Though she looks like she’s from the early 20th century, Project Nelson is decidedly modern. She’s a proposal from Burgess Marine and Laurent Giles, which together can bring Project Nelson to fruition.
Project Nelson measures 262’5” (80 meters), with a beam of 40’9” (12.48 meters) and accommodations for 12 guests and 24 crew. Construction can begin this year at Trafalgar Wharf, in England’s Portsmouth Harbour, opposite Port Solent. Why Trafalgar Wharf? Burgess Marine, Laurent Giles, and other specialists are refitting the famed Shemara, built in 1938, there. It’s an extensive refit, begun in 2012. With the Shemara work wrapping up come June, many of the same players wish to contribute to Project Nelson.
Trafalgar Wharf, established in 1940, is not new to the megayacht business. It has leased its 69,640-square-foot covered facilities for previous projects. It has a floating dock for yachts to the same LOA as Project Nelson, for example. An 877-metric-ton ship lift, dating back to when only Royal Navy vessels were built and refitted there, is available, too. Furthermore, a number of contractors for painting, metalwork, canvas, and other needs are on site. Of course, owners and captains are invited to use their own specialists as well. That’s what Shemara Refit, the company overseeing Shemara’s refit, did.
Laurent Giles, founded in 1927, has contributed naval-architectural expertise to a number of projects. These range from the decades-ago restoration of the USS Williamsburg to modern new-builds like Samar and Stella Maris. As for Burgess Marine, it’s the UK’s largest independent ship repairer. Its team has extensive engineering knowledge, performing ship and superyacht refits, plus emergency work, worldwide. Burgess Marine has collaborated with builders like Pendennis, for example, and has an office at STP Palma. It has further supported Monaco Marine and MB92. At its own facilities in the UK, Burgess Marine is currently refitting three megayachts, including one from Hakvoort.
Burgess Marine and Laurent Giles view Project Nelson as a good alternative to the traditional superyacht solicitation and construction methods. They envision attracting an owner looking for an engaging experience and one who wishes to tap an existing network. “There is a huge opportunity to capitalize on the expertise and passion for ship building in and around this great maritime city,” Nicholas Warren, managing director of Burgess Marine, says in reference to Portsmouth and Project Nelson. “It’s been proven that if you have a willing and enthusiastic owner, anything can be achieved. You can build your own superyacht, to the very highest of standards, and keep complete control of both the project and all the costs associated with the build; it’s not the normal way of doing things, but it really does work.”
Further of note, HM Naval Base Portsmouth alternately can build Project Nelson. Also known as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, it’s a working naval base.
For more information on Project Nelson, contact Burgess Marine or fill out our contact form.
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