Top 8 stories of the week

On November 22, Gruppo Antonini celebrated the launch of the Maboqueiro Off-Shore platform during a ceremony at its production facility in La Spezia. The event was graced by notable figures, including Patrizia Saccone, La Spezia’s Councillor for Employment and Economic Development, and Lerici’s Deputy Mayor Marco Russo, along with members of the academic community from the Università di Genova.This impressive platform, marking over 80 years of Gruppo Antonini's expertise in the oil and gas industry, has been designed for gas extraction in the Maboqueiro field, located off the coast of Angola. It stands as the largest and heaviest structure ever constructed by the Group and is a significant achievement in their first EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) project undertaken for Azule Energy, a key player in Angola’s oil and gas sector, co-owned by ENI. The project’s complexity necessitated an extensive 24-month tender process due to the vastness of the construction and its numerous interfaces.The Maboqueiro EPC project is integral to the Angola NGC (New Gas Consortium) Project, which aims to extract gas condensate from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields. This venture includes plans for two platforms, a new onshore gas reception and treatment facility, as well as pipelines for product transportation, with production set to begin in 2026, targeting an output of 330 million cubic feet of gas daily, equating to approximately 4 billion cubic metres per year.The newly launched Maboqueiro platform features a jacket comprising steel tubular components anchored to the seabed with four impressive 88-metre-long piles. The structure also boasts a three-story deck measuring 25 by 30 metres and weighing a remarkable 2,600 tonnes, making it the heaviest platform ever produced by the Group. Equipped with six well slots (four operational and two backup), the platform is designed to operate at a gas pressure of 60 bars.A standout feature of this project is the innovative jacket lifting method, a first for Gruppo Antonini, utilizing a specially designed system to erect jacket components in a confined space, successfully addressing significant logistical hurdles.Additionally, the project has embraced digital innovation, with all quality reports fully digitalized and managed through a specialized software package known as CCMS, which oversees various operations, including maintenance.Simone Antonini, Group CEO, remarked, "The Maboqueiro project signifies a monumental achievement that showcases our capacity to tackle complex global challenges. This platform not only sets a record in size and technological advancement but also exemplifies our commitment to integrating engineering expertise with sustainability and efficiency."In 2019, the Antonini Group established Antonini Navi (La Spezia) in partnership with Aldo Manna, leveraging the Group's extensive experience and technological prowess to venture into the yachting industry. The yard focuses on crafting bespoke yachts and military naval units, currently working on three steel yachts over 30 meters in length, with two custom projects expected to be delivered in the latter half of 2025 and a third, the SUY 135, slated for 2026.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi

Evo Yachts once again makes waves in the industry by taking on the world’s elite superyacht manufacturers with its latest creation, the Evo R9. This groundbreaking 30-metre aluminium superyacht places the owner at the heart of the design process and boasts a range of impressive features, all while building on the brand's established reputation for innovation.Designed to be highly customizable, the Evo R9 aims to redefine standards within the superyacht sector and represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Evo Yachts brand. With enhanced customisation options and exhilarating performance, this exceptional vessel promises more surprises beyond its key highlights.This new addition to Evo Yachts' lineup showcases the shipyard's commitment to progress through innovation, venturing into competition with Italy and Northern Europe's leading figures in the global superyacht arena. The choice of an aluminium hull, coupled with a carbon fibre superstructure, aligns with the brand’s design philosophy, which emphasizes experimentation with materials and a focus on environmental sustainability.The yacht’s design, crafted by Valerio Rivellini in collaboration with Evo's technical team, features a striking superstructure enveloped in expansive glass surfaces, offering various layout options to cater to the diverse needs of potential owners. Clients will be able to engage in the design journey, witnessing their dream yacht materialize.The Evo R9 can comfortably host six to eight guests, alongside four crew members, ensuring privacy and versatility with multiple possible configurations.A standout aspect of the Evo R9 is its advanced propulsion system, boasting the option of two or three 2,200 HP engines, enabling the superyacht to reach top speeds between 50 and 58 knots and cruising at 40 to 44 knots.Designed for discerning owners who seek a bespoke experience coupled with high performance, the Evo R9 maintains the brand’s hallmark of transformability. Notably, it features sophisticated hull sides that open up, and a versatile stern transformer, resulting in a superyacht that is both innovative and distinctly aligned with Evo Yachts’ identity.The Evo Yachts shipyard is based near Naples. She was born in 2014 from a fortunate encounter between Blu Emme Yachts and the Neapolitan yacht designer Valerio Rivellini. The heart and entrepreneurship that kick-started EVO originated from Blu Emme Yachts, a luxury yachts refitting company. Blu Emme was created in 2013 by the Mercuri brothers, a family whose entrepreneurial experience spans different industries.Credits: Evo Yachts

