BMT Brief

BMT Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

British Excellence recognized at World Superyacht Awards 2013

May 10, 2013

Three British Marine Federation (BMF) as well as Superyacht UK (SYUK) members have been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the superyacht sector at the 8th annual World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul. These members have been recognized for their expertise and excellence in superyacht design and construction.

Motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) after refit at Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

WSA 2013 for motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) refitted by Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

The Rebuilt Motor Yacht award went to the 47m motor yacht A2 which was refitted and exterior styling by Pendennis while the naval architecture was a combination of Pendennis and BMT Nigel Gee.

Toby Allies, Sales & Marketing Director at Pendennis said of the win: “A2 was a substantial project for Pendennis, with the vessel stripped back to her bare hull and rebuilt completely over her 16 month period in the Falmouth yard. Being awarded the World Superyacht Award for Best Rebuild is testament to the high level of excellence that is achieved by all our in-house trades and confirms our status as one of the leaders in the worldwide superyacht rebuilds market.”

The Judge’s Special Award for Performance was awarded to the 30m sailing yacht Hamilton, built by Green Marine. Marcel Muller, Managing Director at Green Marine said “We are very happy to have been awarded with this prestigious award. Hamilton is the first racing yacht that could convince the judges to have the qualities of a Superyacht.

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit YCO

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit to YCO

“We were lucky to execute this project with a great team of designers, engineers, project managers and builders for an owner who had a clear vision in mind. Only to mention a few of the key players: James Stagg as owners project manager kept the project on a very tight time line and Struik & Hammerslag did a fantastic job on the light weight interior.”

The dedicated award for Three Deck Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht went to superyacht Imperial Princess, Princess Yachts International’s first Princess 40M from their M Class range of 100ft yachts.

Imperial Princess superyacht by Princess Yachts

Imperial Princess superyacht by Princess Yachts

Chris Gates, Managing Director at Princess Yachts International, said: “We are extremely honoured that Imperial Princess has been awarded in her category at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards.  The standard of yachts within her class were exemplary and we are delighted to receive this internationally recognised accolade for our Princess 40M.  This is a tremendous achievement for all involved.”

Albert Levy, SYUK Chairman commented: “The consistent recognition of quality in design, construction, refit and engineering consultancy evidences a depth of experience and knowledge at the highest level. This enhances the attraction of the UK’s Superyacht Industry to all who work in it and more especially the owners who have entrusted their projects to, in particular the winners of the Awards, whose teams are to be congratulated for their singular efforts.”

Along with the success of the BMF and SYUK members further British accomplishments were recognised with Overall Motor Yacht of the Year and winner of the Raised Pilothouse Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht awards going to luxury yacht Loretta Anne, designed by Dubois Naval Architects Ltd and with interior design completed by Donald Starkey Designs.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

Charter yacht Endeavour won Refitted Sailing Yacht with its interior design created by John Munford and Adam Lay while superyacht Mogambo took Displacement Motor Yacht of 1,300GT and Above with its exterior and interior design by Reymond Langton Design.

The World Superyacht Awards, in its eighth year, took place at the stunning Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey on 4 May, celebrated the finest new superyacht builds delivered to their owners in the last 12 months. News broadcaster, Natasha Kaplinsky presented the coveted silver Neptune awards and five Judge’s Commendation prizes to the superyacht owners and industry professionals.

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

The UK superyacht industry is a significant contributor in the global arena, delivering revenue over £440million and employing around 3,550, according to the latest Superyacht UK statistics. The diverse nature of the UK’s offering to the superyacht sector has allowed the industry to continue providing excellent services thanks to its refit, broking, design, insurance and legal offerings. British excellence within the industry was highly recognised on the international stage at the spectacular awards event where eight British companies were acknowledged for their expertise and success in the industry.

World Superyacht Award 2013 for motor yacht A2 refitted by Pendennis

May 10, 2013

The annual World Superyacht Awards recognizes the best superyacht projects delivered each year. Pendennis is delighted to confirm that the 47m motor yacht A2, previously known as Masquerade of Sole, has become the Winner of the ‘Rebuilt Motor Yacht’ category at the prestigious awards ceremony, taking place in the magnificent Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul on the 4th May.

Motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) after refit at Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

Motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) after refit at Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

Masquerade of Sole Yacht before her refit at Pendennis

Masquerade of Sole Yacht before her refit at Pendennis

Toby Allies, Sales & Marketing Director, commented “This recognition is testament to the level of quality and excellence that the Pendennis team strived for during A2’s 16-month visit to the yard in Falmouth. The refit objective on A2 was to completely transform the 1983-built yacht into one reflective of modern design and technology, both externally and internally. The results are impressive as the yacht is now completely unrecognizable from her former self.”

The extent of the work is apparent when comparing photographs of her before and after the rebuild. The initial phase of the project was to strip the superyacht A2 down to her bare steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Following this, structural engineers at BMT Nigel Gee worked alongside the technical team at Pendennis to design a five metre extension across three levels, increasing her LOA from 42.5m to 47m, thereby substantially enhancing the inboard social areas, including an additional impressive full width Owner’s lounge area.

A2 Superyacht - Dining Room Photo credit to Paul Warchol

A2 Superyacht - Dining Room Photo credit to Paul Warchol

John Bonafoux, Managing Director at BMT Nigel Gee, explained “Our experience of working with Pendennis on a number of projects has been hugely positive. Their professionalism and approach to yacht building delivers vessels of the highest quality, as well as a highly enjoyable experience for both the owner and project partners such as BMT Nigel Gee.”

The owner appointed New York based Peter Marino Architect to design the contemporary and luxurious Owner and Guest areas, creating an architecturally-influenced, dramatic interior space. Peter Marino has created a visually exciting design throughout: bleached oak bulkheads balanced with dark palmwood interiors, whilst textured leather walls are balanced by clean-lined furniture, and contemporary patterned upholstery complemented by stylish high-art pieces.

Luxury yacht A2 - main salon Photo credit to Paul Warchol

Luxury yacht A2 - main salon Photo credit to Paul Warchol

The experienced engineering team at Pendennis was given a unique opportunity on this project, as the rebuild required re-engineering of all systems. This involved installation of new deck equipment, a complete rebuild of the engine room, installation of modern bridge technology and new state-of-the-art AV equipment. Pendennis completely redesigned and rewired the vessel’s electrical system, creating a highly efficient and effective power management system. This challenge allowed the team to use their impressive experience to recommend and plan the most appropriate design and performance-led systems for this type of yacht.

Launched in 2012, during the 3rd Pendennis Cup, luxury yacht A2 is testament to the company’s 25 years’ experience, with many members of the project team having worked at Pendennis since it was founded in 1988. It is projects such as A2 that showcase Pendennis’ in-house expertise across all trade areas from paint to engineering, interior finishing to fabrication, highlighting the world class craftsmanship that exists locally in Cornwall.

A2 Yacht - top deck lounge Photo credit to Paul Warchol

A2 Yacht - top deck lounge Photo credit to Paul Warchol

Motor yacht A2 is currently on her way to an exploration of Alaska. The Captain, Peter Pexton, said: “We left Pendennis on the 4th July 2012 and now, 10 months and 16,000 miles later, we are in Vancouver, Canada. A2 has been very busy since her rebuild and I can proudly say that she has performed beautifully. Pendennis did an excellent job on rebuilding the vessel. It was an enormous job, involving a very large work force from all departments.  The quality of the work carried out by Pendennis is excellent and their follow up after leaving the yard is very thorough and helpful even though the yacht is now on the far side of the world. The summer plans for A2 are to cruise British Columbia and Alaska before heading to San Francisco for the America’s Cup.”

Superyacht A2 - owners cabin Photo credit to Paul Warchol

Superyacht A2 - owners cabin Photo credit to Paul Warchol

Technical Specifications

Masquerade of Sole (pre rebuild):

LOA 42.35m
LWL 38.03m
Gross Tonnage 379 tonnes
Builder H.W. De Voogt & Zoon C.V
Speed Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Max: 13 knots
Number of owner/guest cabins 1 Owner, 1 Double, 4 Twin

A2 (after rebuild):

LOA 47m
LWL 42.90m
Gross Tonnage 458 tonnes
Builder Pendennis
Naval Architect Pendennis with Structural Engineers BMT Nigel Gee
Exterior Stylist Peter Marino Architect with Pendennis
Interior designer Peter Marino Architect
Speed Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Maximum: 15.8 Knots
Number of owner/guest cabins 4 x Guest Cabins, 1 x Full Beam width Master Cabin to accommodate 12 (+4 x guest Pullmans)

Pendennis refitted A2 Yacht wins World Superyacht Award 2013

May 10, 2013

Luxury motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) was honoured with the 2013 World Superyacht Award, in the ‘Best Rebuilt Yacht’ category. Refitted by Pendennis in 2012, A2 yacht went through an extensive refit, with her interior and hull taken back to bare steel at the beginning of the project.

