Australia

Periscope Naval Architects

The 45-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> sold in a deal with John Kearns of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SeaBoats (Company)">SeaBoats</a> introducing the buyer and Alex G. Clarke and David Johnson of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234597/image/large-978e4a90e0a982850dafe3988271f3c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234597">Delivered in 1996 from Japan, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> was originally used as a scientific research vessel before she underwent an extensive refit to become a specialised expedition vessel. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6786" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Periscope Naval Architects (Company)">Periscope Naval Architects</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata Shipyard</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234589/image/large-0fa438b97d18cd85d022c1368e6086ac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234589"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233638/image/large-fbde4e937595837ed10c419f7cc80471.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233638"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234586/image/large-aa5d3abbc2a7ba32d569689f602dbf3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234586"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> features interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6785" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ashley Sutton Design (Company)">Ashley Sutton Design</a> and combines modern contemporary style with glimpses into her former life. She showcases a relaxed yet functional atmosphere with plenty of sumptuous furnishings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234590/image/large-b9e37de631a77a68853738a27eedb5ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234590"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration and offers 337 GT of interior volume.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234595/image/large-7f8edde1881826dc13badad762ca4c3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234595"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234593/image/large-d827801051e27a4d3c1b5958dabf246f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234593"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234592/image/large-98a35608253bbc30b20da7c27385a55a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234592">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Power Systems Co.,Ltd. (Company)">Niigata Power Systems</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> had a last known asking price of $3,950,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234591/image/large-fbdb2438c730f61f3ac47587e30eb7e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234591">

45m Niigata motor yacht Immortalis sold

The 45-metre Niigata superyacht Immortalis sold with a last known asking price of $3,950,000.

45m Niigata conversion superyacht Immortalis sold

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7349" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="X-plorer Yachts (Company)">X-plorer Yachts</a> has collaborated with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Misha Merzliakov (Company)">Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design</a> to unveil the renderings of its latest concept, the 39.99-metre superyacht catamaran Project Orion.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286537/image/large-3c428517c9d54994d50cc42c92f9c4ef.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286537">The project began two and a half years ago and is a fully commissioned design. Both the interior and exterior design will be penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Misha Merzliakov (Company)">Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design</a>, while the catamaran’s naval architecture will be crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6786" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Periscope Naval Architects (Company)">Periscope Naval Architects</a>.&nbsp; <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/865880414?share=copy" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> The sub 500 GT entirely aluminium yacht is set to showcase expansive living areas, displaying a minimalist interior design, ideal for hosting large families onboard and for charter usage. While the interior will boast a minimalist aesthetic, the yacht also promises to display elegant details, including warm lighting and marble accents to enhance the grandeur of the guest areas onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286542/image/large-de43edafdf9dd76038a97d63945f8baf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286542"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286543/image/large-1580b650d0d70f13fab34a0171f9c4e2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286543">Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7349" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="X-plorer Yachts (Company)">X-plorer Yachts</a> and former yacht captain Juan Koegelenberg has been overseeing the project. Commenting on the design and construction process Juan stated, “The next step is selecting a builder, and that process is currently underway. The team selected have worked together before so the end result being testament to excellent communication, talent and working closely with the investor.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286541/image/large-a8ed9b24123d85ed292c0bab30a41fc3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286541"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286540/image/large-60c3bde2a12269fb97d2dbdc30609943.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286540">The superyacht has been designed and engineered in Australia and is set to be built in Australia. Project Orion will boast a helideck, as well as large tender storage and deployment, featuring an eight-metre tender lift platform situated aft on the centerline between the hulls. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286536/image/large-ee5f9817b8b1f8f58fc6c7d1ac4fb9b3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286536">The overall design of Project Orion has been inspired by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Misha Merzliakov (Company)">Misha</a>’s design for the 52-metre Eva yacht. The investor desired that the yacht’s exterior design remained understated, making her capable of exploring the Pacific for long periods of time.&nbsp;

X-plorer Yachts unveils new Project Orion yacht catamaran concept

X-plorer Yachts has unveiled the new 40m Project Orion yacht catamaran concept, stemming from a collaboration with Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design.

 X-plorer Yachts unveils new 40m Project Orion yacht catamaran concept

Pandemic projects came in many shapes and sizes but not many were the size of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a>, a 45-metre converted explorer project that evolved from Japanese research vessel to boutique go-anywhere explorer in just 18 months. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234584/image/large-9981a8a5b3145dea01aceb74d78a4a1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234584">The plan was to convert <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> over three phrases, with the first leg being a quick three-month refit to get her ready for family expeditions and hydro-graphic survey work. &nbsp;But with the pandemic kicking with such vengeance it just made sense to roll the whole project out in one go – and she looks spectacular as a result. “We’ve had a couple of family trips with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> and we’re extremely happy with her,” the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> said. “She’s given us loads of fun and allowed us to safely cross borders and get us to some incredible remote locations and &nbsp;surfing spots around Indonesia.” &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234585/image/large-07a8f953ea2271ed2419d187ade9d9c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234585"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> can easily accommodate as many as 12 guests and the owner ensured that his healthy lifestyle and his passions for exploration, surfing, yoga and travel were fed directly into her design. “The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a>-built vessel was perfect for us; she matched our lifestyle and could be used to support our marine conservation efforts,” the owner explained. “I love the build quality of these vessels but the Japanese Government clings to these vessels so tightly, they’re really hard to come by – it took me two years to get my hands on one!” &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234586/image/large-aa5d3abbc2a7ba32d569689f602dbf3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234586"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234589/image/large-0fa438b97d18cd85d022c1368e6086ac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234589"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata Shipyard</a> delivered the vessel in 1996, building her to the highest standards for the Japanese Government to use for research and training. She was kept in turnkey condition during her national service, undertaking a number of maintenance appointments, which kept her engines and equipment in immaculate condition. The platform was perfect for round-the-world exploration, and her owner had already closely followed the conversions of her two sister ships: the 40.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a> and the 45.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5861" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cklass Nautique45.4m (148'11&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1992">Cklass Nautique</a>. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234587/image/large-52f73e7500a476712a992d19316491ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234587">Unlike her sisters though, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> was booked into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">Bahtera Bahari Shipyard</a> for her conversion. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">BBS</a>’s portfolio is outstanding,” her owner said. “And the yard has recently launched an amazing rebuilt 100-metre plus superyacht – we were sold!” Shaun Phelps, Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6786" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Periscope Naval Architects (Company)">Periscope Naval Architects</a>, oversaw the project, and her owner enlisted the naval architects involved in the previous <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a> conversions as consultants. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234588/image/large-22804f6d0d7205dbc4dee80dcd95ff85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234588">“After seeing two earlier conversions and spending time onboard them both, we knew what works for us,” her owner said. “There were areas that these earlier projects did well and others not so well – we capitalised on this and were able to refine <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> to maximise her potential.” It was important to keep her core DNA and research credentials, as her owner and his family are serious about conservation. The directive was to create a purposeful superyacht that is luxurious, highly capable at sea and which can support major marine research projects and carry lots of equipment for extended periods at sea. Immortalis has kept most of her original laboratory, but the space underwent substantial refurbishments to uphold a synergy with the styling of the rest of the yacht. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234590/image/large-b9e37de631a77a68853738a27eedb5ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234590"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> has a strictly modern interior design that’s light, breezy and brimming with charm. Her main saloon is cavernous and wrapped in glass, allowing onboard guests to unwind with the luxury of space while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of their chosen cruising ground. The saloon is open plan and doubles down as a casual dining area, making the space multifunctional and the epicentre for socialising inside onboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234595/image/large-7f8edde1881826dc13badad762ca4c3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234595">Any explorer worth her salt offers plenty of outdoor space – and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> brings an abundance of it. As a research vessel, she was more than generous, but during her conversion she had her hull extended to really open up her aft area. Immortalis has a brimming toy box and can carry a number of tenders: two 8-metre ones on the aft deck, a 5-metre one on the swim platform and a 6-metre on the Mez deck. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> also carries some Jet-skis. These tenders are deployed by the newly installed aft deck crane. Another key feature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> is her touch-and-go-helipad up top. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234596/image/large-e021e6918951bea9a56ab061d1c01275.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234596">Even with all her tenders and toys onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> offers plenty of space for guests. Her wide-open decks have been designed as a playground for yoga and fitness enthusiasts. As the deck spaces have been cleared, it makes them ideal to host large functions and events. The three bars at the sundeck and aft deck allow for additional outside entertaining space for different groups of people to socialise. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234592/image/large-98a35608253bbc30b20da7c27385a55a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234592"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a>’ silhouette is strictly utilitarian and there is no doubt that she’s a world-cruiser. “You can be out at sea for months with her,” her owner said. “She’s got a 7,500 nautical mile range, the capacity to store 110,000 litres of diesel onboard, and she can carry pretty much anything. The beauty of her is that she can withstand a serious battering at sea and can cross oceans without an issue, irrespective of the weather conditions.” When she comes into port everyone is interested in knowing more about her.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234597/image/large-978e4a90e0a982850dafe3988271f3c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234597">When pressed about what brought on the decision to sell her, the owner explained that “She needs to get out and do some serious expedition work; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> deserves to have her glory and we are not using her enough. She is such an amazing seaworthy hull built for the biggest oceans in the world and we are using her on a lake, so to speak. We’ve already had a number of inquiries from film directors to feature her in movies, and other research specialists (including Nat Geo) to use her for scientific work.""<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> has received a massive amount of interest since it hit the market two weeks ago," David Johnson of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> added. "We are receiving inquiries from around the world from buyers that are interested in using it for a shadow boat for a superyacht, an expedition vessel for research and another for luxury surf and dive charters."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234598/image/large-27472acc38d1309475af5d619de8d4f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234598">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="41m converted explorer yacht Sharkwater sold (2022-07-12 09:30:00 +0200)">41m converted explorer yacht Sharkwater sold</a>“Covid provided us with this great opportunity to do a beautiful refit, which was probably more than we thought we would do. But now she’s a bigger boat than we need, really. That’s the reality.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> is listed for sale through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>.

Niigata 45m motor yacht Immortalis 

Niigata Shipyard's 45m Immortalis has been converted into a go-anywhere explorer, and SYT caught up with her owner to hear all about it