New Zealand

Diverse Projects

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/73823/image/large-9293f9e6a437113d21e919ba2eaa1f9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73823">Pictured here arriving into Nelson Harbour, New Zealand, is the 31.5-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl31.5m (103'4&quot;)Diverse Projects2011">Black Pearl</a>, built by the New Zealand shipyard Diverse Projects in 2011 - recognisable from her dark hull, cleverly matched to the colour of a Tahitian black pearl and featuring an orange boot strip. She features both naval architecture and exterior design from LOMOcean Design, whilst her interior came from the drawing boards of Chris Connell Design. She is powered by twin CAT C18 ACERT engines, allowing her to comfortably cruise at 12 knots.

Black Pearl coming into Nelson Harbour, New Zealand

It seems like yesterday when the 54m Damen-built Sea Axe support vessel Ad Vantage arrived in the New Zealand port of Whangarei to start work on her transformation into a superyacht support vessel at Oceania Marine. Diverse Projects, the company that was in charge of the refit operations has now reported that the vessel has departed New Zealand and is en route to join her mothership, the 45.70 metre Palmer Johnson superyacht Vantage.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157553/image/large-1a1419bf3d66aa6d177c14227691c2c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157553">Used as an offshore support vessel previously, Ad Vantage’s purpose built interior for the carrying of 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded, fit for its new purpose as a superyacht support vessel.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157554/image/large-b5e16347a447219d5146ddbed761089f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157554"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157555/image/large-2e0c0680156534090ee944e2eda8d0fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157555">Outside on main deck, a new Bolidt synthetic deck has been applied, a stern anchor fitted to the transom area and a submarine garage installed, which was constructed offsite and will greatly enhance the mothership’s exploration capabilities.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157556/image/large-573c1c9f4641cdf1d8eed92db6c726bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157556">Earlier in the year, superyacht Vanatge also paid a visit to Oceania Marine where the 2010-built yacht received a refit. The following video shows her being re-launched at the site.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wlDAftohQE" width="560"></iframe>By Charl van Rooy, photos by Diverse Projects

Damen support yacht Ad Vantage underway to join mothership

Following a comprehensive refit which started in August this year, the 54m Damen-built Sea Axe support vessel Advantage has emerged from the shed at Oceania Marine in Whangerei. New Zealand company Diverse Projects oversaw the extensive refit which was completed in just under four months by Oceania Marine, and comprised of custom changes such as the installation of a submarine garage, newly configurated deck and the fitting of Quantum stabilisers. This is all finished by a prominent new grey and white paint job.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157287/image/large-b3462de2ae3e4aa151868658721019d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157287">Used as an offshore support vessel previously, Advantage’s purpose built interior for the carrying of 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded, fit for its new purpose as a superyacht support vessel.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157288/image/large-2c40ab3661a14adad5203dfa6729e9a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157288">Outside on main deck, a new Bolidt synthetic deck has been applied, a stern anchor fitted to the transom area and a submarine garage installed, which was constructed offsite and will greatly enhance the mothership’s exploration capabilities.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157289/image/large-400af839047fee569bfb24d1c2ece000.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157289">“A phenomenal amount of work has been done in a short period of time” says Diverse Projects director Lars Bjorklund. “This is an absolute credit to the yard and all involved, given the wide ranging and very specific compliance requirements entailed in a refit to this scale.”Following the installation of her on-deck tender crane, testing of the stabilisers and fulfilling classification requirements, Advantage will depart from New Zealand to join her mothership in Tahiti.By Charl van Rooy

54m Damen Sea Axe Advantage re-launched

New Zealand based Diverse Projects has recently introduced their latest support vessel concept, Atlas. Ready to be built upon request, Atlas is fully customisable, offering an efficient, stable, DP1, high load carrier with package options to add on modules such as heli-decks, large A-frame, tender ramp, submarine garage and media/science containers, amongst others.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156166/image/large-9f1b2819557468aecd5aca5a63f64f57.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156166">“We have been very fortunate to see both the benefits and shortcomings of what the incumbent industry can offer. With the knowledge that owners are wishing to push the duration of their voyages to more remote places, while still being able to cater for every possible activity, we started our design process not from a blank sheet but from knowledge of vessels currently in service,” says Diverse Projects’ John Vitali.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/138700669" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>“It’s a transformer,” Lars Bjorklund finishes. “A purpose-built base boat, stripped down to basics allowing the owner to add the elements needed, to create the most cost-effective, high-yielding support vessel available.”Diverse Projects Directors John Vitali and Lars Bjorklund will be at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show at the end of the month, where they will introduce visitors to Atlas.By Gemma Fottles

Diverse Projects' support vessel concept Atlas

Auckland’s Diverse Projects team in New Zealand has announced the completion of the refit of the 51.3 metre superyacht Umbra. Launched by the Dutch shipyard Damen in 2010, the extensive refit included several structural changes as well as an exterior repaint and full survey.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/120432114" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>A total of two metres were added to the stern of the vessel as well as the addition of a removable helipad. Speaking on behalf on the refit team, John Vitali says, "The Damen Sea Axe vessel was designed to slice through water and despite the major modifications, by size, pre-refit calculations have been proved correct says Diverse Projects. The vessel performed to its newly engineered specifications during sea trials, achieving the pre-refit expectations for speed.”Six different specialists acted as contractors on the project, which provided a welcome boost to the Whangarei area in New Zealand’s Northland where it was carried out at Oceania Marine, in association with neighbouring yard Ship Repair.By Gemma Fottles

Extensive refit of 51m superyacht Umbra complete

The 51 metre support vessel Umbra is currently undergoing a refit in Whangarei’s Oceania Marine in New Zealand. Auckland based company, Diverse Projects, have been chosen as the owner’s representative.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151308/image/large-cd67dc4bd29aa01818efd2fb383295e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151308">The project is expected to take around three months in total, and will include fitting a removable helicopter deck and the structure to support it while adding two metres to the stern, undertaking a full exterior repaint in the owner’s colours, and finally, a full vessel survey.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151309/image/large-dddf8824d80e6527538fcfd294aca2cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151309">Diverse Projects is employing its virtual shipyard approach to ensure Umbra’s seaworthiness and speed remain after the extensive adjustments to her structure. The approach uses a process-based software developed in-house to deliver a project which can be mapped by the owner, or their team, in very fine detail as the refit progresses. By breaking down each task within the refit to its individual components, the Diverse team have created a system which flags any potential roadblocks or budget overruns long before they arrive, delivering a quick, efficient refit process.“By being able to monitor and track each task live in every aspect, including costing and invoicing, we can easily spot where a potential problem might arise, plus it’s all captured within that task forever. This information can also be invaluable for when the yacht does its next refit down the line,” says Lars Bjorklund, Diverse Projects project manager.After the completion of Umbra’s refit, she will return to a busy cruising schedule in the Pacific.By Gemma Fottles

The 51m superyacht Umbra refit in New Zealand

Diverse Projects has announced the successful completion of the 56 metre explorer vessel, Alucia. The full 12 month refit is one of the most complex refit projects the company have completed to date. The extensive refit was necessary in order to continue the 40 year old vessel’s commercial SOLAS standards and stay in survey for its multi-faceted operational requirements. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150078/image/large-6664984cff7197be1aa390f676d0e4aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150078">Among the many upgrades was the installation of an engine exhaust purification system supplied by Hugs Engineering of Switzerland. Both the main engines and the four gensets required the purification units to be installed which involved the reworking of the most of the vessels internal exhaust system.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150079/image/large-99c359e120391f373c462357949596cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150079">Other work on the boat included full maintenance and upgrade of her submarine and dive control systems through to the full replacement of the interior overhead lining system.By Gemma Fottles

Diverse Projects completes extensive refit of Alucia

A well-attended Black Pearl christening and official handover took place on January 22. The relaxed gathering was held at Auckland’s viaduct, overlooking the vessel and alongside her on the pier. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133973/image/large-ab1cf6657babc86e8842f7705535979b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133973"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133974/image/large-0c92b231b828a428ed2c33d2de203f63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133974">Festivities included a Christian blessing of the vessel, champagne over the bow, speeches over lunch and the opportunity for guests to take a look onboard as well. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133975/image/large-52d183d5686c2a9b14709fbc4e6e600d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133975">A very common theme in speeches and discussions was the very high standard of finish and quality throughout this stunning vessel. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133976/image/large-40a05dfcf4d60505d1c2484cb07d8764.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133976">Sea trials and system commissioning of the recently launched 31.5m long range displacement superyacht were successful. Designed by Lomocean Design, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207">Black Pearl</a> is powered by two Caterpillar engines, C18 ACERT rated to 600 hp, and will cruise at 12 knots. Her dark hull, cleverly matched to the colour of a Tahitian black pearl, features an orange boot strip. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133977/image/large-8da067a9da7e157215b3fb82854cfefd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133977">The orange reappears in small features amidst the neutral colours of the interior, which was designed by Chris Connell and put together by SMI interiors. Among the many details guests commented on were the great use of fine fabrics, the staircases with inset moulded handrails and the series of artworks commissioned especially for the yacht. Art and furnishings include a light-hearted pirate theme. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133978/image/large-1a45fe3c2b343fa45ccd316412f8fa4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133978">The successful completion of this beautiful vessel is a great achievement for all those involved and the high quality found throughout the vessel reflects well on the capabilities of the New Zealand marine industry. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133979/image/large-cc9ec366cfb09b0a90ef18e8365cf912.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133979"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133980/image/large-df5d7adc8756bdf69a5f6c3d10e6efc6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133980"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207">Black Pearl</a> is to embark on her maiden voyage within the next month. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133981/image/large-ef22016e75bd9e6df5e5dd25fc625ffb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133981">Diverse Projects specialises in building beautiful bespoke long range motoryachts yet they are fully qualified to help you with the various other aspects of owning a boat, from charter and sales, through to refit, or simply by providing independent expert advice for any aspect of your yachting business. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133982/image/large-0870c43f55fd6fb46ef1a9da04395745.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133982">Guided by directors John Vitali and Lars Bjorklund and benefiting from a wealth of marine experience gained over many years, the Diverse team has the expertise and knowledge to help you with any project, big or small. Diverse Projects +64 9 358 5331 <a href="mailto:info@diverseprojects.com?subject=M/Y%20Black%20Pearl%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@diverseprojects.com</a> <a href="http://www.diverseprojects.com">www.diverseprojects.com</a>

