The 87.1-meter deep-sea research and expedition vessel OceanXplorer (Alucia 2) was launched after a two-year rebuild in the Netherlands and now preparing for sea trials.
OceanXplorer was built in 2010 at the Freire shipyard in Spain and spent life as a deep-sea research vessel operating from Norway under the name Volstad Surveyor.
According to OceanX, an oversized explorer who left the dry dock on February 27 is being converted to the “most advanced research vessel in the world.” As part of a transformation into a high-tech research vessel, the yacht is undergoing major repairs in the Netherlands.
Mark Dalio, co-founder and Creative Director of OceanX, explains that the vessel will be used to explore the least studied parts of the Indian Ocean, accompanied by BBC Studios and National Geographic.

Vessel design provided by London-based Gresham Yacht Design. The main changes will include a helicopter front landing deck with an adjacent hangar, a garage accommodating three 1000-meter manned submersibles, a special compartment for deploying the ROV, and aft deck and side landing launch system for scuba divers. The upper deck will be equipped for a 40-ton crane and frame, as well as a place for loading 6 and 12-meter transport containers.
Inside, OceanXplorer will be equipped with state-of-the-art research laboratories for studying the land of the sea, as well as a media and production center that allows the team to create high-quality films and documentaries.
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The Azimut|Benetti Group forecasts €1.5 billion in revenue for the 2024/2025 nautical season, representing a 15% increase over previous results. The company's current order backlog totals €2.5 billion with production scheduled through 2029.Three strategic priorities guide the Group's operations: €115 million in infrastructure investments, expansion of product categories targeting both experienced and new-generation owners, and penetration of emerging markets. The company maintains geographically diversified orders with 38% from Europe, 31% from the Americas, and 31% from EMEA-APAC regions.Infrastructure developments include upgrades to the Avigliana production facility for yachts up to 28 meters, a Light Steel Hub for vessels under 45 meters, and a Composite Hub in Tuscany specializing in fiberglass and carbon fiber processing for megayachts. The Lusben refit division continues to expand its specialized service capabilities.Product innovation focuses on two primary segments: Azimut's Seadeck series emphasizing reduced environmental impact and the Grande series between 26-40 meters, alongside Benetti's Oasis and B.Yond families emphasizing connection with marine environments. The Group plans September introductions of new voyager-class yachts from Azimut and a new category combining motor yacht comfort with sailing inspirations from Benetti.Market expansion continues with new showrooms in Monaco adjacent to the Monaco Yacht Club and Fort Lauderdale's Pier Sixty-Six development. The Middle East represents the fastest-growing market, increasing from 23% to 31% of order portfolio, with Saudi Arabia generating over €300 million in sales during the past 24 months. New offices will open in Jeddah (Azimut) and Riyadh (Benetti).The Asia-Pacific region maintains established representation through direct offices and dealer networks across Japan, China, Australia, and Southeast Asian markets. Despite new import tariffs, the Americas remain a crucial market where the Group maintains leadership positions in multiple yacht categories.The Group's production infrastructure and order portfolio demonstrate continued resilience amid market fluctuations, with strategic investments targeting both operational efficiency and market expansion through fiscal year 2025/2026.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group
September 3, 2025
Feadship has become a member of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO), an industry group focused on developing regulatory frameworks for floating nuclear power applications. The membership aligns with Feadship's energy transition strategy initiated in 2020.The shipyard's research and development program has included assessment of nuclear propulsion systems for superyachts, examining technical requirements and operational implications. Current barriers to adoption include unresolved regulatory issues regarding radiation safety, port access restrictions, and operational limitations in ecologically sensitive areas.Giedo Loeff, Feadship's Head of Innovation and Strategy, stated: "Joining NEMO aligns with our vision to explore every credible pathway toward a sustainable future. Nuclear power may not be tomorrow's solution for superyachts, but it could be part of the long-term horizon."Fourth-generation nuclear reactor technology has potential maritime applications including offshore power generation and zero-emission propulsion for large vessels. Feadship's participation in NEMO will focus on contributing to safety standards and operational guidelines for nuclear technologies at sea.Giedo LoeffThe company's energy transition roadmap has previously incorporated multi-fuel systems and fuel cell integration projects. Nuclear propulsion represents a potential long-term solution for carbon-neutral operations, though economic and crew training requirements present significant implementation challenges.Feadship's membership in NEMO reflects the superyacht industry's increasing engagement with alternative propulsion technologies. The organization brings together maritime stakeholders to address regulatory gaps for floating nuclear applications, with particular focus on safety protocols and international compliance standards.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
