Tià Simó: “The Yachting Industry is Growing in Size Tremendously.” Interview for Yacht Harbour

Italian architecture firm MASK Architects has released details of its 85-meter superyacht concept, ONYX H2-BO 85, featuring an innovative hydrogen propulsion system. The vessel utilizes seawater electrolysis combined with hydroelectric turbines to generate power, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependency during short cruises.The system works by extracting seawater, which undergoes filtration and desalination before entering an electrolysis chamber. An electrical current then separates the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The collected hydrogen serves as fuel for engines, generators or fuel cells, with excess stored in tanks for backup power."While producing hydrogen from seawater is feasible, it requires specialized equipment and expertise," noted the studio. "Collaboration with marine engineering and hydrogen technology experts would be essential."The yacht's design features a narrow profile with sport yacht influences. Renderings show contemporary interiors incorporating what the designers describe as "sumptuous" and "eco-conscious" materials. Leisure areas include a sunbathing foredeck, al fresco dining space on the sundeck, and an aft swimming pool.Technical specifications reveal the hydroelectric turbines capture kinetic energy from surrounding water, potentially eliminating the need for large fuel reserves. The studio claims this approach could offer long-term cost savings given rising fuel prices, though no specific efficiency data was provided.The concept emerges as the maritime industry faces increasing environmental regulations. While hydrogen propulsion promises zero local emissions, challenges remain regarding the energy-intensive electrolysis process. The studio suggests supplementing the system with renewable energy sources like solar panels, though these are not shown in current renderings.At 85 meters, ONYX H2-BO 85 would rank among larger superyacht concepts, though no construction timeline or potential shipyard partners were disclosed. The project represents one of several recent attempts to develop cleaner propulsion systems for luxury vessels, joining concepts using batteries, fuel cells and alternative fuels.MASK Architects, known for futuristic design proposals across maritime and aviation sectors, has not indicated whether the concept has attracted client interest. The studio typically focuses on conceptual work rather than production-ready designs. Industry observers note that while hydrogen shows promise for maritime applications, infrastructure limitations and storage challenges remain significant hurdles for widespread adoption.The release of additional technical details suggests ongoing development of the concept, though no sea trials or prototype construction have been announced. The project joins a growing portfolio of eco-conscious yacht designs as the industry explores solutions to meet tightening environmental standards.Credits: MASK Architects

The Olympic Yacht Show 2025 will take place at Olympic Marine in Lavrio from October 9-12, with preparations currently underway. This year's edition will feature 140 yachts, 400 luxury brands, and host 5 world premieres alongside 14 European debuts, marking the largest iteration of the event to date.Exhibitor registration shows strong participation from major industry players, including shipyards, dealers, and marine specialists. The event continues to attract both returning and new international participants, reflecting its growing influence in the European yachting calendar.The show will present new yacht models ranging from hybrid propulsion systems to mega yachts, maintaining its position as a platform for industry innovation. Organizers anticipate record attendance from industry professionals and yachting enthusiasts.As Greece's primary yachting exhibition, the 2025 edition will focus on business networking opportunities while showcasing current design and technology trends in the marine sector. The event reinforces Greece's role in Mediterranean marine tourism and luxury yachting markets.Credits: Zisis Dalakouras/The Olympic Yacht Show

Damen Yachting has launched the newest 60-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht, with delivery scheduled for autumn 2025. The vessel represents the next generation of the Amels 60 series, maintaining the line's charter-ready features and eco-conscious design approach.The yacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and custom interiors by London-based Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's second Amels 60 project. The interior concept emphasizes contemporary styling with enhanced visual connections to the marine environment.Paul Deurloo, Damen Yachting's Project Manager, stated: "It is one of the highlights of the build process when we get to see the superyacht coming out of the shipyard. We are delighted to show her to the world."The Amels 60 series continues to offer accelerated delivery timelines as part of its Limited Editions concept, with this unit available for handover within approximately 15 months. The yacht joins an existing fleet of Amels 60 vessels, all built on Damen Yachting's established naval architecture platform while allowing for individual customization.The newly launched unit is currently available for purchase, with Damen Yachting continuing production of the Amels Limited Editions range at its facilities in the Netherlands. The autumn 2025 delivery schedule positions the yacht for potential Mediterranean or Caribbean cruising seasons.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting

Arcadia Yachts has secured the sale of its fourth A96new unit, continuing the model's commercial success following previous sales in Turkey and Middle Eastern markets. The latest 29-meter yacht will operate in the Mediterranean following delivery.The buyer selected the existing interior design by Igor Lobanov, maintaining the Art Deco-inspired dark lacquered surfaces featured on the first hull, with only minor customizations requested. The A96new series emphasizes holistic wellbeing concepts in its layout and amenities.Ugo Pellegrino, CEO of Arcadia Yachts, stated: "The new direction charted by the A96new has tapped into a need felt by owners all over the world, which is why we're so proud to present the A80new at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival, a boat designed for owners seeking the same lifestyle on board but in a slightly smaller format. We expect this new model to have the same success as the series flagship."The Sorrento-based shipyard will debut the 24-meter A80new model at September's Cannes Yachting Festival, targeting owners seeking similar features in a more compact package. Current production continues on the A96new series while the yard prepares its new smaller model for market introduction.The consecutive sales demonstrate sustained demand for Arcadia's wellbeing-focused yacht designs, with the A96new establishing itself as the brand's current flagship offering. The upcoming A80new presentation will test market reception for the scaled-down version of the concept.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts

Tankoa Yachts has launched M/Y Singolare, the second unit in its T450 series, at its Genoa shipyard. The 45-meter yacht, designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta, follows the successful delivery of the first T450 model, M/Y GO.The launch ceremony was attended by the South American owner and family members. The yacht features a fully enclosed veranda with climate control, an elevator connecting main to sun deck, and a flush foredeck concealing a watertight tender garage. The upper deck includes a sauna, gym, and private cinema.Brazilian architect Debora Aguiar designed the interiors, featuring floor-to-ceiling wine cellars and sliding glass panels connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The main deck contains a master suite with walk-in wardrobe and steam shower, while the lower deck accommodates four guest cabins and crew quarters.Guido Orsi, Tankoa Yachts Vice President, stated: "This launch marks another important milestone for Tankoa. It strengthens our position in the international markets, particularly in South America, where demand for high-end yachts is steadily increasing."The shipyard currently has another 45-meter hull and two 50-meter T500 models under construction, all presold. M/Y Singolare will be delivered this summer for Mediterranean cruising before relocating to the Caribbean for winter season.The launch reinforces Tankoa's position in the 45-50 meter custom yacht segment, with the T450 series demonstrating strong market demand.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa