Sevenstar Yacht Transport

What Sevenstar Yacht Transport does

Sevenstar Yacht Transport B.V., founded in 1985 and headquartered in Amsterdam, is the world's largest specialized provider of ocean transport services for yachts, operating as a subsidiary of the Dutch Spliethoff Group (which acquired it in 2000). The company ships vessels ranging from small sailing dinghies to 100-metre superyachts using specialized lift-on/lift-off (LOLO) and float-on/float-off (FOLO) methods, supported by a fleet of over 140 company-owned cargo vessels accessed via its parent and 20 regional offices worldwide. Its core technical differentiation rests on purpose-designed cradles and sea fastening systems certified by Lloyd's Register — a first in the industry — combined with in-house engineering, loadmaster teams, and custom lift/stowage planning. The product portfolio is organized around the core Yacht Transport service plus dedicated divisions: Racing Yacht Logistics (2025), Sport Fishing Logistics (2025), Exceptional Marine Transport (EMT) for oversized or humanitarian shipments, the DYT semi-submersible float-on/float-off sub-brand for superyachts, and the scheduled Sevenstar Liner Service.

Sevenstar generates revenue through quote-based transaction fees for each yacht shipment, with pricing driven by vessel size, route, transport method (LOLO vs. FOLO), and service scope. Its direct, sales-led go-to-market is delivered through a global network of 20 regional offices and 20 in-country agents providing single-point account management from quote to delivery. Customer segments are hybrid across personas (yacht owners, racing teams, manufacturers/dealers) and use cases (sport fishing, world cruisers, superyachts), with anchor enterprise relationships including OEM clients Galeon Yachts, Bali Catamarans/Catana Group, and Sunreef, plus recurring racing campaigns and partnerships with major events such as the RORC Caribbean 600 and RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race.

Operationally, the company manages approximately 730 global port calls and transports roughly 2,000 yachts annually, anchored by an in-house operations function in Amsterdam and supported by loadmasters, engineering, and trade managers across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Marketing is driven primarily through event sponsorship (boat shows, races, rallies), content partnerships with yachting media, and targeted sales outreach, while strategic expansion has been continuous — including Singapore (2017) and La Rochelle (2020) offices, the 2024 integration of ForestWave into Spliethoff Group, and the 2025 launches of dedicated Racing and Sport Fishing logistics divisions.

Name

Sevenstar Yacht Transport

Legal name

Sevenstar Yacht Transport B.V.

Website

https://sevenstar-yacht-transport.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sevenstar Yacht Transport, founded 1985 and headquartered in Amsterdam, is the world's largest specialized yacht shipping company, transporting around 2,000 yachts and managing 730+ port calls annually across 20 global offices using 140+ owned cargo vessels, serving yacht owners, racing teams, manufacturers, and superyacht clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Yacht Transportation Services

NAICS

Deep Sea Freight Transportation (483111)

SIC

Deep Sea Foreign Transportation Of Freight (4412), Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Heavy Lift / Breakbulk & RoRo Project Shipping (TLADAGAC)

Keywords

• Yacht transport services
• Marine cargo logistics
• Superyacht shipping
• Racing yacht logistics
• Float-on float-off transport

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Yacht Transport Services: Transportation of yachts via specialized cargo vessels between global destinations. Revenue generated through booking transport services for sailing yachts, power yachts, racing yachts, multihulls, and sport fishing vessels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sevenstar Yacht Transport provides global ocean transportation of yachts of all sizes and types — from 10-metre sailing dinghies to 100-metre superyachts — using specialized lift-on/lift-off (LOLO) and float-on/float-off (FOLO) methods on a fleet of 140+ company-owned cargo vessels. The company arranges around 2,000 yacht transports annually across 730+ global port calls, with in-house engineering, loadmasters, customs clearance, marine cargo insurance, and round-trip planning. Specialized divisions cover racing yacht logistics, sport fishing logistics, exceptional marine transport for non-standard cargo, and the semi-submersible DYT superyacht service.

