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Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.

The worlds largest yacht support vessels

SuperYacht Times takes a look at the largest yacht support vessels that are currently in operation from across the globe.

The world’s largest yacht support vessels

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318461/image/large-4e825b767300eeae2746f7cd83321d82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318461">Spotted recently leaving the port of Monaco is the 71.5-metre dive support yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>, while the 124.4-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Katara124.4m (408'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2010">Katara</a> remained docked by her side. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>, built under the project name Al Jassasiya, was completed in 2018 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd. (Company)">Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar</a>. Designed for diving and ocean exploration, the 1,306 GT vessel features a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, having recently undergone maintenance works in Barcelona. Her exterior lines were crafted through a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>, with the interior exclusively designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>.Docked next to her is the Qatari-flagged superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Katara124.4m (408'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2010">Katara</a>, launched as Project Crystal by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in 2010. Showcasing exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a> and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/19" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Pinto (Company)">Alberto Pinto</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Katara124.4m (408'2&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2010">Katara</a> stands out as one of the largest and most private yachts in the world.

Superyachts Um Alhoul and Katara in Monaco 

The 124m superyacht Katara and 72m support yacht Um Alhoul were spotted docked in Monaco port. 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302075/image/large-37c34f964a4788e3b3e30e82e3e9ce67.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302075">Spotted a few weeks ago docked here in the Seychelles enjoying the bright winter season, are the superyachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daloob71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Daloob</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="No Stress Two49.9m (163'9&quot;)Rossinavi2023">No Stress Two</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1649" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Big Fish45.0m (147'8&quot;)McMullen & Wing Ltd2010">Big Fish</a>. The 93-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in 2019 for an experienced owner, features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/25" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Michael Leach Design Ltd. (Company)">Michael Leach</a> and an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton</a>. The 2,999 GT superyacht showcases notable amenities such as chandeliers crafted from white and crystal elements, a spacious pool and a helicopter landing platform rated for commercial use, that can also be used as an entertainment area.&nbsp;Next to her, the two 71.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd. (Company)">Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar</a> dive support yachts can be seen. Built under the name Al Jassasiya I, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a> was delivered in 2018 and designed specifically for diving and exploring the seas. With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she boasts a volume of 1,306 GT. Both her exterior and interior design were created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>, in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> for her external profile. In the same year, her sistership <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daloob71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Daloob</a> also incorporated the Damen 6711/6911 series design, aligning with other sisterships including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6050" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intrepid69.15m (226'10&quot;)Damen Yachting2016">Intrepid</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.15m (236'9&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3660" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Garçon67.15m (220'4&quot;)Damen Yachting2012">Garçon</a>. Equipped with four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daloob71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Daloob</a> is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 20 knots.&nbsp;Among the vessels, the newly launched 49.9-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="No Stress Two49.9m (163'9&quot;)Rossinavi2023">No Stress Two</a>, delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> last year, and the 45-metre expedition yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1649" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Big Fish45.0m (147'8&quot;)McMullen & Wing Ltd2010">Big Fish</a> constructed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/878" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McMullen & Wing Ltd (Company)">McMullen &amp; Wing</a> in 2010, are also visible.&nbsp;

Superyachts docked in the Seychelles

Superyachts Lady S, Big Fish, No Stress Two, Daloob and Um Alhoul  are seen here docked in the Seychelles.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258936/image/large-1d83b221bd611d1261305f6aa087260a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258936">Spotted last weekend cruising in the Seychelles, is the 71.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd. (Company)">Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar</a> dive support yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daloob71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Daloob</a>. Built under the project name Al Jassasiya in 2018 alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>, both dive support yachts are based on the same platform as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> 6711/6911, which include support yachts such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6050" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intrepid69.15m (226'10&quot;)Damen Yachting2016">Intrepid</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.15m (236'9&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3660" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Garçon67.15m (220'4&quot;)Damen Yachting2012">Garçon</a>. Featuring both exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Stefano Pastrovich</a>, the 1,306 GT yacht is powered by four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines that provide her with a top speed of 20 knots.