Diverse Projects delivers superyacht Black Pearl

Diverse Projects' latest vessel Black Pearl was successfully launched on 29 December in Whangarei. Pre-dawn rituals of Takahi (Maori waka launch traditions) and a blessing ceremony started at 5am, followed by the actual launch just before high tide at approximately 2pm. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133586/image/large-93861f143a6981cfca3092f2c5f646a3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133586">The Diverse Projects team of contractors will now complete finishing touches to the interior of the boat and commence sea trials and system commissioning. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133587/image/large-47a4162e689250d9cf797434542e79d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133587">Celebrations for the official handover and christening will be held in Auckland on January 22, before the vessel heads off on her maiden voyage in February 2011. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133588/image/large-c2b652e1c95ed74edd7052630590e883.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133588">The sleek, dark hulled 31.5 metre displacement yacht was designed by Lomocean Design with interior by Chris Connell, and has been in Whangarei for finishing, after construction took place in Palmerston North. Powered by two Caterpillar engines, C18 ACERT rated to 600 hp will allow her to cruise at 12 knots. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133589/image/large-2534391725d9a5581370c52250d9dbe2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133589">Diverse Projects specialises in building beautiful bespoke long range motoryachts yet they are fully qualified to help you with the various other aspects of owning a boat, from charter and sales, through to refit, or simply by providing independent expert advice for any aspect of your yachting business. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133590/image/large-c7087a04f937c5410a4b728da587f7f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133590">Guided by directors John Vitali and Lars Bjorklund and benefiting from a wealth of marine experience gained over many years, the Diverse team has the expertise and knowledge to help you with any project, big or small. Diverse Projects +64 9 358 5331 <a href="mailto:info@diverseprojects.com?subject=M/Y%20Black%20Pearl%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@diverseprojects.com</a> <a href="http://www.diverseprojects.com">www.diverseprojects.com</a>

