Netherlands

E.J. Smit & Zoon's Scheepswerven N.V.

Following the increasing popularity of conversion superyachts, comes the newly announced Project Phoenix, a luxury yacht, which was originally converted from a 57-metre cable laying vessel. The commercial yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Birraha54.75m (179'8&quot;)E.J. Smit & Zoon's Scheepswerven N.V.1969">Phoenix</a> was launched in the Netherlands in 1968 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/987" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="E.J. Smit & Zoon's Scheepswerven N.V. (Company)">EJ Smit &amp; Zoon Shipyard</a> after a 30 year career on the oceans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195518/image/large-f1c754377532e746fb9f146f6691d6c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195518">In the 1990’s the vessel was converted into a luxury yacht, known over the years as both Fils de Grace and Sir Arthur J. &nbsp;Gradually the yacht fell into disrepair and was due to undergo another rebuild in the early 2010’s which was not conducted. At that time she was known under the name of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/54-metre-superyacht-touya-under-refit-in-turkey" target="_blank">Touya</a>, and she has also been called Birraha.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195529/image/large-74f71c411ceb4f5bd4de48ae04c6ed61.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195529">In the subsequent years since the last work was conducted, the yacht has been stripped back down to her bare steel hull. Today the project is being revitalised under the supervision of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICT Yachts (Company)">ICT Shipyard</a> in Turkey overseeing the extensive work needed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195531/image/large-4628d6373d3347dfb5ae56755450becf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195531"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195537/image/large-5bfcc32c703f5639b756d272e3290e07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195537">Frank Laupman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> is now involved in the project, creating the exterior lines and interior design of the superyacht. Her naval architecture is being penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195533/image/large-3f50e1334e55e9f8fb9009057cedceb7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195533"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195539/image/large-bdaa933fba5738f8cc42f2df49e6a250.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195539">Once complete, the superyacht is set to deliver a 11,000 nautical mile range, and accommodation for as many as 12 guests between six staterooms, including a private owners deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195528/image/large-0055966fcb13f875231b6139516a2b8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195528">

New designs for conversion superyacht Project Phoenix 

New designs have been released for the rebuild of the conversion superyacht Sir Arthur J, now known as Project Phoenix.