Nakilat Damen support yacht Daloob in the Seychelles

The 72m support yacht Daloob, built by Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar, is seen here cruising in the Seychelles.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213957/image/large-80246a39a5f1b9f1b4c93d0906bcb5da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213957">Seen here docked in the Seychelles enjoying a sunny winter season are the superyachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Plvs Vltra74.0m (242'9&quot;)Amels2016">Plvs Vltra</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tango77.7m (254'11&quot;)Feadship2011">Tango</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Plvs Vltra74.0m (242'9&quot;)Amels2016">Plvs Vltra</a> is a 74-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> superyacht, which was delivered in 2016. She is the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/6267" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels Limited Edition 24274.0m (242'9&quot;)">Amels 242</a> superyacht completed by the yard and features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood</a>, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> penned &nbsp;the yacht’s custom interior spaces. Behind her elegant silhouette the 77-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2449" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tango77.7m (254'11&quot;)Feadship2011">Tango</a> can be seen. Launched at the Dutch shipyard in 2011 and built to a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a> from London, her strong and defined exterior shape and split-tone paint finish makes her stand out from the surrounding yacht. In the background is the 71.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd. (Company)">Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar</a> dive support yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>. Built under the project name Al Jassasiya, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a> was completed in 2018. The shadow vessel was designed to be a stand-alone luxury vessel for adventurous activities, such as diving and ocean exploration. Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, her exterior lines are the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>. Inside, her design comes from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>.

Superyacht lineup in the Seychelles

Superyachts Plvs Vltra, Tango and Um Alhoul are seen here docked in the Seychelles.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/198314/image/large-a3d5d528e5dbce7a3afff5e5e6529084.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/198314">Seen here cruising in the Seychelles is the 71.5-metre <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/nakilat-damen-shipyards-qatar-ltd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar</a> dive support yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a>. Built under the project name Al Jassasiya,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a> was completed in 2018. The shadow vessel was built as a stand-alone luxury vessel designed for adventurous activities such as diving and ocean exploration. Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Um Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Ltd.2018">Um Alhoul</a> has a generous volume of 1,306 GT. Her exterior lines are the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>. Inside, her design comes from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1805" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pastrovich Studio (Company)">Pastrovich Studio</a>.

72m Superyacht Um Alhoul in the Seychelles 

The 72m superyacht Um Alhoul is seen here cruising in the Seychelles.

Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) announced the delivery of two 71.5-metre fast diving vessels (FDV) yesterday afternoon. The projects were announced in March 2013 and construction began in 2014, with both support yachts launched in January 2018. Official photos of the vessels have yet to be released, but a few photos of both yachts can be seen on Instagram. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/17865/image/large-8bf7632759a271a7ec0659dea0b86b1a.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17865">The first vessel was built under the project name Al Jassasiya I and has now been named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umm Alhoul71.5m (234'7&quot;)">Umm Alhoul.&nbsp;</a>The second vessel was built under the project name Al Jassasiya II and has now been named&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daloob71.5m (234'7&quot;)">Daloob.</a>Both dive support yachts are based on the same platform as the Damen 6711/6911 yacht support vessels, which include support yachts such as<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6050" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intrepid69.15m (226'10&quot;)">&nbsp;Intrepid,</a>&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="6711 Geo67.15m (220'4&quot;)">6711 GEO,</a>&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer69.15m (226'10&quot;)">Game Changer&nbsp;</a>and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3660" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Garcon67.15m (220'4&quot;)">Garcon.</a>&nbsp;Both the interior and exterior of the vessels have been designed by Stefano Pastrovich.&nbsp;The SuperYacht Times team visited the shipyard in Qatar a few times over the past few years and in January 2014 we published <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/41652" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Interview with Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (2014-01-01 23:00:00 +0100)">an interview</a> in which the company revealed that they would be interested in doing more yacht projects.&nbsp;NDSQ was established in 2010 as a joint venture between Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (Nakilat) and Damen Shipyards Qatar Holding BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Damen Shipyards Group, with 70% and 30% ownership respectively. The shipyard is located in the Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard near Ras Laffan in the north-eastern corner of Qatar.The following video of NDSQ offers an impression of their facility and features an animation of how they launch the vessels, as well as several yachts they have refitted over the past few years.<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P7kelzriH6k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Nakilat Damen delivers two 71m dive support yachts

