PBIBS ’23: Oceanco’s Year of Revolutionary Projects
Paris Baloumis, Group Marketing Director of Oceanco, joined Shari Liu at the Superyachts.com PBIBS ’23 Interview Studio. Though we are still only in March, Oceanco has made plenty of headlines already this year with revolutionary launches and concepts.
January began with the launch of one of the superyacht industry’s most closely guarded secrets – Project 1050H. A fundamental rebuild, this iconic yacht was completely transformed into a modern masterpiece in an industry-first project.
“I would not call it a refit, it is a rebuild and a prime example of a truly sustainable exercise,” explained Paris.
“We took a 23-year-old yacht back to the shipyard. We took out all machinery, we added 10-metres. We redesigned the superstructure with Reymond Langton. So, everything is new. The only thing we couldn’t change was the keel laying date!
“What you’re doing is future proofing a yacht which already exists, and giving it a new life.”
More recently, Oceanco unveiled 131-metre concept AEOLUS, designed to have a transformational impact.
“It is a very collaborative project,” Paris reflected. “On the aesthetic side we had Giles Taylor, known from his Rolls Royce tenure, and we have Njord by Bergman on the interior.
“We really came together to answer future demands. What you see, the colour of the project, is a technical platform which allows to transition the energy needs. You have the possibility to build a yacht which can transform into new energy sources along the way, with minimal impact. You become future-proof.”
On the US market, Paris emphasises the importance of American clients for the large, full-custom superyacht category.
“The US is very important to us, historically but also nowadays 80% of our yachts in build are from American clients.
“It is by far the largest market for yachting in our size. And historically, the US has a culture of boating and beautiful areas to visit. PB, FL, and the US in general is important to us.”
"The US is very important to us, historically but also nowadays 80% of our yachts in build are from American clients."