Alva Yachts announces Eco Cruiser 50: it is the first monohull electric Yacht

UAE-based Enata Group has launched in-house production of jet turbines, marking the country's first domestic manufacturing capability in this sector. The company unveiled its 250N thrust turbine during the Make It In The Emirates 2025 forum, with a more powerful variant scheduled for Q3 2025 release.Initial production capacity stands at 300 units annually, scalable to 5,000 units by year-end. The turbines feature chevron exhaust designs for noise reduction and target both professional UAV manufacturers and RC model enthusiasts. Enata will allocate part of production to its own aerospace and marine products while supplying external clients."This launch strengthens our vertical integration strategy and responds to client demand," said Enata CEO Alois Vieujot. The company emphasizes quality control through complete in-house manufacturing at its UAE facility.No pricing or specific UAV applications were disclosed. The expansion follows Enata's established work in composite manufacturing for marine and aerospace sectors, though the group didn't specify investment figures for the turbine production line.The 250N model enters immediate availability as Enata positions itself as a B2B supplier for Middle Eastern aerospace markets. The company's production roadmap indicates potential military applications, though current specifications focus on commercial and recreational uses.The Enata Group is the international manufacturing group headquartered in United Arab Emirates, and the builder of the flying 9.8-meter carbon Foiler. The group’s primary businesses include three main areas of R&D and manufacturing: marine, aerospace and architecture. Credits: Enata Group

The 70-meter Benetti superyacht Alfa has completed an extensive refit at Lusben, the refit division of Azimut|Benetti Group. Originally delivered in 2020, the full-custom yacht underwent a complete renovation coordinated by Ocean Independence, with interior design by Mark Berryman Design.The technical scope included full repainting of the hull and owner deck with advanced protective coatings, along with the mandatory five-year survey of all major systems. Engineers conducted thorough inspections and servicing of stabilizers, propulsion shafts, engines, and generators. Mechanical upgrades featured new software for the forward crane allowing independent arm control, redesigned bollards, and optimized stern platform fittings for improved tender operations. Crew areas received attention with complete overhauls of the side ladder, stern passerelle, and swim ladder.André Mahr (Ocean Independence), Gianni Paladino (Lusben), Simone Rotili (PM Lusben), Alessio Centelli (Head of site Lusben Livorno)For interior spaces, the UK-based Mark Berryman Design studio preserved Alfa's original elegance while introducing contemporary elements. The main deck now features custom sofas with integrated chessboards, marble-clad tables with built-in fire pits, and redesigned wall panels. The owner's suite received new cabinetry and finishes, while four new bars were installed throughout the yacht, including a teppanyaki station on the skydeck. A striking wine cellar now occupies the portside corridor, transforming a transitional space into a design feature. The galley was completely reconfigured with new equipment and improved workflow."The work on Alfa perfectly embodies our 'life cycle' philosophy," said Gianni Paladino, Commercial Director of Lusben. "Supporting a Benetti yacht from launch through refit demonstrates our commitment to long-term value preservation."Ocean Independence's Anton Foord noted: "This relaunch represents months of dedicated work by skilled professionals. The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are evident throughout the yacht."Captain Simon Johnson, André Mahr (Ocean Independence), Alessio Celli (Head of site Livorno), Simone Rotili (PM Lusben)Following the refit, Alfa will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer at €700,000 per week. The yacht maintains its original configuration for 12 guests and 18 crew across five decks, with the refit enhancing both technical systems and living spaces while preserving the vessel's signature indoor-outdoor flow.Lusben completed the complex project at its Livorno facility, with Project Manager Simone Rotili coordinating multiple technical and design teams. The shipyard did not disclose the total refit cost or duration. Alfa's return to service follows several other high-profile refit projects completed by Lusben in recent months, as the Azimut|Benetti Group continues expanding its refit capabilities.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Ocean Independence

Azimut's Seadeck 7 has received the 2025 Miglio Blue Design Award in the "General Concept" category, recognizing its hybrid propulsion system and sustainable design approach. The award was presented during the Blue Design Summit at Teatro Civico in La Spezia, Italy.The 20-meter Seadeck 7 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional yachts in its class through a full-hybrid Volvo Penta system, carbon fiber construction, and optimized naval architecture. The model introduces Azimut's "Gentle at Sea" philosophy, emphasizing connection with nature through design elements like the Fun Island - an open aft terrace eliminating barriers with the marine environment.Interiors by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez incorporate recycled and recyclable materials, establishing what the shipyard describes as a new design language for family motoryachts. The hybrid system marks Azimut's first application of electrification technology in this size segment.The Miglio Blue Design Award jury cited the Seadeck 7's integration of sustainable technologies with experiential design as key factors in their decision. Azimut has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the model, which remains available for order through the brand's global dealer network.This recognition follows the Seadeck series' launch in 2024 as Azimut's most environmentally focused product line to date. The shipyard continues development of hybrid and alternative fuel systems across its range, with multiple projects scheduled for presentation at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.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

Feadship has launched its latest expedition yacht, the 80-meter Valor, from its Aalsmeer facility. Built for a repeat client, the steel-hulled vessel features ice-class reinforcement capable of navigating the Northwest Passage, with Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 certification.Valor represents Feadship's most advanced hybrid propulsion system to date, combining four variable-speed generators with a massive 5.34MWh lithium-ion battery bank - five times the capacity of 2015's Savannah. The system enables 48 hours of silent, zero-emission operation using battery power alone, with optional Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel reducing carbon emissions by 90%. Twin Schottel EcoPeller azimuth thrusters deliver a maximum speed of 15 knots.Designed by Studio De Voogt, the exterior features a distinctive naval-inspired profile with a dreadnought bow and widened bulwarks that accommodate outdoor lounge spaces and even a dedicated relief station for the owner's three Golden Retrievers. The yacht's 8.35-meter infinity pool, heated using waste energy recovery, ranks among the largest installed on an 80-meter vessel.Bannenberg & Rowell created the interior using natural materials including custom bronze, stone and wood elements. Notable features include a main staircase comprising 48,001 individual components and vintage McIntosh audio systems. The layout accommodates 14 guests across six suites and an owner's deck complete with private hot tub, office and forward-facing stateroom overlooking the helideck."With Valor, we've achieved something recognizable from outer space," said designer Chris Bottoms of Studio De Voogt, referencing the owner's request for a distinctive profile. The yacht's symmetrical-thrust bow thruster and Quantum XT/MAGlift stabilization systems aim to provide comfort in rough conditions.Currently in final outfitting, Valor will begin sea trials ahead of its scheduled appearance at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, where it will compete for World Superyacht Awards. The project marks Feadship's continued development of large-scale hybrid yachts, though the shipyard declined to disclose build costs or delivery timeline.Additional amenities include a beach club with fold-down platforms, massage room, gym, and multiple al fresco dining areas connected by a six-deck elevator. The yacht's solar array supplements its electrical systems while maintaining clean lines in keeping with the owner's preference for a non-"wedding cake" profile.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship

Riva has expanded its Destinations collection with a new lounge at Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá in Mallorca, officially opened on May 15. The venue combines Riva’s signature yacht styling with the hotel’s Mediterranean hospitality, featuring mahogany, ribbed maple, and steel finishes alongside iconic Aquariva lamps and Aquarama chairs.The lounge includes an indoor dining area and a sea-view terrace, complemented by a private Riva Privée area. Guests can charter a Rivamare yacht for coastal exploration, sunset aperitifs, or private dining.Located on Mallorca’s Illetas coastline, Hotel de Mar – designed by architect José Antonio Coderch – joins Riva Destinations’ existing lounges in Venice, Monte Carlo, Paris, and Jeddah. The opening event was attended by local celebrities, officials, and high-profile guests.No further expansion plans for additional Riva Destinations were disclosed. The lounge is now operational for hotel guests and external visitors.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