Newly refitted A2 superyacht on her maiden voyage

Pendennis refitted superyacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) on her maiden voyage

Over 22 months superyacht A2 was lengthened by 4.5m, before installing a new interior, systems and machinery. Today, bearing her new name of A2, she is effectively a new yacht.

Luxury motor yacht A2 - Exterior

Luxury motor yacht A2 - Exterior

Luxury yacht A2 ((ex Masquerade of Sole) owes her new naval architecture to Pendennis along with BMT Nigel Gee and interior design by Peter Marino Architect.

Superyacht A2 - Main Saloon

Superyacht A2 - Main Saloon

British Excellence showcased by BMF at China International Boat Show

April 26, 2013

The British Excellence has been sucessfully showcased by the British Marine Federation (BMF), with funding from UK Trade & Investment, at this year’s China (Shanghai) International Boat Show (CIBS), which ended up last week. Eight British companies participated to promote goods as well as services to demonstrate what the UK can offer to the Chinese market.

The BMF Group at China (Shanghai) International Boat Show

The BMF Group at the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2013

34,822 people from 51 countries attended this year’s show. For the show, the BMF had specifically produced its Excellence Guide in Mandarin which promotes BMF members and British Marine Industry Craftsmanship, Innovation and Design.

The eight companies were a mix of products and services that included BMT, Complete Marine Freight, Jeremy Rogers Ltd, Marina Projects, Oceanair, Oceanstyle by Burgess, Spinlock and Wilks.

UK boatbuilders were well represented at the show with Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline all taking noticeable presence. Other UK companies that were also promoting themselves included RS Sailing and Bill Dixon.

Jeremy Rowles, Spinlock Ltd, commented, “We certainly received some interest in products from the end user but also Spinlock now has an approximate idea of what will be required, and when, to support the fledgling domestic leisure marine market. Attendance by our Chinese export builders was also good. It was an all round useful trip which would have been costly to achieve any other way”.

Jeff Houlgrave, Marina Projects, feedback, “Marina Projects presence at the show was a success enhanced by the hard work and efforts made by the BMF. It was a pleasure to be there with the others companies and this teamwork clearly shows what is possible when we work together. The translators were essential and enabled clear communication with the visitors. Marina Projects has some  interesting leads from the show and are already working with some the contacts we made.”

Annual ISS UK-based Regatta, June 7 – 9, 2013

April 23, 2013

The ISS (International Superyacht Society) is thrilled to announce plans for its Annual UK-based ISS Regatta. This year’s event will run in the popular UK yacht charter destination – Solent, from June 7 to 9. Last year’s winner, BMT Nigel Gee will be once again present to defend their title. With eight boats already confirmed, 12 to 15 are expected.

2012 ISS Regatta

2012 ISS Regatta

Racers convene in Hamble on the evening of June 7th, spend the night on June 8th in Cowes and conclude racing on June 9th. Participating companies will rent one-design boats from Fairview and crew them with staff, vendors and clients.

The ISS Regatta has quickly grown into a great event for just-plain fun, networking and socializing. To further enhance participation, the Regatta also promotes a philanthropic directive: for 2013, Sail 4 Cancer has been named the Event Charity.

“We are delighted to be the official charity of the ISS Regatta. The superyacht industry has been very supportive of us as these companies understand how sailing can help people going through a very difficult time. All the money raised from the event will be used to arrange sailing days for the families we help. Cancer is a very cruel disease and has a devastating effect on everybody in the family. When the families are out on the Solent in a beautiful boat they enjoy just being a family doing something adventurous together and can leave the stress of cancer on land for a while” says Lizette van Niekerk, Fundraising Manager for Sail 4 Cancer.

RUEA 60 Yacht Concept reaches shortlist for the ‘Yacht Concept Award’ at IY&A Awards 2013

February 12, 2013

Presented by the Thailand-based Ruea Yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show 2010, the breathtaking Ruea 60 yacht concept has been nominated for the ‘Yacht Concept Award’ at the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2013. The 60-metre luxury motor yacht Ruea 60 concept features naval architecture by BMT Nigel Gee, while her exterior styling as well as interior design are by Design Unlimited.

60 m mega yacht Ruea 60 concept by Ruea Yachts

60 m mega yacht Ruea 60 concept by Ruea Yachts

Superyacht Ruea 60 concept boasts a beautiful private owner’s deck, in addition to five lovely guest staterooms for up to 10 guests, that are all situated on the main and lower decks, including one with a balcony. The forward part of the lower deck provides accommodation for 14 crew in seven cabins, along with crew mess and galley. The Captain’s cabin and office are positioned on the wheel house deck, between the main and upper decks. There are also spacious shaded decks, ideal for entertaining and sailing in maximum comfort.

Superyacht Ruea 60 concept - Side Tender Garage

Superyacht Ruea 60 concept - Side Tender Garage

Based on a 60m displacement steel hull and aluminium superstructure, luxury mega yacht Ruea 60 concept can reach a top speed in excess of 16 knots and a cruising range of 4,900 nautical miles. The vessel is Lloyd’s certified as well as MCA classed.

Luxury motor yacht Ruea 60 concept - Main Saloon

Luxury motor yacht Ruea 60 concept - Main Saloon

Below is a gallery for the stylish charter yachts with design by Design Unlimited.

Design Unlimited Charter Yacht Images

SY BLISS - Main
SY BLISS - Main
SY BLISS - Salon 1
SY BLISS - Salon 1
SY BLISS - Salon View 2
SY BLISS - Salon View 2
SY BLISS - Salon Lounge
SY BLISS - Salon Lounge
SY BLISS - Salon Dining
SY BLISS - Salon Dining
SY BLISS - Hallway feature
SY BLISS - Hallway feature
More: Design Unlimited Image Gallery

New images of the 110 m Oceanco Yacht DP002 concept designed by Nuvolari Lenard

February 12, 2013

Presented in model form by the leading Dutch builder Oceanco at the Monaco Yacht Show 2012, the spectacular 110-metre motor yacht DP002 is a dramatically beautiful concept, developed by bespoke Nuvolari & Lenard. DP002 yacht features naval architecture by the yard’s in-house team, in partnership with BMT Nigel Gee.

110 m Oceanco superyacht DP002 concept designed by Nuvolari Lenard

110 m Oceanco superyacht DP002 concept designed by Nuvolari Lenard

A total number of 10 luxurious cabins are offered to guests aboard Oceanco superyacht DP002. These include an Owner’s suite, 7 VIP cabins, as well as 2 guest cabins. The vessel’s impressive crew of 40 sleep in a double captain cabin, 6 single crew cabins and 16 twin crew cabins. There is also a helipad on the fore owner’s deck, as well as a beach club area, that can be found at lower deck aft.

DP002 superyacht design - aft view

DP002 superyacht design - aft view

Nuvolari & Lenard designed 110 m mega yacht DP002 concept is run by four MTU 20V4000M73 diesel engines, giving her a maximum speed of 20,5 knots.

Luxury motor yacht DP002 concept

Luxury motor yacht DP002 concept

Technical Specifications of the 100 m Oceanco luxury yacht DP002:

Length overall 110.00m / 360.9ft
Beam overall 18.00m / 59.0ft
Draft 5.00m / 16.4ft
Maximum speed 21.5 knots
Exterior designer Nuvolari & Lenard
Interior designer TBD

Below is a selection of the outstanding charter yachts built by Oceanco.

Oceanco Charter Yacht Images

The Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Underway
The Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - ...
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Aft Deck and pool
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Aft ...
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Aft Deck Dining
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Aft ...
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - From Aft
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - From Aft
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Interior
Oceanco Motor Yacht ALFA NERO - Interior
More: Oceanco Image Gallery

BMT to embark on 24hr Charity Triathlon

January 31, 2013

Next week will see employees of BMT take on a gruelling 24hr triathlon to help raise money for local as well as national charities. Three teams of 12 will embark on this difficult challenge, involving each individual completing six hours in multiples of 90 minute blocks of rowing, cycling and running over the course of a 24 hour period.