Diverse Projects launches superyacht Black Pearl

With the imminent launch of the 32m motor yacht Black Pearl currently under completion in Whangarei and a recession hit world market for mid-sized motor yachts starting to make a cautious but real recovery, the originators of the Black Pearl project - Diverse Projects and LOMOcean Design (formerly Craig Loomes Design Group) - have been exploring the development potential of this handsome and well received design. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133319/image/large-8d5310ec81fd4d1903b3a4ee2f15855d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130397">The resulting drawings depict two new motor yachts which very obviously carry the <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3207">Black Pearl</a>’s genes, but are targeted at meeting new demands and emerging market trends identified by Lars Bjorklund and John Vitali of Diverse Projects. The first design is a highly capable, 35m world cruiser motor yacht able to support the owner’s party and four guests in three large, comfortable cabins – plus captain and crew. The main saloon is located as a ‘skylounge’ on the uppermost deck, offering not only the best views in the house, but good flow to the outdoor upper deck with its barbecues and outdoor dining. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133320/image/large-3233cd58b3fba2c734f38148b828d242.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133320">Unusually, the 35m BP class carries a fast 9m sport fisher on the aft deck, which can be readily launched and retrieved down a slip way arrangement that converts to a flat cockpit deck once the sport fisher is in the water. This mother/daughter arrangement creates a very versatile combination, offering a sound alternative to the big traditional American yacht fisher, which require large engines and hard chined planing hull shapes to achieve the sprint speeds normally expected of the vessel type, with attendant poor fuel economy when passage making over long distances at slower speeds. By contrast, the 35m Black Pearl class mother ship is capable of travelling economically and comfortably over large distances to remote regions – and upon arrival, the sport fisher provides the specialist equipment and capability of a boat set up specifically to target and handle big game fish. For New Zealand and Australian based owners, this configuration offers the opportunity to target fish in places such as the Wanganella Banks and the remote reefs of the Coral Sea normally only visited by passing small sailing yachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133321/image/large-8d70465dc0fba17648259ebe7ece2b0a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133321">The larger 40m BP class eschews the sport fisher for a more conventional gaggle of smaller tenders and water toys – plus a jacuzzi on the top deck. The design is targeted at maximizing useable internal volume, whilst staying inside the 500 gross tons cut off that delineates a significant step up to more onerous classification requirements for construction, equipment, fitout, crew qualification – and thus cost. Despite the apparently minor increase in overall length of just five metres, the 40m design is a much larger yacht than the 35m, representing nearly a 50% increase in internal volume and pushing the amenities and interior space available for guests and crew into the next class of motor yacht. The arrangement for this design places the master cabin where the wheelhouse is on the 32m Black Pearl and her 35m sister. Although unusual – and not without its challenges to integrate amongst the saloon, dining area and galley also occupying the main deck – this arrangement offers superb views for the owner, as well as a very private outdoor deck area. Four very spacious guest cabins occupy the after portions of the below deck’s volume, with eight crew in four cabins, and the crew galley and mess, plus ship’s laundry etc forward. A separate captain’s cabin and office is located on the upper deck, directly aft of the wheelhouse. Both yachts offer a cruising range in excess of 3000 nautical miles at 12 knots and equipped with active stabilizers, promise a smooth, quiet comfortable ride. Construction options include aluminium (as per the 32m Black Pearl), epoxy foam sandwich composite or steel to full international class. Diverse Projects +64 9 358 5331 <a href="mailto:info@diverseprojects.com?subject=Diverse%20Projects%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@diverseprojects.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.diverseprojects.com/">www.diverseprojects.com</a> LOMOcean Design Ltd +64 9 360 9799 <a href="mailto:enquiry@lomocean.com?subject=LOMOcean%20Design%20Ltd%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">enquiry@lomocean.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lomocean.com">www.lomocean.com</a>

Diverse Projects and LOMOcean Design unveil two new designs

Successful marine company Diverse Projects has now expanded their private yacht charter service. Lars Bjorklund, one of Diverse Projects’ directors, is known for his considerable charter experience. Bjorklund’s skills are now combined with those of Debbie Gribble, who is to head the expanded Diverse Yacht Charters team. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133029/image/large-5c266b8d91fb6af073e71c41cec423e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133029">Ms Gribble’s substantial employment experience around the world includes 5 star hospitality, luxury yacht chief stewardess roles, and events and project management. The Diverse team works with clients to provide highly personalised charters to suit individual requirements be they personal or business, for couples to groups, on sail or motor yachts. They work with all the major superyacht charter agents worldwide and offer charters throughout the Caribbean, South Pacific, Australia and the Mediterranean. Visits to yachts and boats shows ensure the Diverse team’s extensive knowledge remains up to date. Diverse Projects Debbie Gribble +64 9 358 5331 <a href="mailto:info@diverseprojects.com?subject=Diverse%20Projects%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@diverseprojects.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.diverseprojects.com">www.diverseprojects.com</a>

Diverse Projects expands their Charter Division

Build Project 08 is currently under construction at Profab Central Engineering Ltd in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The hull was successfully rolled over in October, and the superstructure is now rapidly taking shape. Stage two of the program, interior, paintwork and finishing details will later take place in Whangarei, New Zealand.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127085/image/large-a65588f47884fea98b570a3f3f605712.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127085">BP08’s sleek lines were designed by Craig Loomes Design Group. The 31.5-metre passagemaker is being built to Germanischer Lloyd 100 A5 class and New Zealand MSA survey. With Twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT 600HP engines, she will cruise at 12.5 knots. The interior will be designed by Chris Connell to complete the picture of very best quality all round.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127086/image/large-4846c08dd46adbc6932f5f86910147cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127086">Based in the heart of Auckland City, New Zealand, Diverse Projects specialises in the construction of new yachts for owners worldwide. The company has a reputation for high quality and vessel projects completed on time. Diverse projects’ unique “virtual shipyard” approach provides clients with a total start to finish project coordination, great control and full transparency. Bringing together the best contracting teams New Zealand can offer ensures low risk and high expertise.