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.
MarineMax broker Scott Roberton has facilitated the sale of a new Ocean Alexander 28E explorer yacht to experienced owners transitioning from a Sanlorenzo SL86. The 28-meter vessel was selected for its operational efficiency and spacious layout featuring four staterooms and dedicated crew quarters."The 28E checked every box," stated Roberton. "It delivers true exploring capabilities while maintaining a refined, contemporary aesthetic that rivals any European builder." The owners specifically valued the model's 70-square-meter aft deck and on-deck master suite.Designed by Evan K. Marshall with a focus on volume and functionality, the 28E will operate seasonally between Newport, Rhode Island and Florida/Bahamas waters. The sale represents the owners' first acquisition from Ocean Alexander's Explorer series.Dan Mundy, Ocean Alexander's Head of Global Operations, noted: "The 28E exemplifies the innovation, volume, and versatility that define our Explorer series." The model's 90-ton displacement and 2,000-nautical-mile range address growing owner demand for capable coastal cruisers with superyacht amenities.MarineMax Newport's Frank Brennan assisted in the transaction. The yacht will enter private service following final commissioning. Ocean Alexander currently produces the 28E at its Kaohsiung, Taiwan facility with an estimated 12-month build timeline.Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander
June 13, 2025
The Italian Sea Group secured two awards at the 2025 International Yacht & Aviation Awards in Monte Carlo. The 66-meter Admiral JAS won in the "Motoryacht over 60 meters" category, while the 78-meter Admiral Platinum claimed victory in the "Motoryacht over 70 meters" division."We are proud that two of our most recent creations have received such prestigious recognition," said Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of The Italian Sea Group. "This highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation."The Admiral JAS, designed in collaboration with Mark Berryman, represents the semi-custom ADM 66 series with four units sold. Brad Whiteman of Qudra Yachts served as owner's representative during construction. The yacht features integrated indoor-outdoor spaces developed by MB Architects.The flagship Admiral Platinum, a full-custom project, features exterior design by Lobanov Design and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Magnitude Yachts oversaw construction as owner's representatives.Both yachts were recognized for their construction quality and design execution. The awards ceremony took place June 6 at Hôtel de Paris, Monaco, during the 16th edition of the Design et Al competition.The Italian Sea Group currently operates production facilities in Marina di Carrara, with both awarded yachts delivered within the past 12 months. The company maintains active construction projects across its Admiral and Tecnomar brands.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
June 13, 2025
Ferretti Group has launched the 100th unit of its Riva Rivamare 38 model during a ceremony in Sarnico attended by Chairman Jiang Kui and representatives of majority shareholder Weichai. The event precedes the unveiling of a special limited series scheduled for June 27.The 11.6-meter Rivamare remains one of Riva's most successful models since its introduction. The milestone launch coincides with Ferretti Group reporting a record order book of €1.7 billion for early 2025."This magnificent day celebrates the huge success for Riva and Ferretti Group as a whole," said Jiang Kui. "We are confident that Ferretti will maintain this sustainable growth and continue to create value for all stakeholders."Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi noted the company's upcoming product launches: "At the end of the month, we will unveil three new Riva models, confirming our drive to strengthen leadership in beauty and innovation." The Rivamare's continued production demonstrates Riva's ability to maintain demand for classic designs while introducing new models.The ceremony recognized the Sarnico shipyard workforce responsible for building all 100 Rivamare units. The model's success contributes to Ferretti Group's portfolio of seven yacht brands, which collectively delivered 49 vessels in 2024.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.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 13, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced the launch of Ocean Angel, the second 40-meter explorer yacht in Ocean King's DOGE 400 series. The vessel has commenced sea trials and is scheduled for delivery ahead of its debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.Designed by aLOT with interiors by Burdissocapponi Yachts & Design, Ocean Angel features a commercial-grade steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines that deliver a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots, with a transoceanic range of 4,000 nautical miles.Accommodation includes five guest suites for 10 passengers and crew quarters for seven. Notable features include a beach club with sauna and hammam, a concealed 1.2-ton telescopic tender crane capable of launching a 6.25-meter tender, and fold-down sea terraces. The interior design emphasizes natural light through full-height windows and seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity."Ocean Angel demonstrates our commitment to building capable explorer yachts with customized interiors," said an Ocean King representative. The yacht's commercial-grade construction enables extended autonomous operation in remote cruising areas.Following sea trials, the yacht will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner. The first DOGE 400 series yacht was delivered earlier this year, with both units sharing the same rugged exploration capabilities paired with refined interior spaces.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
June 11, 2025
The Amels 60 Memories has departed from Damen Yachting’s main build facility in Vlissingen following its final delivery to the new Owner. The yacht was officially named during a private ceremony held at the Dutch shipyard, attended by the Owner’s team and crew.The exterior design of Memories was created by Espen Øino International, featuring the signature geometric windows and enhancements typical of recent Amels deliveries. Notably, Memories is the first Amels 60 to feature custom interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking a new collaboration for the shipyard.The Owner, introduced by Moran Yacht & Ship, joined the project just six months prior to delivery. Despite the late entry, the Owner was able to implement several customizations, including modifications to the Beach Club, Owner’s areas, and Sun Deck, where a large sofa with a ceiling-mounted TV replaced the original dining table and bar. The Bridge Deck Aft was transformed into an on-deck cinema setup from its original lounge configuration.Joppe Osté, Project Manager for Amels 60 Memories, commented: “When the Owner stepped in, we were already at an advanced stage of construction. The advantage of this was that the new Owner was able to make decisions quickly and take possession of it before the start of summer. Until the buyer steps in, we design the yacht for all potential clients. The sales, design, and proposal teams are all involved. That is a major advantage. The custom interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard appealed to her new Owner, which allowed us to stay on schedule and move forward according plan.”The interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard features a contemporary beach house luxury style with natural materials and refined detailing. A notable feature is the spiral staircase with illuminated handrail. Ben Harrison of Harrison Eidsgaard stated: “It has been an absolute delight working on this superyacht and a great collaboration with all partners involved. MEMORIES is our first Amels Limited Editions interior and brings a new look and feel to this successful 60-metre design.”Memories is expected to follow a busy charter schedule, with private use by the Owner also anticipated. The yacht will be available for charter through Moran Yacht & Ship, with its first destination being Ibiza.The next Amels 60 is already under construction and scheduled for delivery in Autumn 2025.The Amels 60 Memories features the following specifications: length of 60 metres, gross tonnage of 853 GT, accommodation for 12 guests and 12 crew plus Captain. The yacht boasts interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard, exterior design by Espen Øino International, and naval architecture by Damen Yachting.Credit: Damen Yachting
June 11, 2025