Yachting tends to be associated with its early Mediterranean roots, yet recent accelerating growth in the superyacht sector in Norway may indicate the beginning of a shift to new yachting hubs. From Espen Oeino's influence on yacht design to the largest yacht in the world to be built in Norway, the country's mark on yachting continues to strengthen as capacity in Northern Europe starts to lack.
Monaco-based Espen Oeino has been designing yachts since 1986, penning the lines of many of the the world's leading shipyards' flagships including Lurssen's 156-meter Dilbar, Heesen's 70-meter Galactica Super Nova and Fincantieri's 140-meter Ocean Victory.
The Norwegian designer's most ambitious projects may however be the 181.6-meter REV to be built by Vard for Norwegian billionaire, Kjell Inge Røkke valued by Forbes at $2,7 billion and primarily known in the business world as the majority stakeholder in Aker, a shipping and offshore drilling conglomerate.
Scheduled for delivery in 2020, the 181.6-meter yacht, set to be the world's largest, will be built by Norwegian shipyard, Vard, topping Azzam's length by almost 2 meters. "The REV will be a platform for gathering knowledge", explained Kjell Inge Røkke, "I would like to welcome researchers, environmental groups, and other institutions on board to acquire new skills to evolve innovative solutions to address challenges and opportunities connected to the seas".
Operated for scientific excursions in tandem with WWF Norway, the Research Expedition Vessel should also be made available for charters of up to 36 guests to help fund more scientific work. Vard was chosen for the build as Mr Røkke's first large trawler came from the shipyard, from which continued a 30-year long working relationship between the two.
The REV won't however be the first significant megayacht coming out of Norway. Indeed in 2013, Graeme Hart, New Zealand's richest man, ordered a 107-meter explorer from Norway-based commercial shipyard, Kleven. In November 2014, as the first Ulysses was under build, Hart commissioned a second 116-meter explorer from the yard.
Delivered in 2016, the 107-meter Ulysses was dubbed by many as the ultimate explorer due to her 22-meter tender on her bow, launched by two special cranes. Amongst her stand-out attributes are a 8,500nm range, an 11-meter swimming pool on the upper deck and a helicopter garage on the top deck.
"I am very pleased with the quality of the work that has been done by Kleven, and how our organization have worked together to bring this exciting project to life', commented Graeme Hart in November 2014 on Kleven's work on the first Ulysses.
Soon after her delivery, the explorer designed by Norwegian firm, Marin Teknikk, was put on the market asking $195 million ahead of the delivery of the new 116-meter Ulysses scheduled later this year.
Amidst growing development coming from the Norwegian superyacht ecosystem, a new player announced it was diversifying into the sector in November 2016. Ulstein Verft, a commercial shipyard based in Norway, then confirmed it was building a 88.5-meter yacht, designed by Espen Oeino, for one of the world's biggest ship owners.
With the marine platform and hull line design being developed by Ulstein itself and the general arrangement and exterior being penned by Oeino's Monaco-based studio, the 88.5-meter is set to be delivered already in the first quarter of 2018, a significant advantage of Norwegian upstarts compared to established superyacht yards in Northern Europe where waiting lists typically extend for several years for builds of this size.
Yacht construction and design is however not the only thriving part of the Norwegian superyacht ecosystem. In recent years, an increasingly important number of superyachts have started coming to visit Norway and its fjords amidst a thirst for new destinations. This uptick has become so significant that an association called Superyacht Norway was even established by local players to promote the destination.
Although still in an embryonic stage compared to the Med or the Caribbean, the May through September charter season in Norway is attracting more and more yachts. Recently, these have included visitors such as the 33.5-meter Feadships Kamino and Moon Sand Too and the 73.69-meter Ilona.
Popular destinations in Norway for superyacht cruises include Rosendal, a port at the foot of the Folgefonna glacier, near ski slopes, trek paths and waterfalls as well as Lofthus, a small privately-run port deep within a fjord with its own five-star hotel often visited by Norway's Queen and other high-profile visitors.
Although still in its very early stages, Norway's superyacht scene could soon start to rival the more established yachting hubs in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, perhaps unlocking areas in Norway and Scandinavia as new yachting destinations.
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.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
June 27, 2025
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
June 26, 2025