Ferretti Yachts has officially launched the new 670 flybridge model, showcasing the brand's ongoing evolution in creating the ideal balance of comfort, livability, and exquisite design.This significant restyling features a host of exclusive attributes, including a sleek new exterior design, a revamped hardtop, and stunning interiors crafted by Ideaeitalia. Drawing on the success of its predecessor, celebrated during Ferretti Yachts’ 50th anniversary, the all-new Ferretti Yachts 670 marks a complete overhaul of the yacht while retaining key characteristics.Making its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, the Ferretti Yachts 670 is 20.24 meters long with a maximum beam of 5.38 meters. The design is a collaborative effort between the Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, with exterior designed by the Ferretti Group alongside architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors by Ideaeitalia.The new model continues to prioritize generous volumes and bright interiors while introducing refined new exterior styling and enhanced seating and storage options.Notable features include a main deck helm station with a pillar-less windshield for exceptional visibility and comfortable pilot chairs from Poltrona Frau. The dinette layout has also been optimized for better ergonomics in the foredeck area. Down below, the redesigned doors and passageways improve accessibility, offering unparalleled space and comfort.On the flybridge, significant improvements include an expanded dining area with enhanced seating comfort and an ample stern sunpad. The hardtop has been elegantly redesigned with more fluid lines, now boasting an opening central section.The Ferretti Yachts 670 boasts nearly 20 m² of exterior space aft, perfect for al-fresco dining with comfortable seating and easy water access. The transom features spacious storage compartments for an organized environment, along with a tender lift capable of accommodating a 3.45 m tender.Forward, the outdoor living area covers about 11 m² and can be entirely shaded by a bimini top. It features three large sofas and optional tables that convert for additional relaxation space. The sea-facing seating also cleverly incorporates life rafts and storage.The flybridge mirrors the first version’s layout, with enhanced dining seating and a spacious sunpad at the stern. The central area includes a fully-equipped cabinet and a C-shaped sofa with a dining table. A second helm station offers easy access, accompanied by an expansive sunpad. An electric bimini top is available as an alternative to the redesigned hardtop.Internally, the yacht presents redesigned spaces conceived by Ideaeitalia. A sliding glass door from the cockpit leads to a main deck lounge featuring two large sofas with a central coffee table. Entertainment is elevated with a retractable TV hidden behind the sofa.The galley has been improved for functionality and flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an expansive open space with ample seating. The helm station includes integrated Naviop-Simrad instrumentation and boasts a pillar-less windshield for optimal navigation visibility.A remarkable owner’s suite, measuring 18 m², is situated in the mid-section, complete with a private study, central bed, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom. The vessel also offers a double cabin and a VIP cabin in the bow, both featuring ensuite bathrooms.For flexibility, a four-cabin layout is available, replacing the owner's study with an additional smaller cabin. A dedicated crew cabin with a bathroom is located at the rear of the lower deck, with private access to the cockpit.Two distinctive interior styles are offered – Classic, featuring warm earthy tones, and Contemporary, showcasing vibrant woods and fabrics inspired by the sea.The Ferretti Yachts 670 is powered by standard twin 1,000 MHP MAN V8 engines, enabling a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots. There is also an option for more powerful 1,200 MHP MAN V8 engines, providing a maximum speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots.For added stability at anchor and during cruising, the yacht can be outfitted with a stability package featuring two Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabilizers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water.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.Credit: Ferretti Group

