Spotted

Feadship has launched its latest expedition yacht, the 80-meter Valor, from its Aalsmeer facility. Built for a repeat client, the steel-hulled vessel features ice-class reinforcement capable of navigating the Northwest Passage, with Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 certification.Valor represents Feadship's most advanced hybrid propulsion system to date, combining four variable-speed generators with a massive 5.34MWh lithium-ion battery bank - five times the capacity of 2015's Savannah. The system enables 48 hours of silent, zero-emission operation using battery power alone, with optional Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel reducing carbon emissions by 90%. Twin Schottel EcoPeller azimuth thrusters deliver a maximum speed of 15 knots.Designed by Studio De Voogt, the exterior features a distinctive naval-inspired profile with a dreadnought bow and widened bulwarks that accommodate outdoor lounge spaces and even a dedicated relief station for the owner's three Golden Retrievers. The yacht's 8.35-meter infinity pool, heated using waste energy recovery, ranks among the largest installed on an 80-meter vessel.Bannenberg & Rowell created the interior using natural materials including custom bronze, stone and wood elements. Notable features include a main staircase comprising 48,001 individual components and vintage McIntosh audio systems. The layout accommodates 14 guests across six suites and an owner's deck complete with private hot tub, office and forward-facing stateroom overlooking the helideck."With Valor, we've achieved something recognizable from outer space," said designer Chris Bottoms of Studio De Voogt, referencing the owner's request for a distinctive profile. The yacht's symmetrical-thrust bow thruster and Quantum XT/MAGlift stabilization systems aim to provide comfort in rough conditions.Currently in final outfitting, Valor will begin sea trials ahead of its scheduled appearance at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, where it will compete for World Superyacht Awards. The project marks Feadship's continued development of large-scale hybrid yachts, though the shipyard declined to disclose build costs or delivery timeline.Additional amenities include a beach club with fold-down platforms, massage room, gym, and multiple al fresco dining areas connected by a six-deck elevator. The yacht's solar array supplements its electrical systems while maintaining clean lines in keeping with the owner's preference for a non-"wedding cake" profile.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

The 70-meter Benetti superyacht Alfa has completed an extensive refit at Lusben, the refit division of Azimut|Benetti Group. Originally delivered in 2020, the full-custom yacht underwent a complete renovation coordinated by Ocean Independence, with interior design by Mark Berryman Design.The technical scope included full repainting of the hull and owner deck with advanced protective coatings, along with the mandatory five-year survey of all major systems. Engineers conducted thorough inspections and servicing of stabilizers, propulsion shafts, engines, and generators. Mechanical upgrades featured new software for the forward crane allowing independent arm control, redesigned bollards, and optimized stern platform fittings for improved tender operations. Crew areas received attention with complete overhauls of the side ladder, stern passerelle, and swim ladder.André Mahr (Ocean Independence), Gianni Paladino (Lusben), Simone Rotili (PM Lusben), Alessio Centelli (Head of site Lusben Livorno)For interior spaces, the UK-based Mark Berryman Design studio preserved Alfa's original elegance while introducing contemporary elements. The main deck now features custom sofas with integrated chessboards, marble-clad tables with built-in fire pits, and redesigned wall panels. The owner's suite received new cabinetry and finishes, while four new bars were installed throughout the yacht, including a teppanyaki station on the skydeck. A striking wine cellar now occupies the portside corridor, transforming a transitional space into a design feature. The galley was completely reconfigured with new equipment and improved workflow."The work on Alfa perfectly embodies our 'life cycle' philosophy," said Gianni Paladino, Commercial Director of Lusben. "Supporting a Benetti yacht from launch through refit demonstrates our commitment to long-term value preservation."Ocean Independence's Anton Foord noted: "This relaunch represents months of dedicated work by skilled professionals. The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are evident throughout the yacht."Captain Simon Johnson, André Mahr (Ocean Independence), Alessio Celli (Head of site Livorno), Simone Rotili (PM Lusben)Following the refit, Alfa will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer at €700,000 per week. The yacht maintains its original configuration for 12 guests and 18 crew across five decks, with the refit enhancing both technical systems and living spaces while preserving the vessel's signature indoor-outdoor flow.Lusben completed the complex project at its Livorno facility, with Project Manager Simone Rotili coordinating multiple technical and design teams. The shipyard did not disclose the total refit cost or duration. Alfa's return to service follows several other high-profile refit projects completed by Lusben in recent months, as the Azimut|Benetti Group continues expanding its refit capabilities.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: Ocean Independence

Italian shipyard CRN has handed over the 67-meter superyacht Amor à Vida to its owner following successful sea trials. The steel and aluminum vessel, previously known as Project Maranello, departed CRN's Ancona facility in early May for its maiden Mediterranean voyage.The six-deck yacht features exterior styling by Nuvolari Lenard and interior design by Valentina Zannier, developed in collaboration with the owner. Moran Yacht & Ship represented the owner throughout the construction process, overseeing technical evaluations and project coordination. Accommodation includes an owner's suite on the upper deck, a convertible VIP suite on the main deck, and five guest cabins on the lower deck, with a total capacity for 12 guests.Amor à Vida incorporates a hybrid propulsion system with two MTU 12V4000 M63 engines, achieving IMO Tier III emissions certification. The yacht reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots with a cruising speed of 15 knots. An advanced heat recovery system improves energy efficiency by repurposing waste heat for the yacht's pools and plumbing network.CRN's project team worked closely with the owner's representatives and subcontractors to execute the custom design, which emphasizes fuel efficiency through its hybrid power management. The delivery follows the 2024 launch of CRN's 72-meter Cloud 9 and precedes several scheduled 2025 completions at the Ancona shipyard. No construction timeline or cost details were disclosed.The yacht's delivery marks another full-custom project completion for CRN, continuing the Ferretti Group subsidiary's focus on bespoke superyacht construction. Amor à Vida will spend its inaugural season cruising Mediterranean destinations before potentially appearing at fall boat shows.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

Azimut's Seadeck 7 has received the 2025 Miglio Blue Design Award in the "General Concept" category, recognizing its hybrid propulsion system and sustainable design approach. The award was presented during the Blue Design Summit at Teatro Civico in La Spezia, Italy.The 20-meter Seadeck 7 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional yachts in its class through a full-hybrid Volvo Penta system, carbon fiber construction, and optimized naval architecture. The model introduces Azimut's "Gentle at Sea" philosophy, emphasizing connection with nature through design elements like the Fun Island - an open aft terrace eliminating barriers with the marine environment.Interiors by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez incorporate recycled and recyclable materials, establishing what the shipyard describes as a new design language for family motoryachts. The hybrid system marks Azimut's first application of electrification technology in this size segment.The Miglio Blue Design Award jury cited the Seadeck 7's integration of sustainable technologies with experiential design as key factors in their decision. Azimut has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the model, which remains available for order through the brand's global dealer network.This recognition follows the Seadeck series' launch in 2024 as Azimut's most environmentally focused product line to date. The shipyard continues development of hybrid and alternative fuel systems across its range, with multiple projects scheduled for presentation at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts

Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.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