Espen Oeino was born and brought up in Norway. Completing naval architecture studies in Normandy, he further worked his way from employment with UK designer Martin Francisto to building his own renowned design company based in Monaco. Espen Oeinio is nowadays considered one of the most influential exterior designers in the yachting world, with his project REV, the largest vessel ever, currently being built in Norway. Yacht Harbour takes a look over some of his most legendary works.
#1. Ocean Victory
Length: 140 m
Builder: Fincantieri
Year: 2014
Ocean Victory was built for Russian billionaire steel magnate, Victor Rashnikov and delivered in 2014. At the time of delivery, she was the largest superyacht constructed in Italy and the 9th largest yacht in the world.
This seven-deck vessel is packed with such alluring features as 6 pools spread out over her 7 decks, an internal foldable dock hosting a 14-metre tender, a helideck with lifting platform and internal helicopter hangar and a spacious (over 300 m2) spa zone. As to accommodation capacity, she can house up to 36 guests on-board.
#2. Dilbar
Length: 156 m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2016
Currently the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage with 15,917 GT of interior volume, Dilbar has once redefined the notion of space in yachting. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's, valued by Forbes at $16 billion, third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name, after the businessman's mother.
With the yacht’s beam of 23 meters and a deep draft of 6 meters, cabling used on board stretches over 1,100 km with guests and owner's spaces totally combined to 3,800 square meters of living space. What is more, Dilbar was the largest yacht, featuring a diesel electric power plant from an engineering standpoint.
Ever since her delivery in 2016, Dilbar has been drawing great attention of press as well as social media users around the globe. Her travels throughout the Mediterranean have been essentially documented, with photos of her taken from almost every possible angle.
#3. REV
Length: 182,9m
Builder: VARD
Year: 2021
Nothing less than the largest superyacht in the world once completed, this is one of the recent ambitious projects designed by Oeinio. REV is currently taking shape at the VARD shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.
Built for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) will also be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions.
By virtue of her purpose, REV is designed for long-term operation in remote and harsh waters without external support, able to operate autonomously for up to 114 days. The ship will be equipped with laboratories and hi-tech instruments for exploration of the entire marine ecosystem, able to analyse, document and collect.
REV’s robust exterior lines and modern features ensure she is able to cruise in both arctic and tropical areas alike, with her hull built to ICE PC 6 for navigation in ice. The yacht will also deploy mini-submarines and actual submarines, drones and helicopter, while overhead cranes can lift and launch equipment weighing up to 20 T over the side.
With a beam of 22 metres, REV will also become the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage of 16,000GT, reportedly overtaking Alisher Usmanov's Dilbar by 100 GT. When in expedition, the vessel will be able to accommodate up to 90 people including the crew.
#4. DreAMBoat
Length: 90m
Builder: Oceanco
Year: 2019
According to the information from social media, DreAMBoat was built for US billionaire and owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team Arthur Blank, who is valued at $4.7 billion by Forbes. Her delivery is scheduled to summer 2019.
DreAMBoat is trademarked with generous overhangs from the superstructure and cut outs in the bulwarks lending her classic and strong appearance. The vessel’s exterior features numerous large windows offering panoramic views. Swimming pool aft at the main deck, a partially closed sundeck with Jacuzzi and plenty of seating and entertainment zones and a private Jacuzzi at the Owner’s deck
Her impressive interior volume of 2,950 GT allows accommodation for 23 guests on-board, along with up to 33 crew members.
#5. Silver Fast
Length: 77m
Builder: Silver Yachts
Year: 2015
The vessel represents one of the most advanced and eco-fuel efficient vessels built by Silver Yachts. She is one of the world's largest and fastest aluminium motor yacht with conventional propulsion in terms of length to speed ratio. Silver Fast is capable of crossing the Atlantic at approximately 22 knots cruising speed.
Silver Fast’ alluring amenities include a winter garden, helipad, outdoor cinema, Jacuzzi with capacity for 8 people, a spa area fitted with sauna, steam room, beauty salon and a gym. She can accommodate up to 18 guests in 8 cabins on-board.
#6. Solandge
Length: 85,1m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2013
The yacht that won the Monaco Yacht Show Award for Best Exterior Design in 2014. Espen Oeino has created harmonious lines and balanced proportions for the yacht, encasing a vast selection of outdoor living, dining and entertainments zones.
Solandge’ panoramic top deck plays host to a beach club area with customised dance floor, Jacuzzi and a bar while the bridge deck is ideal for relaxation and casual al fresco dining with a spacious seating area. On the bridge deck, there is also a fully-equipped health spa featuring massage room, sauna and gymnasium leading out onto a glass-edged plunge pool.
The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 7 staterooms on-board, including a panoramic master deck featuring 180 degree windows, and a private deck with spa pool.
At the moment of sale in 2017, Solandge was asking €155,000,000.
#7. Flying FOX
Length: 130m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2018
Delivered in March, 2019, Flying Fox is the world’s 14th largest yacht at the moment of writing. Nonetheless, she boasts the most elegant and graceful exterior design, maintaining striking looks despite her massive volume of 9,100 GT.
This superyacht’s key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters. Another highlight of the vessel is the large swimming pool located aft of the main deck. Flying Fox also boasts vast sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports.
#8. Kismet
Length: 95,2m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2014
This superyacht is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kismet is stretching over five decks, designed with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, thus suitable for parties of up to 270 guests. As an innovative feature, Kismet boasts video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.
A large swimming pool and Jacuzzi area, spa zone, movie theatre, an outdoor fireplace and winter garden can be found among the yacht’s luxury amenities.
The yacht’s entertainment and design characteristics have been attracting top artists and events on-board. For example, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted on-board last year, while Netflix filmed Kismet in party scene from its biggest production so far, "Six Underground".
#9. Octopus
Length: 126,2m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2003
At the time of writing, Octopus remains the largest explorer yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She belonged to Paul Allen, one of Microsoft founders, who passed away in late 2018. Allen once described his yacht: "Octopus is less a Bentley than a Range Rover".
As part of this, the yacht is fitted with two submarines, one of which can dive for up to 8 hours with 10 people on it; the second submarine can be remotely controlled. Octopus is capable of accommodating 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Other amenities found on-board include a second helipad, a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s first-class celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
Azimut has clinched a prestigious accolade at the Boat Builder Awards 2024, winning in the category of “Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner,” in partnership with Volvo Penta.The awards ceremony, organized by IBI and METSTRADE, took place on Wednesday, 20 November, where the jury honored the innovative technology developed by Volvo Penta, which was first tested in collaboration with the R&D Department of the Azimut|Benetti Group.This groundbreaking project saw the introduction of the first hybrid-electric version of the Volvo Penta IPS Drive on the new Azimut Seadeck 7. This revolutionary hybrid-electric system enables the yacht to moor and navigate in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 11 knots, seamlessly transitioning between electric and thermal motors without requiring an onboard generator. The Hybrid Boost feature allows for powerful acceleration, while the energy recovery system enables regeneration while sailing, and fast charging mode offers quick battery recharges utilizing thermal engines. During anchorage, the onboard batteries can power all services for up to 12 hours, ensuring a serene and completely silent experience at sea. Additionally, the system supports access to zero-emission zones, fully aligning with environmental sustainability.Through this innovative hybrid-electric system and advanced naval architecture, Azimut's Seadeck 7 provides conscientious owners with a means to reduce emissions by up to 40%, showcasing the forefront of solutions available for decreasing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.“We are honored to receive the Boat Builder Awards recognition,” stated Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut|Benetti Group. “By integrating the Volvo Penta hybrid-electric package into the Seadeck 7, we are at the forefront of hybridization for yachts in this segment, improving efficiency and ensuring smooth operation in yachting. This pioneering solution not only minimizes consumption and emissions but also enriches the onboard experience for our customers. We take pride in leading an evolution that will positively impact both our waters and our owners.”“We are thrilled to be recognized alongside Azimut for our shared commitment to advancing innovation and decarbonization in the marine industry,” remarked Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta. “Partnering with like-minded pioneers is crucial to redefining the future of boating. This collaboration showcases a winning combination of unique technology and state-of-the-art yacht design, aimed at enhancing efficiency, performance, and the overall boating experience.”Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
November 22, 2024
Turkish catamaran specialist VisionF Yachts has sold the third hull in its highly acclaimed 82ft (24.7m) model series. Construction of this elegant aluminium power catamaran is already underway at the cutting-edge shipyard in Yalova, with its launch scheduled for mid-2025.While the striking contemporary design of this latest vessel mirrors that of its predecessors, VisionF Yachts offers a semi-custom approach, allowing for a unique interior configuration. Adopting a galley-up layout, the design allocates a dedicated corner in the spacious saloon for cooking, thereby maximizing accommodation space in the hulls below. This layout enables the inclusion of a luxurious owner’s suite, three VIP cabins, and two crew cabins. Additionally, this VisionF 82 features a custom jet-ski garage located beneath the bridge deck.The VisionF 82 is establishing itself as a worthy successor to the successful VisionF 80, with multiple hulls already launched. Key highlights of this model include its generous interior volume and expansive exterior deck areas. Constructed from sturdy yet lightweight aluminium, its impressive 9.9m beam and 24.7m length create a lavish living space.The yacht showcases an elegant saloon furnished with parquet flooring and freestanding armchairs, along with guest cabins that offer stunning views of the ocean. For outdoor enjoyment, owners can choose from the shaded comfort of the covered flybridge or the open foredeck lounge and expansive bathing platform to bask in the sun.On the technical front, the VisionF 82 is equally remarkable, capable of reaching top speeds of up to 20 knots. Its sleek twin hulls ensure exceptional efficiency, making for smooth sailing with twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050 drives, while offering an impressive cruising range of up to 4,000 nautical miles.VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
November 22, 2024
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the prestigious Monegasque yachting brand Wally has launched the wallybeacon initiative, providing students with a unique opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas. The initiative culminated in a two-day event held on November 18-19 at H-FARM Campus, where 16 international teams competed for cash prizes in three different categories.The wallybeacon event kicked off earlier this autumn with a call for proposals that attracted over 80 students from renowned institutions, including Arsutoria School, Bocconi, H-FARM College, IED, International University of Monaco, and POLI.design. Wally challenged participants to develop ideas in three categories: personal goods, innovative living, and smart services and experiences. The first category focused on footwear, bags, and luggage; the second on multifunctional furniture and functional design objects; and the third on digital products and “phygital” experiences, merging the digital and physical realms.Following an initial selection process, 16 successful teams were each paired with mentors from Wally and strategic design firm MAIZE. They attended business training sessions, received product development support, and were guided through the process of crafting compelling pitch presentations. Participants were encouraged to conduct market surveys, develop business models, and create prototypes, all while emphasizing sustainability.The excitement surrounding the finals was palpable, with Wally Founder and Chief Designer Luca Bassani among the esteemed speakers, alongside notable figures such as Freediving World Champion Alessia Zecchini and International Beatbox Champion Azel. The event also featured ample networking opportunities, culminating in live pitches from the finalist teams.The following projects were honored during the event:3rd Prize (Smart Services and Experiences): WALLY INFINITY by Filippo Dainese, Riccardo Lovisetto, and Alberto Pupulin from H-FARM College, noted for its innovative blend of physical and digital experiences that aligns with Wally’s vision of client well-being.2nd Prize (Personal Goods): JUMP by Julia Baldini, Ugo Bompass, Matteo Bulla, and Matan Laron from Arsutoria School, recognized for its strategic approach to footwear, highlighting functionality and technology integration, particularly in the medical domain.1st Prize (Living Solutions): SAVA by Asia Paganessi, Valentina Panontin, Sofia Rossoni, and Aurora Zottarel from H-FARM College, celebrated for its innovative “space-free” organizing concept that bridges luxury and scalability in product and service offerings.Additionally, a special mention in the Smart Services and Experiences category was awarded to FOUR CORNERS CREW, created by Ksenia Kochineva, Nived Nair, Dhrumil Senghani, and Congyi Wang from Bocconi University.The wallybeacon event successfully showcased the creativity and potential of young innovators, establishing a vibrant platform for collaboration and inspiration. Moreover, it serves as a valuable opportunity for Wally to explore new avenues in design, aligning its brand legacy with the fresh perspectives of tomorrow's leaders. With a rich tradition of innovation recognized by two Compasso d’Oro awards, Wally is poised to expand its influence in new design territories.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