BMT Nigel Gee 24 Hr Triathlon Team

BMT Nigel Gee 24 Hr Triathlon Team

Starting on the 8th February at 12noon in the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel Golf and Country Club, Southampton and finishing at 12noon on the 9th February, the event will see each participant carry out consecutive 30 minute sets of rowing, cycling and running before handing over to a team-mate. All of the money raised will be donated to four different charities chosen by the participants. These include Southampton Hospital Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit, Wessex Cancer Trust, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Seafarers UK.

Steven Lee, Project Manager at BMT Nigel Gee (a BMT operating company) and organiser of the event comments: “This event is not for the faint-hearted and will test even the fittest members of the team. Everyone is in training mode at the moment and there is a real buzz and sense of excitement with lots of donations coming through. Supporting each of these charities is of course our key goal and we hope to achieve our £12,000 target.”

The main triathlon event will be followed by an evening gala dinner which will include a raffle and silent auction – prizes of which have been donated by a number of sponsors. Steven continues: “A huge thanks to all the sponsors who have helped make this event happen – particularly the local rowing club, Southampton Coalporters Amateur Rowing Club which has provided the rowing machines for our tough task ahead.”

Pendennis refitted luxury yacht A2 shortlisted for World Superyacht Awards 2013

January 30, 2013

Following a significant number of entries into the 2013 World Superyacht Awards, this week saw Boat International announce that the Pendennis refitted motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) has successfully been nominated as a finalist in the Superyacht Refit category.

Pendennis refitted motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) on her Maiden Voyage

Pendennis refitted motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) on her Maiden Voyage

Luxury yacht A2 spent 16 months in the Falmouth yard being completely transformed from her 1980s design into one to rival any contemporary vessel, both in aesthetics and performance. The yacht arrived at Pendennis in the spring of 2011 with the initial task being the complete removal of the vessel’s interior and systems stripping the yacht back to bare steel hull and aluminium superstructure.

The Structural Engineers at BMT Nigel Gee worked alongside the technical team at Pendennis to design a five metre extension across three levels, increasing her LOA from 42.5m to 47m, thereby substantially enhancing the inboard social areas. The interior layout was much improved with the creation of a full width master stateroom which dramatically increased the level of luxury within the Owner’s accommodation. The new interior of A2 yacht also includes a much larger main lounge with the addition of a second lounge area on the top deck.

Masquerade of Sole yacht before refit at Pendennis

Masquerade of Sole yacht before refit at Pendennis

Superyacht A2’s exterior social areas also benefitted from the new transom with increased al fresco dining spaces and redesigned twin access stairwells (rather than the previous single ladder system) giving more convenient access to the new swim platform and boarding passerelle. The new interiors are complemented by a dramatic and luxurious interior designed by Peter Marino Architect.

Alongside the redesign the Owner’s brief was to increase both the range and cruising speed of the yacht following her rebuild. This was achieved in both areas; with her cruising speed now a steady 14 knots rather than 12 knots from new MTU main engines. Feadship yacht A2 now comfortably achieves a maximum of 15.8 knots alongside a dramatically improved fuel consumption increasing her fuel range from 3,500NM at 12KTS s to 4,200NM cruising at 14KTS.

A2 superyacht - aft view

A2 superyacht - aft view

Pendennis also undertook a complete engineering upgrade, replacing all technology, electrical systems, engine room equipment, and air conditioning/water systems throughout leaving the vessel more akin to a newly built superyacht rather than a 20-year old one, and thereby making the ongoing engineering maintenance programme much lighter than usual for a vessel of this age.

The Owner explained their reasons for such a substantial remodel: “Masquerade of Sole provided a fantastic base yacht for the project, as yachts of this era are well known for their structural integrity and longevity. By stripping down to the hull we could make the most of this aspect of the existing yacht, but still optimise the volume and plan the interior and exterior layout with a modern styling best suited to our needs, as if designing a new yacht.”