Charlie Birkett and Gary Wright, the duo behind Y.CO, began their careers on superyachts and now run a multinational yacht management and brokerage company. The company also manages a wide variety of large yachts, including several vessels based in Qatar.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151864/image/large-869df12da713fa379d15da0635dcfc94.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151864">“We weren’t at the Qatar International Boat Show last year, we had people on the ground but we didn’t have a presence or a stand”, Charlie explains when I ask him about their presence at the show. “This year, we took the decision with the support of our clients based here to establish ourselves in the show and obviously bring other exciting yachting brands with us, including Lürssen”.“Y.CO has people on the ground here year round, purely in yacht management and technical management. We offer a lot of support to NDSQ, because we are coordinating two projects there with the Damen group, so we have technical supervision over there. We probably have two or three people in Qatar at all times”.The two projects are of course the two 71.5 metre Fast Diving Vessels, under construction at the Qatari NDSQ shipyard. These two high-speed luxurious vessels will be fully equipped to support offshore diving operations, including a decompression chamber, and are fitted with 4 main engines, bow thrusters and dynamic positioning. They are the first superyachts ever under construction in the Middle Eastern country.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151865/image/large-db0ae3513c91dc0cb6dd0778041cb7e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151865">With 10 superyachts currently under construction world-wide, under Y.CO management, I ask about the importance of that aspect of the business: “For us, management is what we started doing when we first started the company. It’s still something we’re very passionate about and we’ve got some exciting initiatives starting this year, one being that we’ve started our own charity yacht club for the crew. We support around 1500-1600 crew now on the yachts that we have contracts with, and we’d like them to start participating in a charity initiative. It’s in support of the Blue Marine Foundation. We’ve also got a new piece of management software that we’ve developed over the past five years, Y.CO Live, and we’re launching Y.CO Live 2 this year. That’s backed by Sea Logical, so that’s quite exciting”.Talking about exhibiting at the Qatar International Yacht Show, Birkett says: “We’re here to support Qatar and support the show. Obviously there are people who visiting the show that will be interesting to us, whether it’s charter or for sales, but we’re mainly here to support the country and its development into the yacht market”.By Maarten Janssen

Interview with Y.CO's Charlie Birkett

The second edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) concluded last week. Held from 11th - 15th November in Mourjan Marinas, Lusail City, the show reportedly attracted in excess of 12,000 visitors who came to see over 90 exhibitors and 75 boats on display. I was at the show, to experience first-hand the show's potential.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151678/image/large-6b15fbad997730bfbdbbe0e4b603e36d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151678">Inaugurated by H.E. the Minister of Economy and Trade, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, QIBS boasted many improvements on the inaugural show. Just one of these was the newly upgraded exhibition area which comprised shows both on land and in the water with 10,000 square metres of water basin surface, and more than 15,000 square metres of pavilions and outdoor areas.Boats on display included a Gulf Craft Majesty 101 (31m in length); Amer Yachts 92 (28m long); Behnemar 90 (27.5m); Al Omar Marine 88 (27m); and Gulf Craft 88 (27m). The largest boat on display was a 40 metre Floating House from Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Waves. However, built in Qatar by Al Mannai Marine, a luxury dhow stole the show this year. The 150 tonne dhow is 33 metres in length and incorporates the latest advancements in technology while maintaining the traditional look of a Qatari dhow, and as such, is the very first of its kind in a luxury dhow category with yacht specifications. The entire build of this design takes approximately 2 years, and currently Al Mannai Marine has 6 in production.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151679/image/large-55e0d501fb792a59bb03ff91b40d4290.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151679">Among the exhibitors at QIBS, an array of regional companies participated, including Amwaj, Art Marine, Behnemar, Doha Yachting, Dolphin Marine, Domasco, Emirates Boats, Emirates Waves and Gulf Craft amongst many others, while international exhibitors such as Lürssen and Blohm + Voss were also present.In order to highlight Qatar’s increasing role in the international maritime industry, members of the world’s media were also taken on a tour of the Nakilat (NDSQ) shipyard, situated in Ras Laffan. The shipyard covers a total area of 58,000sqm and includes a massive ship construction hall which is capable of simultaneously accommodating four vessels completely undercover.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151680/image/large-4a97f6e1943a8dd7d1a325d3eae2b139.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151680">Essa Al Mannai, Chairman of SnowComms which organises QIBS, commented, “QIBS is a showcase for modern Qatar and its ambitions. It is being increasingly recognised around the world as a major shop window for boats and services in the maritime industry, especially in the Gulf Region. The success of this past week's show has without doubt reinforced our view that Qatar has carved out for itself in the international boat show circuit.”As part of the closing ceremony, all the boats in the marina at Lusail sounded their horns for a full minute at 9pm.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151681/image/large-28faaa7c94df93faba406777d3fca416.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151681">Special thanks to Qatar Airways, the Official Carrier of Qatar International Boat Show, who were kind enough to fly the entire media team of the QIBS to their destination. Flying Qatar Airways turned out to be a real eye opener. Their Business Class service is amongst the best in the industry, and service was impeccable.By Maarten Janssen

QIBS 2014 a resounding success

The second Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) takes place in November, and the organisers have confirmed that many of the top names in the maritime industry will be present at the show. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150726/image/large-fdafe37e91421f95efcfa6d4e0ef1f8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150726">Four shipyards will be exhibiting for the first time at QIBS 2014:Palmer Johnson, Blohm and Voss, Esen Yacht and Grupo per Mare Amer Yachts, who will also be exhibiting one of the largest yachts in the show this year, at 92 ft in length.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150727/image/large-a656801d49938b37d8adf9a33f8a05af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146269"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150728/image/large-52c5fd62be12249b3883866a67affa20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146270">The show will also welcome back many exhibitors who were present in the first edition of the show, including Benetti, Sunseeker, Azimut and Princess Yachts.Nakilat Damen Shipyard, Qatar, too will have a presence. NDSQ is the only super yacht builder in Qatar – a joint venture of two blue chip companies: Nakilat and Damen.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150729/image/large-f5e8101a4e2fc9e9e28e1e0b0eff05f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146279"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150730/image/large-4778377443ed4c2eb2a5f3efe1578604.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146280">Faysal Mikati, Vice President of the QIBS’ organisers, Snow Comms, says the line up of exhibitors is like a Who’s Who in the maritime industry. “Even now, we are still getting enquiries from other potential exhibitors for the show; and it seems news of the success of the first edition of QIBS last year has filtered through the international boating community and it’s as if the whole of the industry is now making a beeline for Qatar. We have very high expectations for this year’s edition of the show.”Qatar International Boat Show 2014 will be open daily from 3.00pm to 9.30pm from 11-15 November at Mourjan Marinas – Lusail City, just to the north of Doha’s city centre.By Maarten Janssen, photos by Merijn de Waard

