With 10 days to go before the International Superyacht Coatings Conference (ISCC) starts, the speaker program for this two-day event in Amsterdam RAI has been unveiled. No fewer than 24 leading industry professionals have agreed to share experiences and inspire delegates from around the world at this prestigious business-to-business event, organized in partnership with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) as well as the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss). ISCC 2014 will run from Thursday 11 December to Friday 12 December.
A Delta Superyacht - Photo courtesy of Delta Marine
The impressive program makes clear that this is an event not to be missed by professionals at the leading yards and companies. The issue of superyacht coatings is a major challenge and ISCC 2014 is an excellent chance to share knowledge and expertise on processes and legislation. Moreover, the conference is a highly interactive event and will provide genuine opportunities to influence future decisions on issues facing the coating industry. This is why a wide range of companies and nationalities have registered to attend the conference, including Royal Huisman (NL), Azimut-Benetti Group (Italy), Proteksan Turquoise Yachts (Turkey), Baltic Yachts (Finland), Superyacht Solutions (Australia), Horizon Yacht (Taiwan) and Maritime Services International (UK).
The 24 speakers will come from the ranks of people renowned throughout the superyacht sector. Keynote speaker will be Tom de Vries, Managing Director, De Vries Groep (Feadship), who is also chair of the SYBAss Coatings Working Group. Franc Jansen, director at Hill Robinson Yacht Management, will speak on measuring the quality of coatings, while Joop Ellenbroek, managing director of Ellenbroek Coating Solutions, will cover three main topics: inspection and assessment qualifications, surface preparations and coating system maintenance.
Works on Benetti superyacht Zaphira (BD005) - Photo courtesy of Benetti
One of the key themes of the ISCC conference will be a focus on the tools developed and how to ensure they are adopted in the right way to drive quality and ensure success. The event will also be an opportunity to examine remaining or new issues in regards to coatings. Alberto Amico, managing director of Amico & Co., will be examining the role of ISO standards and ICOMIA guidelines. “It is clear that the superyacht industry needed to develop proper tools for coating evaluation,” he comments. “Without that, there is a high risk of seeing never-ending disputes on the standard of a yacht coating, with subjective opinions and judgments on coating appearance often used in improper ways.”
Another well-known figure who will add his inimitable touch to the proceedings in Amsterdam is Ken Hickling, Global Superyacht Business Development Manager at AkzoNobel. He will speak on the coatings aspects of yacht management, with an emphasis on contracting and delivery. “Achieving an alignment between what the owner and operator wants from a painting project, and what the project team are planning to deliver, is an activity that cannot be added in later,” he says. “It is fundamental to ensuring success. All parties have a role to play in early collaboration in order to achieve a common vision. The outcome always pays dividends in the longer term so the issue is how to make this happen more often.”
Works on Benetti motor yacht Zaphira (BD005) - Photo courtesy of Benetti
Meanwhile, in addition to accumulating a wealth of knowledge and playing a role in shaping the future of the coatings sector, delegates will also be enjoying a couple of days in the beautiful city of Amsterdam. The RAI conference centre is only a short distance from the city centre and its many museums, cultural highlights and fine restaurants. Amsterdam is especially bustling at this time of year and the city has a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere.
There are also of course the famous canals to enjoy, which is why the ISCC has arranged a unique canal cruise social event which is included in the delegate fee. To add to the attractions a special one-day partner program on the Thursday has been set up that allows the partners of delegates to experience the best of scenic Amsterdam in an entertaining and cultural program.
It is not too late to sign up as a delegate for the ISCC 2014 as a few places are still left. The RAI will be making a draw for free entrance tickets to the Masters of Luxury event in Amsterdam among delegates who register for ISCC by Monday 1 December 2014 at 18.00.
