Launched in 2015 by Feadship in the Netherlands, the 83.5-meter Savannah became a landmark project for her shipyard, becoming one of the first true representations of a hybrid superyacht. With features such as an underwater observation room and a 9-meter swimming pool, the yacht was recently made available for charter from €1 million per week.
Built as a separate room, adjacent to the entrance to the master stateroom, the owner's study features floor-to-ceiling windows, not unlike other areas on Savannah, as well as a fully-stocked library and lounging area.
Built for Swedish billionaire, Lukas Lundin, according to the New York Times, Savannah boasts the first hybrid propulsion system implemented on a yacht of this size.
Built under the codename Monkey Business, Savannah stretches across a beam of 12.5 meters, the widest possible measurement that allowed her to cruise out of the shipyard and into the sea through Dutch canals. Straying away from classical Feadship lines, Savannah's rounded shapes were drawn by CG Design, the second superyacht the French studio ever designed.
Having designed the interior of Lundin's previous yacht, a 49-meter Christensen named Odessa, the French studio aimed to look at yacht design in a different way. The result was the creation of spaces such as the underwater observation lounge, a secret room in the bow and a customized interior layout.
"It is not the individual technologies used on Savannah that are new in the yachting world - it is the way they have been combined." detailed the owner's project manager, Ted McCumber at the time of her delivery.
Prior to Savannah, hybrid superyachts had long been an ambition for various shipyards but the yet unproven technology was failing to attract enough attention from clients to warrant them venturing into nine-figure yacht construction projects on a dream.
This all changed in 2011 when Lundin placed an order with Feadship to build the 83.5-meter Savannah. Initially skeptical to implementing the propulsion technology that would set Savannah apart, Lundin reportedly had his engineer ride several passenger ships in Japan where a similar technology had been installed to test it out on the seas.
Featuring five different operating modes, from diesel to fully electric, Savannah features a 30-tons lithium battery bank capable of holding up to 1 million watts of electricity. Using best of both worlds, Savannah can reach a cruising speed of 18 knots in diesel-electric mode.
Savannah's main salon is purposely located on the same level as her 9-meter swimming pool, to create a gigantic open space on the main deck. Should guests open the weathertight doors, which get stacked invisibly on the side, a virtually natural transition between the indoor salon and the outdoor swimming pool takes place.
Low lounging furniture located all around the swimming pool create an ideal location for sunbathing, whilst at the same time letting guests experience an untampered view all around from the mosaic swimming pool. Railings have also been built in such a manner to keep an open view.
Inside the main deck, the circular layout theme continues with round shapes found in a variety of places. From the light spread on the ceiling to the concealed staircase on the side to the shapes of the carpets and furniture, the circular theme spreads throughout the main deck lounge.
Another noticeable detail is that instead of cutting through rooms in a straight line, corridors flow throughout the layout of the yacht in curves, mimicking the shape of a wave and the sea as they spread through the 83.5-meter yacht.
"When we were in design meetings, [the designer] would turn to me and ask if there was a 'nautical reason' for things - straight hallways and square rooms for example. If we'd say no, she'd say: 'Good, let's do it a different way.' There was not one detail she would not spend days going over to make sure Savannah was perfect. She really pushed the yard with her design to build the best possible yacht for the owner" McCumber explained to BI.
In between the main salon and the upper deck lounge are two tall, video screens built into the wall that feature abstract video art that spreads across the decks. "It was hard work designing and implementing" Gherardi, the designer, explained BI "but it was worth the effort. It creates movement, a view in a space which is normally stale".
The lighting installed onboard the 83.5m Savannah is amongst one of the most complex ever built on a yacht of this size. Developed by Milan's Metis Lighting, some elements of Savannah's lighting scheme feature up to 10 different colors, lenses and positions. The yacht's exterior strip lighting was on the other hand developed by Total Looks. Although the yacht is very bright by day, at night she takes on an almost mysterious look thanks to her lighting choices.
Past the tall video screens is located the yacht's main dining table, capable of comfortably accommodating all 12 of Savannah's guests. The same outdoor to indoor transition that guests would see on the main deck can also be spotted on the upper deck, as seemingly endless windows can be stacked away to open the area completely onto the outside lounge, perfectly suited for cocktails.
