Brokerage news

Tankoa Yachts has announced the launch of the T580 M/Y Diamond Binta, a 58-meter fully custom yacht. Sold in 2021, this vessel was designed for an experienced owner interested in extended voyages and high-end luxury.The T580, named Diamond Binta, represents advanced custom yacht building. Its sporty lines were designed by Francesco Paszkowski, with interior design by Margherita Casprini. "This new yacht, our first 58 meters, is the result of years of collaboration between the Paszkowski studio and Tankoa," says Eva Orsi, President of Tankoa Yachts. "I am proud of this project, which represents an evolution from the owner’s previous 50-meter yacht M/Y Binta D'Or. Its timeless design combined with cutting-edge solutions is the result of teamwork between client, designers, and shipyard, blending elegance and functionality. This construction confirms Tankoa's reputation as a boutique shipyard.”Key features of the T580 Diamond Binta include a forward helideck and a spacious aft beach club with fold-down bulwarks and a spa featuring a massage room. The fly deck includes a gym and a swimming pool, while the garage can accommodate two tenders, including a nine-meter limo tender. The yacht offers a master suite and five guest cabins, along with a panoramic corridor on the lower deck that connects the cabins directly to the beach area, passing through a viewable engine room.Built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the T580 Diamond Binta is scheduled for delivery by the end of July 2024. This yacht, showcasing Tankoa's dedication to bespoke craftsmanship, is set to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, followed by its maiden voyage through the Mediterranean.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Leonardo Andreoni/Tankoa

MDL Marinas, one of Europe's largest marina groups, has announced a £2.2 million investment in upgrades at its Ocean Village Marina in Southampton. This investment has facilitated the complete replacement of all pontoons on the marina's south side and the implementation of new smart electric technology.The upgrade project began in mid-October 2023 and involved installing new pontoons from sections F through L. This included removing some of the piles, dredging, reinstating the piles, and then installing the new pontoons, while keeping most of the original configuration. The project was completed in phases during May and June, with F and G pontoons opening on May 10.In addition to the new pontoons, smart meters have been installed throughout the marina. These meters give customers control over their electricity accounts, enabling 24/7 online payments and providing automatic notifications of power interruptions.Five superyacht berths, accommodating boats from 25m to 50m, have also been upgraded with new concrete pontoons, decking, and smart meters supplying 3-phase electricity. Enhanced wave attenuation at the marina entrance has been introduced to create a calmer and more comfortable environment for users.Concrete pontoon sections were transported from Ireland to MDL’s Saxon Wharf and then towed to Ocean Village. The old pontoons and floats were removed for reuse or recycling, reflecting MDL Marinas' commitment to sustainability.“Our commitment to investing in our marinas is crucial to ensure we are always delivering the highest level of excellence that our berth holders, visitors, and tenants have come to expect,” says Lauren McCann, Manager of Ocean Village Marina. “We also want to thank all our berth holders and staff who have been incredibly patient and accommodating throughout the project. The team has done an amazing job managing logistics during the works, including hosting a successful South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show.”With the upgrades, Ocean Village Marina can now accommodate boats from 8m to 80m, offering a luxury marina experience year-round.To celebrate the completion of the new pontoons, Ocean Village hosted a Summer Celebration on its brand-new south side pontoons. The event featured live music, a free barbecue, and complimentary hospitality aboard a selection of boats. Attendees enjoyed boat demonstrations of the latest Fairline Yachts models and other new and used boats. Approved Boats offered a free annual berth at Ocean Village Marina for any Fairline purchased at the event, extending this offer until the end of July for those unable to attend.Ocean Village Marina, a 362-berth facility, is the UK's first and only 5-star marina. Located near the Solent, the marina features a £50 million spa hotel complex and is surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants, and a cinema. Ocean Village Marina was voted ‘Marina of the Year’ at the British Yachting Awards in November for its exemplary customer service.Credits: MDL Marinas

A fire that broke out at Lürssen's Rendsburg shipyard on July 2, 2024, has now been extinguished, and clean-up operations are underway. The blaze, which began around 9:20 a.m. local time, raged for approximately 20 hours before being brought under control in the early hours of the morning.According to the fire department, the fire originated in a shipbuilding hall and quickly spread to other areas of the yard. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and thick columns of dark smoke emanating from the site. Local news sources have mentioned that the hall's roof and façade partially collapsed, and a superyacht under construction, reportedly named Honolulu, sustained damage. The 75-meter vessel, valued at $250 million, is being built for a Saudi Arabian billionaire.Approximately 100 employees were present at the yard when the fire broke out. They were promptly evacuated, and one person sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical treatment. During the height of the fire, Lürssen issued a statement: "All necessary evacuation measures were initiated immediately. One person was slightly injured and is receiving emergency medical treatment. The fire brigade and police are on site. We are currently unable to say anything about the cause of the fire."In total, 400 emergency service personnel and two rescue helicopters were deployed to combat the blaze.This morning, Lürssen provided an updated statement: "The fire that occurred on Tuesday in a shipbuilding hall at the Lürssen-Kröger shipyard has been extinguished since the early hours of the morning. We will now begin the clean-up work step by step in coordination with the responsible authorities. Shipyard operations have been suspended for today and will be gradually restarted in designated areas of the shipyard site from tomorrow, depending on the circumstances. Employees will be kept informed of the latest developments."<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/W9XYbuSYIh8?si=UbFNDxDEfaeUp9zL title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>Authorities plan to launch an investigation into the cause of the fire once the temperature in the affected area has sufficiently decreased.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Pirlz/YouTube

U-Boat Worx has announced enhancements to its Super Yacht Sub 3, a compact and luxurious private submarine designed for superyachts. The new version of the submersible sets a benchmark in submersible technology, focusing on performance and comfort.The Super Yacht Sub 3 continues to broaden the scope of underwater adventures for superyacht owners. Known for its reliability, it has been delivered to numerous iconic superyachts globally.The latest model introduces several key enhancements. Among the most significant is a new in-house developed thruster, which offers higher thrust for smoother and more precise maneuverability while maintaining a high level of silence for a relaxing diving experience.Additionally, the submersible now features an upgraded USBL system with two new functions. First, it enables seamless communication between the submersible and the surface by automatically relaying essential readings such as oxygen levels and battery life, reducing communication intervals and improving operational efficiency. Second, the USBL system serves as a positioning tool, providing real-time GPS information overlaid with Navionics maps, ensuring precise navigation and hazard avoidance, similar to Google Maps for underwater use.Enhancements have also been made to the pilot seat, providing better support and ergonomics for extended missions. These upgrades reflect U-Boat Worx's commitment to continuous improvement."The Super Yacht Sub 3 represents the culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence," said Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager of U-Boat Worx. "With its performance, luxurious amenities, and cutting-edge technology, it redefines the possibilities of underwater exploration for superyacht owners."Credits: U-Boat Worx

The 2024 SATEC Convention, organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association Confindustria Nautica, concluded its first day with the 33rd Boating Pioneer Awards ceremony. Held at the Stibbert Museum in Florence, the event honored individuals and professionals for their significant contributions to the boating industry.Established in 1988 and supported by the Italian Ministry for Business and Made in Italy Industry since 2007, the Boating Pioneer Award recognizes entrepreneurs, managers, industry professionals, journalists, and designers who advance the Made in Italy brand with professionalism and dedication. These awards celebrate creativity, innovation, and commitment to maintaining industry traditions.Award RecipientsGiovanni Ricci received the Boating Pioneer Award in the Manager category. Ricci, with over 60 years in the industry, has transformed the Olcese Ricci family business into an internationally recognized brand. Mario Peserico, CEO of Eberhard Italia, presented Ricci with a 'Contograf' timepiece.Andrea Vallicelli was honored in the Designers category. Vallicelli, an architect and designer, was the first to hold a university chair in Industrial Design for boating in Italy. Known for designing Azzurra, the first Italian boat in the America's Cup, Vallicelli has significantly influenced yacht and racing boat design.Donatella Bianchi received the Boating Pioneer Award in the Italian Journalists category. As President of WWF Italy and the Cinque Terre National Park, Bianchi has promoted marine conservation and sustainability. She is well-known for hosting the TV program Linea Blu on Rai 1 since 1994.Ricard Bracons, a Spanish journalist with 40 years of experience in international boating publications, was awarded in the Foreign Journalists category. Bracons is recognized for his deep knowledge and promotion of international boating.Massimo Tardelli was honored in the Industry Professionals category for his role in the success of the Versilmarina Shipyard. Over his forty-year career, Tardelli's problem-solving skills and professionalism have inspired new generations in the industry.A Special Prize was awarded to Luca Bassani Antivari, founder and Chief Designer at Wally, marking thirty years since the company's inception. Known for his innovative and revolutionary yacht designs, Bassani's work has significantly influenced nautical design trends globally.Event HighlightsThe event was moderated by Fabio Petrone, editor of the online magazine Pressmare and a 2023 Boating Pioneer Award recipient in the Italian Journalists category.The Boating Pioneer Awards highlight the essential contributions of individuals in the boating industry, recognizing their efforts in promoting excellence and innovation while maintaining the sector’s traditions.Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association