If you thought only megayacht buyers were located in Abu Dhabi, think again. Abu Dhabi MAR is not only a new shipyard in the region, but also striving to make a name for itself with two super-size superyacht projects.
Measuring 141 and 135 meters (about 463 and 443 feet), respectively, the yachts will feature hulls from former Royal Dutch Navy frigates. The concept is for a relatively narrow beam and high-powered propulsion. As you can see in the image here of the Swift135, as the second yacht is being called, styling is ultramodern, with sweeping lines and wrap-around glass. It’s from the Paris-based Pierrejean Design Studio, which has fashioned interiors for private aircraft belonging to heads of state, commercial airliners, and private sailing yachts. Phocea is among the latter.
Although Abu Dhabi MAR hasn’t revealed details about the engine package, it says the Swift135 should be capable of 26-knot speeds when she’s delivered in late 2010 or early 2011.
No information is available from the yard about the Swift141’s design or other features, though you can see a profile drawing on Pierrejean Design Studio’s Web site. Delivery is set for mid-2009.
At the Monaco Yacht Show, Abu Dhabi MAR revealed it’s also starting construction next year on two other yachts, 47 and 52 meters (154 and 171 feet). In speaking about all of the yard’s projects, marketing director Luuk V. van Zanten said, “We have outstanding technical and administrative experts in Abu Dhabi, and we employ only the world’s leading specialist subcontractors for structure, engineering, and interiors. But it is our meticulous attention to detail and understanding of what an eminent yacht owner expects that sets us apart from other builders.”
The yard will be among the exhibitors at next March’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, and, in an interesting side note, both have caught the attention of Prince Albert of Monaco. When he met with various representatives of Abu Dhabi businesses at the Monaco Yacht Show a few weeks ago, he was quoted by Emirates News Agency (WAM) as saying, “I admire the way Abu Dhabi is going about promoting itself within the superyacht community and believe it has great potential. I would like to visit the emirate next year to see first-hand the progress being made and to visit the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, which is a welcome addition to the superyacht industry.”
Leave a Reply