Last year, the superyacht M.Y. Breakthrough, built by Royal van Lent Shipyards, won the Ship of the Year Award 2025. Will your vessel be the 2026 winner? Entries are now open — submit your ship today!
The Ship of the Year Award represents broad recognition of the Dutch maritime sector’s innovative strength. The jury assesses vessels based on how design, technology, safety, build quality and economic significance come together in one innovative and distinctive concept. The award honours the very best the Dutch maritime industry has to offer.
Together with four other awards – The Maritime Innovation Award, Maritime Talent Award, Maritime Security Award and Maritime Achievement Award – the Ship of the Year Award is presented at the annual Maritime Awards Gala. In 2026, the Gala takes place on 2 November, a venue is yet to be announced.
The award ceremony and the extensive publicity surrounding the Maritime Awards Gala provide the winning vessel, its builder and owner with strong and positive exposure. Moreover, the submitted ships showcase—both nationally and internationally—what Dutch shipbuilding stands for: top quality, innovation and craftsmanship.
Also read: Feadship yacht Breakthrough is Ship of the Year 2025
Entry requirements
- The vessel must have been delivered between 1 May 2025 and 28 April 2026.
- The entry must be submitted by a Dutch shipyard that has successfully integrated innovations into the vessel, ensured effective collaboration between all involved parties and disciplines, and delivered a well-functioning, innovative ship to the client.
Also read: RV, yacht and CSS up for Ship of the Year Award 2025
Submission
Would you like to nominate your vessel? Please submit your entry including:
- a clear motivation explaining why your vessel qualifies,
- technical specifications,
- a description of the vessel,
- a general arrangement.
All conditions and submission instructions can also be found on the Maritime Awards website.
Please note: submission deadline is Friday 17 April 2026.
Picture: The yacht Breakthrough was elected Ship of the Year 2025 (photo by Feadship).
Also read: Gorinchem XII declared Ship of the Year 2024
