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ICON Yachts Reveals the 70m Explorer Yacht PROJECT MASTER
ICON Yachts, the Dutch shipyard recognised for their expertise in major conversions and sustainable shipbuilding, presents PROJECT MASTER, a 70-metre explorer yacht currently undergoing a complete transformation at their Harlingen facility. Conceived by ICON’s owner Micca Ferrero, MASTER is designed to be the most capable explorer yacht on the planet, built for high-end adventure and long-range cruising in true comfort.
Originally built as a North Sea Emergency Rescue and Repair Vessel, MASTER was selected for her exceptional hull strength and offshore pedigree. Undergoing a full-scale conversion, the vessel has been stripped to bare steel and rebuilt to meet the latest superyacht standards. A new Builder’s Certificate will be issued on completion, recognising her as a major conversion by ICON Yachts.
Espen Øino is leading the exterior redesign, preserving her purposeful profile while extending the hull by 4 metres and adding a steel superstructure. With a final volume of 2,801GT, MASTER remains just under the 3,000GT threshold, offering greater flexibility and reduced operating costs. Winch Design is behind the interiors, favouring natural tones and relaxed luxury to complement her explorer spirit.
Equipped with an advanced diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, MASTER features eVSPs (electric Voith Schneider Propellers) for precise manoeuvrability, quiet operation, and reduced environmental impact. With a range of 6,700 nautical miles at 10 knots, she is engineered for global expeditions.
Now entering the outfitting phase, MASTER remains on schedule, with delivery expected in around two years, which is significantly faster and more cost-efficient than a new build of similar calibre.
Designed for life on board, her layout includes a private owner’s deck, accommodation for 12 guests, expansive social areas, a spa, gym, and science lab. She also features two 11.75-metre tenders, a commercial helideck, and Polar Code C certification for high and low-latitude cruising.
Stuart Larsen, Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, remarked: ‘Having been involved with explorer yachts since the late 90s, including yachts such as OCTOPUS and PLANET NINE, PROJECT MASTER is headed to join the ranks of these impressive predecessors.’
PROJECT MASTER is a rare blend of rugged capability, refined design, and forward-thinking sustainability, an impressively bold statement in the next generation of explorer yachts.
"Having been involved with explorer yachts since the late 90s, including yachts such as OCTOPUS and PLANET NINE, PROJECT MASTER is headed to join the ranks of these impressive predecessors."
"Having been involved with explorer yachts since the late 90s, including yachts such as OCTOPUS and PLANET NINE, PROJECT MASTER is headed to join the ranks of these impressive predecessors."
Stuart Larsen, Sales Broker, Fraser Yachts