Norway

Corvus Energy

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards (GNY)</a> has unveiled a new 93-metre superyacht concept, Project&nbsp;KOA, developed in collaboration with Swisship Yacht Projects and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascoli International (Company)">Pascoli International</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380960/image/large-da9c3198d644ece6cdffd21e77b3dbc5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380960">Designed for a new generation of owners, Project&nbsp;KOA, draws on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNY</a>’s involvement in building some of the world’s most technically advanced yachts, such as the 142.91-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and their 114.1-metre in-build superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF,</a> which has an estimated delivery date of 2028.&nbsp;With a beam of 14.6 metres, a draught of four-metres and an estimated gross tonnage of around 3,500 GT, the project aims to balance contemporary aesthetics, with proven engineering solutions.“This project reflects the evolution of our shipyard,” explained Rino Brugge, Chief Executive Officer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a>. “After the technical achievements of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and now the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a>, we are excited to present a concept that demonstrates what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNY</a> can deliver for the next generation of superyacht owners.”Project&nbsp;KOA is defined by a clean, architectural profile, which is distinguished by straight window lines, flush glass installation and floating glass-panel railings. The result provides Project&nbsp;KOAwith a sleek and contemporary silhouette.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380961/image/large-2a2e905a131e6ec35abe3ee926699502.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380961">“The intent was to create a design that feels clean, timeless and highly functional, while offering dramatic interior volumes and interconnected spaces,” commented Andreas Iseli of Swisship Yacht Projects.One of Project&nbsp;KOA’s defining features is her sunken main deck aft swimming pool, which is fitted with a glass floor that channels natural light into the beach club below. The beach club itself opens directly to the sea via a stern door and two fold-down terraces, creating a waterside space designed for extended use.&nbsp;“The seamless flow from the beach club up to the double-height lounge, combined with advanced hybrid propulsion, reflects how we believe future large yachts will be experienced,” added Iseli.Her main deck layout includes an aft beach lounge that links the pool deck to the upper-deck lounge, through a dramatic double-height atrium and floating feature staircase. Forward, six guest suites are arranged with flexibility in mind, including four that can be combined into two larger VIP suites with adjoining sitting rooms.Also located forward on the main deck is a full-beam tender garage capable of housing two 10-metre tenders, a 6.2-metre crew boat, an MOB tender and additional toys. Dedicated battery storage for the toys has also been incorporated as an added safety measure. On the lower deck, her beach club area is complemented by a watersports and dive centre, a gym and crew and service zones accommodating up to 32 crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380959/image/large-2d5e737d80373fde58edf2584e1b7d7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380959">Guest amenities dominate the upper deck, which is home to a spa complex comprising hairdressing and massage rooms, a wet spa and a relaxation lounge overlooking a forward spa pool and sunbathing area.Above this, the bridge deck accommodates the wheelhouse, captain’s cabin and office, while her aft section is reserved for the owner’s private suite, complete with a secluded terrace offering panoramic views. The sun deck sits at the top of the vessel, accessed by guests via an internal staircase, with separate crew routes designed to ensure discreet service."Designed to blend elegance with purpose, our new superyacht concept epitomises a lifestyle that seamlessly marries luxury and functionality,” explained Kristian Pascoli of Pascoli International.In terms of performance, Project&nbsp;KOA is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> 175D engines paired with a two x 450 kW PTO/PTI system. This configuration enables silent cruising at approximately 11 knots, with an estimated top speed of around 18 knots.A three MW <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Corvus Energy (Company)">Corvus</a> battery pack supports peak-load shaving, low-noise manoeuvring and quiet operation at anchor, while stabilisation is provided by two extendable fins and fold-out Maglifts for comfort across all speeds.“This vision caters to the next generation of owners who seek not only exquisite design, but also an unparalleled connection to the sea, ensuring that the experience is as unforgettable as the vessel itself,” concluded Pascoli.

Project KOA: 93m German Naval Yards yacht concept

German Naval Yards has unveiled a new 93m superyacht concept, KOA, developed in collaboration with Swisship Yacht Projects and Pascoli International.