Product overview

Sevenstar Yacht Transport operates as a single integrated platform for global yacht transport, encompassing the core yacht shipping service and several specialized divisions. The core offering — Yacht Transport — relies on a fleet of 140+ company-owned cargo vessels owned by parent company Spliethoff Group, supported by in-house operations teams, in-house engineers who create lift and stowage plans, and globally deployed loadmasters. Around this core, Sevenstar offers dedicated sub-brands and modules: Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics (specialized in racing yacht campaigns, including transport of yachts, masts, spares, containers, and ribs), Sport Fishing Logistics (a dedicated division for sport fishing vessels), Exceptional Marine Transport (EMT, for oversized or non-standard shipments), DYT Yacht Transport (semi-submersible float-on/float-off transport for superyachts), and the Sevenstar Liner Service (scheduled regular sailings). The platform also bundles ancillary services including marine cargo insurance, customs clearance, door-to-door shipping, local agent coordination, and rigger/skipped services, all managed through a single personal account manager per client.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Yacht Transport (Core Service) Core yacht transport service shipping vessels of all sizes — from 10-metre sailing dinghies to 100-metre superyachts — across global routes using 140+ company-owned cargo vessels, in-house loadmasters, and in-house engineering teams for lift and stowage planning. Includes marine cargo insurance, customs clearance, and round-trip planning.
• Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics Dedicated logistics division for racing yacht campaigns, managed by former professional offshore racer Sander Speet. Provides complete logistics packages including transport of yachts, masts, spares, containers, support ribs, and race equipment. Coordinates with race organizers to schedule sailings around regatta dates.
• Sport Fishing Logistics Dedicated logistics division for sport fishing boats, launched in 2025 and led by Kris Caren. Serves the sport fishing client group with personalized approach, dedicated sailings, and round-trip packages for sport fishing tournaments worldwide, including support for Bisbee's Black & Blue tournament in Mexico.
• Exceptional Marine Transport (EMT) Specialized transport service for oversized, non-standard, or exceptionally challenging yacht shipments, managed directly by Managing Director Richard Klabbers. Also used for humanitarian relief transport such as shipping relief materials after hurricanes.
• DYT Yacht Transport Subsidiary semi-submersible transport division operated by Spliethoff Group's DYT (Dock Yacht Transport). Uses float-on/float-off method — submerging a barge to load yachts and superyachts inside, then drying the dock — avoiding hull stress from crane lifting. Transports superyachts and river cruise vessels.
• Sevenstar Liner Service Scheduled liner service offering regular sailings on fixed routes worldwide, providing predictable and reliable yacht transport connections across major yachting destinations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 730 global port calls managed annually, averaging two cargo vessels per day loading or discharging yachts
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Pacific Puddle Jump RallyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 August 2025Official partner providing trusted repatriation solutions for sailors returning from Pacific crossings to Europe or USA, avoiding strain of second ocean crossing.
• Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500 (GLY Rally)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 March 2025Proud partner of unique three-year rally taking sailors across the globe. Sevenstar provides seamless yacht transport solutions supporting participants throughout their journey.
• Transquadra RaceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 March 2025Proud sponsor of transatlantic race for experienced amateur sailors over 40. Transport 52 yachts including 25 Transquadra competitors from Martinique to Lorient annually.
• La Rochelle NautiqueminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2025Partnership with leading French sailing club strengthening transport routes including new direct service to Guadeloupe from La Rochelle for yacht transport to USA, Mediterranean, and Caribbean.
• Douglas Yacht ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 February 2025Trusted local partner in Le Marin, Martinique ensuring all yachts are perfectly prepared, handled, and secured for transport. Manages yacht preparation and coordination for Caribbean operations.
• Rallye des Îles du SoleilminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 December 2024Official technical partner and supplier for transatlantic rally from France to Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe, organized by Grand Pavois Organization.
