Massimo Perotti Shares His Vision for Sanlorenzo in the Asia-Pacific
“We expect significant expansion in Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Chinese markets over the next ten years,” says Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo. “It’s a high potential and currently underserved area where we would like to extend our presence.” And extend its presence Sanlorenzo most definitely has done. Last year APAC commanded more than 10% of the Group’s total net revenues, and the acquisition of Simpson Marine will fortify and expand its position in the region. “Simpson Marine is a well-established and widely respected company in the APAC region, with tremendous potential for further expansion,” Perotti continues. “After 40 years of operations, it has developed a highly loyal team of around 140 professionals who are among the best in their respective fields, making it a sound and promising investment in line with our long-term strategic vision.”
Simpson Marine, founded in 1984 by Mike Simpson. has successfully represented Sanlorenzo throughout Asia since 2015, from its eleven offices operating out of seven countries. It runs a major yacht sales and service operation. “The acquisition of Simpson Marine is key for our growth strategy in the APAC market,” says Perotti. “Simpson Marine is certainly essential for reinforcing our brand development in the region, and we have every intention of leveraging its experience, expertise, and credibility in the market. Together we will also reap the benefits of untapped synergistic potential to become market leaders in sustainable luxury yachting, guided by a shared vision and the aim to revolutionise the industry.”
Innovation and novel technologies are serious trend drivers in APAC, and enquiries for the most eco-friendly equipment, low-impact propulsion systems and state-of-the-art navigation systems are all commonplace. “All these features are part of the offering provided by the Sanlorenzo Group through its brands and product lines, and we are confident that our yachts will meet the needs of APAC customers very effectively,” Perotti confirms.
The needs and expectations of clients in any region are incredibly subjective and can vary based on cultural, economic, and lifestyle factors, in addition to personal preferences. However, to speak generally, customers in the region see yachts as symbols of luxury, capable of enhancing their status, and so often seek prestigious and exclusive yacht models. Custom, tailor-made designs are always highly sought after –something Sanlorenzo delivers in spades.
“We have a rich Italian nautical heritage written into our DNA; owners recognise our ability to provide them with a product that reflects their desires and is also technologically advanced, with an increasing focus on sustainability,” says Perotti. It is upon these two pillars – the values of ‘Made in Italy’ and the specific philosophy with which Sanlorenzo operates in the yachting market – that we will build our success in the APAC region.”
Massimo Perotti has built Sanlorenzo from a company with an annual revenue of €42m to €840m in less than two decades. Under his leadership, the company has grown exponentially, employing around 800 staff at its five shipyards and working with hundreds more through a strategic network of partnerships. It now boasts a production capacity equal to 100,000 square metres and has announced plans to add a further 10 models to its portfolio.
And even with this staggering growth, Sanlorenzo has not once betrayed its roots. Each yacht it delivers is the result of intelligent research aimed at technological innovation and is sculpted through highly specialised production techniques and the best craftsmanship and skills from its territories. A heady mix that has driven Sanlorenzo’s success and international recognition.
“Beautiful tailoring, refined and understated luxury, and meticulously detailed and curated designs are the cornerstones of our philosophy,” Perotti explains. “We only produce a limited number of vessels each year and have continuous dialogues with our clients to propose excellent products, not only in terms of quality and design but also in terms of technological content and real sustainability.” A true case in point is the forthcoming 50Steel, the first yacht to house a green methanol fuel cell system, developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy. “The 50Steel will be the world’s first superyacht project to accommodate the modular ‘Reformer – Fuel Cell’ system, capable of transforming green methanol into hydrogen and then into electricity to power all the yacht’s hotel systems, and eventually recharge the batteries, without storing hydrogen on board,” Perotti says. “This is one more significant step toward our decarbonisation goals.”
Sanlorenzo hasn’t only been a disrupter when it comes to sustainability, it’s also driven trends across many aspects of yacht design, as Perotti explains. “We were the instigators of asymmetric yachts and yachts featuring terraces on the sea. One of our biggest achievements is the Bluegame multihull BGM75, a luxury emblem opening up a new yachting segment. Now, with our 50Steel, we are about to revolutionise the yachting world under the banner of sustainability.”
Perotti stresses the importance of his team, without which the achievements Sanlorenzo has reached would not be possible. “I am convinced that teamwork is at the root of every success, and that is why the people are at the heart of Sanlorenzo. In a market like ours, where quality is everything, we must have the best people, focus on their expertise, and invest in their development.” This mentality will be at the core of future developments in APAC and drive the growth that Sanlorenzo and Simpson Marine will undoubtedly experience together.