JETS sets course for the future yacht market
Along the world’s coastlines lies a unique ecosystem at berth - the world of yachts. Here, it’s not just about luxury, but about a lifestyle: a space where dreams of freedom, experiences, and perfection come together. While much of the world faces uncertainty and shifting markets, the yacht segment continues to chart a steady course.
There are more and more yacht owners, and those investing in this way of life at sea are not just discerning - they know exactly what they want.
In this landscape, JETS is a recognised player. With over three decades in the market, the company has been a pioneer in vacuum-based sanitary solutions, and it is now taking a new step with the launch of the Jets® OPAL TOTO, an electronic bidet toilet developed specifically for the yacht market.
A market with its own rules
- The yacht market is its own ecosystem. It’s closed, exclusive, and less affected by global fluctuations. Customers here have both the means and clear expectations. They demand top quality, and they are willing to pay for solutions that meet their standards, says Haakon Riise, Business Director Yacht at JETS.
This means suppliers must do more than deliver products - they must understand a customer base that puts comfort, design, and reliability at the centre. Everything matters here, from aesthetic details to sound levels and technical performance.
- In the yacht segment, the requirements are extremely high, both technically and aesthetically. The sanitary system must be reliable and function flawlessly - after all, you’re at sea. At the same time, the toilets must integrate seamlessly into the design of a fully curated vessel. To meet these demands, JETS offers minimalist toilets with clean lines, combining operational reliability with timeless design and easy maintenance, Riise explains.
From aesthetics to engineering: what yacht customers expect
Sanitary solutions on board are no longer just about practicality; they are part of the design language. Toilets should feel like home - comfortable, dependable, and aesthetically integrated into the interior. JETS has also seen bidet toilets evolve from a niche request to an expected standard.
- We’re seeing a clear trend where bidet functionality is becoming a must-have. That’s why we developed the Jets® OPAL TOTO, combining minimalist design with advanced functionality, specifically adapted to the space and weight constraints on board, says Riise.
The advantages of vacuum on board
Behind the elegance lie significant technical benefits. Vacuum systems drastically reduce freshwater consumption, lower the demand on holding tanks, and free up space for other uses. Reduced weight also means lower energy use and reduced emissions - factors that more and more yacht owners and shipyards are prioritising.
- It’s not just about luxury, but also about sustainability and efficiency, says Riise.
Some still wonder about the noise level of vacuum toilets. While the sound is shorter and slightly different compared to traditional toilets, the decibel level is often comparable to what most people are used to. Plus, vacuum toilets allow for multiple flushes in a row without waiting for a cistern to refill.
Experience and partnerships that matter
JETS has been delivering solutions to the yacht market since the early 1990s and is today an established player with strong partners, including Italian company Stelio Bardi. The close collaboration with Stelio Bardi, who has followed the market closely and provided an important presence for JETS in Italy, has given the company valuable insights. This has enabled JETS to develop products specifically tailored to the market.
- We listen to our customers and stay close to the projects, and that’s probably the main reason we’ve been successful. Stelio Bardi’s market understanding has been crucial, and products like the Jets® OPAL TOTO were developed precisely because we’ve been hands-on every step of the way, says Riise.
The future is now
JETS is looking to a future where noise reduction, comfort, and reliability will be more important than ever, alongside increasing demands for sustainability.
- We need to have the right products ready, and we need to stay ahead of the trends. The launch of the Jets® OPAL TOTO is a direct response to what the market is asking for right now. We believe this will become the new standard, says Riise.
For shipyards and designers planning the next generation of yachts, now is the time to explore solutions that combine design, comfort, and greater efficiency. JETS has the products, experience, and commitment to tailor solutions - and the first OPAL TOTO toilets will roll out from the factory in December 2025.
Meet JETS
JETS will be present at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, where Haakon Riise will represent the company and meet with customers and partners. In November, Haakon Riise, Felix Eikrem, and Egzon Abazi will all attend Metstrade.
- We warmly invite anyone curious about how we can support their next project to get in touch. Together, we’ll find the best solution, concludes Riise.
Do like the best – get the knowledge for a smarter yacht. Go straight to the yacht page..