Oceanco’s 27-year history makes it a virtual youngster among most megayacht builders. All the more interesting, then, that in 2008, Oceanco set its sights on the upper end of the megayacht market. Specifically, the Netherlands-based builder is squarely focused on megayachts of 262 feet (80 meters) and larger. It’s among the few worldwide with that ability. Even fewer solely target this size range. Oceanco chose this sector based on the clients it was attracting, of course. But, it also knew it could construct some of the yachts in a brand-new, purpose-built shed. The latter puts Oceanco in a category of its own.
The location in Alblasserdam where Oceanco has been operating since 1997 has a building measuring about 476 feet x 148 feet (145 meters x 45 meters). That allows for two yachts of 262 to 295 feet (80 to 90 meters) to be built simultaneously. But, it has precluded the far larger megayachts. “We don’t want to be caught in a facility where we can’t meet the quality that clients expect,” says Robert Tan, sales manager for Oceanco. Therefore, in 2008, Oceanco acquired adjacent land for expansion. In 2012, construction started on that land, on a shed measuring 492 by 98 feet (150 by 30 meters).
In June, we toured the new Oceanco shed (above and at left), set for completion late this year. If you include the offices that line it, the width is actually 164 feet (50 meters). All told, the new shed is six levels high. Workshops are on each of those levels, corresponding to the tasks going on aboard the megayachts directly out on the build floor. So, for example, machinery workshops are situated on the lowest levels, with interior-related workshops above them. In total, there will be 139,931 square feet (13,000 square meters) of workshop space. Furthermore, two 50-ton overhead cranes will extend out from the colossal bay doors to transport equipment, parts, and related items inside.
Oceanco is also finishing a separate new paint shed. Most noteworthy, it will permit different parts of a yacht to be independently controlled. This means not just painting, but also interior temperature and humidity control, plus airflow control. (Airflow impacts dust particles and the overall finish of a paint job.)
Larger construction and painting facilities need a larger launching area, naturally. So, Oceanco has a new drydock to accommodate the bigger megayachts. Pictured in the second photo above, it should take about 10 hours to be pumped dry from full capacity.
The first Oceanco to benefit from the additional facilities will be Y714. She’ll measure 360’9” (110 meters). Her hull is under construction off site with a sub-contractor. Oceanco signed this mega-size megayacht in 2012, the largest to be built in The Netherlands. Styling is by Igor Lobanov, with naval architecture by Azure Naval Architects. Delivery should be in 2016.
Y714, and subsequent large megayachts, will all enjoy something other Oceanco yachts currently do. It’s a four-hour cruise to open ocean, with no height or beam restrictions.
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