A South Korean designer is working on plans for a yacht that, if built, will be worthy of a James Bond villain. The so-called ‘Valkyrie Project’ gigayacht measures an incredible 750 feet, or 229 metres – nearly a quarter of a kilometre.
To put that into perspective, 750 feet is the equivalent of 24 nose to nose double decker busses, or two whole football pitches. That puts the world’s current biggest yacht, Azzam to 2nd place. Azzam measures 590 feet.
It puts even the likes of research expedition superyacht REV, currently being built in Romania, in the shade. The new boat will top Azzam, but come in at a significantly smaller length than Valkyrie Project with its 600 feet.
Even more impressive, the yacht would have its own casino, art galleries, theatre and restaurants. It could house 52 guests along with 92 crew members, though the owner would have an entire deck entirely for their own use. It would sail at a respectable speed of 25 knots.
So who will buy it?
That all comes with a hefty price tag, however, with the cost of the yacht projected to be a massive $775 million, or £600 million.
The massive project is the design of Chulhun Park, 36, and was designed in partnership with yacht builders Palmer Johnson as part of his university course. Park, who comes from Seoul in South Korea, says that the vessel would be made of aluminium wrapped around a carbon fibre structure. He has some interesting thoughts on the shape of the ship, too.
"When I decided to be a yacht designer, I realized that most yachts are white coloured and stacked up like wedding cakes," Park says. "Therefore, I was determined to design a very unique looking yacht which would stand out of the fleet. I tried to manipulate the structure's surface skin and create non-rectilinear shapes which appear to distort and dislocate elements of shape."
While the yacht would most likely be privately owned, as the inclusion of an exclusive deck for the owner suggests, Mr Park doesn’t envisage it as exclusively for the use of one ultra-rich owner, but rather as an exclusive and luxurious hub for dining, entertainment and gambling.
"Most people consider super yachts to be an exclusive property for billionaires to show off their wealth,” Mr Park said. "However, what if we create floating architecture to be used by everyone?”
‘Everyone’ would most likely, in this case, be relative given the cost of building and maintaining a yacht so decadent. It could, however, become the playground of the merely rich rather than the exclusive preserve of the mega rich.
The on-board casino
One particularly unique feature would be the inclusion of a casino. While casinos are relatively commonplace on commercial cruise liners and have been found on them for years (and you probably wouldn’t struggle too hard to find poker rooms or limited table games on many larger private yachts), this may be the only fully featured gambling house built in a private yacht.
The casino feature certainly furthers Mr Park’s conception of the boat as a sort of private, highly exclusive cruise ship for entertaining the rich. It’s easy to imagine private, high stakes games taking place out on the high seas.
One thing that would have to be accommodated for, however, is the pitching and rolling created by the yacht’s motion in the water. Larger cruise ships tend to be more stable thanks to their size, but on a ‘smaller’ boat, even one that’s 750 feet long, the movement of the boat on the water could result in affecting how a roulette ball settles on the wheel or how a dice rolls. There are, of course, mechanisms and systems that can limit a ship’s movement.
Another concern might be security, and if high stakes casino games were played on the yacht it might be necessary to take out measures beyond the norm and stick to safer waters. Modern day piracy can be a serious concern for ships that find themselves in the wrong waters.
The games on offer
Of course, where the boat is, and the demographic of the guests, could have an impact on the selection of games on-board. If Mr Park’s dream comes true and the yacht is available for everyone, the games will need to reflect that. There are a whole host of weird and wonderful casino games out there, and their inclusion on the yacht should be considered if everyone is to feel welcome.
Pachinko would be a welcome addition, the complex laws surrounding gambling in Japan mean the machines often double up as an arcade game – making them perfect for younger guests and for use when the ship is close to the coastline in certain parts of the world.
Abiding by the law
There are also the complex gambling laws governing the world’s oceans to contend with. In the US, for example, the yacht will have to be three or more miles from the coastline around most of the country if it wants to avoid falling under the jurisdiction of state gambling laws. Along the coastline of Florida and Texas that distance jumps even further to nine nautical miles.
In the waters surrounding other countries the necessary distance can be even greater still to escape the reach of prohibitive legislation. In many places it’s as many as 12 nautical miles.
Beyond those distances, the ship would legally be in the territory of whatever country it is registered in. For the casino to run smoothly, whoever was in command of the yacht would have to have a firm grasp of the intricacies of gambling laws in different countries to avoid running afoul of them.
This is all academic at this point, of course, as Project Valkyrie hasn’t made it off the drawing board. Still, a billionaire wanting to gamble within reach of his or her home might buy or build the boat, register it somewhere with relatively liberal gambling laws like the United Kingdom and then use it as a floating base for gambling that they can’t take part in on their home shores.
One thing’s for certain, with its $755 million price tag, expect any games that do get played on Project Valkyrie to be the territory of some serious high rollers.
The first hull of Riva's new 112' Dolcevita Super model has launched from the brand's La Spezia facility. Measuring 34.37 meters with a 7.27-meter beam, this flybridge yacht expands upon the successful 110' Dolcevita design with enhanced outdoor spaces and improved water access.Developed by Officina Italiana Design in collaboration with Ferretti Group engineers, the yacht features a 35-square-meter beach club with fold-out terraces and storage for water toys. The stern garage accommodates a tender and jet ski while the cockpit offers multiple lounge configurations. Owners can choose between additional bow seating or a Jacuzzi in the forward area.The flybridge presents redesigned living spaces with a central bar area and entertainment systems. Interior options include two main deck layouts - one with aft dining and another with traditional forward lounge placement. The master suite incorporates larger windows and redesigned storage solutions.Standard power comes from twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines delivering 2,638 hp each, providing a preliminary top speed of 25.5 knots. An alternative MTU M97L engine package includes SCR emissions reduction technology. Stabilization systems include zero-speed fins with Humphree interceptors, with optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers available.Bridge configurations range from standard quad 19-inch monitors to a premium option with dual 49-inch displays selected for this first unit. Soundproofing measures include reinforced bulkheads between crew and guest areas on the lower deck, which houses four VIP cabins. Interior finishes combine high-gloss rosewood with black hammered leather detailing.The yacht is scheduled for its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, representing Riva's latest development in the 30-40 meter flybridge segment. Production continues at Riva's La Spezia yard alongside other models in the 70-130 foot range.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
July 21, 2025
Dutch shipyard Van der Valk recently presented two new custom superyachts, the 35-meter Lalabe and 34-meter One, cruising together in the North Sea. Both vessels share design lineage with the award-winning 34-meter explorer Lady Lene, demonstrating the yard's custom-build capabilities.Lalabe, en route to the Mediterranean for her maiden season, was commissioned for multi-generational family use. The yacht's hull is optimized for fast displacement cruising up to 17 knots. Exterior and interior styling by Guido de Groot incorporates residential-inspired elements, including an aft beach club with sauna, steam room, and terrace-like seating. The interior features light-toned woods, curved furnishings, and a neutral color scheme. The yacht will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.LalabeOne, currently available for sale, offers immediate delivery. The yacht combines De Groot's exterior design with Carla Guilhem's contemporary interior, using a white and cream palette with dark wood accents. Large windows and open deck spaces emphasize indoor-outdoor connectivity. Powered by twin Volvo Penta engines, One reaches 14.4 knots and includes a fold-out swim platform and substantial toy storage.OneBoth yachts utilize Lady Lene's proven hull engineering while featuring distinct customizations above the waterline. Lalabe focuses on family-oriented spaces, while One prioritizes entertainment areas across four decks.The simultaneous appearance of these vessels highlights Van der Valk's capacity to deliver personalized superyachts within the 34-35 meter range. Prospective buyers can inspect One for potential summer delivery, while Lalabe prepares for its first charter season. The yachts will be displayed at Van der Valk's Cannes Yachting Festival.Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
July 21, 2025
Turkish yacht builder Numarine has launched the first unit of its new 40MXP model, a 40-meter superyacht that becomes the flagship of its XP explorer series. Two additional hulls are currently under construction, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.The 40MXP represents an evolution of the shipyard's popular 37XP model, maintaining the series' long-range capabilities while introducing new Mediterranean-inspired features. The yacht retains a 6,000-nautical-mile range at 8 knots, achieved through an optimized hull design by naval architect Umberto Tagliavini.Ömer Malaz, Chairman at Numarine, stated:"Preserving the same stylistic cues and DNA of all our models, the 40MXP retains our high-volume, low-maintenance, long-range ethos while offering a number of new design features that enhance the intimate connection with the sea that a yacht provides."Key design developments focus on outdoor living spaces, particularly an expanded aft deck area achieved through both increased hull length and strategic repositioning of the saloon doors. This space accommodates an alfresco dining area, bar, lounge, and a standout feature - an aft pool with glass transom. The area connects to a full-beam hydraulic swim platform and can be shaded for sun protection.Power comes from twin MAN 800hp engines as standard, with an optional 900hp Tier III-compliant configuration available. The yacht's 8-meter beam allows for generous interior volumes, with accommodation for up to 12 guests across six suites, including a full-beam master stateroom on the main deck. Two additional customizable cabin spaces offer layout flexibility.Designer Can Yalman handled both interior and exterior styling, maintaining Numarine's signature aesthetic. The model inherits successful features from the 37XP including an expansive flybridge and substantial tender storage capacity. The tender deck can accommodate a 9-meter tender, three jet skis, and additional water toys.Chris Gore, Sales & Marketing Director at Numarine, commented: "We are extremely excited to have delivered the first of the all new 40MXP. Our new flagship offers true luxury blended with versatility be that for family or charter use, whilst maintaining our core Numarine DNA."The 'MXP' designation reflects the yacht's Mediterranean explorer concept, emphasizing connection to the water while retaining transoceanic capabilities. The model enters a competitive segment of the explorer yacht market, positioned as a bridge between luxury cruising and serious long-range functionality.With this launch, Numarine continues its focus on the explorer yacht segment, building on the commercial success of its XP series. The 40MXP's combination of extended range and enhanced outdoor living spaces targets owners seeking both adventure capability and contemporary lifestyle features.Credits: Kerem Sanliman/Numarine
July 18, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has completed delivery of a new 78-meter Admiral megayacht from its Marina di Carrara facility. The vessel, now the flagship of the Admiral fleet, features exterior and interior design by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.The yacht's distinctive profile incorporates a two-tone metallic paint scheme in white and blue hues. Its unconventional three-deck layout provides streamlined aesthetics while maintaining interior volume. The propulsion system combines five variable-speed generators with two 2-mW azimuth pods, delivering 5 mW total power output. This diesel-electric configuration achieves a top speed of 17 knots with reduced vibration and noise levels.Technical features include a lithium polymer battery bank enabling zero-emission operation for limited durations and peak load management. The system incorporates SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) technologies, with exhaust routed to the masthead for dispersion.Interior spaces feature panoramic windows in the bridge salon and designer lighting elements. Amenities include a 6-meter swimming pool, spa facility, gymnasium, diving area, and Touch & Go helipad. Material selections emphasize premium finishes with a neutral color palette throughout guest areas.Gianmaria Costantino, CCO of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "This delivery marks a new and important milestone for our Group. Every detail of this yacht reflects our vision of contemporary luxury – where top-tier craftsmanship, timeless design, and sustainable innovation come together in perfect harmony."The project represents the shipyard's continued focus on large custom superyacht construction, incorporating both advanced marine technologies and bespoke design elements. The delivery underscores the group's capability to execute complex megayacht projects for discerning clients.With this completion, The Italian Sea Group reinforces its position in the upper segment of the global superyacht market. The vessel now joins the operational fleet of Admiral-branded yachts, with the shipyard maintaining its production schedule for additional custom projects currently in build.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: Lorenzo Tampucci/The Italian Sea Group
July 18, 2025
Ferretti Group's Yard in Ancona has launched the third hull of the Custom Line Navetta 38 series on March 20. The 38.76-meter displacement yacht, with a beam of 8.00 meters and 299 GT volume, entered the water during a private ceremony attended by the European owner family and shipyard personnel.This marks Custom Line's fifth launch in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating the shipyard's active production schedule. The Navetta 38 model was developed by Ferretti Group's Product Strategy and Engineering Departments, with exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The Custom Line Atelier team facilitated owner customization throughout the build process.The owners, existing Ferretti Group clients with two previous yachts from the builder, prioritized personalized interior solutions to enhance spatial perception and natural light. Design features include mirrored ceiling panels in the main deck lounge and strategic placement of reflective surfaces along walls and architectural details. Full-height windows were incorporated to maintain visual connection with the marine environment.Notable customizations include a reconfigured galley space with optimized storage depth, designed to serve as a social hub while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Material selections emphasize durability, with Botticino Semi Classico marble specified for the master bathroom.The interior palette combines neutral beige tones with contrasting mocha and brown accents, complemented by natural teak, oak, and leather finishes. Luminous wallpaper treatments contribute to the yacht's refined atmosphere.The Navetta 38 is designed for extended cruising with large guest groups, balancing functional durability with the brand's signature aesthetic standards. The model represents Custom Line's continued focus on customized displacement yachts within its product range.With this launch, Ferretti Group reinforces its position in the mid-size superyacht segment, maintaining production momentum at its Ancona facility. The yacht will now undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owners.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
July 18, 2025