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Yacht Builder News

13 Sep 2023

Oceanco Connects Yacht Building with Digitalization

(Photo: Oceanco)

Yacht building and digitalization are strongly interconnected at Oceanco. For the Alblasserdam-based company it is even a precondition to continue to perform at top level."Our ambition is to build the owner’s perfect yacht and realize all their wishes, no matter how complex they may be. During the entire term of a project - from contract to delivery - the owner can still propose changes. To make that possible, you need an advanced system that helps with these processes," said Hans Bink…

10 Feb 2023

Marco Santoro Takes Over as CEO at RMK Merrill-Stevens

Marco Santoro (Photo: RMK Merrill-Stevens)

Industry veteran Marco Santoro has taken the helm as chief executive officer at Miami yacht repair yard RMK Merrill-Stevens.A naval architect and marine engineer, Santoro began his career in yachting as part of the technical department at Italy's Rodriquez Yachts. In 2003, he joined Italian yacht builder the Ferretti Group as an intern in the after sales and service department, and over the course of 20 years worked his way up through a number of leadership roles, culminating as the company's vice president of refit and retail works. “My journey in this company was amazing.

03 Feb 2022

Historic Dutch Bridge to Make Way for Superyacht Reportedly Built for Jeff Bezos

© denboma / Adobe Stock

The city of Rotterdam has agreed to remove a section of historic bridge in the Netherlands to make way for a superyacht, reportedly built for Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.A spokesperson for the city of Rotterdam said the mid-section of the century-old "Koningshavenbrug," know by locals as "De Hef", will be removed this summer to make way for a yacht with 40-metre (131-ft) masts, but declined to comment on who owns the ship.Rotterdam broadcaster Rijnmond reported that the yacht is owned by Jeff Bezos. Officials at yacht builder Oceanco did not respond to requests for comment.

27 Dec 2021

Italian Sea Group Buys Bankrupt Yacht Builder for $91 Million

(Image: Perini Navi)

The Italian Sea Group said on Wednesday it had bought bankrupt luxury yacht maker Perini Navi for 80 million euros ($91 million) in an auction held by a court in Lucca, Tuscany.Italian yacht makers Ferretti Group and SanLorenzo had also offered to buy the luxury sailing brand Perini Navi, which was declared bankrupt in January.The Italian Sea Group said in a statement that the deal, funded with most of the proceeds of its IPO and through bank financing, will double its order intake for refits and lead to new contracts for the construction of 90-130 metre motor yachts.($1 = 0.8835 euros)(Report

09 Dec 2021

ABB Power & Propulsion for 100-meter-plus Superyacht

Credit: ABB

ABB has won a contract to deliver power and propulsion systems for the superyacht to be constructed by the German yacht builder Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard (A&R). Scheduled for delivery in 2025, the 100-meter-plus vessel will be one of the largest ever constructed at A&R’s yard in Lemwerder, Northern Germany. The extensive scope of ABB systems onboard will include Azipod propulsion, Onboard DC Grid, a 500kWh Energy Storage System (ESS) and Power and Energy Management System (PEMS), whose combined and fully integrated capabilities will reduce emissions, noise, and vibration.

08 Nov 2021

Superyachts Enjoy Pandemic Tailwind as Rich Seek Zen at Sea

© petert2 / Adobe Stock

When Chinese billionaire Jack Ma took a trip to Spain's Mallorca island last month, much was made of it being his first foreign foray since a 2020 fallout with regulators had clipped his wings.However, Ma's sunny sojourn on his newly-built 88-metre (289 ft) cruise boat Zen - estimated to be worth $200 million - also put a spotlight on a global trend: the return of the superyacht.As the number of billionaires grows and COVID-19 has added to incentives for avoiding crowds, the multi…

14 Aug 2020

Op/Ed: AI Simplifies Maritime's Digital Transformation

© metamorworks / Adobe Stock

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being applied in both ship and yacht building by a number of maritime companies that are currently using it successfully. AI technology makes a completely new way of working possible. It helps companies to operate competitively in a highly competitive maritime world.I believe in this way of working, and we have adjusted our software accordingly. I’m convinced that any software which cannot deal with AI has no future. So don't lose track, and work toward knowledge-driven operations with the help of AI.

08 Jul 2020

Amels Launches 77m Luxury Expedition Yacht La Datcha

(Photo: Amels)

Damen's luxury yacht builder Amels has launched a new 77-meter expedition yacht La Datcha.La Datcha’s emergence from her building hall in the Netherlands this week marks the start of the final stages of her build process before she heads on a global charter itinerary which is set to include heli-skiing in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and dive adventures off Papua New Guinea. This a yacht built for adventure – custom designed to explore the world’s far-reaching destinations without compromising on luxury.

21 Jan 2020

AMELS Readies 78-Meter Custom Yacht

The hull of 78-meter AMELS Full Custom yacht arrived from Damen Shipyards Galati on the Danube river in Romania.When completed in 2021, the yacht will be the largest AMELS to date.Currently 13 yachts are at the busy Vlissingen hub of the Damen Shipyards Group’s yachting division, including both the Vlissingen City yard and the Vlissingen East yard.The AMELS Full Custom yacht joins four AMELS Limited Editions yachts, two DAMEN SeaXplorers and five refits.In total we currently have 26 yacht projects underway at both our new build and hull building facilities. Completing all these projects requires expert project management and craftsmanship from everyone involved.In early January the hull of the 78-meter AMELS Full Custom project arrived for outfitting from the hull builder…

09 Oct 2019

Interview: Davide Breviglieri, CEO of Azimut Yachts do Brasil

With 50 years of history, the Azimut | Benetti Group is recognized as the world’s largest motor yacht builder (global orderbook 2019). For nearly 10 years Azimut has been producing a wide range of luxury motor yachts in Brazil. Maritime Reporter´s correspondent in Brazil interviewed Italian executive Davide Breviglieri, CEO of Azimut Yachts do Brasil.Founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, still the main shareholder, the group is present in 70 countries and has a network of 138 sales and service offices, bringing together the successful brands Azimut Yachts and Benetti, each serving different market segments. “The Group offers a huge range of motor yachts, with over 45 models in production, from 34 feet to 100 meter super yachts.

25 Aug 2019

Sunreef Builds All-Carbon Fibre Yacht

Poland-based super-yacht builder  Sunreef Yachts has announced its plans to construct an all-carbon fibre Sunreef 80 sailing superyacht.The carbon edition of the Sunreef 80 will be delivered in 2020, said the manufacturer of luxury sailing and power catamarans. Its weight-reducing features will also include an in-house built carbon mast and boom."An experienced yachtsman, the Owner decided to build his new craft with Sunreef Yachts after chartering one of the Sunreef 74’s. His yacht’s individually-tailored layout will include spacious accommodation for 11 guests and crew," said a release.Wind-free propulsion will come from two 280HP engines, it said.The Sunreef 80 is an all-around sail yacht model premiered last year and one of the shipyards best-selling catamarans.

15 Apr 2019

CdM Sells Newbuild DEEP BLUE 43

The Italian luxury yacht builder Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) announced the sale of DEEP BLUE 43 a new, fully custom 43-metre explorer yacht designed by Horacio Bozzo Design.DEEP BLUE 43 is the latest addition to the yard’s significantly active Order Book. The contract has been signed last December and the latest project’s details have been defined in these last few weeks. The yacht is already under construction with delivery due in 2021.DEEP BLUE 43 has been commissioned by an experienced Owner who, in the past years, owned yachts built by shipyards such as Feadship, Lürssen, Blohm and Voss. He is a repeated client for CdM, a yard which…

21 Mar 2019

Columbus Launches 80m Yacht Dragon

Italian yacht builder Columbus Yachts (part of Palumbo Superyachts) launched its current flagship Dragon - the new 80-meter Columbus Classic - in Ancona.Dragon is set to become the largest vessel ever built by Columbus Yachts, featuring impressive interior volume of over 2,100 GT spread over six decks.The vessel with exterior and naval architecture by Hydro Tec and interior by Francesco Guida Design is to be delivered later this year.Dragon joins the Columbus’ outstanding fleet of superyachts like award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 M/Y Divine and M/Y Eleonora 3, 54 meters M/Y Prima, 57 meters M/Y Taiba.Among many distinguishing features, M/Y Dragon stands out for the 8-meter swimming pool with a counter-current swimming facility on the sun deck…

07 Feb 2019

Shipbuilding: Oceanco's Digital Journey

 Jaap Kouwenhoven, director knowledge & innovation at Oceanco (Photo: Oceanco)

Oceanco builds some of the most innovative and complex super yachts in the world, and increasingly its challenge is the efficient, streamlined trafficking and use of data. Jaap Kouwenhoven, director knowledge & innovation at Oceanco, is the executive at the center of making it all work.“We are working with Shipbuilder in order to switch over from a document-driven to a data-driven approach and to have the right data at the right place and at the right time," said Kouwenhoven.

20 Nov 2018

Shipyard Report: Abeking & Rasmussen

©Abeking&Rasmussen

111 years of success by designWhen Georg Abeking and Henry Rasmussen from Denmark established their boat and yacht yard 111 years ago, it is likely that neither of them suspected at that time that their small shipyard, headquartered in Lemwerder next to Bremen, would one day evolve into a world-renowned company known for building first class vessels.Today the company, which has been transferred into a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE), is a company that designs and manufactures, among other things. Included in this mix are some of the world’s most luxurious yachts.

