90-metre Equanimity seized as captain turned off 'AIS' system to avoid detection

The world's largest superyacht's construction is going under a tight schedule at the VARD shipyard in Tulcea, Romania. The 181-metre explorer REV will hit the water in Tulcea on August 22 for the first time, then within approximately 30 days being towed to the Brattvåg shipyard on the west coast of Norway for more construction work.REV has been commissioned by Norwegian ocean research company Rosellinis Four-10, owned by Norwegian industrialist billionaire Kjell Inge Roekke. His real-time net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion (Forbes).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. She will be able to accommodate up to 60 scientists and 30 crew during research expeditions once finished.REV is cincidered a significant project for all Norwegians, as Norway is one of a world-leading maritime nations and has the opportunitiy of taking on a global leadership role for exploring and taking care of the ocean. The Prime Minister of Norway supports the vision that ‘oceans are under pressure due to climate change, overfishing and waste pollution. To ensure the future growth of the ocean economy, we need to harvest resources in a sustainable way’.Designed to operate in remote and vulnerable waters for long periods without additional external support, the ship will be equipped for research and investigation of the entire marine ecosystem. The superyacht disposes of a range of equipment designed to explore, document and collect. She will also qualify for the Polar Code adopted by The International Maritime Organisation for ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic conditions and can operate autonomously for 114 days. Thought-out by acclaimed desiner Espen Eino, REV is tailored for research and expedition activities. Her robust exterior lines and modern features ensure she is able to cruise in arctic and tropical areas alike, with a hull built to ICE PC6 for navigation in ice. Two helipads can host drones and helicopter, while overhead cranes can lift and launch equipment weighing up to 20T over the side. Her drop keels enable echo sounders and sonars to be placed in undisturbed water below the hull for research of the world’s ecosystems, and built into her stern is a trawl hangar and pelagic trawling system.Built to the highest standards for both expeditions and recreational purposes the ship includes such features as a hospital with a medic cabin, High-tech equipment to monitor and survey marine areas, currents, the seabed, fish and plant life, while cutting-edge laboratory facilities enable on board analysis. There will be an auditorium for lectures, and the capacity for live streaming, also a Moonpool, an eco-harvesting system for live catch and release of biomass and pelagic samples, and an underwater hydrophone system for listening to ocean mammals.The giant vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2021, aimed to surpass the current largest superyacht in the world in terms of LOA, the 180.6-metre Azzam. The official website reports, that REV is completed to 42.5 percent at the moment.

OceanX, ocean exploration initiative founded by billionaire philanthropist Ray Dalio, has launched a vote for the name of their newest explorer superyacht, the 85.3-metre Alucia 2. The explorer previously known as Volstad Surveyor and built in 2010 by Freire Shipyard is currently being rebuilt in Rotterdam. The superyacht will operate as a marine research vessel platform and continue the revolutionary work currently being done by Alucia, her older and smaller predecessor. Equipped with two manned subs that can take researchers 1,000 metres deep, a fleet of support ships, an on-board helicopter, and fully equipped science labs, Alucia can bring back fantastic discoveries.Meanwhile, Alucia2 has been commissioned by Ray Dalio who together with OceanX aims to further explore the secrets of the ocean together with director James Cameron and BBC’s Blue Planet. The design concept was created by Gresham Yacht Design.Steve Gresham, founder and principal designer at Gresham Yacht Design, said earlier:We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting and unique project. These types of projects are rare to come by and we are honoured to have been commissioned by the owner to deliver a design that is extremely functional and robust, it is a true explorer vessel.Built by Freire as a deep-sea survey vessel in 2010, Alucia2 is undergoing transformation into a high-tech scientific research vessel, with significant improvements made to enable the OceanX team explore further than ever before.To take on global expeditions, Alucia2 will be fitted with state-of-the-art marine research labs, cutting-edge media equipment, manned and autonomous deep-sea submersibles, helicopters and drones.OceanX will use Alucia2 as a next generation platform to discover 70 per cent of the planet that remains mostly unexplored and share this secret world through carefully executed media centre developed in consultation with filmmaker and ocean explorer James Cameron.The vessel features a 40-ton A-frame at the stern designed specifically to deploy the two submersibles that can dive to depths beyond 3,000 feet for up to eight hours. Underwater discoveries will be analysed in the state-of-the-art dry and wet labs on board, while Alucia 2’s media studio will be able to document and broadcast the ground-breaking discoveries in ultra high-definition around the world.James Cameron stated:With OceanX and Alucia2, we will reignite global passion for and curiosity about the ocean in our global, digitally-connected age.Once delivered, Alucia2 will replace the 55.7-metre Alucia, which is currently for sale through Fraser for $19,750,000. In the meantime, American residents are invited to select from a list of six names and vote for the explorer’s name. The list comprises the names Oceanus, Neptune, OceanXplorer, Audacious etc.The vote is set to be a part of promotional campaign ahead of the release of a new six-part ocean documentary series. The series will premiere in the USA on September 2, bringing together an all-star team including National Geographic, BBC Studios and James Cameron along with Dalio Philanthropies’ OceanX. y begun a major refit with a delivery expected in early 2019. Once delivered, it will replace the owner’s existing vessel 55.7-metre Alucia, which is currently for sale through Fraser for $19,750,000 and owned by Ray Dalio.

Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts has shared new photos of the 68.2-metre explorer superyacht Project Ragnar making progress in Harlingen. The vessel that had been initially built as an icebreaker called Sanaborg, entered the Icon shed in July 2017 for an extreme make-over.Built in 2012 from a steel hull, Sanaborgis is undergoing dramatic refit with interior and exterior styling by British design studio RWD. Her delivery is due later this year.The vessel’s owner is excited about her new style that was inspired by medieval war craftsmanship, combined with modern sleek lines and British heritage. She will be one of the few explorer superyachts with a certified ICE Class A1 super hull. Project Ragnar is LY3 classed with arctic explorer capabilities, full ice breaking functionality with its unique ICE class PC5 rated electric driven ice pods, giving the vessel its range of 6,000 nautical miles meaning she can go to the most remote areas of the planet.The yacht will offer accommodation for up to 16 guests across 8 cabins, including two owner’s suites. During the conversion, several tanks need to be removed and converted into superyacht spa area complete with massage room and snow room. Project Ragnar also has a ski storage for ski gear, a boot room, 1 swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. What is more, the 68-metre conversion project is set to be one of the best-equipped explorer superyachts on the water. At her aft toy storage areas, Ragnar will have options for a Luxury Ripsaw EV2, Eurocopter EC145 helicopter, two 8-metre tenders, a sea explorer submarine, two laser sailing boats on board and much more. Icon Yachts is particularly famous in the yachting world for their refit and conversion projects. Recently, the yard has converted a martime school vessel into a superyacht and relaunched the 1914 vintage yacht Tirrenia II and 60-metre CRN Ramble on Rose after refits.Photos via Icon Yachts

Dutch builder Moonen Yachts has declared it has entered into a new ownership, just a month after filing for bankruptcy protection with the Dutch court. The new owners of the yard are an Australian couple, Matthew and Louise Baxter. Matthew, of Scottish origin, is a successful Australian businessman and entrepreneur, who in 1972 established the A M Group, a privately owned worldwide group of manufacturing companies of which he is executive chairman.For several years, Moonen Shipyards was entirely owned by Mexico’s largest steel manufacturer Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA). During that period several yachts were delivered and business ran well at Moonen, thanks to the financial support of AHMSA. The situation changed last May, when Mr. Ancira, the chairman of AMHSA, was arrested on the Spanish island of Mallorca, accused of bribery. Consequentially, AHMSA’s bank accounts got frozen, including the one from Moonen. Some of the accounts were unfrozen after a while, but the money tap for the shipyard remained closed. The lack of financial support to pay wages and settle the required payments on the building of Project YN199 on speculation, led Moonen to declare bankruptcy.The setuation with AMSHA reflected in substantial financial instability of the yard in the past. When in 2015 the steel prices dropped dramatically, Moonen was filed for suspension of payment for a longer period of time. To avoid such an insecure period again, the management of Moonen was already looking for a new investor. In fact, the investor has been found and conversations were at an advanced stage in order to proceed a normal takeover of the shares. Due to the arrest of Mr. Ancira and the loss of cash flow, it was necessary to speed up the process with the intended shareholder, and try to avoid a bankruptcy. However, there was hardly any communication possible with the shareholder and finally Moonen Shipyards was no longer able to meet its obligations towards personnel and suppliers thus bankruptcy followed on the 11th of July.Still, the bankruptcy has cleared the road for the new Moonen in a way, as the proposed investor shared his wish to fully disconnect from AHMSA after the situation occurred last May. What the bankruptsy has relieved the new stakeholders of the responsibility to pay off Moonen’s debts.Louise and Matthew Baxter first discovered Moonen Yachts whilst sailing on Pittwater harbour in Sydney where they came across Moonen 84 Aurora. That lead to their involvement with Moonen.Mr Baxter, who also remains executive chairman of the A M Group, said:It is a privilege to own a yard like Moonen. The brand has an impeccable pedigree, the yachts are true Dutch quality and the team is young, reliable, talented and very loyal to the company. These characteristics are fundamental for success.The shipyard is very honoured and excited with Mr & Mrs. Baxter as their new owners. Moonen’s CEO Johan Dubbelman highlights:We have trust in these new investors and have faith that they will establish a strong future for Moonen Yachts. The 30 to 50 metre market is solid for well-built designs, and our plans are to increase production. Currently we have one, award winning, 36-metre Martinique in build, she’s 50% ready. The focus is to have her on display at the Monaco Yacht Show 2020.The company aims at scaling up production efficiently and starting two new build projects in the upcoming 6 months, he said. Following on with the current build we will start a second 36 metre and a 44 metre, both new and future proof timeless Moonen yachts with interiors designed by the award winning renowned design houses, like Studio Indigo. By building on speculation, delivery times will be shorter and customisation still possible, which is an absolute advantage for our future clients.The yard reports, the majority of the staff and workforce have been reappointed and are enthusiastic to be part of a strong new leadership. To assure continuous high-end quality, Moonen Yachts is going to reinforce the cooperation with long-term strategic partners and subcontractors.

Being an undeniable attribute of well-of lifestyle, yachts and superyachts are often deployed by movie directors to act as a part of their stage set. Yacht Harbour lists some of the most memorable superyacht appearances in movies and TV series.#1. M3 (ex. Lady M)Builder: Intermarine (2002)LOA: 44.8 mMovie: ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)The superyacht was built by US yard Intermarine in 2002 with in-house exteriors and interiors designed by Daniella Speicht. With a beam of 8.53 metres and a draft of 2.4 metres, M3 can accommodate 10 guests across 5 cabins, including a master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 2 doubles and 1 twin.She is powered by Caterpillar engines of 2,250 hp each for a top speed of 18 knots and cruising speed of 15 knots.The vessel got a crucial role in one of the most successful movies of 2013, ’The Wolf of Wall Street’ by Martin Scorsese, where Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed a stockbroker Jordon Belfort.According to the plot, Jordan Belfort splashes out on the luxury yacht he names Naomi after his second wife, followed by a famous scene with raining ‘fun coupons’. What is more, later the film takes a disastrous shift when the superyacht sinks in a storm between Porto Cervo and Capri. The scene closely mirrored Belfort’s real-life yachting disaster in 1997.Meanwhile, the vessel is currently listed for sale asking $12,495,000. What is more, she is available for charter from €112,500 per week, all via Ocean Independence.#2. KismetBuilder: Lurssen (2014)LOA: 95.2mMovie: ‘Six Underground’ (2019)Kismet has been filmed in the forthcoming Michael Bay’s movie ‘Six Underground,’ which has already won the record of the biggest Netflix production, with the superyacht shot in Taranto (Italy). The streaming company invested USD 150 million on the realisation of the action film, that starred Ryan Reynolds, Melanie Laurent, Dave Franco, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Adria Arjona and Corey Hawkins.A party scene with around eighty guests and some other scenes were shot on-board. Meanwhile, the city has already been the protagonist of several action scenes and an explosion right next to the yacht.95-metre superyacht, Kismet was built in 2014 by Lurssen and is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars. The yacht's interior has been designed by Reymond Langton Design and her exterior styling is by Espen Oeino. 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.Kismet is available for charter from € 1,200,000 per week via Moran Yacht & Ship.#3. SarastarBuilder: Mondomarine (2017)LOA: 60.2mMovie: ‘Murder Mystery’ (2019)Photo by Raphael Belly60-metre superyacht Sarastar came to small screens this year, as she has one of the leading roles in a movie, alongside with Hollywood superstars - Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Luke Evans. All together, they have appeared in a mystery-comedy for Netflix called ‘Murder Mystery’. The plot develops over a married couple who are caught up in a murder investigation on a billionaire's yacht.Built in 2017 by Italian yard Mondomarine and designed by Luca Dini inside out, Sarastar represents a sportive and elegant vessel capable of reaching a maximum speed of 19.5 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots.Photo by Raphael BellyOne of the main characteristics of the yacht is her completely closed forward area in which the garage is located. The tenders are hidden under a flush bridge that can be used as helipad, sunbathing area for guests or dance floor. Another key feature is represented by the stairs that lead one from the sundeck directly to the side of the wheelhouse. Sarastar can sleep up to 12 guests in a master suite and 5 double staterooms.The vessel is currently on sale asking € 50,000,000, and available for charter from € 327,600 per week via Burgess.#4. ThumperBuilder: Mondomarine (2017)LOA: 60.2mMovie: ‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie’ (2016)The 40-metre Sunseeker superyacht made a star appearance in the ‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie,’ where Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) are seen sipping Champagne on Thumper’ sundeck cruising the coast of Cannes.One of the largest Sunseeker deliveries, Thumper features exterior design by Sunseeker and bespoke interiors by HPM. With a single master cabin, two doubles and a twin, Thumper can house up to ten guests, with an attendant crew of 9.One of the key rooms on-board is the yacht’s main salon decorated with bespoke furniture and especially commissioned artwork, complemented by a bar. The yacht’s interiors are highlighted through the use of leather, pale timbers, and semi-precious stone.The vessel is currently on sale asking €11,970,000, and available for charter from €155,000 per week via Camper and Nicholsons.#5. Usher Builder: Delta Marine (2007)LOA: 46.94mMovie: ‘Entourage’ (2015)The 47-metre superyacht by US builder Delta Marine was featured in the opening scene of the movie ‘Entourage’, which was a continuation of the HBO TV series of the same name. In the scene, a movie star Vincent Chase, together with other leading characters appear surrounded by a crowd of models when a huge party on-board Usher finishes.Usher was built by Delta Marine in 2007. She is designed from the outside by Delta Design Group, who also worked on her engineering, complemented by Polynesian interior styling by Juan-Carlos Espinosa. Offering accommodation for 12 guests across 5 cabins, Usher is trademarked with a sundeck Jacuzzi and wet bar, underwater camera on the stern, a fishing cockpit and a beach platform with a hydraulically-operated swim ladder. With a beam of 8.94 metres and a draft of 2.29 metres, she has a GRP hull and superstructure. Her top speed makes 22 knots, with a cruising speed of 20 knots. Movie fans hoping to recreate the opening scene could charter Usher from $200,000 per week, as of 2015.#6. Helios 2Builder: Palmer Johnson (2002)LOA: 51.13mMovie: ‘Syriana' (2005)Helios 2, formerly known as Anson Bell, was built by a renowned US yard Palmer Johnson in 2002. The superyacht appeared in the Oscar-winning geopolitical thriller ‘Syriana’ with George Clooney and Matt Damon. This vessel was deployed for depiction of wealthy lifestyle of Middle Eastern Princes.Helios 2 features interior design by Ramsey Engler and exterior styling by Sparkman & Stephens. She has aluminium hull and superstructure, along with a state of the art stabilisation system. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, she reaches her maximum speed at 14.8 knots and boasts a range of 4,000 nautical miles.Extensively refitted in 2006, the superyacht can sleep up to 12 guests across a master suite, two double staterooms and two twins. Additional amenities include a wide assortment of water toys, exercise equipment, large tender, shade for alfresco dining, multiple areas for sunbathing and a Jacuzzi.Helios 2 is available for charter from $ 175,000.#7. S/Y Aria I (ex. Regina)Builder: Med Yachts (2011)LOA: 56mMovie: ‘Skyfall’ (2012)Naturally, no list of the best superyachts seen in films can be complete without mentioning Britain’s most famous spy, James Bond. The franchise has featured numerous yachts over the years, with priority given to UK builder Sunseeker, which yachts hold the record on number of their appearances in the series.Still, many viewers would definitely remember the impressive debut of the sailing superyacht Aria I in ‘Skyfall’ episode. In the movie, Aria I acted as a setting when James Bond was sailing to villian Raoul Silva's hideaway, Hashima Island, about 9 miles off the Japanese Coast in the East China Sea. The steel schooner features exterior design by Ayberk Apaydin and interiors by Aylin Ors. She is powered by MAN engines of 440 hp each for a top speed of 12 knots. Aria I can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins.The yacht is available for charter through IYC from €65,000, flying the Greek flag with full permits to cruise to the Greek islands from her home port in Piraeus.#8. White Knight Builder: Chediek (1985)LOA: 45.6mMovie: ‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002)The superyacht appeared in espionage thriller ‘The Bourne Identity’, the very first film of the Bourne trilogy. During a few flashbacks of Jason Bourne aboard White Knight, there are a few shots of her interiors to be witnessed, right before Bourne jumps off the yacht and floats away in the ocean after being shot.Built in 1985 by Astillero Jorge R Chediek and fully refitted in 2000, White Knight is a classic displacement yacht that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Her exteriors were developed by Jorge R. Chediek and Aldo Viani, complemented with interiors by Katia Corfini. The superyacht is featured with exceptionally spacious deck areas with al fresco dining, alongside a variety of water sports equipment, like the Taipan III.White Knight is powered by General Motors engines of 1325 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.#9. GaleocerdoBuilder: Wally (2003)LOA: 36mMovie: ‘The Island’ (2005)Very eye catching and one of the fastest vessels in the world, Galeocerdo made an appearance in American science fiction thriller ‘The Island’. Onboard the superyacht, the main characters Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson) sailing away in the sunset after finally being freed.The vessel was built by Wally in 2003. Her most impressive highlight is her capability of a maximum speed of 65 knots, along with cruising speed of 45 knots, thanks to by engines of 5600 hp and a composite hull and superstructure. At the same time, her maximum range is estimated at 1500 nautical miles.Galeocerdo offers accommodation for up to 6 guests across 3 cabins, with interiors by Lazzarini Pickering and exteriors by Wally in-house team.#10. Kingdom 5KR (ex. Sultan)Builder: Benetti (1980)LOA: 86mMovie: ‘Never say never again’ (1983)Last but definitely not the least, the 86-metre superyacht Kingdom 5KR starred in another James Bond movie, ‘Never say never again’. In the movie, the vessel was seen as Flying Saucer, the floating base of arch-villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld.Kingdom 5KR was launched by Benetti in 1980 and as the yard’s flagship and the world's 8th largest superyacht. She was designed by Luigi Sturchio and originally named Nabila, remaining Benetti’s largest vessel until the 2016 launch of the 90-metre Lionheart.Initially constructed for a Saudi billionaire who shortly ran into financial problems afterwards, the yacht is particularly famous for once being owned by the current President of the USA, Donald Trump. Back in 1987, the politician acquired the vessel for reported $29 million. Trump had Sultan renamed Trump Princess. In 1991, Trump Princess was sold to Prince Al-Waleed for $19 million who renamed the yacht to Kingdom 5KR.The superyacht features five decks, a disco, a cinema with seats for 12 and 2 double beds, 11 opulent suites, a helipad on top (its funnels are sloped outward to avoid interference with the helicopters), a pool with a water jet on top in front of the heliport, 2 Riva tenders, a crew of 48, a top speed of 20 knots, and cruising speed of 17.5 knots.