September 3, 2025
The Italian Sea Group will participate in the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, exhibiting vessels at both Vieux Port and Port Canto locations. The company's display will include the Picchiotti Gentleman 24 and Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 models at the Super Yachts Extension 146 area.Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a key strategic event for us – a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in international markets and engage with owners, partners, and leading industry players."The 24-meter Picchiotti Gentleman features design by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, combining wooden superstructure elements with steel details. The model presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional yacht design elements.The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 represents a collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini, incorporating carbon fiber components and automotive-inspired design features. The yacht's design includes signature lighting elements and a cockpit configuration derived from automotive influences.The exhibition demonstrates The Italian Sea Group's continued focus on the luxury yacht market through its multiple brand portfolio. The company's participation aligns with its strategy of presenting distinct design philosophies across its product ranges.The Cannes Yachting Festival expects approximately 50,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors for its 2025 edition. The Italian Sea Group will maintain its exhibition space in the superyacht section of the event, which features vessels exceeding 24 meters in length.The company's presentation emphasizes its dual approach to yacht design, balancing traditional nautical aesthetics with automotive-inspired performance concepts. Both exhibited models represent current production offerings from the group's shipyards in Italy.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
September 2, 2025
Aiata, part of Turkey's Anadolu Group, will participate in the 65th Genoa International Boat Show from September 18-23, 2025. The shipyard will display its 11.57-meter Wayfinder 38 Cabin model at the Levante Waterfront exhibition area.The Wayfinder 38 Cabin version features a 3.49-meter beam and accommodates outboard engines up to 850 horsepower. The design emphasizes modular reconfiguration capabilities, including convertible seating arrangements, removable sunbeds, and interchangeable enclosed/open structural elements.The model targets coastal cruising, weekend excursions, and fishing activities with interior spaces designed for extended onboard stays. Storage solutions and layout flexibility allow owners to modify configurations after purchase to accommodate changing usage requirements.Aiata's participation represents the Turkish yacht industry's continued expansion into European markets. The Genoa exhibition provides a platform for the builder to demonstrate its production capabilities and design approach to Mediterranean boating audiences.The Wayfinder series forms part of Aiata's strategy to combine performance characteristics with adaptable interior layouts. The company emphasizes post-purchase configuration options as a value proposition for owners seeking long-term vessel versatility.The Genoa International Boat Show expects approximately 100,000 visitors during its six-day run, featuring over 1,000 vessels from international manufacturers. Aiata's exhibition will focus on the practical applications of its modular design philosophy in mid-size motor yachts.Credits: Aiata
September 2, 2025
Sanlorenzo has inaugurated its new Venice cultural venue, Casa Sanlorenzo, with Fabrizio Ferri's "Breathtaking" installation. The exhibition addresses ocean plastic pollution through thirteen portraits of public figures including musician Sting and actor Willem Dafoe, who attended the opening event.The exhibition runs from September 2 to November 23, 2025, at the restored 1940s villa redesigned by Sanlorenzo's artistic director Piero Lissoni. The space features an oval-shaped installation with large-scale photographs mounted on black walls, centered around a glass coffin filled with seawater. Visitors experience the exhibition using noise-cancelling headphones to simulate oceanic silence.Fabrizio Ferri stated the work was inspired by photographs of marine animals suffocated by plastic debris, noting: "The deadly force of the contamination of the seas and oceans that we cause with plastic and microplastics is not only killing the oceans, we are also killing ourselves."Sanlorenzo Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti described Casa Sanlorenzo as "a natural extension of our philosophy, where beauty and responsibility go hand in hand," adding that the exhibition represents "a statement of intent" regarding ocean conservation.The installation previously appeared at Milan's Natural History Museum, attracting 40,000 visitors over four days. The Venice presentation adds a new portrait of Sting to the collection, which also includes Helena Christensen, Julianne Moore, and Isabella Rossellini among others.Casa Sanlorenzo operates under the Sanlorenzo Arts program, representing the company's initiative to connect yacht manufacturing with environmental awareness and cultural discourse. The venue opens during both the Venice Film Festival and Architecture Biennale, positioning the brand within Venice's cultural calendar.Access to the facility is provided via Venice's first new pedestrian bridge constructed since 2008. Exhibition hours are 11:00 to 19:00 Thursday through Sunday until November 23.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
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