Kurt Strand's inspiration for this astonishing explorer yacht was the incredible nature, as well as the rough weather conditions in Northern Norway, where he was born and raised. The purpose of Aurora Borealis is to enjoy the planet's beautiful nature from the luxury inside living space. When the weather allows, the yacht can transform into an open outdoor experience. It's designed with retractable balconies and large gates, to have the perfect combination of luxury and adventure. This gigantic superyacht is meant to explore the most outpost destinations from the Arctics to the Tropics.
The yacht is 6-storeys high, has a length of 122 meter and a massive beam of 20 meter. A large helicopter pod is located on the aft deck. In front of the landing pod is a swimming pool with a retractable glass floor, to move the helicopter inside the hangar, large enough to park 2 helicopters. The yacht's aviation club with bars and launch area is part of the hangar. In case of bad weather the large gate can be closed but there is still access to the deck/pool area via 2 pantographic doors integrated in the gate.
The yacht is equipped with cinema, beauty salon with spa, gym and even an alpine ski slope track system. The lower deck has 48 private cabins with a living area for the crew. The Yacht is designed with the next generation environment friendly propulsion system. 3 electric azimuth pods are powered by hydrogen fuel cell generators. It also has a Diesel powered backup gensets. The hydrogen technology is mostly used in the car industry but Kurt Strand want's to bring it to the next level in the yacht industry because he believes it is beneficial for the whole planet.
The 115-meter concept of global explorer Stormbreaker was introduced by Berlin-based designer Theodoros Fotiadis.
The yacht is designed to be able to travel to the most remote corners of the world, and is ready for any weather conditions. Stormbreaker is ready for construction at 90 or 115 meters and will be sold with Jim Evans, founder of SuperYachtsMonaco.
Yacht demonstrates sharp classic lines of the exterior, tough appearance, eye-catching design, bottomless toy chest, effective traction. Explorer has an integrated and interactive audio-visual interface from Icon Connect with a high-tech communication system that can record and broadcast live frames from the environment. Another key feature, the complex glass atrium, that is located in the center of the ship.
Also, Stormbreaker will have a large tender garage for small boats or a submarine, a beach club, a spa and gym, a cigar lounge, an observation deck, a swimming pool, a dining room, a private office, an art gallery, a library and a heli-hangar.
#3. 105m Esquel
Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco presented its new 105-metre superyacht concept at Dubai International Boat Show 2019. The vessel is christened Esquel after a meteorite composed of metal and crystals, and she is conceived to explore vast territories even across the North Pole and the South Pole.
The vessel featured with a plumb bow is evidently designed for remote cruising destinations. This ambitious project requires a very thorough elaboration and the builder has drawn Timur Bozca Design for exterior design, Lateral Naval Architects and Engineering for naval architecture, interior stylist Gina Brennan and Pelorus company specialising is yacht expeditions.
Thought of as an expedition vessel and a modern superyacht at the same time, Esquel carries features of both types. She is fitted with a 230 square-metre storage for inflatable boats, multiple tenders, diving equipment and watersports toys. Her 200-square-metre main deck features aft deck with glass superstructure, where a swimming pool and panoramic spa areas can also be found. Furthermore, the deck can house different kinds of locked containers, extra tenders or off-road vehicles.
As to her technical characteristics, this 105-metre vessel with a beam of 17,5 metres and a draft of 4,3 metres under full load features interior volume of 5,000 GT. Esquel is equipped with advanced diesel- electric engines, enabling her operate autonomously through the world’s waters. The yacht with reinforced hull can boost a cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles at 13 knots and reaches her highest speed at 16,5 knots.
#4. 100m Exploris
The 100m-explorer vessel with its Ulstein Group style ‘X-BOW’ is a robust looking yacht that will take her owner and guests anywhere in the world with confidence. Behind the masculine exterior that includes an Ice Class hull, is a high volume superyacht equipped with all the technology and hardware you would expect of a true explorer.
As a Lloyds PYC classified vessel, Exploris provides plenty of accommodation and her twin Azipod propulsion system will achieve a range of 7,000nm. When combined with a forward retractable thruster and twin bow thrusters, Exploris has superior manoeuvrability and full dynamic positioning capabilities.
The Italian yard, specializing in high caliber, “eco-friendly” superyachts, teamed up with the Milan-based design studio, to deliver a 67-meter steel and aluminum build with a beam of 11.6 meters named Explorer.
With her chunky hull and classic bow, the project resembles a workboat or a research vessel both visually and from the technical standpoint.
The yacht features a far forward construction, leaving room for gear in the aft part of the boat. For safety purposes, deck hardware goes beneath the deck surface, occupied by a vast beach club with sunbeds and sofas. However, if necessary, this whole area can be turned into a provisional helicopter pad. The beach club has a foldable full-beam swimming platform attached to it, which allows doing without a conventional staircase.
The boat boasts an elevator to provide convenient access to her four decks, an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, gym and two wing stations, or foldout balconies, overlooking the water.
The project offers a choice between a six-cabin or a seven-cabin interior layout by Hot Lab designer Enrico Lumini. Both of them will provide accommodation for 15 crewmembers and the captain. The master suite on the upper deck includes an owner’s cabin, two bathrooms, and a private study. All living areas are flooded with natural light coming through panoramic windows.
Complying with ABS standards, the 67m Explorer will have Caterpillar power and a station-keeping system. She should also see a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots.
The Custom Line 50 superyacht has received the Miglio Blu Design Award 2025 in the "Living Innovation" category. The 50-meter aluminum yacht was recognized for its revolutionary interior layout during the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia.Judges highlighted the yacht's dedicated owner's deck featuring a 75-square-meter suite with private terrace, natural lighting solutions, and separated crew/guest circulation for privacy. The award acknowledges Custom Line's approach to combining aesthetic innovation with functional design in the semi-custom segment.The Ferretti Group brand continues to emphasize owner-centric layouts across its model range. The Custom Line 50 remains available for order through the company's global dealer network, though pricing and delivery timelines were not disclosed. This marks the third consecutive year a Ferretti Group product has received recognition at the Italian design awards.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
May 20, 2025
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
May 20, 2025
UAE-based Enata Group has launched in-house production of jet turbines, marking the country's first domestic manufacturing capability in this sector. The company unveiled its 250N thrust turbine during the Make It In The Emirates 2025 forum, with a more powerful variant scheduled for Q3 2025 release.Initial production capacity stands at 300 units annually, scalable to 5,000 units by year-end. The turbines feature chevron exhaust designs for noise reduction and target both professional UAV manufacturers and RC model enthusiasts. Enata will allocate part of production to its own aerospace and marine products while supplying external clients."This launch strengthens our vertical integration strategy and responds to client demand," said Enata CEO Alois Vieujot. The company emphasizes quality control through complete in-house manufacturing at its UAE facility.No pricing or specific UAV applications were disclosed. The expansion follows Enata's established work in composite manufacturing for marine and aerospace sectors, though the group didn't specify investment figures for the turbine production line.The 250N model enters immediate availability as Enata positions itself as a B2B supplier for Middle Eastern aerospace markets. The company's production roadmap indicates potential military applications, though current specifications focus on commercial and recreational uses.The Enata Group is the international manufacturing group headquartered in United Arab Emirates, and the builder of the flying 9.8-meter carbon Foiler. The group’s primary businesses include three main areas of R&D and manufacturing: marine, aerospace and architecture. Credits: Enata Group
May 20, 2025
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
May 19, 2025
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
May 19, 2025