains how objective assessment, training, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange drive higher quality, safety, and customer experience worldwide. The discussion also covers emerging markets, the impact of changing customer demographics, and how “smart marina” thinking is guiding investment. With the World Marina Conference 2025 in Venice on the horizon, this episode offers marina operators, suppliers, and investors clear insight into where the sector is heading - and how to stay competitive.Key PointsWhy accreditation drives global marina quality and safetyHow collaboration supports emerging marina marketsThe vision for “smart marinas” and future investment 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with ICOMIA Technical Director Patrick Hemp to explore how ISO standards shape safety, compliance, and sustainability in the global recreational marine industry. Drawing on decades of hands-on design and build experience, Patrick explains how these voluntary standards give boat builders a recognised path to meeting legal requirements while raising industry-wide best practice. The discussion covers the critical role of expert collaboration, the challenges of aligning regulations across markets, and how evolving standards address new technology, lifecycle assessment, and end-of-life design. For decision-makers, this episode reveals why proactive engagement with standards is not just about compliance - it’s a strategic move to protect businesses, open markets, and build a more sustainable future.Key PointsHow ISO standards safeguard quality and compliance globallyWhy shared industry knowledge drives better regulationsThe link between standards, sustainability, and market access🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with European Boating Industry Secretary-General Philip Easthill about how the association works at the highest levels of EU policy to protect and advance the recreational marine sector. From lobbying in Brussels to translating complex regulation into practical steps for yards and suppliers, Philip outlines how EBI and ICOMIA are driving proactive solutions on environmental performance and lifecycle assessment. With legislation like the Green Claims Directive on the horizon, this episode explains why acting now - with data, tools, and industry-led initiatives - is vital to avoid damaging, one-size-fits-all rules and to secure a competitive, sustainable future for European marine businesses of all sizes.Key PointsHow EBI turns EU policy into industry opportunityWhy lifecycle assessment is key to future complianceThe business case for proactive environmental change🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, Ben Taylor speaks with ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch to unpack the real scope and purpose of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations. Many have heard of ICOMIA - but few truly grasp how its global reach, independent expertise, and member network shape the future of recreational marine and superyachts. From influencing international standards to providing trusted market intelligence, Joe explains how ICOMIA supports businesses, governments, and stakeholders worldwide. This conversation offers decision-makers a clear picture of the organisation’s strategic value - and why engaging with its work can deliver competitive advantage, foster industry collaboration, and prepare your business for what’s next.Key PointsHow ICOMIA unites national marine associations worldwideThe strategic benefits of independent, expert industry adviceWhy global collaboration matters for marine sector growth🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast. ▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.