Building above and beyond

Oceanco’s yachts are iconic for a reason. But now the Dutch giant is pushing its shipbuilding abilities to new heights through its range of custom build services…

Every new-build project starts as a blank canvas at Oceanco. The shipyard is defined by its specialism in 80-metre-plus yachts, with iconic custom vessels like Alfa Nero, Black Pearl, Dar and Jubilee. Now, it is taking steps to redefine what “custom” truly means. The famous Dutch shipyard is reimagining the process to offer a more streamlined, personalised experience and push the boundaries of what a yacht actually is.

Since its inception, the shipyard has evolved immensely and is continuing to do so with its new approach, redefining its custom yacht solutions with four distinctive offerings. With the more streamlined Simply Custom option to realise an owner’s dream yacht from the first line drawn on paper to delivering their complete vision through Full Custom and then challenging the near impossible with Beyond Custom, Oceanco is setting a standard that is hard to replicate. Furthermore, Oceanco remains by your side for the duration with Life Cycle Support, to provide for future maintenance, upgrades and even rebuilds.

So what defines these different offerings and why do they resonate with yacht owners so well?

Simply Custom
For owners who want to enjoy the creative process without being burdened by the intricacies that come with designing a custom-built boat of such calibre, the Simply Custom programme delivers just that. Launched in 2023, Simply Custom provides owners with 15 inspiring and diverse yacht designs from 80 metres in length or 2,500-2,700gt. This, paired with the flexibility to include what excites and inspires them and the collaborative approach Oceanco is known for, presents an incredibly attractive prospect for those who value their time and vision in equal measure.

Full Custom
But sometimes, a dream is too vivid to remain just a vision. It must be brought to life, fully realised. When such a dream takes shape, Oceanco’s Full Custom offering can transform it into reality. By partnering with creative minds from inside and outside the industry, Oceanco ensures that each design has the potential to be groundbreaking without sacrificing practicality.

Inspired by the latest technological advancements, these Full Custom Tomorrow’s Designs are tangible expressions of what a yacht can be, crafted to the highest possible standard. Past Full Custom yachts include the award-winning Bravo Eugenia, DAR and KAOS, while designs such as Balance, STAR and Aeolus offer a glimpse of what Oceanco’s icons of the future could be.

Beyond Custom
For those looking beyond convention, Beyond Custom offers an opportunity to rewrite the rules and push the limits of technology, redefining possibilities for the future of yachting. It opens a new frontier for the rebels, the disrupters and the innovators of this world. Iconic yachts such as Black Pearl exemplify Oceanco’s history of breathtaking creations, while visionary designs such as KAIROS, Moonstone and Tuhura bear the unmistakable brand of a Beyond Custom yacht.

To celebrate the launch of this new offering, Oceanco introduced Mobula, a striking and forward-thinking project from Bozca Design which takes its inspiration from the graceful elegance of the mobula ray. Its sleek, flowing lines echo the fluidity of the ray gliding through the water, blending natural forms with cutting-edge.

Also influenced by modern architecture, Mobula couples minimalist aesthetics with expansive glass surfaces and clean, open spaces to enhance the sense of connection to the sea. Considering the yacht also benefits from multihull design, which offers generous living areas and superior stability, Mobula is a daring statement that calls for an equally daring owner ready to bring such a project to life.

Life Cycle Support
The journey with Oceanco doesn’t end at delivery however, it is just the beginning. Through the refit and maintenance programme, the firm’s Life Cycle Support is all about breathing new life into yachts, ensuring they stay relevant and evolve alongside the way we live today and tomorrow. Whether it’s a major structural upgrade, a complete transformation, or a sustainability overhaul, Oceanco’s approach ensures that every yacht can adapt across its lifetime.

Oceanco is no stranger to a challenge, with experience gained from tackling some of the world’s most ambitious and complex yacht projects. From extending a yacht’s lifespan to integrating the latest and most innovative technologies, their facilities are designed to handle the extraordinary. This means that Oceanco yachts’ legacy continues to remain at the pinnacle of the fleet, pushing the boundaries of design years and years after their initial launch.

Take H3, for example. Delivered earlier this year, this 105-metre motoryacht underwent what can only be described as a total transformation. This was less of a refit and more of a rebirth. The project saw a complete redesign, including a sleek new superstructure and a fresh interior by Reymond Langton Design. But it wasn’t just about aesthetics. H3’s Tier III-compliant set-up slashed emissions by 60 per cent, with the potential for an even greater reduction of up to 90 per cent when using sustainable fuels like HVO. The result is a yacht that’s not just modernised but ready for the road ahead.

Then there’s Antos, which debuted in September. This sublime reimagining of a yacht is a testament to Oceano’s skill and innovation in the face of a real test of metal. Originally a large commercial vessel, Antos was designed through Mario Biferali’s vision of giving such ships a new identity and purpose. The vessel now represents what many owners are seeking today: a boat that adapts effortlessly to private life, family time, remote work and adventure. Through this approach, even the iconic boats of yesteryear have the potential to become the new faces of tomorrow.

Oceanco yachts are some of the most iconic in the fleet for a reason. The shipyard’s wealth of expertise has been paramount to this feat, but the Dutch giant refuses to rest on its laurels and continues to push its mission forward with its custom yacht offerings. Through all three of its custom services, the shipyard strives to ensure every project is as awe-inspiring as the next. And through its Life Cycle Support, whether it’s reimagining an existing yacht or transforming something entirely new, Oceanco proves that a yacht’s story doesn’t have to end. It can evolve, adapt and even inspire a whole new beginning.