101m Concept Stardom Revealed by Theodoros Fotiadis

Balk Shipyard has announced the relaunch of Ursus, a 30.5-meter yacht transformed into a pocket explorer following an 18-month conversion. Originally built as a sub-24-meter vessel by Acico, the yacht underwent significant modifications at Balk’s facility in Urk, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Mulder Design. Delivery is scheduled for February 2025 after upcoming sea trials.The comprehensive rebuild extended Ursus’ length by six meters and increased interior and exterior volume. The modifications included a new bow and stern, a lengthened superstructure, and enhancements to the main saloon, sundeck, and beach club. Additional features include an upper deck extension, al fresco kitchen, and new wing stations.Improvements were also made to crew accommodations, with an added crew cabin and an en suite in the captain's quarters. On the technical side, the yacht was equipped with advanced diesel-electric pods and Veth Azimut drives for optimized performance.“This was one of the most complex rebuilds we've undertaken,” said Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard. “Our team embraced the challenge, and we are excited to fine-tune the yacht during sea trials.”The revamped sundeck now hosts a helm station, barbecue, Teppanyaki grill, and space for Jet Ski storage, complementing the yacht’s updated tender crane.The Balk family started established business in 1798, building wooden vessels on a small slipway in Elburg, Netherlands. Seven generations later, the company – now helmed by Daan Balk – has evolved into a leading yard for refits and rebuilt of superyachts.Credits: Balk Shipyard

Heesen Yachts has finalized the sale of YN 21255, known as Project Angelica, marking another milestone for the Dutch shipyard. The deal, completed on December 30, adds to Heesen’s portfolio of 55-meter Steel series yachts and brings a new level of personalization to the renowned line. The client, an experienced superyacht owner, plans to customize the vessel to align with his lifestyle preferences.The collaborative project will involve Heesen’s specialists, the client’s team, and designers from Luca Dini. The yacht’s 760 GT volume and nearly 400 square metres of interior space offer a platform for tailored modifications, including accommodations for up to 12 guests in seven staterooms.Project Angelica’s engineering highlights include a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen, ensuring efficient fuel consumption and stability in diverse sea conditions. Powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 IMO III engines, the yacht will achieve a top speed of 15.5 knots and a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer, praised the project, stating, “This sale underscores the adaptability of our 55-metre series and showcases our commitment to client-specific innovation.” Delivery is scheduled for 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: Heesen Yachts

Arcadia Yachts has announced the sale of a new A96 model to a client in the Middle East, marking the shipyard's first sale in the region. The transaction, finalized in collaboration with Arcon Yachts, follows the A96's launch just over a year ago. The yacht, which will be delivered in the spring after its initial Mediterranean season, is part of Arcadia's new generation of vessels designed to offer an on-board experience that connects guests with nature.Francesco Frediani, Chief Commercial Officer of Arcadia Yachts, emphasized the significance of the sale in expanding the company’s reach into new markets. He noted that the sale highlighted Arcadia's ability to customize its yachts to meet specific client needs. The partnership with Arcon Yachts played a key role in the successful negotiation, according to Frediani.Konstantin Kolpakov, CEO of Arcon Yachts, highlighted the growing global demand for sustainable yachting solutions, stating that the sale of the A96 reflects this trend. As the yachting industry increasingly focuses on eco-friendly innovation, the A96’s blend of advanced technology and luxury features continues to attract attention in international markets.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts

MB92 Group has finalized its acquisition of GYG, a leading painting, service, and supply firm, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the superyacht sector. The deal, completed on December 31, 2024, aligns with MB92’s goals of enhancing service offerings and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving market.GYG, known for its brands Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply, and Technocraft, will continue to operate independently in Europe and the U.S. This arrangement allows MB92 to integrate GYG’s expertise in painting and supply services with its own extensive refit and repair operations, while maintaining operational autonomy.Pepe García-Aubert, chairman of MB92 Group, expressed optimism about the partnership. “Over the past 30 years, our collaboration with GYG has been built on shared values and mutual respect. We look forward to leveraging this relationship to advance sustainability and innovation initiatives for the superyacht community.”Squircle Capital, the private equity firm backing MB92, supported the acquisition. John Nery, Squircle’s head of investments, highlighted the benefits of MB92’s financial backing, which is expected to bolster GYG’s operational capacity and strategic growth.GYG CEO Remy Millott emphasized the potential for expanded services and digital innovation, describing the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company’s future development.For 26 years the MB92 Group comprises the refit and repair shipyards MB92 Barcelona and MB92 La Ciota.  Both sites offer unrivalled facilities and employ a workforce of over 300 in-house professionals. In 2019, MB92 was acquired by Squircle Capital, a European alternative investment firm focused on private equity and real estate value-add investments.  Credits: MB92 Group

Sialia Yachts has announced the upcoming launch of the Sialia 45, a 14-meter electric cruiser combining high performance with sustainability. Scheduled for summer 2025, the vessel offers a maximum speed of 43 knots and a class-leading range, emphasizing zero-emission cruising.Powered by twin 300kW electric motors, the Sialia 45 achieves a range of 55 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots with a standard 500kWh battery pack. An optional 200kWh endurance pack extends the range to 77 miles, while a biodiesel-compatible range extender increases it further to 164 miles. The yacht also features fast-charging technology, allowing its batteries to charge from 10% to 90% in three hours.The Sialia 45 is available in three configurations—Runabout, Sport, and Weekender—each tailored to different operational needs. Onboard, customizable lower-deck layouts offer flexible cabin arrangements, and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled cork flooring, underscore its sustainability-focused design.Sialia Yachts CEO Stanislav Szadkowski emphasized the vessel's low environmental impact and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional diesel-powered boats. The company, which entered the market in 2022 with the Sialia 57, continues to target eco-conscious consumers seeking luxury without compromise.With one Sialia 45 sold and two under construction, the launch reflects growing interest in environmentally responsible yachting.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts