Repower Introduces Venice's First Fully Electric Water Taxi Lucietta

Northrop & Johnson has announced the lease through donation of the 43.6-meter Feadship motor yacht True North, built in 1987 by Van Lent shipyard. The vessel's recent $4 million refit in 2021 addressed critical systems while preserving its classic Dutch craftsmanship.The comprehensive refit program included complete hull plating renewal and tank work to satisfy Bureau Veritas 35-year survey requirements. Mechanical upgrades focused on the twin CAT 3508 DI-TA engines, while new Quantum zero-speed stabilizers were installed to enhance onboard comfort. Guest areas received modernized accommodations, including renovated Crema Marfil marble bathrooms in the full-beam master suite.True North has compiled an extensive cruising history, having completed multiple transatlantic crossings and operated successfully in both tropical and temperate climates. The yacht's robust construction and 4,000-nautical-mile range at 11 knots have supported operations throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.Current configuration accommodates 16 guests across five staterooms, including four convertible guest cabins with multiple bedding options. Outdoor amenities feature a sundeck hot tub, swim-up bar, and expanded swim platform. The yacht's service areas utilize dedicated crew staircases to maintain operational efficiency."True North represents the enduring quality of Feadship construction," noted Northrop & Johnson brokers Kevin Merrigan and Kristen Klein. "The recent refit ensures this classic yacht meets contemporary expectations while retaining its original character."The donation lease arrangement provides for the yacht's continued operation while supporting the donor's philanthropic objectives. True North remains certified for global cruising following its recent survey compliance and mechanical upgrades.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: Northrop & Johnson

Swiss energy company Repower has unveiled Lucietta, Venice's first fully electric water taxi, marking a significant advancement in sustainable marine transportation for the historic city. The 9.3-meter vessel, designed by Nauta Design and built by Murano's Cantiere Serenella shipyard, debuted at the Venice Boat Show and will serve during the 2025 Venice Film Festival before entering regular service.Constructed using a combination of traditional Venetian boatbuilding techniques and modern sustainable materials, Lucietta features a lightweight carbon fiber hull and incorporates recycled Murano glass elements developed by local startup Rehub. The construction process maintained Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canal navigation while implementing contemporary electric propulsion technology.The vessel is powered by a 200kW electric motor with a 180 kWh battery system specifically optimized for Venice's operating conditions. Performance specifications include a top speed of 30 knots (55.5 km/h) and sufficient battery capacity for a full 8-hour workday at typical lagoon speeds of 7-20 km/h. Compared to conventional diesel water taxis, Lucietta completely eliminates direct emissions during operation and reduces energy consumption by approximately 60%.Environmental impact projections indicate each Lucietta water taxi will prevent about 12 tons of CO2 emissions annually while completely eliminating particulate matter emissions. The electric propulsion system also reduces noise pollution from 85 dB to 45 dB - an 85% decrease that significantly improves the acoustic environment of Venice's canals. Over its operational lifetime, the electric taxi is expected to have 30% lower maintenance costs than combustion engine models."Electric boating represents a crucial part of the sustainable mobility revolution," stated Fabio Bocchiola, CEO of Repower Italia, noting the European electric boating market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030. The project builds on Repower's previous electric boat initiative that received a Compasso d'Oro honorable mention in 2020.Nauta Design's Massimo Gino explained the design process: "We studied original taxi designs and interviewed operators to create a modern electric version that respects Venice's strict dimensional constraints for canals and bridges." The collaboration with local artisans at Cantiere Serenella ensured the preservation of traditional Venetian craftsmanship while implementing sustainable technologies.Lucietta can accommodate up to 14 passengers and will initially serve during high-profile Venice events before expanding to regular water taxi service. The introduction coincides with Venice's increasing restrictions on combustion engine vessels in its sensitive lagoon ecosystem, positioning electric water transportation as a viable solution for the city's unique mobility challenges.Credits: Nauta Design

The Italian Sea Group has completed the refit of the 49-meter sailing yacht Kaizen at its NCA Refit Business Unit. Originally built in 2000 by New Zealand's Alloy Yachts, the aluminum-hulled vessel underwent significant technical upgrades during its refit.Key work included replacement of the original steel rigging with carbon fiber components and complete repainting of both mast and boom. The refit preserved the yacht's original design by Glade Johnson, with naval architecture by Paolo Scanu and Butch Dalrymple Smith.The project demonstrates the Group's refit capabilities for large sailing yachts, following previous work on superyachts and megayachts. Kaizen's upgrades focused on performance enhancements through weight reduction and system modernization.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: The Italian Sea Group

Greek yacht builder Omikron Yachts will return to the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, to present its OT-60 model. The 18-meter yacht, which received three international awards in 2024, will be displayed at Europe's largest in-water boat show.The OT-60 features a fuel-efficient Eco-Cruise hull designed by Juan-K, with exterior and interior styling by Lorenzo Argento. At a cruising speed of 8 knots, the yacht achieves a range of 1,000 nautical miles with fuel consumption of 1.25 liters per nautical mile. The design combines elements of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, emphasizing onboard space optimization.Following the OT-60's market success, Omikron Yachts has expanded its Mediterranean dealer network and plans to enter the North American market. The company currently has several projects in development, including the larger OT-80 motor yacht and the 54-meter sailing yacht Argo 54 under construction at its Athens-area facility.Between 1969 and the late 90s, the Olympic Yachts shipyard manufactured over 2,000 sailing boats. Starting in 2019, the shipyard underwent a comprehensive renovation, revitalizing its capabilities to design and manufacture contemporary, high-quality boats.Credits: Omikron Yachts

Italian shipbuilder MED Group has launched its new Tykun brand, introducing a line of high-performance chase boats designed by architect Tommaso Spadolini. The aluminum-hulled vessels will be available in three sizes: 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5 meters.The first 10.5-meter unit is currently under construction and scheduled to debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. A client has already ordered the largest 12.5-meter model, with delivery expected in 2026. The boats utilize MED Group's three decades of experience building vessels for military and security applications.Constructed from aluminum without requiring molds, the Tykun series allows for extensive customization of layouts, finishes, and configurations. The design incorporates military-derived naval architecture adapted for luxury yacht tender use.Marco Galimberti"We know that owners will appreciate the flexibility of the design and layout," said Spadolini, noting the boats' adaptable interiors. MED Group CEO Marco Galimberti added, "These boats combine the power of military vessels with the elegance of superyacht tenders."The Cervia-based shipyard currently employs 60 workers and plans to expand to a larger facility in 2026. The Tykun line represents MED Group's first foray into the luxury yacht market, applying its defense sector expertise to premium chase boat construction.Credits: MED Group