November 21, 2024
Quick Group showcased its ambitious sustainability program and 2025 targets at METSTRADE 2024. The program centers on reducing emissions and enhancing the company's carbon footprint, reflecting the Group's commitment to environmental accountability.Since 2024, Quick Group has undertaken a rigorous integration process alongside newly acquired brands to align with its established quality and production standards. This integration focuses initially on enhancing product quality, with plans to fully adopt the Group's sustainability practices and quality systems by 2025. Quick Spa, a key player for years in promoting sustainability, aims to embed these values deeply across all Group operations, making them fundamental to its identity.The Group has set concrete goals for 2024 and beyond, including significant carbon emission reductions and substantial investments in renewable energy sources such as solar power. A core element of the sustainability program is ensuring transparency across the supply chain, engaging business partners to adopt and promote responsible practices. By fostering a collaborative approach, the Group aspires to drive a collective shift toward sustainability throughout its value chain.Plans also include implementing vertical production methodologies and expanding the carbon footprint assessment to various product lines, with an emphasis on lifecycle analysis. The Group is committed to enhancing its circular economy practices, focusing on efficient resource use, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging initiatives.Quick Group is taking concrete actions against climate change, setting measurable targets for emission reductions aligned with a broader decarbonization effort across its supply chain. This includes certifying key products based on energy utilization, aiming for a notable drop in overall emissions by 2025. After achieving a 12.5% reduction in 2023 and a 6% decrease in 2024, the Group is pursuing a transition to 100% renewable electricity, supported by guarantees of origin.To elevate its quality standards, Quick Group plans to extend ISO 9001 certification—currently held by Quick Spa—to all production entities by 2025, with a goal of achieving ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications by 2026. The adoption of these standards will involve implementing rigorous processes and policies to monitor and manage environmental impacts effectively."Building a robust quality system is essential for ensuring compliance and fostering customer trust," remarked Marco Rodi, Chief Operating & Sustainability Officer of Quick Group. He emphasized the importance of investing in quality as a means to secure future resilience while maintaining alignment across all Group companies.In addition to operational goals, Quick Group is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within its workforce. The company achieved balanced gender representation in 2024 and aims to further enhance inclusivity through a newly approved inclusion policy designed to ensure a discrimination-free environment. Furthermore, the Group guarantees equitable pay across all positions, regardless of gender, emphasizing the value of its human resources."Sustainability is integral to our Group's philosophy, guiding our actions and differentiating us within the industry," said Rodi. "As consumers and shipyards increasingly prioritize sustainability, we are dedicated to being a comprehensive partner by offering certified, value-aligned solutions while ensuring our suppliers share these principles."Credits: Quick Group
November 21, 2024
The Italian Sea Group S.p.A. has announced the appointment of Gianmaria Costantino as Chief Commercial Officer. In his new role, Costantino will oversee all global commercial activities for TISG.A graduate with honors in International Economics and Finance from Luigi Bocconi University in Milan, and holding a master's degree in Finance from Hult International Business School in London, Gianmaria Costantino is well-equipped for this role. As the son of the company's founder, Giovanni, he brings a personal connection to the organization’s legacy. Prior to joining TISG, he gained valuable experience at Meti Corporate Finance, iM Global Partner, and BDO, where he collaborated with management on various commercial initiatives.Gianmaria CostantinoHaving been a member of TISG's Board of Directors since October 2022, Gianmaria will now lead the company's Sales Team and drive its global commercial growth, reflecting the Group's commitment to stylistic innovation and technological advancement.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
November 21, 2024