• Ocean Racing DaysminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 December 2024Proud sponsor of second edition hosted by Yacht Club de France in Paris celebrating 40 years of ocean racing and passion for life at sea.
• Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Caribbean 600coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 November 2024Long-standing partnership renewed for 2025 race. Sevenstar provides transport for international racing yachts to Antigua for the 600-mile race around 14 Caribbean islands. Partnership supports international offshore racing participation.
• Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown TournamentminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 October 2024Continuing sponsorship of prestigious sport fishing event in Costa Rica. Brings prized sport fishing boats to tournament and back home.
• ForestWaveminorOthers · 2 October 2024ForestWave joined Spliethoff Group as its seventh business entity. Sevenstar and ForestWave had been closely working together in sea transportation of yachts before intensifying cooperation under Spliethoff Group umbrella.
• Bali Catamarans (Catana Group)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2022Strategic partnership to improve supply chain for new and pre-owned top range catamarans. Bali Catamarans is a major player in French marine industry. Partnership announced at Cannes Yachting Festival.
• RORC Round Britain and Ireland RacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2021Title sponsor for fifth consecutive edition. The 1,805 nautical mile race around Britain and Ireland is held every four years. Partnership dates back to 2006.
• JFA YachtsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Synergies developed for transport of boats built by JFA Yachts and units coming for refit. Located in Concarneau, France. Relationship developed through shared boat show attendance and client service.
• Transpac 50minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 March 2019Partnership for the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii, one of the oldest and most prestigious ocean races since 1906.
• Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 November 2017Jan Maarten Boissevain is a founding member. Company strongly committed to informing clients about fantastic cruising grounds in Asia Pacific region.
• Oyster World RallyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 October 2016Official Yacht Transport Supporting Partner providing participants with bespoke, reliable, and personal transport service wherever needed on their world rally.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Peters & May: UK-based global yacht transport specialist offering lift-on/lift-off and float-on/float-off services worldwide. Closest direct competitor to Sevenstar, serving yacht owners, racing teams, and shipyards with similar door-to-door logistics.
• DYT Yacht Transport: Fellow Spliethoff Group business operating semi-submersible float-on/float-off vessels for superyacht and river cruise transport. Sister brand with closely overlapping capabilities in the superyacht segment.
• International Yacht Transport (IYT): US-headquartered yacht shipping company offering global yacht transportation services for private owners and shipyards. Direct competitor in the North American and transatlantic routes.
• CF Shipping (Cargomatic Forwarders): Specialized yacht shipping company operating cradle-equipped vessels for global yacht transport. Competes directly for racing and private yacht shipments in Mediterranean and Caribbean corridors.
• Global Yacht Transport: Yacht transport specialist focused on international shipping of sailing and motor yachts. Comparable niche operator in similar routes, though smaller scale than Sevenstar.

Emerging players

• Atlantic Yacht Delivery: Boutique yacht transport and delivery company serving transatlantic and Mediterranean routes. Smaller scale and narrower geographic focus than Sevenstar but competes for similar private owner customers.
• Cargo Compass Marine: Yacht shipping forwarder coordinating cradle transport and customs clearance worldwide. Complementary service model rather than direct tonnage operator, but serves same customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Spliethoff Group: Parent company and one of the largest Dutch shipping conglomerates, operating 140+ vessels across multipurpose, heavy lift, and project cargo. Owns the vessel capacity that Sevenstar depends on and operates in adjacent heavy-lift shipping markets.
• Boskalis Heavy Transport (Dockwise): Major heavy-lift and semi-submersible shipping operator. Adjacent competitor for very large yacht and offshore asset transport using float-on/float-off methods, with broader portfolio beyond yachts.

Others

• ForestWave: Recently joined Spliethoff Group as its seventh business entity. Closely cooperates with Sevenstar on yacht sea transportation; together they have expanded the combined fleet to over 140 vessels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SevenstarYT

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sevenstar Yacht Transport