Gulf Craft is marking 20 years of its operation in the Maldives. Gulf Craft provides almost 80% of the Maldives’s water transportation services which includes public transport, coast guard, emergency and ambulance services, resorts, and leisure boats. With a strong and established presence in the country, Gulf Craft is now developing a new production facility dedicated to the manufacturing of vessels for use in the Indian Ocean which will see its operations and production capacity double within 16 months.
Gulf Craft established its operations in the Maldives with a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility that has produced top-quality pleasure boats and rapid transport vessels. Gulf Craft is now focusing on further expansion of its operations in the Maldives to support the government’s strategy to strengthen the tourism sector. This will be driven by doubling its production capacity in the country and by giving back to the community through the new training facility for captains and crew.
In early 2021 the shipyard was awarded a government contract, thru MTCC, to manufacture a fleet of specially designed high-quality speed boats for use across the Integrated National Public Ferry Network. The new speed boats will offer a convenient and efficient transportation system to all administrative islands of the Maldives, with capabilities to transport up to 53 passengers at a time and will connect the capital city to nearby islands. The public transportation project is one of the largest government initiatives and will contribute to connecting the various islands of the Maldives upon completion.
Gulf Craft team in the Maldives
“The Maldives is our first international destination, where we have built in-country competencies by leveraging the opportunities that the country provides for the marine and tourism sector. With the doubling of our production capacity and the new training facility we hope to serve the local community even better through the creation of new job opportunities and in further boosting tourism,” said Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft’s Chairman.
Last year Gulf Craft announced that it will invest in a strategic development in the Maldives named ‘Gulf Lagoon’. The project will feature a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, a marina for seafarers and live-aboards, a maritime school offering captain/crew training for young Maldivians, and a resort, among others.
Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world: once a builder of small fishing boats in its modest premises, which was a genuine passion for Gulf Craft, they then established their credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry. With five brands in their product portfolio ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience, such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts.
Credits: Gulf Craft
Zeelander Yachts will present its new flagship model, the 24-meter Zeelander 8, for the first time at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. The yacht will be located at berth C27 Quai Chicane during the event, which takes place from September 24 to 27.The yacht features a layout with social areas on the main deck, including lounging and dining spaces, along with a galley. The lower deck contains three guest cabins. The master stateroom is positioned amidships and includes windows and a headroom exceeding 2.1 meters. The first hull includes customized modifications, such as relocating the galley to the starboard side of the salon and integrating the bar area with the cockpit.The yacht is equipped with a large targa sunroof and retractable aft doors. Sound levels are reported to measure below 65 dBA at its full speed of 32 knots. The yacht can reach speeds of up to 40 knots with optional larger engines.Each hull is built to owner specifications, with customization handled by the shipyard's engineering team. The exterior design maintains the stylistic features consistent with other yachts in the Zeelander range.Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.Credit: Tom van Oossanen/Zeelander Yachts
September 16, 2025
Pearl Yachts has established a new French dealership, Pearl France, with an office in Antibes. The facility is located at Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, in the Port Vauban area. The office is operated by Cenk Efe, Founder and Director of the Mallorca Marine Group 1994, and will serve as the brand's exclusive representative in France.Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “France has always been one of the most important markets for Pearl Yachts. With the opening of Pearl France, we are strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean’s most vibrant yachting hub. Cenk’s expertise and reputation are second to none, and we are confident that this new chapter will bring our boutique philosophy and unique approach even closer to every client and brand enthusiast based in France.”Iain Smallridge and Cenk Efe Cenk Efe, Director of Pearl France, added: “We are honoured to be launching Pearl France in Antibes. French clients value elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and discretion; qualities that Pearl embodies in every detail. The response so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to growing the brand’s legacy along the Côte d’Azur and beyond.”This opening follows the establishment of Pearl Germany and Pearl Gulf earlier this year.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 16, 2025
Heesen Yachts has completed the joining of the hull and superstructure for Project Grace, designated YN 21350. The yacht is the first unit in Heesen's new 50-meter Steel class. The operation, which lasted one week, began at the Talsma shipyard in Franeker, where the steel hull was fabricated. The hull was then transported by river and canal to Heesen's facility in Oss, where the main engines were installed prior to the joining procedure.The yacht is equipped with two MAN engines, each rated at 882kW and compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards. This is the first Heesen yacht to use this specific engine model.Peter van der Zanden, Head of the Design & Development / Engineering Department, commented: "The new 50-metre Steel series gave us the opportunity to select the ideal engine for our brand-new platform. The MAN D2862LE438 was the clear choice, offering a power and efficiency profile that is perfectly calibrated for Project Grace's performance targets."The exterior design is by British studio Harrison Eidsgaard. The design includes features such as low bulwarks and full-height windows. The studio is also collaborating with Heesen's engineering team on the layout to optimize guest and crew areas.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen CCO, commented: “Seeing the lines of this first 50-metre Steel yacht take shape is a powerful moment—it’s where the vision becomes a tangible reality. We are confident her iconic design will resonate strongly with a discerning owner.”Project Grace is currently available for sale, with a scheduled delivery date in the first quarter of 2028.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: Heesen Yachts
September 16, 2025
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of a new 53-meter Yacht Support vessel from its Yacht Support range. The vessel, currently under construction at the company's facility in Antalya, Turkey, is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026. This announcement follows the recent sale and delivery of the YS53 Emotional, which will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show.The YS53 model is designed to provide logistical support for main vessels, with facilities for additional crew, water toys, and helicopter operations. Its features include an expansive open main deck aft area equipped with a 15-tonne crane for handling submersibles, large tenders, and other heavy equipment. The vessel measures 53 meters with a gross tonnage of 499 and can accommodate 8 guests, 10 crew members, and a captain. The exterior design, interior design, and naval architecture were all developed by Damen Yachting.Jan van Hogerwou, Sales Director North America at Damen Yachting, stated: “This YS53 is the perfect addition to the Owner’s existing fleet and provides the extension of facilities the Owner is looking to achieve with the addition of a support vessel. We would like to thank Stuart Larsen for his collaboration throughout this project. We look forward to the remaining build period as we prepare for delivery in Spring next year."The next available delivery slot for a YS53 model is Spring 2028.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
September 15, 2025
Numarine has introduced a new explorer yacht model, the 27XP, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 27-meter yacht replaces the 26XP model, of which 30 units have been sold.The yacht's exterior design and interiors are by Can Yalman, with naval architecture by Umberto Tagliavini. Two layout options are available: one with five cabins and another with four cabins. The five-cabin configuration includes a main deck VIP cabin, a full-beam master suite below deck, and three additional VIP suites. The four-cabin option moves the wheelhouse to the main deck.The 27XP features an open kitchen concept and enlarged outdoor areas. The flybridge is larger than on the previous model. A raised bow lounge is also included.Twin MAN 560 engines provide a top speed of 13.5 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles at 8 knots. An optional enclosed, glass flydeck helm station is available.Ömer Malaz, Founder and Chairman of Numarine, stated: “After keeping our cards close to our chests for a little while as we worked on refining the design, we are thrilled to unveil our latest model, the Numarine 27XP. Longer, roomier and more versatile than her predecessor, she introduces new levels of comfort, light and openness, while still keeping the rugged explorer spirit which defines our XP series. She sets a new standard of elegance and capability in the explorer yacht class.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
September 15, 2025