One of the key stories of the past year has been the acquisition of two superyachts by the state of Equatorial Guinea. The largest of the two was the 90-meter Ice, which in itself has a fascinating story. Commissioned by an Italian billionaire and delivered to a Russian oligarch, Ice was built with environmental friendliness in mind.
Ice's story starts under a different name - Air, which is what Augusto Perfetti dubbed her when he ordered her from Lurssen in Germany. A famous Italian candy manufacturer, Perfetti is mostly known as the owner of Mentos but also Chupa Chups. Forbes currently values him and his brother at a combined $7.2 billion.
As Perfetti had the yacht under construction at the shipyard, he was approached by Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov to acquire the yacht. According to media, the oligarch made him an offer he couldn't refuse and the yacht was sold prior to her delivery. Following the yacht's completion, she was christened as Ice. Meanwhile, Perfetti ordered himself another Air yacht at Feadship.
Out of the many alluring aspects that Ice features is her friendliness to the environment. In fact, the 90 meter yacht was the first to have Azipod drive units installed instead of shafted diesels that one would typically find onboard a motor yacht. A top priority in the construction of Ice was to lower emissions as well as all possible noise and vibration.
The result was a quiet yacht that could seamlessly cruise through the oceans. The choice of azipods allowed for a more flexible layout on the inside whilst electric generators made it possible to fit the engine room on a single deck and save space. Filters were installed on Ice to made sure that the exhaust gases passed through the eight steel pipes at the yacht's highest points were first filtered and unnoticeable.
Designed by Tim Heywood both outside and inside, Project Rainbow, as it was known during her build, features a contemporary style on the interior with an unmistakable style on the exterior. Stretching across Ice's full beam, the owner's stateroom forward of the main deck is located near to two VIP cabins on the same deck.
The aft of the main deck is dedicated to being a bathing area, with guests being able to both quickly access the sea through a spacious swimming platform as well as enjoy the water in a swimming pool aft of the deck. The rapid access from the pool into the sea is ensured through two staircases on either side of the yacht.
Whereas Heywood focused on the yacht's layout, it was Terence Disdale who created the interior style of the yacht. Coupled with a vast collection of modern art, Ice's interior is created in Zen minimalism. Creative furniture and fittings are further complemented by large windows that beam natural light deep into the 90 meter yacht.
Built for efficient performance, Ice can be controlled with a single joystick that connects the full bow thrusters and azipods, according to statements issued when the yacht was launched. During sea trials, the 90 meter yacht reached a top speed of 18.6 knots with nearly 100% clean exhausts. Burning 16 to 17 tonnes of fuel in 24 hours, she cruises at an average speed of 16 to 17 knots.
Amongst Ice's main amenities are a helipad aft of the third deck, a lounging area on the sundeck, a private space on the bow area of the yacht as well as tall windows throughout the yacht creating lots of volume in its salons and suites. With an interior volume of 2,870 tons, she stretches across a total beam of nearly 15 meters.
The most recent chapter in Ice's history came in 2015 as Kerimov sold the 90-meter yacht to son of the President of Equatorial Guinea according to a report by Le Monde. The French newspaper goes on to say that following the acquisition, Ice's new owner replaced Ice's helicopter with a new Eurocopter EC135. Earlier in 2014, the same group purchased the 78m Feadship, Ebony Shine.
As it was leaving the Netherlands after a refit, Ebony Shine was however seized in March 2017 by Dutch authorities as part of a case against the yacht's beneficial owner. According to Maritime Executive, the defendants then argued that the yacht could not be seized as it was technically a governmental vessel operated through Dara Limited, an offshore holding company controlled by Equatorial Guinea.
Ebony Shine
The 25th largest yacht in the world at the time of her delivery, Ice has since slipped to the 66th position in the world rankings as larger megayachts began being build. Her drive for clear exhausts, minimized vibration and noise have, however, inspired a drive across even smaller yachts for more efficiency and lower noise pollution.
Valued at $6.3 billion by Forbes, Suleyman Kerimov currently sits as the 21st richest man in Russia with his net worth having risen five fold in less than two years. Having made his wealth investing in distressed companies, Kerimov started his investing activity in 1992. Shortly prior to the 2008 crisis, he sold nearly all of his assets in Russia including a stake in Gazprom, a large real estate development project.
