Navigating Sevenstar Yacht Transport with passion and expertise
A deep dive interview with Jan Maarten Boissevain
Jan Maarten Boissevain, Commercial Director at Sevenstar Yacht Transport, has driven the company’s growth since it was acquired by the Spliethoff Group in 2000. His journey with Sevenstar began over two decades ago when the team was just three people strong. Today, the company has expanded into a global network with 75 employees. With a worldwide network of offices in the USA, UK, Monaco, France, Hong Kong, and Turkey, and additional agents in Australia, Martinique, Germany, Thailand, and New Zealand, Sevenstar covers a broad area with a far reach.
Founded in 1985, with almost 40 years of experience in yacht transport and backed by their parent company Spliethoff's 100 years of maritime expertise, Sevenstar Yacht Transport boasts unparalleled financial stability and industry knowledge. Spliethoff has a multi-faceted fleet, with companies working closely together to provide clients with the best solution - they have a suitable vessel for practically every cargo and every project, from yachts to shipments for the renewables market.
Leading yacht transport services
Sevenstar transports around 2,000 yachts annually. These include new vessels heading to Asia, second-hand boats exported from Hong Kong to Europe and the USA, and yachts relocating for various reasons.
When Jan Maarten talks about his work, his passion is palpable. "We are more than just a transport service," he says. "We are a cruising yacht's way out." He explains how many sailors start with the dream of circumnavigating the globe, but by the time they reach the Marquesas, they’re ready to take a break. Sevenstar offers them a solution: a ‘return ticket’ that can be postponed for up to a year, free of charge. It’s this kind of thoughtful service that sets Sevenstar apart and reflects Jan Maarten’s commitment to meeting the needs of his clients.
From the initial inquiry to the ‘discharge’ of a yacht, a team of knowledgeable local agents worldwide offers meticulous support and local advice, matching expectations with reality and delivery.
Understanding yacht owners on a personal level
Jan Maarten’s positive outlook is infectious—his belief that “everything is possible” is a defining aspect of Sevenstar's customer service. From initial inquiry to the discharge of a yacht, Sevenstar’s global team of agents provides expert advice and meticulous support. “It’s a people business,” Jan Maarten adds. “With yacht transport, we blend the world of ultra-luxury with the tough world of shipping.”
Jan Maarten’s love for the ocean is at the heart of everything he does. An experienced sailor himself, he brings a unique perspective to the world of yacht transport, understanding the needs of yacht owners and captains on a personal level. This deep connection to the sea, combined with his extensive knowledge of maritime logistics, has made Jan Maarten a respected figure in the industry.
Prioritizing safety and reliability
Safety and reliability are paramount in Jan Maarten’s approach to yacht transport. Under his guidance, Sevenstar has become known for its meticulous attention to detail, from the initial inquiry to the safe discharge of each yacht. “Our company was the first to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for their transport cradles, a testament to our industry-leading standards.” Jan Maarten is particularly proud of the low insurance premiums Sevenstar offers, with rates as low as 0.0015% of the yacht's value and the best deductibles, which he attributes to the company's rigorous safety protocols and the expertise of our team. With robust insurance policies guaranteeing that yachts are covered without hidden clauses, Sevenstar prides itself on transparency and reliability.
Navigating global challenges
In recent years, Jan Maarten and his team have also had to navigate the complex challenges posed by global geopolitical issues. Driven by increased rebel activities in the last year, yachts have become ‘premium’ targets. With increased rebel activities making the Red Sea a dangerous route, he made the difficult decision to reroute Sevenstar’s voyages around the Cape of Good Hope, despite the additional time and costs involved. "There was no alternative," he says, emphasizing that the safety of the yachts and crews is always the top priority. This decision extends the voyage by 20 days, the extra 10,000 nautical miles add an approximate $500,000 of costs for every voyage.
The ripple effect of this safety issue doesn't stop here. With merchant ships being redirected away from the Red Sea, there is a shortage of vessels, and shipping is at a premium, with an increased price of containers. As a result, delivery times and costs for components are on the rise, with shipyards and manufacturers now grappling with delays due to disrupted supply chains. On a positive note, Sevenstar has successfully navigated the recent challenges of the Panama Canal, being one of the few companies to do so with consistent success – allowing smooth transits between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
A commitment to sustainability
Sustainability is also another area where Jan Maarten is making a significant impact. He sees the European Green Deal and IMO regulations as opportunities to push the industry towards a more sustainable future. We are currently exploring the use of biofuels and working closely with clients to ensure that the fleet operates as efficiently as possible. "It’s a challenge," he admits shipping is ahead of yachting, "but we’re ready to face it together with our clients."
The European Green Deal is a growth strategy to transform the EU into a climate-neutral and circular economy by 2050 while preserving Europe’s competitiveness. At the same time, the IMO has presented regulations to achieve its objective of a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, by introducing the Energy Efficiency Index for Existing Ships (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Shipping’s contribution to a better environment does not come for free. The higher the required percentage of reduction in CO2 emissions, the higher the costs become.
To comply with these regulations, it is necessary to start using fuels with a lower ‘well to wake’ carbon intensity. This can be achieved by using biofuels on the fleet, either blending biofuels into conventional fuels or running on pure biofuel. However, the reality is that these fuels are significantly more costly than conventional shipping fuels, to the figure of $45,000 extra a day!
Jan Maarten feels they can only achieve this in close cooperation with clients. Ensuring the fleet is operating in the most efficient way possible is also vital – which includes hull and propellor cleaning. Sevenstar hopes they can work together with motivated customers to run on these more sustainable fuels and reduce the emissions of supply chains. The cost of shipping will rise, but there will be a direct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to that cost.
Whether it be a family cruising yacht, a new build, a race boat, or a 40m superyacht, Sevenstar offers a top-tier service that is fast, safe, and reliable, with strong connections to the marine community, sailing into a more sustainable future.