German Naval Yards unveils new 93m yacht concept Project KOA

With Project&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>&nbsp;in Italy has ventured beyond its custom culture by collaborating extensively with northern European subcontractors – an uncommon move for any Italian shipyard that typically rely on a well-established network of domestic suppliers. Beginning with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a>&nbsp;for the exterior design and preliminary naval architecture, this shift has pushed technical boundaries and blended contrasting project management cultures.“We began discussions with the owner in the summer of 2018,” recalls Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a>. “The dimensions evolved based on how he planned to use the yacht with his family. Initially, it was for global cruising, so we had one extra deck. At one stage we scaled down to around 50 metres or 500 gross tons, then scaled back up and tank tested a 66-metre model. Ultimately, the project was locked in at 70 metres and 1,100GT.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284218/image/large-7baa765bcbfb0ebab56311e0f0231661.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284218">Despite the fluctuations in size, several key priorities emerged early on. One was a clean yet classic styling inspired by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/674" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Carinthia VI71.05m (233'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1973">Carinthia VI</a>, designed by Jon Bannenberg. Another was a modest draft as the yacht will spend considerable time cruising the Bahamas. A third was foredeck storage for large tenders – including a 9-metre military-spec Hurricane – where cleats built into the scuppers also allow for mooring a large sailing yacht. The owner further requested a generous aft platform for watersports and chase boat access and, in a late request, asked for a built-in plunge pool.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> was involved from the outset, managing the bidding and tender process on the owner’s behalf. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> was selected after a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities, project fit, and past performance. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> had previously collaborated with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> on a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/8189" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva 50 MT49.9m (163'9&quot;)">Riva 50</a> and was impressed by how well the yacht performed after a full cruising season in terms of build quality, engineering reliability, and systems integration – all of which aligned well with the specific demands of Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball</a>. Given it had largely been built speculatively, the yacht served as reflection of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN’s</a> in-house standards.“That said, this custom project is definitely something new compared to what we typically build,” notes Filippo Belcecchi, Engineering Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> Superyachts Division. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> took over responsibility for the naval architecture from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> at the time of contract signing and refined the hull shape slightly to make it simpler to build. But the bespoke nature of the project is also reflected in the choice of suppliers, which in several cases are Dutch rather than Italian, as per the client’s requests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313049/image/large-d7905645289bc3b9dcc17c149f433811.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313049">Sourcing Suppliers It is well known that shipyards – wherever they are based – tend to stick with local or national suppliers. It simplifies logistics, ensures smoother communication, and leverages familiar supply chains. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball’s</a> owner pushed for a hybrid sourcing strategy, combining Italian and northern European expertise to secure the best possible equipment.This is logical from a logistics standpoint, and also because yards are familiar with local supply chains that speak the same language. However, the owner’s team favoured a hybrid sourcing approach, blending Italian and northern European suppliers to ensure the best equipment was selected for each task.That strategy is visible throughout the yacht. The deck crane is from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Driel B.V. (Company)">Van Driel</a>, the transom shell doors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NewThex Ned BV. (Company)">Newthex</a>, the jacuzzis from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seable&Co (Company)">Seable &amp; Co</a>, and the sliding doors and windbreaks from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4703" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RM Nautical (Company)">RM Nautical</a> (although the glass itself is by Italy’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8330" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viraver Technology (Company)">Viraver</a>). These, and others, are all top-tier Dutch brands chosen not only for their high-quality hardware, but also for clear communication, strong planning, and reliable engineering support. Rather than simply opting for premium pricing, the team spent strategically to deliver maximum value for the owner.Take the wheelhouse, for example. Many superyachts now feature ‘glass bridge’ consoles, where navigation and comms systems are hidden behind a seamless foil surface. Northern European yards often use a single foil panel – a costly solution that also complicates repairs or replacements, since the entire foil and substructure must be removed. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball’s</a> bridge uses individual foil panels that achieve the same minimalist look but are much easier to access. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO’s</a> technical representative Patrick Foy calls it common sense: “Why spend extra money on something that’s just going to cost you more down the line?”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362875/image/large-3f64d9761b96b9b618ace9d6c2ed1b3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362875">A Question of Culture“Bringing northern subcontractors into the fold has added value, no question,” says Belcecchi. “But it also made things more complex. We had to adapt our way of working to different communication and management styles.”Belcecchi explains that Italian yards usually begin steel-cutting before the engineering phase is complete, enabling design tweaks during the build and shortening delivery time. Dutch and German yards, by contrast, finalise all technical documentation before construction begins –leading to more predictable schedules but less mid-build flexibility. The Italian approach can reduce time to delivery, but inevitably involves more risk.