Ocean Independence Introduces Project Kumu Hybrid Yacht Concept

Northrop & Johnson has confirmed the sale of the 25.8-meter Feadship motor yacht Monara. Yacht brokers Ed Dickinson and Ed Cavendish acted on behalf of both buyer and seller, with the yacht last listed at EUR4,500,000. Originally built in 1969, Monara underwent a complete rebuild at Feadship’s Makkum yard in 2016, placing it among the Feadship Heritage Fleet. The rebuild included the installation of Zero Speed stabilizers and a silent electric battery system.Inside, the main salon is designed with warm oak finishes and offers an L-shaped settee and a concealed pop-up TV. A glass floor panel provides a view of the yacht’s restored Gardner main engines. The galley features a Dutch door that opens to the main deck, creating an integrated indoor-outdoor living area.Accommodations include four staterooms for up to eight guests. The master suite, lit by four hull windows, has a queen-size bed and an ensuite with adjustable privacy glass. The VIP cabin is also ensuite, while two additional guest cabins can be configured as twin or double rooms and share a bathroom.Externally, Monara retains classic yacht elements, including a clipper bow and canoe stern. The covered aft deck features seating around a teak table, accommodating up to 12 for alfresco meals. The sundeck is equipped for multiple functions, offering a convertible 10-person sunbed, an L-shaped lounge, an additional sunbed forward, and shade options via adjustable sails.Following its recent sale, Monara continues to represent a combination of traditional Feadship craftsmanship and contemporary onboard technology.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

Ocean Independence has unveiled Project Kumu, a 46-meter hybrid-powered yacht concept developed by a design team from D-ID in Winchester, with naval architecture by Southampton-based Lateral Engineering. Initially conceived for a specific client seeking a fast day-boat style superyacht constructed in aluminum and featuring a sailing yacht profile, the project evolved after the client did not proceed.Project Kumu’s design includes a hull optimized for efficiency and a hybrid propulsion system intended to enable silent operation at anchor. The main deck’s aft section spans approximately 200 square metres, incorporating fold-down platforms and flexible social areas. An open-plan saloon connects directly to an external bar and deck spaces, aiming to provide an uninterrupted flow between the interior and exterior. Large windows, a skylight, and an adaptable layout are intended to allow daylight to define and separate spaces without fixed boundaries.Accommodation plans include three substantial cabins for the owner and VIP guests on the main deck’s bow section, while two additional guest cabins and a secondary multi-function saloon with a balcony door are positioned on the lower deck. The design also includes a sun deck of about 285 square meters, made possible by sinking the wheelhouse into the deck structure.With an anticipated range of 3,500 nautical miles, the yacht’s hybrid propulsion targets long-distance travel, such as routes between the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Storage for two tenders – one 7.5 meters on the aft deck and one 5.5 meters in the toy garage – alongside space for various equipment, is included in the concept.Ocean Independence indicates that Project Kumu is now ready for the next phase and notes that quotes are already available from several shipyards capable of bringing the concept into construction.Credits: Ocean Independence

The Azimut|Benetti Group has been named the leading global manufacturer of mega yachts for the 25th year, holding a 20% share of the market, according to the 2025 Global Order Book published by Boat International. The Group, which specializes in yachts over 24 meters, recorded 164 units under construction, totaling 5,905 meters in length.Azimut Seadeck 7 Hybrid ProjectThe company attributes its sustained success to strategic pillars such as product innovation, a focus on quality, global market reach, and investment in talent. Revenues for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, reached €1.3 billion, with a robust order portfolio extending through 2029.Azimut|Benetti Group’s product range spans Azimut’s 12 to 44-meter yachts and Benetti’s larger vessels, including custom mega yachts exceeding 100 meters. The Group has introduced designs aimed at redefining onboard living spaces, with models such as the Azimut Seadeck Series and the Benetti Oasis garnering attention for their innovative concepts.In recent years, the Group has prioritized emissions reduction. Azimut offers a fleet where over half of the yachts are classified as Low Emission Yachts, incorporating varying levels of hybrid technology. Benetti, meanwhile, has 10 hybrid mega yachts under construction and hybrid options across most of its product lines. Notable models include Azimut’s Seadeck Series, with a reported 40% reduction in CO2 emissions, and Benetti’s B.Yond line, which achieves reductions of 24% in CO2 and 80% in NOX emissions.Benetti Veranda DeckAzimut|Benetti emphasizes in-house production for critical components and partners with a select supply chain to maintain quality. The Light Steel Hub in Tuscany and the upcoming Composite Hub for fiberglass and carbon fiber production are central to these efforts. The company also plans to expand its Lusben division, which specializes in refits for large yachts.Geographically, the Group balances its market presence between Europe, the United States, and MEA-APAC regions, leveraging exclusive dealer networks and strategic collaborations to manage local risks and optimize offerings.Benetti Veranda DeckThe company reports an 18% increase in staff over the past six years, driven by growth in operations. To preserve its expertise and culture, Azimut|Benetti has launched initiatives such as a Corporate Academy to transfer knowledge between generations and the “Nauticità” project, which allows employees to experience life aboard the company’s yachts.As the Group celebrates its 25th consecutive year as a market leader, its focus remains on long-term sustainability, technological innovation, and maintaining high standards across its operations.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti

The Italian Sea Group is excited to reveal exclusive insights into Project Spyder, an impressive 88-meter megayacht currently in development. Collaborating with esteemed design firms Espen Øino International and FM Architettura, this project is poised to be one of the most ambitious and innovative undertakings in the luxury yachting sector.Kitson Yachts, a prominent Yachting Family Office based in Miami, has been closely following the progress of the Admiral Spyder since initial discussions began. Additionally, a second 73-meter Admiral megayacht is already in the works at The Italian Sea Group, marking another triumph in the collaboration between TISG and Kitson Yachts, which serves as an Authorized Sales Agency in the AMAS region. Main saloonSet for delivery in 2027, Project Spyder embodies the pinnacle of advanced technology, exclusive design, and unparalleled comfort. The partnership with Espen Øino International has resulted in a remarkable design and layout that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.Notably, the exterior design features a sophisticated and adaptable aft deck, providing generous spaces for both entertainment and relaxation. Each deck is equipped with expansive sliding and full-height glass panels, creating a seamless connection to the sea. These flexible spaces can easily transition from private family retreats to lively social areas.Main saloon Espen Øino International expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We value the opportunity to work with this particular client, the A-Group, FM Architettura, and The Italian Sea Group to create what will undoubtedly be a unique and meticulously crafted yacht. I can’t wait to see it launched!”A standout aspect of Project Spyder is its commitment to sustainability. The yacht features an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system with electric Azipods, ensuring low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. This eco-friendly design is further supported by five variable-speed generators, making it one of the most environmentally conscious yachts in its class.Main deck With a volume of approximately 3,000 GT, Spyder can host up to 18 guests across nine elegantly designed staterooms, including a master suite on the bridge deck that offers a fully private aft deck. Every area of the yacht is designed for maximum comfort, featuring spacious communal spaces like the main salon and an observation lounge on the upper deck.The interior design strikes a perfect balance between natural light and high-quality materials. Curated by FM Architettura, the interiors showcase carefully chosen colors, decorations, and finishes that harmonize with the abundant natural light. Generous ceiling heights, refined furnishings, and a meticulous selection of materials enhance the yacht's elegance and comfort, making every corner inviting and sophisticated.Owner's suite “We are truly happy and honored to have been chosen by the Owner and their family to develop the interior architecture and design of this beautiful ship. From the outset, there has been a clear and inspiring vision, and we are thoroughly enjoying our collaboration with the A Group, Espen Øino, and the shipyard in creating this truly special vessel. We cannot wait to see her navigate the seas and bring joy to her owners and their family,” commented FM Architettura Design Studio.The naval platform, fully engineered by The Italian Sea Group, features optimized hull lines that deliver exceptional performance and superior onboard comfort, ensuring a unique cruising experience.Beach club With its extraordinary blend of outstanding design, cutting-edge innovation, and sustainability, Project Spyder 88m is set to emerge as one of the most exclusive yachts in the global yachting arena.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: TISG

The Sialia 45 electric cruiser has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Gustave Trouvé Award for Excellence in Electric Boats in the category of ‘Electric Boats Over 8m / 26ft In Production.’“This recognition is a remarkable achievement for our team. Sialia Yachts is unique in offering innovative solutions within the 13-35 meter range, and this award affirms that we are on the right trajectory,” stated Milvio Ricci, Chief Commercial Officer at Sialia Yachts.Sialia Yachts made waves in 2022 with the debut of its 57-foot all-electric performance cruiser, Deep Silence. Earlier this year, the company unveiled the Sialia 45, with the first two hulls of this cutting-edge model currently under construction. The 14-meter cruiser is capable of reaching speeds of up to 43 knots, powered by a sophisticated proprietary propulsion system featuring twin 300kW electric motors, while also offering an impressive operational range.At a cruising speed of 25 knots, the standard 500kWh battery pack allows for a range of 55 nautical miles, which can be extended to 77 miles with an optional 200kWh endurance battery pack, or even up to 164 nautical miles when utilizing the Range Extender (Rex).This year, over 150 boats competed for the Gustave Trouvé Awards, attracting more than 6,000 votes from around the globe. The International Panel, consisting of 32 electric boat experts, contributed votes that were weighted at a 3:1 ratio in the final results. The Sialia 45 emerged as the clear favorite in its category, garnering the highest number of votes from the judges, highlighting its significance and the respect it holds among industry peers.Established to honor innovators, designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries dedicated to advancing clean, quiet, zero-emission technologies, the Gustave Trouvé Awards celebrate efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in marine propulsion.The awards are named after Gustave Trouvé, a prolific French inventor known for holding over 75 patents, including the world's first outboard boat motor, which he created to detach from his prototype electric boat ‘Le Teléphone’ for further development in his Paris apartment.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts