Amsterdam-based design studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design presented another groundbreaking concept at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019. With Aqua, a 112-metre fully powered by hydrogen and fuel cell technology superyacht concept, Sinot aims to fuse groundbreaking technology with cutting-edge design.
Hydrogen, which has been labelled as the fuel of the future for the last decades, finally found its way to the world of Superyachts. In collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects, the designers at Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design created the design for the first 112-metre superyacht based on liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
The fully operational 112-metre concept designed with a speed of 17 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles, optimises hull, energy and space efficiency while providing a maximal superyacht experience at the highest comfort level for discerning owners.
Designer Sander Sinot explains:
For 2019’ MYS concept yacht, we focused on an environmentally sensitive subject: yacht propulsion and the choice of fuel. To take this discussion into an entirely new realm we have initiated AQUA, our new yacht concept, using a hydrogen-electric system capable of catering for all onboard energy needs.
Aqua is fueled by hydrogen, a unique concept which represents a significant progression towards achieving a new balance between nature and technology. The system is based on the use of liquified hydrogen, stored at -253°C in two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks. The liquified hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with water being the only by-product.
All parameters in terms of output, system layout, range and physical dimensions where translated to a complete hydrogen / electric based system. The generated electrical energy is transmitted to Aqua’s switchboards, where it is distributed to provide power for propulsion, auxiliary systems and hotel services. Large batteries buffer the generated electricity to ensure power demands are always met.
Thanks to the electric propulsion, Aqua is also a very quiet superyacht, with very little noise or vibrations. After five months of extensive development, the team of designers and naval architects came up with a design with physical dimensions and operational characteristics that even strengthen the superyacht experience.
Aqua is featured with the spectacular, extremely spacious and beam-wide owner’s pavilion, occupying the front half of the upper deck, offers an abundance of privacy. The pavilion is arranged in a vast open-plan area of interlinked spaces, divided by finely crafted wooden screens providing intimacy and subdued lighting. Both at the starboard and port sides, floor-to-ceiling band windows supply an amazing impression of openness and freedom.
The ceiling, at a height that varies from an ample 280 cm to an impressive 380 cm at the large central skylight, is supported by an intricately crafted wooden structure. The bedroom section is located at the yacht’s axis and offers an endless sightline all the way up to the Aqua room at the bow. The owner’s pavilion is completed with a large bathroom, dressing room and an intimate private spa section. The Aqua room, located at the bow, at the far end of the owner’s pavilion, offers a top-of-the-world feeling and endless views from the best position on board.
Located on Aqua’s beach deck, close to the waterline, the expansive and naturally outfitted VIP state rooms stand out by virtue of their spacious design and highly elaborate furniture. The VIP cabin and other state rooms are focused on openness, luxury and comfort, providing a maximum sense of freedom in a highly detailed minimalist Japanese beach-style setting.
The indoor health & wellness centre is a water-world of serenity, where the reflecting waves of the water feature complement the onboard environment with their soft, vibrating motion. With an exclusive hydro massage room, a yoga space and workout floor and a massive, gym-wide hatch which opens to reveal the ocean’s surface at water level, creating the perception of exercising and relaxing on an island in the sea.
Situated at Aqua’s core, the spectacular circular staircase is one of the yacht’s defining features, winding down from the top deck to the lower deck. A true spectacle manifests itself at the lowest level, facing aft, where two vast liquified hydrogen tanks reveal their hexagonal textured surface structure behind a giant façade of strengthened glass.
The flowing exterior lines of Aqua are inspired by ocean swells – the surge of energy induced by winds and currents, boosted by the gravitational forces that control the ocean’s tides. The curved top deck culminates in a sensational bow with integrated front bow observatory, the Aqua room, as part of the Owners pavilion. The hull is a sculpted overall double curved volume, intersected by the glass band windows, which subdivide approaching the aft stepping down to the water. The raised front profile with a strong forward direction in the design, provides ample space for accommodating all Owner’s, guests and technical facilities.
Aqua is configured with a five-deck set up, utilising forward interior space through the high sheer line which subtly descends from bow to aft. The yacht has been designed to provide those on-board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features a unique and innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all Aqua passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level.
Other recent superyacht concepts by Sinot comprised the 102-metre Balance and the 115-metre Art Life. Meanwhile, one of the most recent superyacht launches with interior design by Sinot studio is Feadship 77-metre superyacht Syzygy 818 delivered in September 2019 and also premiered at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019.
Copyright: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Zeelander Yachts will present its new flagship model, the 24-meter Zeelander 8, for the first time at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. The yacht will be located at berth C27 Quai Chicane during the event, which takes place from September 24 to 27.The yacht features a layout with social areas on the main deck, including lounging and dining spaces, along with a galley. The lower deck contains three guest cabins. The master stateroom is positioned amidships and includes windows and a headroom exceeding 2.1 meters. The first hull includes customized modifications, such as relocating the galley to the starboard side of the salon and integrating the bar area with the cockpit.The yacht is equipped with a large targa sunroof and retractable aft doors. Sound levels are reported to measure below 65 dBA at its full speed of 32 knots. The yacht can reach speeds of up to 40 knots with optional larger engines.Each hull is built to owner specifications, with customization handled by the shipyard's engineering team. The exterior design maintains the stylistic features consistent with other yachts in the Zeelander range.Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.Credit: Tom van Oossanen/Zeelander Yachts
September 16, 2025
Pearl Yachts has established a new French dealership, Pearl France, with an office in Antibes. The facility is located at Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, in the Port Vauban area. The office is operated by Cenk Efe, Founder and Director of the Mallorca Marine Group 1994, and will serve as the brand's exclusive representative in France.Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “France has always been one of the most important markets for Pearl Yachts. With the opening of Pearl France, we are strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean’s most vibrant yachting hub. Cenk’s expertise and reputation are second to none, and we are confident that this new chapter will bring our boutique philosophy and unique approach even closer to every client and brand enthusiast based in France.”Iain Smallridge and Cenk Efe Cenk Efe, Director of Pearl France, added: “We are honoured to be launching Pearl France in Antibes. French clients value elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and discretion; qualities that Pearl embodies in every detail. The response so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to growing the brand’s legacy along the Côte d’Azur and beyond.”This opening follows the establishment of Pearl Germany and Pearl Gulf earlier this year.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 16, 2025
Heesen Yachts has completed the joining of the hull and superstructure for Project Grace, designated YN 21350. The yacht is the first unit in Heesen's new 50-meter Steel class. The operation, which lasted one week, began at the Talsma shipyard in Franeker, where the steel hull was fabricated. The hull was then transported by river and canal to Heesen's facility in Oss, where the main engines were installed prior to the joining procedure.The yacht is equipped with two MAN engines, each rated at 882kW and compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards. This is the first Heesen yacht to use this specific engine model.Peter van der Zanden, Head of the Design & Development / Engineering Department, commented: "The new 50-metre Steel series gave us the opportunity to select the ideal engine for our brand-new platform. The MAN D2862LE438 was the clear choice, offering a power and efficiency profile that is perfectly calibrated for Project Grace's performance targets."The exterior design is by British studio Harrison Eidsgaard. The design includes features such as low bulwarks and full-height windows. The studio is also collaborating with Heesen's engineering team on the layout to optimize guest and crew areas.Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen CCO, commented: “Seeing the lines of this first 50-metre Steel yacht take shape is a powerful moment—it’s where the vision becomes a tangible reality. We are confident her iconic design will resonate strongly with a discerning owner.”Project Grace is currently available for sale, with a scheduled delivery date in the first quarter of 2028.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
September 16, 2025
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of a new 53-meter Yacht Support vessel from its Yacht Support range. The vessel, currently under construction at the company's facility in Antalya, Turkey, is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026. This announcement follows the recent sale and delivery of the YS53 Emotional, which will be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show.The YS53 model is designed to provide logistical support for main vessels, with facilities for additional crew, water toys, and helicopter operations. Its features include an expansive open main deck aft area equipped with a 15-tonne crane for handling submersibles, large tenders, and other heavy equipment. The vessel measures 53 meters with a gross tonnage of 499 and can accommodate 8 guests, 10 crew members, and a captain. The exterior design, interior design, and naval architecture were all developed by Damen Yachting.Jan van Hogerwou, Sales Director North America at Damen Yachting, stated: “This YS53 is the perfect addition to the Owner’s existing fleet and provides the extension of facilities the Owner is looking to achieve with the addition of a support vessel. We would like to thank Stuart Larsen for his collaboration throughout this project. We look forward to the remaining build period as we prepare for delivery in Spring next year."The next available delivery slot for a YS53 model is Spring 2028.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
September 15, 2025
Numarine has introduced a new explorer yacht model, the 27XP, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 27-meter yacht replaces the 26XP model, of which 30 units have been sold.The yacht's exterior design and interiors are by Can Yalman, with naval architecture by Umberto Tagliavini. Two layout options are available: one with five cabins and another with four cabins. The five-cabin configuration includes a main deck VIP cabin, a full-beam master suite below deck, and three additional VIP suites. The four-cabin option moves the wheelhouse to the main deck.The 27XP features an open kitchen concept and enlarged outdoor areas. The flybridge is larger than on the previous model. A raised bow lounge is also included.Twin MAN 560 engines provide a top speed of 13.5 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. The yacht has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles at 8 knots. An optional enclosed, glass flydeck helm station is available.Ömer Malaz, Founder and Chairman of Numarine, stated: “After keeping our cards close to our chests for a little while as we worked on refining the design, we are thrilled to unveil our latest model, the Numarine 27XP. Longer, roomier and more versatile than her predecessor, she introduces new levels of comfort, light and openness, while still keeping the rugged explorer spirit which defines our XP series. She sets a new standard of elegance and capability in the explorer yacht class.”Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine
September 15, 2025