“I have to say <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> didn’t shy away from the challenge,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> project coordinator Umberto De Vido. “They bridged the gap through proactive communication and transparent documentation. This adaptability enabled us to integrate high-spec equipment from suppliers who usually operate with longer lead times and stricter schedules.”In addition to the exterior styling, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> developed the preliminary naval architecture, focusing on a sleek hull for efficiency and elegance. Once the contract was signed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> assumed responsibility for the technical design, introducing adjustments to simplify fabrication and enhance seakeeping. As with all <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> projects, the steel hull was constructed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="C.P.N. S.r.l. (Company)">CPN</a> in Marghera, Venice, and delivered to Ancona by barge. Although <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="C.P.N. S.r.l. (Company)">CPN</a> is Italian, the build crew was mainly Croatian – praised by Patrick Foy for producing “one of the best hulls I’ve ever seen”, outperforming northern competitors who build in Poland or Romania.“The hull’s slender form was very efficient, but is more prone to rolling,” Foy explains. “So the team added bilge keels – a low-tech yet proven solution – to reduce roll amplitude without relying entirely on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quantum Marine Stabilizers (Company)">Quantum</a> rack-and-pinion stabilisers. The bilge keels are 12 metres long and 400 millimetres deep, reducing the need to activate the stabilisers in light seas. That means less wear and lower maintenance costs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313053/image/large-1198a2a582b7c8fefe0f00549e8f34ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313053">Energy Storage Another technical highlight is the energy storage system: 800kWh of Dolphin NxtGen batteries by Norway’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Corvus Energy (Company)">Corvus Energy</a>, who also supplied the batteries for the 84-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10316" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Obsidian84.2m (276'3&quot;)Feadship2023">Obsidian</a>. Housed in a fire-rated A60 compartment on the under-lower deck, the modular batteries handle peak shaving and silent anchoring. Lightweight and high-density, they’re designed for rapid charging and flexible layout. The catch? At the time of specification, the system hadn’t received Lloyd’s Type Approval. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> worked closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Corvus Energy (Company)">Corvus</a> and the classification society to ensure integration and compliance.The owner also had strong preferences regarding noise and odours. “He didn’t want to hear auxiliary exhaust or smell food from the galley,” says De Vido. “The solution was to route exhaust from not only the generators but also the galley, through the mast. “It wasn’t easy to find space for the extra ducting, but the guest experience will be better for it.”Despite its 70-metre length and four full decks plus a half-height under-lower deck, Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball</a> is a relatively lean 1,100GT – reflecting its classically inspired profile and the owner’s preference for outdoor living over internal volume. This required compromises: there’s no guest lift, for example, and the GA was adjusted to improve crew circulation while maintaining guest privacy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362881/image/large-41e9f51f222ddc7487abb74be42cb6ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362881">Initially, there was no way for crew to move fore to aft on the bridge deck without passing through guest areas. That’s been fixed with a discrete interior corridor, enabling crew to move between mooring stations while remaining out of sight. “It’s about allowing crew to be everywhere, but invisible,” says Captain Bailey. The galley was also relocated from the lower to the main deck to shorten routes to dining areas. The vacated space now houses walk-in cold and dry stores. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> initially wanted them to retractable wing stations on the bridge deck to preserve the yacht’s vintage lines. But the cost and complexity wasn’t justified by the operational benefits, so fixed ‘blisters’ were added instead – retaining the look with fewer headaches.“From an operational point of view, we made a few key changes,” the captain adds. “There were some tough conversations as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack’s</a> aesthetic vision – driven by the owner’s exacting eye – sometimes took precedence. He could spot a variation of a few centimetres in the sheerline. That level of visual commitment came at the expense of some practical considerations, which we helped balance.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/362877/image/large-ce7baa0460ea00c9ea9dd0fa9f742779.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/362877">It Just WorksWalking through the yacht in build, the attention to detail is evident: to validate the painting quality, a mock-up of a section of hull and bulwark was put through the entire coating cycle, from fairing to gold cove stripe; cabling and piping is routed with clinical precision, usually a northern European hallmark; longer and wider drip trays are designed to also catch leaks at pipe junctions, and so on. “I’ve spent years working in northern European shipyards,” affirms Foy. “And when I walk through Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball</a>, I ask myself – what’s missing? What could be done better? Honestly, nothing. It just works.”Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Thunderball69.7m (228'8&quot;)CRN2026">Thunderball</a> is a case study in cross-border collaboration. Along the way, there have been challenges – from exhaust routing and battery integration to late design requests – and further refinements can be expected as delivery approaches. Nevertheless, when the yacht is launched in spring 2026, with interior and exterior spaces designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a>, she will stand as an example of how flexible project management combined with technical rigour can bring together the best of northern and southern Europe. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313047/image/large-5d3a31bc24b76eebd6904cb595a73cc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313047">This article was featured in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-8-download" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 8 of How To Build It</a>.&nbsp;You can read all the articles from this edition&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-8-download" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>, and stay up-to-date with all previous editions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.

Crossing  Borders: Building Project Thunderball

Project Thunderball: Italy's CRN ventures beyond its custom culture by collaborating extensively with northern European subcontractors