Second edition of Qatar International Boat Show announced

Qatari shipbuilder Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) recently announced that they will build Qatar's first fast luxury yacht at the Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan. The 71-metre vessel is based on Damen’s 67m Sea-Axe fast yacht support vessel. We visited the shipyard in Qatar last month in search of the story behind this project.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/146870/image/large-2dd16791659f56f712e76ceb86e94fbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146870">“Since we started in January, we have completed on time and within budget, six service and refit projects at this yard, including a small Riva 85, two Riva 115’s, and also a Mangusta 165, and a 55-metre support vessel. An Oceanco built 80-metre vessel is going to come to the yard as well”, Panos Kotsos, Head of the Yachting Division tells us. “We are always looking for more yachts in the region to use our facilities. In this part of the world, you lose 6 months out of the year to do work on yachts, because of the weather. It is too hot, too humid. You need to do this inside a temperature controlled environment. We have two temperature controlled sheds, as well as workshops adjacent to sheds. This will help us a lot in attracting new clients”.Jan-Wim Dekker, the yard’s managing director explains: “We work on commercial ships, navy vessels, and now also yachts. Our plan is to have our commercial production department work on the hull and superstructure, which, when it reaches a certain phase in the built, will then be completed by our yacht department. I expect that eventually, yachting will comprise of up to 30% of what we do”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/146871/image/large-89c8153909ceb2c971b6671ab3ee1dc2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146871"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/146872/image/large-b5e6baf43f34a0d16578b8717bee2f37.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146872">Asking Panos about the new 71-metre construction project at the yard, he comments: “We are nearly done with the engineering, and construction is expected to start in March. The vessel is based on the same platform used by Damen in Holland for their Sea Axe series, but with some significant changes. We have opted for a different engine room, and we have changed the superstructure. Whereas the Sea Axe is a support vessel, this will be more like an explorer yacht, complete with owner’s accommodation. We are doing one vessel right now, but there are already plans for a second vessel”.When we ask Panos if they are now not in direct competition with Damen in Holland, he explains it’s simple. “If we have the time and capacity to build a vessel here, we will do it. If not, we discuss with Damen, and we can possibly do it in Holland”.Plans are already being made, to expand the yard’s product line to superyachts. “The first vessel we are building will already have a superyacht finish. The interior quality will equal that of a superyacht. In our facility, we can construct yachts up to around 170 metres. We will also look at building superyachts on a platform”.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/146873/image/large-bcc6da0981965f3134140dc253a3d916.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/146873">Jan-Wim Dekker says: “Even though we are part of the Damen group of shipyards, our brand will be Nakilat, Damen is only a minority shareholder which you will see on the finished product. We work together with Vripack, H2 Yacht Design, Azure, Pastrovich, big names. We really want our clients to be able to work with any designer they choose. We will build on demand”.“Our ambition is to build for a worldwide clientele, although I expect that we will first see orders from the local market here in the Gulf region”

Interview with Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar

Hot on the heels of last week's news from Dubai, when Dubai Maritime City (DMC), signed a yacht manufacturing workshop lease agreement with Vitmar Yachts, another Middle Eastern yard announced their superyacht plans.Qatari shipbuilder Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) announced that they will built Qatar's first fast luxury yacht at the Erama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan.The Minister of State H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahad Al Thani and NDSQ's chairman Muhammad Ghannam, signed the contract to build the vessel. The 69 metre vessel is based on Damen’s 67m Sea-Axe fast yacht support vessel.

Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar enters superyacht arena

Jewers Doors has recently lifted into place doors that are 45 metres high at the new Nakilat superyacht facility in Qatar. The UK-based company is a world-leader in designing, manufacturing and installing exceptionally large doors for buildings such as aircraft hangars but these are the tallest doors it has built in its 29-year history.The new facility is phase 4A of an ongoing development by international construction group, Eversendai Corporation at Nakilat Ship Repair Yard, Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. The superyacht hall is being built for the final outfitting and painting of superyacht hulls as well as for refitting and upgrading super yachts and naval vessels.Jewers Doors has installed two of its Esavian doors totalling 45.1m high and 69.9m wide. Each door weighs 68 tonnes and three giant cranes where used in the lifting process. Although these are by far the tallest doors Jewers Doors has built and may well be some of the largest sliding doors in the world, in terms of area they are actually smaller than the 582m by 25.85m doors supplied for the Royal Airwing hangar at Dubai International Airport.It is Jewers Doors' unmatched experience of supplying large doors together with its long history of successful contract completions in the Middle East that helped secure the Nakilat superyacht facility contract.Esavian Director, Jonathan Jewers, says: "There is definitely a trend towards larger and larger buildings, especially in the aircraft and shipping maintenance and repair sectors. Just a few years ago we were supplying doors 21 metres high and 100 metres wide for aircraft hangars and now dimensions of 28 metres and 240 metres (sometimes multiples of these) are quite common. Together with the increase in size, our Esavian doors now have sophisticated safety and control mechanisms and class-leading 'green' features."