With loans from VTB bank, he bought a stake in Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold mining outfit as well as in Rostelecom, a telecom company. He acquired Rybolovlev's stake in Uralkali, later reselling it to billionaires Prokhorov and Mazepin. Currently the primary owner of Polyus Gold, Kerimov represents the republic of Dagestan at the Russian Federation's council.
In 2017, Kerimov reportedly made a bid to acquire the 85-meter Solandge according to Russian media. According to their story, the offer was, however, turned down and the yacht ultimately sold to a different buyer from the Middle East. Designed by Espen Oeino, Solandge was also built by Lurssen, similarly to Ice.
Valued at $7.2 billion by Forbes, the Perfetti brothers are the owners of Perfetti Van Melle, a candy and gum manufacturing giant behind brands such as Mentos, Airheads and Chupa-Chups. Started by their father Ambrogio Perfetti together with his brother Egidio, the company was inspired by American soldiers who had brought gum from overseas. No longer involved in operations, the two brothers are considered to be the 7th richest family in Italy.
Following his sale of the 90-meter Lurssen, the Italian billionaire decided to build a yacht at Feadship in the Netherlands. This resulted in the 81-meter Air, which was delivered in 2011 and is currently available for charter from €700,000 per week.
The 50-meter Heesen motor yacht Bijin has completed a comprehensive refit at Monaco Marine's La Seyne-sur-Mer facility. Formerly named Sibelle, the vessel was sold in October 2024 with Burgess representing the buyer and Ocean Independence the seller.The nine-month project involved exterior repainting from oyster white and grey to Matterhorn white with jet black accents and a red boot stripe. Interior updates focused on Japandi-inspired design elements blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian influences. Milan-based studio Hot Lab led the design in collaboration with Austrian contractors List GC.Hot Lab design director Enrico Lumini stated: "Their hands-on involvement and constructive approach were instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and complete the project within the established timeframe." The owners maintained an active role throughout the process, having previously worked with the design studio.Refit work concentrated on soft furnishings including beds, headboards, curtains, carpets, and loose furniture rather than structural modifications. The color palette shifted toward lighter tones and softer brown shades to create what the owner described as "an organic, naturally blending and appealing design" for guest relaxation.Originally delivered in 2015 with a Fast Displacement Hull Form design, Bijin received recognition at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. The yacht accommodates 10 guests with an owner's suite featuring dual bathrooms serving as buffer zones before the main cabin.Monaco Marine project manager Augustin Fabre noted the refit met "the most demanding standards" for visual identity and functionality. The yacht will operate for both private use and charter in the Western Mediterranean, with initial seasons fully booked.The refit demonstrates continued market activity in large yacht refurbishment projects, particularly for well-maintained vessels requiring aesthetic updates rather than technical overhauls. The collaboration between ownership, design teams, and shipyard resulted in a nine-month completion timeline.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.Credits: Viken Group
August 29, 2025
Azimut has developed Neuron, a fully digital yacht management system designed to streamline vessel operation and maintenance. The system was created by Azimut Technical Development in partnership with MDP Tech following a six-month trial installation aboard an Azimut Fly 53 model.Neuron enables remote monitoring and control of onboard systems including lighting, climate control, and entertainment through a customizable interface. The system reduces routine and extraordinary maintenance requirements by approximately 70% through continuous diagnostics and remote troubleshooting capabilities. According to the company, the technology allows after-sales technicians to perform system diagnostics while maintaining customer privacy protections.Technical specifications include a 50% reduction in wiring weight compared to conventional systems, freeing space for other functions. The plug-and-play architecture permits rapid component replacement, starting with control units. Power management features adjust electricity consumption based on real-time requirements.Azimut Technical Director Ruggero Gandolfi stated: "Neuron truly improves the owner's life, not only allowing them to monitor their vessel from home and directly manage certain systems with great ease, but also performing diagnostic tests and reducing unscheduled maintenance."The system is scheduled to become standard equipment on Azimut models up to 24 meters (80 feet) following final verification testing. The development represents Azimut's continued investment in digitalization projects aimed at enhancing owner experience and operational efficiency.Neuron's architecture incorporates risk analysis protocols to minimize system disruptions both at sea and in port. The technology will be rolled out across Azimut's production lines as part of the company's ongoing digital transformation initiatives in yacht manufacturing and support services.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 29, 2025
Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo will display ten vessels with combined length of nearly 300 meters at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The exhibition will feature three global premieres: the SL110A, SX120, and SD132 models, representing expansions of the company's asymmetric, crossover, and semi-displacement yacht lines.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A continues Sanlorenzo's asymmetrical design concept with a full-beam owner's suite featuring direct access to a forward pool area. Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the vessel reaches speeds up to 27 knots.The SX120 crossover model blends explorer yacht capabilities with flybridge amenities, featuring clean exterior lines and flexible interior layouts. The design maintains the brand's focus on challenging conventional yacht layouts while emphasizing connection to marine environments.SX120At 40.7 meters length, the SD132 becomes Sanlorenzo's largest composite-built yacht to date with 420 GT interior volume. Features include rotating beach club terraces, forward pool area, 85-square-meter flybridge, and side-launching tender garage. Zuccon International Project handled both exterior and interior design.Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a special opportunity for us to share our vision for the future of the industry and to showcase Sanlorenzo's extraordinary dynamism." CEO Tommaso Vincenzi added: "With these three new models, Sanlorenzo reaffirms its vision of yachting as a fine, elegant and responsible way of life."SD132Additional displayed models will include the SP92 from the Smart Performance line, SL86A and SL90A asymmetric yachts, SD90 and SD96 semi-displacement vessels, and SX100 and SX88 crossover designs. The exhibition coincides with the 20th anniversary of Massimo Perotti's leadership at Sanlorenzo.The company's subsidiary brands Bluegame and Nautor Swan will also exhibit new models at the festival, demonstrating the group's diversified product range across multiple yacht segments. Sanlorenzo's presentation occupies significant space in the Vieux-Port exhibition area, reflecting the company's expanded production capabilities across its Italian shipyards.Credits: Sanlorenzo
August 29, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the newly delivered 28.63-meter Sunreef Power catamaran Petite Belle for sale. Broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa represents the fifth hull in this series, which features numerous upgrades from standard specifications.The catamaran's 13.5-meter beam accommodates 10 guests across five ensuite cabins. The main saloon features panoramic glazing that opens to the aft cockpit, integrating interior and exterior social spaces. Outdoor areas include forward lounges, a beach club platform, and an expansive flybridge with hot tub, dining area, and bar.Petite Belle incorporates 13kWp of solar panels integrated into the superstructure and hardtop, supporting silent night operation through battery power. The yacht meets European and U.S. compliance standards including Malta Sea Area A1+A2+A3 certification (sCYC 2024).Additional features include a full AV system with DJ connectivity, 20 underwater lights, security cameras, and custom bar installations. The vessel carries a Williams SportJet 625 tender and two jet skis.Construction was supervised by independent surveyors at Sunreef's Gdansk facility. The catamaran enters the brokerage market immediately following delivery, offering availability without construction wait times. Northrop & Johnson will coordinate viewings and sea trials for prospective buyers.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Lomac Milano has named fashion designer Alessandro Martorana as Creative Director of its Lomac Atelier division. The appointment coincides with the world premiere of the GranTurismo 12.5 AMare limited edition model at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.Martorana's collaboration with Lomac represents the first product from the newly established Lomac Atelier, a service dedicated to fully customized yacht configurations. The GranTurismo 12.5 AMare features customized colors, bespoke upholstery, sartorial stitching, and matching engine livery. The design emphasizes individualized styling while maintaining the performance characteristics of the base model.The limited edition model is powered by twin Yamaha XTO 450hp outboard engines, maintaining the standard powertrain configuration of the production version. Lomac will display two additional models at Cannes: the GranTurismo 12.0 with triple 300hp Mercury engines and the flagship GranTurismo 14.0 X with triple Yamaha 450hp engines capable of 60-knot speeds.Alessandro Martorana stated: "The boat is the new 'must' for the elegant man. Together with Lomac, we aim to create unique pieces that reflect the personality of their owners, just like a bespoke suit."The Lomac Atelier service launched earlier this year at the Düsseldorf boat show, focusing on complete customization of the company's GranTurismo maxi-RIB series. The Cannes presentation marks the first physical realization of the program, with the AMare edition serving as demonstrator of the customization options available.Lomac's participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival includes three models from its production range, with the Martorana-designed limited edition representing the company's emphasis on personalized yacht design. Lomac was founded in the early 1960s in Milan. Today it is led by Paolo and Fabrizio Lo Manto, the third generation of the family, and offers a production that includes seven different series for 58 models, the result of the union of the highest technologies with careful craftsmanship. Lomac also produces and markets a wide range of original accessories to better customize your boat, and maintenance products created specifically for its models.Credits: Lomac
August 28, 2025