Forward on the upper deck is the owner's stateroom. Offering an unparalleled, 180-degree view as the yacht cruises forward, the master stateroom basically translates to an owner's deck, complete with a study and lounge. To offer even more light, a glass feature was installed into the suite's ceiling.
Up on the third deck starts a transition to a wellness area with a well-equipped gym located aft of the deck with the same transition from outdoor to indoor as guests previously had found on lower decks. A unique opportunity to exercise with an unbeatable view whether underway or at anchor.
A space dedicated for relaxing in the summer sun, Savannah's sundeck features extensive space for lounging. Sunbeds are located aft of the deck, with a lounging area, which could be used as a casual dining spot protected by shade from Savannah's roof.
Forward of the sundeck can be found even more lounging space protected by a shade as well as extensive areas for sunbathing on the sides of the yacht. Towards the bow is a hot tub that seamlessly blends into the deck with no railings around and nothing to block an incomparable view.
In addition to her owner's stateroom, Savannah features five guest cabins bring the total number of guests to 12, catered to by a crew of 24. Located down on the main deck, guest accommodation is split into two twins, two guest cabins and one VIP cabin with a foldable balcony.
Featuring a light set of colors, Savannah's guest cabins continue the yacht's circular theme through round shapes found in various setups throughout the guest accommodation. Another aspect that's also replicated in these staterooms are the large windows found in every cabin.
Savannah's most standout feature, even perhaps surpassing the novelty of her inspired hybrid propulsion, is the so-called Nemo room. Letting its guest look out into the sea from a stadium-like layout, the room features unquestionably one of the best views onboard with the ability to watch sea life from the comfort of an 83.5-meter superyacht.
Accessible from main deck aft, the underwater observation lounge also doubles as a cinema with a giant screen dropping down from the ceiling and transforming the area from a place to stare at the depths of the ocean into a fully-functional cinema.
Lukas Lundin was born in 1958, the son of Adolf Lundin, a Swedish entrepreneur that established several businesses with the natural resources space and made his first breakthrough discovery of an oil field in Qatar in the 1970s.
Graduating from the New Mexico Institue of Mining and Technology in 1981, Lukas Lundin held a variety of high-profile position in the petroleum sector during the 1980-90s. Through his tenure at those ventures, he participated in a number of 9-figure takeovers of gold and oil businesses.
Ranking simultaneously on the list of richest people in Sweden and in Canada, due to his dual citizenship, Lundin has an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion combined with his brother Ian, who runs Lundin Petroleum. He competed four times in the famed Paris-Dakar race, finishing it twice.
The Lundin's family mantra, according to the international press, has been "no guts, no glory" ever since Adolf Lundin started his first company in the natural resources space. One such move was the Lundins investing $12 million in an Argentinian copper asset in 1992 during a period of instability, selling it for $500 million in 1995.
According to Lundin, success in the natural resources space requires 3 things. "First — risk-taking. Second — you have to be a giant optimist. Third — you have to be willing to go out there and do it. It’s easy to sit on a couch and talk about it, but then you have to actually fly to some crazy place and pick up the concessions and develop them." he said in an interview to CEO CA in 2013.
In recent years, Lukas Lundin has been most famous in the business community for his ability to discover natural resources using sometimes unconventional methods by granting its employees more freedom to test out new ideas.
Lundin Petroleum, for example, discovered near 2 billion barrels of oil in an area that had previously been drilled without success. Lundin believes this resource alone is worth $12 billion.
Lundin has also been hailed for his repeatedly impeccable timing, allowing for tremendous exits in the space that have yielded his shareholders colossal returns. In 2010, the Lundin Organization sold their Red Back Minning company to Kinross gold for $9,2 billion, generating a 1041% return for shareholders. The acquirer, Kinross, eventually had to write down billions as a result of this transaction and ultimately its CEO, Tye Burt retired early.
Lundin pushing the yachting industry forward with the delivery of Savannah comes as the Scandinavian region, in general, has been recently becoming a powerhouse in the superyacht space.
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