146m semi-submersible conversion with a tennis court launched at Karmarine Shipyard

A 146 metre semi-submersible expedition yacht has hit the water in Turkey after a three-year conversion at the Karmarine Shipyard. 

The unusual vessel started life in 1982 as a yacht transportation ship named Super Servant 3 built by Japanese commercial shipbuilder Oshima Shipbuilding. The converted ship will now cruise under the name OK with a redesigned exterior courtesy of designer and 2015 Young Designer of the Year award-winner Timur Bozca.

"The vision was to create a floating island concept that could hold many toys - even a seaplane or another superyacht - without breaking the powerful outlines of the previous version," said Bozca.

The design features over 3,000 square metres of open deck space with plenty of storage for tenders, buggies, amphibious vehicles and can even host a 46 metre sailing yacht. A car ramp allows land vehicles to be driven onto the deck while seafaring vessels can sail straight on board thanks to the yacht's ability to submerge the aft platform. The vessel takes on water ballast to allow the load to be floated over the deck; once in position, the ballast is jettisoned and the ship's deck and cargo return to sitting above the waterline. Smaller toys and tenders can be launched and recovered via a 40-tonne crane.

Other highlights of OK include an indoor swimming pool surrounded by glass windows, an outdoor cinema setup, a botanical garden and four aquariums. Plus, once the aft deck is cleared the space can serve as an open-air tennis court on the water. 

Accommodation for guests and crew can be found in the forward portion of the yacht's structure and can sleep a total of 20 guests. "Maximum comfort" was one of the design priorities, according to Bozca.

Sources:boatinternational.com

Photo:Holly Overton