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.
Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts has reorganized its Adriatic distribution network, appointing Newera Yachting as regional dealer for Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, and Montenegro. The arrangement rebrands existing partner Vrtinc Navtika under the Newera Yachting identity with expanded territorial coverage.Montenegrin dealer BEN-KOV, representing Saxdor since 2022, will transition to sub-dealer status under Newera Yachting's regional management. The consolidation aims to standardize customer service and support operations across Adriatic markets.Jon Hautamäki, Sales Director at Saxdor Yachts, stated: "Newera Yachting has been instrumental in developing our presence in Central and Southeastern Europe. This consolidation reflects our trust in their team and their deep understanding of our brand and product philosophy."Newera Yachting Managing Director Boštjan Granda added: "We're proud to strengthen our partnership with Saxdor and take on a broader role in the Adriatic region. It's a brand we truly believe in: innovative, dynamic, and aligned with what our customers are looking for."The dealer restructuring forms part of Saxdor's global network optimization strategy, which now encompasses 150 locations across five continents. The Adriatic region represents a significant market for the builder due to established boating culture and expanding marina infrastructure.Newera Yachting will provide sales and service support for Saxdor's model range, which includes outboard and inboard powerboats from 6 to 12 meters length. The company's experience with Saxdor products positions it to implement standardized customer service protocols across the newly consolidated territory.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
September 1, 2025
Florence-based designer Luca Dini presented at TEDxForteDeiMarmi on August 30, 2025, discussing intersections between yacht design and architecture. The founder of Luca Dini Design & Architecture delivered a speech titled "Beyond the waves: where yachting and architecture meet" during the event's third edition.Dini addressed connections between marine and terrestrial design, emphasizing sustainable approaches and hybrid spaces. His presentation referenced thirty years of professional experience integrating nautical design principles with architectural projects.The talk examined Sindalah Island in the Red Sea, a luxury destination master-planned by Dini's studio, as an example of convergence between marine and architectural design. Additional case studies included the Sydney Opera House and Denmark's Wave complex as structures demonstrating harmony between built environments and marine contexts.Dini stated: "Design is an act of cross-disciplinary sharing: between aesthetics and function, between nature and the built environment, between different cultures. It is also the expression of a quiet, conscious form of luxury, revealed through authentic materials, essential lines, and the attention to details."The presentation argued that yachts increasingly resemble floating architectures while urban projects incorporate design elements from marine environments. Dini emphasized material authenticity, craftsmanship, and functional aesthetics over ostentatious display in luxury design.TEDxForteDeiMarmi featured multiple speakers discussing innovation across various creative and technical fields. Dini's participation marked continued engagement between yacht design professionals and broader architectural discourse. Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 1, 2025
The Horizon FD87 Skyline model Aqua Life has entered the brokerage market, representing one of the most popular designs from Horizon's Fast Displacement series. The 27-meter yacht has been maintained by a single owner since its construction and recently underwent professional refitting.Designed by Cor D. Rover, the vessel features an enclosed flybridge configuration that provides additional interior space uncommon in yachts of this length. The layout includes a main deck master suite and four guest cabins below deck (three doubles and one twin), plus separate crew accommodations for three personnel.Notable features include a beach club area with hydraulic swim platform, sofa, bar, refrigeration units, and television. The transom lifts to create an expanded waterside entertainment area. Outdoor spaces comprise forward seating with sunpads, and a bridge deck with bar, dining area, and davit crane for water toy deployment.The interior utilizes high-gloss cherry wood finishes throughout the main saloon, which features expansive windows and combined lounge/dining areas. The galley incorporates a high-low island partition allowing either open-concept entertaining or separated service operations.The enclosed flybridge creates a secondary interior lounge with navigation station and seating area, connected to outdoor spaces via sliding glass doors. Stabilization systems include zero-speed fin stabilizers for comfort both underway and at anchor.With a gross tonnage of 187 GT, Aqua Life offers volume exceeding many comparable yachts in its class. The Horizon FD87 model has been particularly noted for balancing interior volume with performance characteristics in the mid-range motor yacht segment.Horizon Yachts, the subsidiary company of Horizon Group, was co-founded in 1987 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Since then, Horizon has become the leading Asian yacht brand in the luxury yacht market.Credits: Horizon Yachts
September 1, 2025
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