A2 Yacht - Interior

A2 Yacht - Interior

“During the project my wife and I were heavily involved in the layout and interior design aspects of A2. Having a small focused Owner’s team and strong relationship with Pendennis proved to be a very successfully formula. The team provided regular updates, discussing new plans and GA options along way with a constant review of technological ideas and advancements. From the outset the team at Pendennis were able to apply their substantial knowledge of engineering and electrical systems to plan for a much more efficient and responsive vessel.”

With delivery scheduled for June 2012 the rebuild of Feadship motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) was a very intensive project requiring significant pre-planning and a concentrated design period. This ensured from the outset that despite the compressed delivery schedule the high quality of workmanship in all trades, were not compromised in any way. The project was complemented by a full paint job before A2 undertook motor trials in Falmouth Bay in May 2012. Her final transformation was dramatic, almost the equivalent of building a new yacht rather than a conventional refit project.

Aboard luxury yacht A2 refitted by Pendennis

Aboard luxury yacht A2 refitted by Pendennis

Since A2 yacht was launched the Owners have spent numerous weeks on board in the Mediterranean and Caribbean and are looking forward to exploring further afield later in the year.

Expansion of BMT Nigel Gee

December 10, 2012

In order to meet increased workload, BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of BMT Group, has reported recent refurbishment as well as expansion activity at its offices in Southampton. Operating across four main market sectors, the naval architectural practice provides design and engineering services to specialised vessels in the commercial, yacht, defence and renewable energy markets.

BMT Nigel Gee Refurbished Floor

BMT Nigel Gee Refurbished Floor

John Bonafoux, Managing Director of BMT Nigel Gee says: “2012 has seen our company capitalise on investments made in the renewable energy market. Developing designs for windfarm support vessels as early as 2009, there are now over 18 windfarm support vessels under construction at six different shipyards in Europe and Asia. Of particular note is the recent launch of our XSS design from the Sepers facility in Holland. This 24m vessel features a hullform based on SWATH technology and offers improved seakeeping capabilities over conventional windfarm support vessels, thereby making it particularly suitable for longer transits to those windfarms further from shore.”

Trials have also been successfully completed on three more conventional 20m vessels; one in Europe and two in Asia. In the same vein the company’s patented Turbine Access System, a motion compensated access gangway designed to increase safety for personnel transferring from support vessels on to turbines, developed in partnership with Houlder, successfully completed trials in October at the Rhyl Flats windfarm off the coast of Wales.

BMT Nigel Gee has also expanded its client base with increased activities in the large yachting market, both within refit and repair, as well as continued new build activities with some of the industry’s leading yacht builders. Current construction projects include both sail and motor yachts from 65m to 110m in length, whilst refit work has been undertaken on both classic and modern yachts. Most notable work completed in 2012 included the delivery of the motor yacht Vava II from Plymouth – at 96m this is the largest yacht ever to be built in the United Kingdom.

Superyacht Vava II - most notable BMT Nigel Gee work completed in 2012 Photo by Trevor Burrows

Superyacht Vava II - most notable BMT Nigel Gee work completed in 2012 Photo by Trevor Burrows

In the defence market the team at BMT Nigel Gee continues to support a number of its sister companies within the BMT group providing structural and mechanical engineering services for two 200+m naval auxiliary tankers for the Canadian and UK navies. The market for high speed patrol vessels has also been very active with a new order for six 17m high speed patrol boats in Turkey.

The fall in demand for high speed ferries, which for many years was the company’s core business, has reversed and this year BMT Nigel Gee has been working on a number of new designs, including a 38m passenger ferry under construction in Eastern Europe.

Investment in R&D activities continues to underpin development of innovative engineering technologies such as the Turbine Access System. 2013 will see BMT Nigel Gee investing further in R&D activity including new hullforms aimed at improving efficiencies in the oil and gas market, where the company is focusing on additional expansion and has recently received an order for a number of high speed crew transfer vessels.

John Bonafoux, Managing Director at BMT Nigel Gee concludes: “Diversity has always been at the heart of our business and has allowed us to maintain a consistent workload. It’s a great moment to see our team and office facilities expand due to resilient growth in all of our markets for the second and third quarter of 2012. Our order book moving forward into 2013 remains strong – a true testament to the quality of design, engineering and attention to detail our team deliver.”

1 2 3   Older Yacht News »