Italy

Giacalone Shipyard S.r.l.

“I decided to do a crazy thing. I bought a Dutch Navy ship. I know it sounds strange, but it was such a pity to see her left in that poor condition. Why not transform this incredible vessel into a fantastic superyacht?” stated Giorgio Moretti, the Florentine businessman who acquired the historic 71.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3750" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="P Smit (Company)">P. Smit</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Snellius71.8m (235'7&quot;)P Smit1952">Snellius</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/359716/image/large-eb4a5df58c9854224e8b4be256caddd1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/359716">Originally constructed in Rotterdam in 1952 for the Royal Dutch Navy, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Snellius71.8m (235'7&quot;)P Smit1952">Snellius</a> will be converted into a superyacht by CR9, Moretti’s dedicated refit company, using the facilities at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8261" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giacalone Shipyard S.r.l. (Company)">Giacalone Shipyard</a> in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. CR9 is also carrying out the refit of the 44.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CCYD (Company)">CCYD</a> sailing superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Electa44.5m (145'12&quot;)CCYD1990">Electa</a> at its facilities in Termoli, Molise, Italy.Once complete, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Snellius71.8m (235'7&quot;)P Smit1952">Snellius</a> will join the House of Nine fleet, a boutique hospitality brand founded by Moretti and his daughter Ginerva that combines five-star hotel service with the exclusivity of superyacht cruising.This marks <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8261" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giacalone Shipyard S.r.l. (Company)">Giacalone Shipyard</a>’s first superyacht project; until now, the yard has specialised in the construction of merchant and military vessels. Explaining how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Snellius71.8m (235'7&quot;)P Smit1952">Snellius</a> came to the yard, Nicolò Giacalone, Technical Director and second-generation representative of the family-run shipyard, said: “It happened by chance. It was the result of a casual meeting. When both parties showed interest, something naturally developed.” He further elaborated: “It is clear that the owner, from a technical point of view, entrusted us with the construction work because of our experience. For this reason, he chose to bring the vessel here from other ports to Mazara del Vallo.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/66525/image/large-0d7ca401e589293790b41cdb86edc329.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66525">Reflecting on the decision to accept the project, he said: “We saw in this project a great opportunity, one that is both bold and exciting.”Detailing the scope of work, Giacalone highlighted: “First of all, we will undertake a comprehensive overhaul, which will certainly involve several specialist design studios covering structural work, interior design and automation and electrical systems. Not least, we are placing strong emphasis on the ‘green’ aspect. It is likely that we will focus on a hybrid solution too, giving the vessel the ability to sail in complete silence.”He further explained: “Several teams will work simultaneously and we will certainly focus on the technical and structural aspects, including a complete revision of the vessel’s internal compartmentalisation to bring it in line with current regulations, as the ship will be classified as a passenger vessel. The plan is to transform it into a luxury hotel at sea, with suites and every detail designed to serve the needs of guests.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365199/image/large-d8a73948f382333846ccb6283198e96b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365199">As for the timeline for the completion of the project, Giacalone shared that discussions are now underway to define the stages of work. “Next week we will hold our initial meetings to set out the various phases and then we will get started straight away. We expect around three years of work,” he said.Regarding whether <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8261" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giacalone Shipyard S.r.l. (Company)">Giacalone Shipyard</a> intends to expand its involvement in superyacht projects rather than focusing solely on merchant and military vessels, Giacalone pointed out: “At the moment, we are also considering the possibility of entering this market.”

Snellius begins two-year superyacht refit at Giacalone Shipyard

Snellius will be converted into a superyacht and will soon undergo a major refit at Giacalone Shipyard in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily.