Over the past couple of years, the superyacht industry has come under increased scrutiny for its suspected role in the illegal teak trading industry. Teak, a valuable tropical hardwood known for its durability, is often used in the construction of luxury yachts due to its aesthetic appeal and resistance to the harsh marine environment. However, the demand for teak has led to illegal logging practices, threatening the survival of the species and devastating the communities that rely on it for their livelihoods.

The Dutch publication NRC has recently unveiled an exposé concerning the superyacht industries sourcing of illegal teak following the high-profile launch of the 127m Koru. SuperyachtNews has previously covered the issue in depth with a series of articles that can be viewed here.

The process of cutting down 100-year-old logs to create a product with a 25-year life span is of course highly unsustainable, however, the superyacht industry has been accused of being a key player in the illegal teak trading industry. According to a report by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), up to 40% of teak imports from Myanmar, one of the largest exporters of wood, are used in the construction of luxury yachts. This demand has fueled the illegal logging of teak forests, particularly in Myanmar, where corruption and…