Embarking on the construction of a superyacht marks a substantial and enduring endeavour, representing a significant investment. Against the backdrop of heightened demand and evolving owner preferences, the new build market is experiencing rapid transformations. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> spoke with Daniela Duck, the Head of the New Build Division at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> to explore the latest trends and innovations in the industry as well as how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> services play a pivotal role, guiding prospective clients through the intricacies of this dynamic sector and facilitating their journey to acquire their own new build yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295010/image/large-5cf08453b6cb2e059771b2cd3a96d24e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295010">The initial and crucial step in the process involves the owner choosing between a fully custom or semi-custom superyacht. For those opting for a fully custom experience, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> guides the way by presenting a curated shortlist of distinguished designers and naval architects, each offering dedicated and tailor-made concepts. The owner then selects their preferred design from this selection.&nbsp;Once a design is chosen, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> technical team, led by seasoned managers, embarks on the meticulous process of elaborating a comprehensive specification. This specification serves as the foundation for creating a bidding package, submitted to a shortlist of shipyards — typically ranging between two to four. According to Daniela, the selection of shipyards is "based on various factors such as yacht type, timeline, budget, and specific owner preferences, ensuring a tailored approach to every project." Furthermore, the process involves careful evaluation and comparison, leading to the selection of the shipyard. Subsequently, the pre-contract phase commences, during which the technical specifications and general arrangement are refined together with the construction contract in collaboration with the owner’s maritime lawyer, ensuring the development of a robust contractual documentation.<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/295008/image/large-64ffc97c0e9383aa730a0ae8cca5d5dd.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIA52TLVJASOPFTPHWY%2F20231201%2Feu-west-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20231201T081535Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=900&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=87a6f9218dbb4e88cfafbdbca703fce63c5b91935bf22874be91cd036fe057db" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295008">Project management is then initiated, beginning from keel laying through metal construction, pre-outfitting, outfitting, acceptance, and ultimately, delivery. This seamless journey guarantees that the superyacht is meticulously crafted and tailored to the owner's vision, ready for a seamless handover to management.Beyond the construction phase, the transition from yacht building to operational use is a pivotal juncture. Recognising the significance of this transitional period, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> places a strong emphasis on their Pre-Delivery Service, a process designed to navigate the complexities of this handover and alleviate stress from the owner after the yacht's launch.&nbsp;Daniela elucidates on the approach stating: “if project management has been in place early in the project, coupled with diligent follow-ups during acceptance and delivery, a remark database is established and is eventually converted into a rest point list”. Whilst Daniela acknowledges that it's rare for a yacht to be delivered without any remarks, they typically involve a few minor adjustments, or improvements slated for the warranty phase. She further affirms that “they don't hinder the delivery to a point where the owner cannot already enjoy the yacht”.This database is then handed over to yacht management, usually established in collaboration with the crew, ideally entering the project in the last months of the build, especially if <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> oversees project management or during their yacht management's pre-delivery consultancy. The designated project manager manages and consolidates these lists, ensuring uniformity in structure.&nbsp;The shipyard typically designates one reference point to consolidate all claims. In cases where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> is involved throughout the entire build phase, they provide the yacht management with a comprehensive database. This includes detailed photographic documentation throughout the build process, capturing areas subsequently concealed behind furniture and panelling. While certain as-built drawings provided by the shipyard may partially indicate specific locations, a photographic database proves to be a valuable asset, particularly for tasks related to sourcing and addressing operational challenges post-build completion.Daniela highlights several distinctive factors that sets <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> apart from its competitors in terms of its approach to the new build process. "First and foremost, our strong added value lies in the extensive shipyard background of all our technical managers. This means they possess a deep understanding of shipyard logics and dynamics, coupled with broad knowledge of major industry subcontractors. Consequently, we play a crucial role in guiding the selection of subcontractors, ensuring they have the right pedigree to guarantee the quality the yacht should be built to."&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295007/image/large-24f8e23e2d805c7ee761daf458f6ecca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295007">Daniela further emphasises the proximity of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> to production sites, stating, "We maintain a close proximity to the production sites, enabling us to ensure a very frequent presence in the yard. This close oversight significantly aids in tightly monitoring the production progress. As a result, it helps minimise the risk of delays, as the builder remains focused on keeping things on track due to continuous tracking and control. This aspect truly sets us apart in the industry."The 50-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/544" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crescent Custom Yachts (Company)">Crescent Custom</a> motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danzante Bay50.0m (164'1&quot;)Crescent Custom Yachts2024">Danzante Bay</a>, exemplifies the high standards of service offered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>, who intervened in the project six months before the scheduled delivery date, within the scope of the service named "Pre-delivery". The oversight of the yacht preparation ensured a seamless transition into the operational stage with a dedicated team of four people consisting of the Pre-delivery project manager, Fleet manager, Crew manager and Accountant manager.This comprehensive approach entails critical tasks such as regular visits on site, crew sourcing and insurance management in accordance with industry standards, as well as the handling of Flag and Class operational surveys to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Moreover, dedicated support is provided to the on-site project manager and the shipyard, addressing any technical inquiries related to the yacht's seaworthiness, compliance, and technical operations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/295006/image/large-dca4e2130ba0c2e83a98b683268e45a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/295006">With access to over 180 shipyards, including every top-tier manufacturer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> new build division strategically positions itself at the forefront, equipped with extensive knowledge of industry trends, assuring both prospective and current clients that their superyacht will be at the cutting edge of innovation. A notable trend in the industry is the emphasis on direct contact with the sea, with aft swim platforms featuring fully opening sides emerging as one of the most prevalent features. Daniela further elaborates, stating that “full-height windows are increasingly requested and have become a standard feature, enhancing the proximity to the ocean”.Moreover, another key aspect to consider during the build involves finding different locations for storage, as Daniela explains: 'You have to identify various storage locations, for instance. Ideally, during the project management phase, particularly in the pre-contract phase when the general arrangement is being discussed, we ensure to address this aspect. For instance, on a current 60-metre project, we are actively working to optimise and adapt structures to maximise storage space, as well as areas for pantries and service, ensuring an adequate level of service, especially crucial on charter yachts”.

How Camper & Nicholsons helps its clients acquire their own new build yacht

Daniela Duck looking at GAs

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Camper & Nicholsons new build division at the shipyard

SuperYacht Times spoke with Daniela Duck, the Head of the New Build Division at Camper & Nicholsons.

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How Camper & Nicholsons helps its clients acquire their own new build yacht