Oceanco: Delivering the Future

By Emily Dawkins

For 35 years, Oceanco has gone above and beyond the conventions of yacht design. Not only creating some of the most groundbreaking concepts on the market, the Dutch shipyard has evolved to become an eco-conscious yacht builder: paving the way for a more sustainable industry. We take a look at all things Oceanco: discovering its commitment to delivering tomorrow’s superyachts.

The Pioneer

Undoubtedly, Oceanco’s most challenging yet rewarding sustainable yacht build is the landmark 106.7m sail yacht: Black Pearl. Commissioned by a creative owner, who had the goal of crossing the Atlantic without the need for fossil fuel, this revolutionary sail yacht features three state-of-the-art DynaRig masts, as well as a hybrid propulsion system with a regenerative function, able to power the entire yacht without fuel. ‘We are able to turn back the clock to a time when shipping was emission-free, except now with all the comfort and luxury provided onboard a modern superyacht.’ Her expansive masts can connect solar panels for generating additional electricity during cruising, whilst continuing to take advantage of her natural eco-friendly power. Delivered in 2016, Black Pearl became a pioneer; not only for highlighting the capabilities of Oceanco, but also for boosting the industry’s efforts to construct more future-proof projects.

The Hybrid

Following in Black Pearl’s footsteps, 2018 saw the delivery of the iconic 109m Bravo Eugenia. Despite her impressive size, Oceanco’s 109m is highly efficient, powered by advanced hybrid propulsion systems that impressively consume 30% less fuel compared to other yachts of her size. Onboard, she includes a waste heat recovery system, used to redirect heat energy to other resources such as warming the water of her onboard swimming pool, as well as featuring an integrated battery system, for exceptional yacht operation at all times. In collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects, the outstanding LIFE Design solution was born within Bravo Eugenia: a solution that minimises technical space, amplifies living space, and makes incredible efficiency and sustainability gains through four key design points: length, innovative layout, fuel-efficient and eco-conscious.  

The Latest

Oceanco’s latest eco-focused project, 109m Y720, is confirmed to harbour technologically advanced environmental systems that have been specifically engineered to exceed all current regulations. Oceanco’s intelligent Life Cycle Support scheme ensures that yachts continue to evolve with new, cutting-edge sustainable technologies; something certainly witnessed in the known development of Y720. Oceanco believes that, ‘innovation is key to eco-friendly yachting’, however, ultimately, ‘the most sustainable approach is to create something which people admire for a lifetime.’

The Green Facilities

Investing in effective green technology is just one of the many ways that Oceanco’s facilities remain an all-encompassing example of its drive to pioneer the industry. At the forefront: the Dutch shipyard’s state-of-the-art Alblasserdam headquarters and outfitting facility. Boasting a capacity able to simultaneously construct multiple yachts up to 160m, the eco-friendly HQ harbours the latest technology focused on installing renewable energy systems within yachts, and therefore decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Oceanco’s outfitting facilities boast a new heat pump system, which stretches 200m below the surface and halves the shipyard’s gas consumption, alongside rooftop solar panels, which generate an abundance of energy every year. Oceanco’s meticulous green construction doesn’t stop there. The shipyard responsibly sources raw materials and equipment, and encourages owners, captains and crew post-delivery to operate the vessels in an environmentally friendly way. 

Oceanco's latest expansion of facilities lies in Zwijndrecht: a new-build construction and refit shipyard set to become the yachting hub for innovation. The Zwijndrecht facility is yet another move in Oceanco’s pledge to decrease its environmental impact by over half by 2030, aiming for 100% of its electricity to be provided by renewable sources.

The New Way of Living Onboard

Over the years, Oceanco has iconically created a wide range of yacht designs in collaboration with an array of creative minds. Its designs span from those conforming to pragmatic industry standards, to those more eccentric and innovative than ever. Its latest and most futuristic eco-conscious design is that of 90m KAIROS. Created from an outstanding first-time collaboration between Oceanco and Italian design studio Pininfarina in 2021, with technical design and engineering development from Lateral Naval Architects, KAIROS offers a new kind of living to superyacht owners. According to the shipyard, the 90m vessel allows her guests to, ‘connect, share, and create, by synchronously experiencing multiple environments onboard.’ KAIROS uniquely has no ‘forward’ direction, instead, she resembles more of a floating, living island, encompassing a vessel with little sense of urgency, but freedom, enjoyment and relaxation instead.  

Across her 90m of vast onboard space, the remarkable concept was created in cohesion with Oceanco’s NXT approach to the future of yacht design: with sustainability and innovation at its core. 

The NXT Approach

For Oceanco, reducing its yachts’ impact on the environment was not enough in the journey to evolve with the demand for a sustainable future. The question of ‘what's next?’ soon began to ring through the shipyard. 

To create tomorrow's yachts with today’s solutions, Oceanco continues its drive to understand the best creations for future generations. Collaborating globally with industry experts, as well as trailblazers with fresh perspectives from outside of the industry, Oceanco believes that, ‘this new era demands meaningful innovation that is aligned with emerging ideologies and approaches,' with a focus on, 'heightened sustainability awareness and stewardship of the planet.’ 

According to Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of Oceanco, ‘when owners see the Oceanco NXT endorsement on a yacht’s design, they know they can expect to enjoy a certain elevated standard of life onboard; one that is in tune with forward-thinking perspectives on sustainability and lifestyle.’ 

The NFT Universe

The leading Dutch shipyard doesn’t stop there in regards to its forward thinking strategy. At this year’s Dubai Yacht Show, Oceanco announced its launch into the world of NFTs. Entering a ‘new space’ through a collaboration with innovative yacht designer, Timur Bozca, SuperyachtNFTs was born.  

Created with the ethos that yachting is about making memories, having fun and experiencing new places, not simply the status that it might convey, the new limited NFT collection claims to, ‘grant you access to the playground of yacht ownership - taking you on a journey like no other.’ The SuperyachtNFTs blend incredible design from renowned industry specialists, with extraordinary features and owner benefits: ‘SuperyachtNFTs will grant its holders various door opening utilities, making owning and holding the NFTs even more attractive, and taking its holders on a journey like no other.’

Making a move into the NFT universe was seemingly more of a natural progression for Oceanco: ‘With industry first being the centre of our DNA, SuperyachtNFTs felt like the next best space for us to embrace and invest our passion, time and creativity in.’

 

Fundamentally, the desire to be eco-conscious is increasing in the wants and needs of superyacht owners, yet also those within the entire superyacht industry. It is clear that the proactive nature, advanced technologies and dedicated investments of Oceanco are not only pioneering the way for the industry, but also for further afield: ‘It is a continual process of meaningful progress. An enduring investment in our future.’ Oceanco is unquestionably on an incredible journey to delivering our future. 

‘We hope you will join us on our journey of discovery.'

"Within the current world, and her ever faster developing technologies, we started to focus more on future-proof designs."

Oceanco

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"Within the current world, and her ever faster developing technologies, we started to focus more on future-proof designs."

Oceanco
By Emily Dawkins
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