Eric Hansen, owner of Hansen Marine Exploration tells the story behind the development of his eco-friendly and high-tech superyacht Arcana set to be delivered by JFA.
Put up for sale through Yachting Partners International, the 38-meter explorer offers a whole range of unique features, from advanced propulsion adapted from commercial vessels, to a patented submarine launch system, for an ultimate long-range travel experience.
“I was always interested in developing a boat that combines travel and exploration,” says Eric Hansen, owner of Marine Exploration as he explains his vision for the design of Arcana:
The starting point for this explorer project was the desire to create “something new”, a different boat capable of cruising to places not touched by civilization. At the Singapore Yacht Show in 2013, Eric met the naval architect Horacio Bozzo, who could immediately see how the initial concept could be brought to life.
Designed to leave the least carbon print possible, the boat boasts diesel-electric propulsion, allowing for a remarkable 4.000 nautical miles range at a cruising speed of 10 to 12 knots. Her non-toxic hull antifouling coating with non-biocide-release is meant to prevent harm to marine life. Even the teak of her decking is renewable. Moreover, thanks to the smart dynamic positioning the yacht can access sensitive areas, without disturbing seabeds or dropping anchors on corals.
As a result, Arcana exceeds all existent environment protection requirements, including IMO Tier 3 for nitrogen oxide emissions.
As for her Azumuth Thrusters – marine propellers that rotate 360°around the vertical axis – they ensure improved stability and agility in comparison with conventional propulsion system. Being common with support vessels that have to maintain their position next to oil platforms, this technology onboard the superyacht enables her to stay on station in a specific location for hours, while dramatically reducing vibration and noise.
Another innovative feature is a patented automated submarine launch system, purpose-designed for a 3-man piloted U-Boat Worx submarine.
The mechanism allows a controlled launch and recovery that feels safer that traditional launches by crane. Passengers can board the submarine directly from the yacht, launch gently to the water and come back the same way. Besides, the submarine launch doubles as a dive-board or slide base.
With its submarine, shallow draft and advanced exploration technology, Arcana is an ideal yacht for discovering the remote islands of Asia, as Eric suggests:
As far as the Arcana’s elegant profile is concerned, it embodies functionality and style, as the following video shows without any further ado.
“I was always interested in developing a boat that combines travel and exploration,” says Eric Hansen, owner of Marine Exploration as he explains his vision for the design of Arcana:
“For me, it is a pity that these beautiful yachts just do a few rounds up and down the shore and don’t really travel: I wanted to develop an elegant yacht for exploration and travel with long range,” he claims.
The starting point for this explorer project was the desire to create “something new”, a different boat capable of cruising to places not touched by civilization. At the Singapore Yacht Show in 2013, Eric met the naval architect Horacio Bozzo, who could immediately see how the initial concept could be brought to life.
Designed to leave the least carbon print possible, the boat boasts diesel-electric propulsion, allowing for a remarkable 4.000 nautical miles range at a cruising speed of 10 to 12 knots. Her non-toxic hull antifouling coating with non-biocide-release is meant to prevent harm to marine life. Even the teak of her decking is renewable. Moreover, thanks to the smart dynamic positioning the yacht can access sensitive areas, without disturbing seabeds or dropping anchors on corals.
As a result, Arcana exceeds all existent environment protection requirements, including IMO Tier 3 for nitrogen oxide emissions.
As for her Azumuth Thrusters – marine propellers that rotate 360°around the vertical axis – they ensure improved stability and agility in comparison with conventional propulsion system. Being common with support vessels that have to maintain their position next to oil platforms, this technology onboard the superyacht enables her to stay on station in a specific location for hours, while dramatically reducing vibration and noise.
Another innovative feature is a patented automated submarine launch system, purpose-designed for a 3-man piloted U-Boat Worx submarine.
“When you go exploring, you can scuba to maybe 30 meters, a bit more if you’re qualified, but there are a lot of very interesting sub-sea or underwater things you cannot see if you don’t have a smart submarine,” Eric points out.
The mechanism allows a controlled launch and recovery that feels safer that traditional launches by crane. Passengers can board the submarine directly from the yacht, launch gently to the water and come back the same way. Besides, the submarine launch doubles as a dive-board or slide base.
With its submarine, shallow draft and advanced exploration technology, Arcana is an ideal yacht for discovering the remote islands of Asia, as Eric suggests:
“You can go to a very small cove or a small remote fishing port at the far end of Indonesia or the Philippines, and just turn around very easily with dynamic positioning. Myanmar is opening to yachting, and it is a pristine world for diving with few yachts available there. Palau has shark sanctuaries ideal to explore on a submarine. Asia is a wonderful playground for yachting and exploration”.
As far as the Arcana’s elegant profile is concerned, it embodies functionality and style, as the following video shows without any further ado.
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Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.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
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025