Atollvic & Iddes Yachts' Joint Venture to Build Luxury Explorer Range

Unveiled last year, the Class 55 struck a chord with the superyacht industry and its growing demand for something totally fresh. ‘Our prediction in the need for a well-thought design proposal in this size range was right on the spot,’ says Iván Salas Jefferson, Designer and Founder of Iddes Yachts. 

At 55 metres, the Class 55’s innovative design and optimisation of volume allows her to incorporate all of the luxury amenities Owners have come to expect on a superyacht of much larger stature.With no compromise on luxury or style, the design team paid special attention to the optimum length - with the aim of overcoming operational requirements with high standards of performance and safety. 

Now, this Owner’s dream is one step closer to becoming a reality. As with every step in the Class 55’s journey, the selection of Atollvic Shipyard for the joint venture was a strategic calculation. 

Northern Spain has a long and cherished history of shipbuilding; one that is often overshadowed by the larger megayacht builders of Northern Europe but that is perfectly placed to oversee the construction of the Class 55. The city of Vigo on Spain’s northwest coast prides itself on a long maritime tradition dating back centuries, beginning with the small wooden shipbuilders and quickly growing into the mass production of larger steam engines and steel ships.

We heard from Diego Gomez, Commercial Director of Atollvic Shipyard, on why this location is so significant in the context of the joint venture today. 

‘This mix of historic experience and integration of technological innovations into shipbuilding has now placed Vigo as a potential choice for the most advanced superyachts,’ Diego says. ‘This is reflected in the increasing order of new build superyachts in the area.’

Atollvic Shipyard is already an established name in the superyacht refit sector, with notable projects including that of 67.5m ICON last year. The joint venture with Iddes Yachts will establish Atollvic’s diversifying range of services. 

‘Thanks to our shipyard layout, we can incorporate refit and new builds simultaneously at different stages of the project,’ Diego tells us. 

Iván adds: ‘As soon as one finds the right facility it comes down to feelings and personal relationship. Atollvic being a family-owned shipyard with an honest and transparent approach was just right for us and the Class 55, but most importantly, for future clients that will build their yacht with us.’

The joint venture between Iddes Yachts and Atollvic Shipyard will see the fusion of years of design and engineering experience with superb facilities. The groups’ companies are equipped with state-of-the-art CNC and large-scale additive manufacturing tooling, currently in use in a wide range of sectors including the automotive or aerospace industries.

As a result, the Class 55 will benefit from a rapid construction time, cutting-edge technologies and a hands-on, client-oriented approach.

We look forward to bringing our readers more news on this exciting venture as it unfolds.