31 Aug 2017

MAN Engines for the Latest Riviera Luxury Yacht

The strongest version of the twin engine system for the 68 Sports Motor Yacht produces 3,800 hp (2,794 kW). (© Riviera)

Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht to be powered by MAN V12 engines. Australian yacht builder Riviera Yachts is equipping its new 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht models with V12 diesel engines from MAN Engines. Customers have the choice of the V12-1550 or V12-1800 models, as well as MAN Engines' most powerful marine engine available on the market at the moment: the V12-1900. The twin-engine systems provide 1,140 kW (1,550 hp), 1,324 kW (1,800 hp) or 1,397 kW (1,900 hp) twice-over. Riviera…

03 Mar 2016

FUSION to Feature on Linssen Yachts

FUSION confirmed today that its industry-leading marine entertainment systems are featured on the premier vessels produced by Dutch yacht builder, Linssen Yachts. Marine equipment and technology distributor Technautic provides Linssen with the latest head units from FUSION Entertainment, including the MS-RA205, MS-AV650, MS-AV750 and MS-AM504. “Linssen Yachts builds some of the most innovative steel yachts in the business,” said Chris Baird, managing director, FUSION Entertainment. “Their clients demand the very best systems when outfitting their new yachts and FUSION delivers. The audio systems our sales partner Technautic supplies…

03 Feb 2016

Italian Yacht Maker Ferretti Creates Defence and Security Unit

Italian luxury yacht builder Ferretti, owned by Chinese industrial conglomerate Weichai Group, has created a new unit to build boats for the patrol and defence of international waters, lands and coastlines, it said on Wednesday. Ferretti Security and Defence (FSD) will design, develop and manufacture defence vessels, target the Middle East and Asian markets, collaborate with other bigger defence companies, and its parent will invest 5 million euros ($5.48 million) in the division this year, Ferretti Chief Executive Alberto Galassi said at the unit's launch in Rome in comments confirmed by a spokesman. The move comes as countries around the world are beefing up defence budgets to respond to heightened security concerns.

02 Jul 2015

Damen, AMELS sell YSV with Heli Hanger

The sale of a new 69-metre Yacht Support vessel marks the next level of development for the successful Yacht Support range built by DAMEN in cooperation with Dutch luxury yacht builder AMELS. is the first in the Yacht Support range to feature the ultimate technical area for serious superyacht helicopter operations – a fully enclosed hangar beneath the LY3 / MCA fully certified helideck. The new build vessel is under construction at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands and scheduled for delivery in June 2016 – the fifth purpose-built Yacht Support vessel to be delivered since DAMEN and AMELS introduced the revolutionary new concept to the superyacht market in 2009.

22 Oct 2014

Gulf Craft to Invest $100m in Dubai Shipyard

Photo courtesy of Drydocks World

Dubai Maritime City (DMC), a maritime cluster in Dubai, today announced an agreement with Gulf Craft to invest in a free hold plot located within the marine district of DMC, on an area of approximately 900,000 square feet. According to DMC, Gulf Craft plans to make a $100 million investment in developing this facility over the next five years. It will include a state-of-the-art shipyard to manufacture high-end luxury yachts as well as a service center incorporating cutting-edge, highly specialized technology for the yacht industry.

05 Sep 2014

Top Marine Vessel Operators Overcome Challenges

U.S. marine vessel operators have invested in their fleets, adopted new technologies and switched to cleaner burning engines and fuels to stay in business. In this edition, we take a look at how industry leading marine operators have flourished, sometimes in tough circumstances. At family-run McAllister and Chouest, sons and daughters learned operations from the ground up, while CEO Todd Hornbeck revamped the first version of a company started by his dad. All value their employees and say workplace safety is a priority. Each of these companies is quick to meet customer demands.

07 Jun 2014

Westport Shipyard sold, no changes anticipated

Representatives of Westport Shipyard, Inc. (Westport, WA), the largest yacht builder in North America, announced today that the company’s assets have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes members of the Louisiana-based Chouest family. Celebrating 50 years of business in 2014, Westport maintains three locations in Washington state, as well as a marina and sales office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Employing over 400 skilled employees, Westport has completed more than 120 yachts since 2000. And one of those customers was Gary Chouest. “Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer…

23 Jan 2014

IYC Names its Brokers of the Year

Barbara Stork Landeweer

International Yacht Collection (IYC) iannounced that Frank Grzeszczak and Barbara Stork Landeweer are the company’s  2013 Yacht Broker and Charter Brokers of Year, respectively. Representative of a banner year for IYC, both brokers played a pivotal role in promoting the superyacht lifestyle and helping their clients achieve results in the global market. “I have the privilege to again congratulate Frank and Barbara on their exceptional performance,” said Bob Saxon, IYC President.