The Ferretti Group headquarters in Forlì recently opened its doors to university students pursuing three-year engineering degrees, offering them a comprehensive orientation day focused on career opportunities in the yachting industry.
On Friday, February 14th, the event provided an excellent platform for students to gain insights into the newly established Master's Degree program in Nautical Engineering, developed jointly by Ferretti Group and the University of Bologna.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting the yachting industry and the Blue Economy, encouraging talented youth to consider careers in this rapidly growing sector.
Throughout the day, participants had the chance to explore Ferretti Group's state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, gaining valuable knowledge about the professional prospects available within the industry. They were also briefed on the new Master's Degree course, which commenced during the 2024-25 academic year at the University of Bologna's Forlì campus.
The collaborative effort behind this course involves Ferretti Group, the University of Bologna, the Emilia-Romagna Regional Administration, the Municipality of Forlì, the Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì Foundation, and the Romagna Chamber of Commerce. The primary objective is to equip aspiring engineers with specialized skills in critical areas such as hydrodynamics, composite materials, and propulsion systems, enabling them to excel in the design and production of pleasure boats.
Ferretti Group emphasized their commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome these bright young minds and introduce them to a thriving industry full of possibilities. By actively participating in the education and training of local professionals, we hope to nurture the next generation of leaders who will drive the future of Italian yachting."
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
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025
Oceanco has completed the acquisition of Alewijnse, a Netherlands-based electrical systems integrator with 135 years of industry experience. The purchase was made through Oceanco's new shareholder Gabe Newell, founder of Valve Corporation and research initiative Inkfish.Alewijnse will maintain its current leadership team and operational structure while joining Oceanco's group of companies, which includes Lateral, Mercury and Aluship. The electrical specialist has collaborated with Oceanco on yacht projects since the 1990s and currently serves multiple maritime sectors including naval, dredging, offshore and industrial clients.Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout stated: "With Alewijnse joining the Group, we have the opportunity to develop new solutions and innovations that serve not only yachting, but also other maritime sectors."Alewijnse CEO Gert Bravenboer added: "Electrical systems integration is at the heart of modern yachting and maritime operations, and as part of the Oceanco Group, we can build on our expertise and lead in a rapidly evolving sector."Strong Root Capital, which guided Alewijnse through recent years of development, facilitated the transaction. Partner Patrick Zanders noted: "The company has developed a clear vision for the future and secured a solid position in the market. We are therefore proud that a new owner has been found who will continue to build on this."The acquisition strengthens Oceanco's integrated service capabilities amid growing demand for advanced electrical systems in superyacht construction. Alewijnse's expertise in automation and power management will support Oceanco's yacht-building operations while continuing to serve external clients across maritime industries.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Oceanco
August 19, 2025
The 38.6-meter motor yacht Areti I has changed ownership in a transaction brokered by IYC and Hamilton Marine International. Michael Rafferty and Dimitri Blaimer of IYC represented the buyer, while David Ross of Hamilton Marine acted for the seller.Built in 2007 by U.S. shipyard Burger, the aluminum-hulled vessel was designed by longtime Burger naval architect Don O'Keeffe. The yacht had one owner since delivery and never entered charter service.Areti I accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck. Crew quarters house up to eight staff. Douglas Richey designed the interior featuring wood paneling and neutral-toned furnishings.Recent updates include a 2024 refit and full repaint at Rybovich in North Palm Beach. The yacht carries ABS classification and MCA compliance.Powered by twin 1,300hp Caterpillar engines, Areti I achieves 14.5-knot top speed with 5,500-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. The vessel was listed at $9.95 million prior to sale.The transaction demonstrates continued market activity for well-maintained American-built superyachts in the 35-40 meter range. Burger's aluminum construction and single-owner history likely contributed to the yacht's market appeal.Credits: Hamilton Marine International
August 18, 2025
Horizon Group has completed installation of a new 1,800-ton shiplift system at its Premier Shipyard facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The 60-meter by 13.7-meter Pearlson Shiplift System represents a two-year development project, expanding the yard's capacity to service superyachts exceeding 70 meters in length.The 24,000-square-meter shipyard occupies 200 meters of waterfront at Taiwan's largest commercial port. The new infrastructure strengthens Premier's position in the Asian refit market, where it has previously serviced vessels up to 69 meters from builders including Feadship and Riva.John Lu, Horizon Group CEO, stated: "The shiplift provides our shipyard with vastly increased capabilities and capacity, helping to fulfill unprecedented demand for global superyacht owners." The yard maintains certifications from classification societies including Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, RINA and DNV.The installation follows Horizon's ongoing investment in service infrastructure, complementing its core yacht construction business. The Taiwanese facility becomes one of few Asian yards capable of handling large superyacht refits with its new lifting system.Premier Shipyard has serviced over 30 yachts since establishing its refit operations. The shiplift project aligns with growing demand for maintenance facilities in Asia as the regional superyacht fleet expands. Horizon continues production at its main yacht-building facilities while expanding aftermarket services through the Kaohsiung location.The completed shiplift enters service immediately, with the yard prepared to accommodate vessels for scheduled winter maintenance work. Horizon confirms the facility will participate in upcoming regional boat shows to demonstrate its enhanced capabilities to potential clients.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
August 18, 2025