French yard La Ciotat Shipyards (LCS) has presented the environmental features of their upcoming 4,300t megayscht platform, along with other eco-friendly initiatives. 



At the presentation, Jean-Yves Saussol, CEO of LCS stated: 
Having public shareholders and being active in the yachting industry where environmental concerns are on the rise, we have always been committed to delivering a project which could be a model in terms of sustainability.

According to the yard, the new shiplift will have a positive impact on the natural setting and the biodiversity of the Golfe d’Amour and the nearby Calanques’ National Park. This will be achieved by the rehabilitation of the former industrial brownfield sites left behind from the closure of redundant shipyards.

As part of the clean-up, 3,600 cubic metres of polluted sediment will be removed from the harbour and sent to a treatment facility. As with the current yacht platforms at La Ciotat, the new 4,300t platform will be equipped with rainwater collection system, which will prevent polluted materials from the brownfield sites from discharging into the sea. 

Moreover, La Ciotat Shipyards will equip the quays of the new platform with an innovative biomimicry system that will reproduce the natural habitats of local marine species, thus fostering their reproduction.

This feature, which has already been tested at a smaller scale in the Marseilles’ harbour, will cover no less than 600 sqm and thus will form the world’s largest artificial fish nursery to be installed in a harbour.


Copyright : Seaboost

In order to keep the CO emissions and disturbance to the immediate neighbourhood at the lowest possible level throughout the construction phase, up to 98% of the 80,000 cubic metres of the soil that will be excavated for the project will be reused on the site. As a result the number of truck movements will be reduced to as few as 2-3 per day, instead of 25-30 trucks.

Finally, and very importantly, special attention has been devoted to the protection of local fauna and flora, which are particularly rich in the bay of La Ciotat. Protection procedures that minimise the release of suspended matter from the site into the waters of the bay will therefore be double the usual provision. 



To avoid disturbance to the dolphins that live in the bay, two double bubble curtains will also be installed, surpassing the noise of the underwater works. Visual monitoring of nearby cetaceans will also be undertaken throughout the construction phase to monitor their well-being.

As part of the above-mentioned environmental protection measures, La Ciotat Shipyards will also set up a comprehensive surveillance system to monitor and measure their effectiveness. This long-term monitoring programme will be implemented during the construction phase and will be maintained during the future exploitation. 



According to Alexandre Rolland, Project Director for La Ciotat Shipyards: 
The full package of environmental measures that will be implemented both during the construction works and the exploitation phase, represents a total investment of almost €5 million and have been designed after long studies in close partnership with public authorities such as the Calanques’ National Park.

Today, the harbour of La Ciotat is the only French site accommodating megayacht refit projects due to its dry dock. LCS claims that approximately 100 yachts with LOA exceeding 50 metres, or about 1/7th of the world fleet, come to La Ciotat Shipyards every year. Counted in numbers, 11 yachts with an average size of 87 metres were refitted at local facility in 2017. 

La Ciotat Shipyards had started global re-industrialisation project at their refit hub in 2017 and has already reported investment of approximately € 100,000,000 from private funds.