Columbus Yachts announces the sale of its inaugural 47-meter Crossover vessel, with an esteemed European client set to receive the yacht in 2027. This groundbreaking model seamlessly fuses contemporary design with practicality, creating a luxurious yet functional maritime experience.The Columbus Crossover 47 boasts a robust construction of steel and aluminum superstructures, measuring a maximum beam of 8.60 meters and a draft of 3 meters. Renowned design firm Hydro Tec has crafted the yacht's striking exterior lines, collaborating closely with the shipyard for naval engineering, while the interiors are the imaginative work of Hot Lab.This yacht is built on a successful naval platform and has already inspired another 42-meter model currently under construction. The Crossover 47 exemplifies versatility and functionality, designed to optimize onboard comfort and enhance every area.Starting from the stern, the boat features a spacious platform that can accommodate a tender weighing up to 3,000 kg. This area transforms into a relaxation oasis complete with a jacuzzi, sunbathing space, and direct access to the sea, enhanced by folding gunwales that expand usable space and provide unobstructed views of the surroundings. The generous sun deck, beautifully sheltered by a substantial hardtop, further illustrates the Crossover 47's adaptability to the desires of its owner and guests.The vessel's exterior is accented with bold, modern contours, showcasing taut surfaces and dynamic shapes, particularly concentrated in the bow area – reminiscent of explorer yachts. Its displacement hull features a bulbous bow and flat, forward sections.In terms of versatility, the cockpit is designed to accommodate both a substantial tender with a built-in crane at the upper deck's aft, as well as a swimming pool complemented by social and relaxation zones.On the main deck, the interiors reveal a spacious lounge capable of seating up to 12, complemented by a pantry and a well-equipped professional galley as the layout extends toward the bow. Below deck, the accommodation offers a total of four cabins – two double and two twin (with twin beds and a pullman bed) – alongside a luxurious master cabin on the main deck that features a central bed, wardrobe, vanity desk, office space, and a double bathroom with a central shower.The upper deck includes a circular outdoor dining table for six, expandable to seat ten, and features an inviting lounge and entertainment area alongside the helm station at the bow. The sun deck is designed for relaxation, featuring ample sunbathing space, a large bar, and a second swimming pool.The crew of nine is accommodated in four double cabins located below deck, with the captain's cabin conveniently situated on the upper deck near the control area.Powering the Columbus Crossover 47 are two Caterpillar C32 engines, each generating 970 kW and allowing for a maximum speed exceeding 15 knots, with a cruising speed of 12 knots. With a range of over 5,000 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots, the yacht features fuel tanks with a capacity of approximately 60 cubic meters. Freshwater needs are met by two desalinators capable of producing around 8.6 cubic meters per day, filling a total freshwater capacity of about 8.5 cubic meters. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with two pairs of stabilizers that function in both underway and zero-speed conditions, ensuring optimal comfort on the water.Columbus Yachts was established in 2008. In early 2019, the shipyard launched the new flagship Columbus Classic 80m M/Y Dragon, which joins in the Columbus star-studded fleet with the award-winning Sport Hybrid 40 Divine, the 57m M/Y Taiba and the 40m M/Y Eleonora III. The Columbus range offers four different lines: Sport, Classic, Crossover and Custom for unique projects. Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples and Savona), operating under just as many world-renowned brand names: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra Yachts and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: Columbus Yachts

The renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina has introduced an impressive new superyacht concept named Kairos 80, measuring 80 meters. This remarkable vessel is part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection, designed to streamline the commissioning process by utilizing a proven naval platform developed by Lateral Naval Architects.Originally adapted from a previous 90-meter collaboration between Pininfarina and Oceanco in 2021, Kairos 80 presents a visually striking exterior with sharp, angular lines, creating a unique silhouette on the water. Designer Daniele Mazzon describes the concept as “a peaceful oasis in which to relax and enjoy time on your own terms.”A standout feature of Kairos 80 is its “360-degree” design philosophy, which aims to foster a connection with the ocean below, the sky above, and the companions onboard. This design intent is evident in the yacht’s unconventional shape, with each deck showcasing distinctive contours and sleek, darkened windows that extend along the structure’s length.While details of the interior remain largely under wraps, preliminary sketches suggest a bright, open-plan space characterized by expansive windows that welcome abundant natural light.Key features onboard the Kairos 80 include an aft helipad, a stylish bar, and a hot tub situated at the front of the sundeck. Additionally, a spacious beach club with a large swimming pool is planned for the stern, complemented by sunpads and loungers in the outdoor areas. Mazzon emphasizes that “the owner and their guests are at the epicentre of the onboard experience, and the surrounding space.”All yachts within the Simply Custom range will incorporate a cutting-edge, all-electric propulsion and energy architecture system, underscoring the commitment to sustainability in luxury cruising.Credits: Pininfarina