Latest News

Contract for 63m Sailing Yacht Project Dreamer Secured by Vitters
Dutch shipyard Vitters has signed a contract to build the 63-meter sailing yacht Project Dreamer, with construction set to begin this year at its Zwartsluis facility. The aluminum-hulled vessel, designed to maximize volume within a 500GT limit, is scheduled for delivery in 2028.Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design will handle the exterior styling, which features a radiused transom and an expansive flybridge spanning the full superstructure width with dedicated lounge and dining areas. The design incorporates a mid-lazarette with fold-down hull door for water toy deployment.Milan-based M2Atelier will develop interior spaces characterized by open layouts, natural materials, and botanical elements. Owner's representative Greg Monks stated the project will "set new standards" for flybridge yachts, emphasizing reduced noise/vibration and sustainable operation.Vitters has not disclosed technical specifications, though the yard confirmed construction will adhere to the client's request for optimized interior volume within the 500GT threshold. Additional details will be released during the build process.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners. Credits: Vitters
Videoworks Implements Advanced AV System on Custom Line Navetta 38
Videoworks has completed an innovative audio-visual and connectivity installation aboard Custom Line Navetta 38 Telli, the new yacht owned by Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. The system eliminates traditional satellite TV (TVRO) in favor of a fully streaming-based approach, marking a technological milestone for yachts in this size category.The setup includes high-performance Starlink maritime antennas delivering speeds up to 220 Mbps, supported by dual 5G modems as backup. "The owner requested very fast Starlink connectivity offering streaming, internet and multiple pay-per-view services," said Giovanni Varone, Yachting Sales Manager at Videoworks. "This is the first time we’ve installed such advanced systems on a project of this size."Audio features K-array and James loudspeakers for exterior areas, while interior spaces utilize Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Theatre soundbar and Beolab 19 subwoofer. A custom pop-up speaker system was developed for the beach area, integrated with Videoworks’ Slim Audio Matrix for automatic calibration.Beolab 19Control is managed via an HTML5-based web engine, adapting dynamically to tablets, smartphones, and PCs. Hardware is consolidated into two centralized racks and a dedicated decoder distribution unit."This yacht represents the future of onboard connectivity," said Paolo Tagliapietra, Connectivity Solutions Manager at Videoworks. "The complete reliance on streaming is a game-changer for the industry."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
Refitted 27m Slow Poke Completes Major Transformation
The 27.5-meter motor yacht Slow Poke (ex-Coy Koi) has emerged from a comprehensive $8 million refit at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center, completed in 2024. Originally built in 2000 as part of Kuipers' Doggersbank series, the Vripack-designed explorer underwent a 2.5-year transformation to suit its American owner's preferences for vintage-inspired functionality.Key modifications include a 2.5-meter hull extension with a CFD-optimized bulbous bow, improving speed by 2 knots and reducing fuel consumption by 10%. The redesign also incorporated a hydraulic swim platform and elevated stern. "Slow Poke now has a platform that allows us to engage with the water easily and freely while we explore," the owner stated.The yacht retains its original steel hull and aluminum superstructure, with mechanical systems including rebuilt engines and generators from a 2018 refit. New exterior features include black hull paint with a British racing green stripe and custom awning artwork by Paul Kremer. Interior updates by New York's Redd Kaihoi introduce high-gloss retro styling while preserving Vripack's original layout.Accommodation remains for six guests across three ensuite cabins, including a master suite color-matched to the owner's 1952 Porsche 356A. The vessel maintains its signature split-level flybridge and expanded aft deck spaces."For me, Slow Poke is the perfect three night boat," the owner commented. "It provides the type of tranquillity that you can't get with a bigger boat." Since delivery, the yacht has cruised the West Coast from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
Denison Yachting Announces 41m Magnolia Yachts New Build for 2026 Delivery
Denison Yachting has revealed the first superyacht project from Turkey's Magnolia Yachts – the 41-meter Magnolia 41m, scheduled for delivery in 2026. The vessel represents the inaugural collaboration between naval architect Gregory C. Marshall and fourth-generation shipbuilder Gökhan Yardimci, combining the Yardimci family's 50 years of maritime expertise with contemporary superyacht design.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the explorer yacht meets ocean-going specifications with emphasis on fuel efficiency and sustainable operations. Performance figures include a top speed of 15 knots, cruising speed of 13 knots, and a transatlantic range of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The 485 GT vessel features five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite with walk-in wardrobe and spa bathroom. Common areas include a skylounge with alfresco dining, sundeck hot tub, and a main salon with panoramic windows. Interior design employs a neutral color palette throughout guest spaces.Peter Quintal, Yacht Broker at Denison Yachting, stated: "Combining the expertise of Greg C. Marshall and Gökhan Yardimci, we are so excited to give potential owners and yachting enthusiasts the chance to step onboard this stunning superyacht next year. Magnolia 41m blends innovation, craftsmanship and a rich family legacy to create a truly exceptional boat."The Magnolia 41m will be showcased to potential buyers during the 2025 build period ahead of its scheduled 2026 completion.With a rich family history dating back to 1948, Denison Yachting is a leader in the industry, providing comprehensive yachting services worldwide. With over 20 waterfront offices and a team of 90+ licensed brokers, Denison offers superyacht sales, yacht charter, crew placement, and new construction services. Their extensive experience and passion for yachting ensure a long-term perspective and commitment to excellence.Credits: Denison Yachting
Henk de Vries Steps Down as Feadship Director After 38 Years
Henk de Vries III will retire as Director of Feadship and CEO of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw on 1 May 2025, concluding nearly four decades of leadership in the superyacht industry. He will transition to an Ambassador role for Feadship while maintaining involvement as a non-executive board member and shareholder of the family-owned shipbuilder.Henk de Vries De Vries joined the company in 1987 and became a director/shareholder in 1996 alongside his cousin Tom de Vries. Under their leadership, De Vries expanded to seven operating companies with over 1,200 employees. The group remains fully family-owned and holds a 50% stake in Feadship.A proponent of sustainability, de Vries co-founded the Water Revolution Foundation in 2018 and continues as its Board Chairman. The organization focuses on reducing yachting’s ecological impact through science-based initiatives.Leadership transitions to Roderick de Vries as CEO and Operational Director, with Bas Nederpelt assuming the role of Chief Commercial Officer and Feadship Director. The new executive team brings over 80 years of combined experience at De Vries.Henk and Tom de VriesHenk de Vries stated: “The four members of our new executive board bring with them over eighty years of De Vries experience. Their deep understanding of the company ensures it is in very capable hands.”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