OCEANCO 1050H TRANSFORMATION

It’s hard to believe, but this 105-metre superyacht launched in January at Oceanco’s construction facilities in The Netherlands was originally launched in 2000 as the 95-metre Al Mirqab.

The classic Oceanco is now known as 1050H, and she is virtually unrecognisable from the winged-superstructured superyacht that many of us also knew as Indian Empress and then Neom. Oceanco has essentially recreated H to face the future as a new, contemporary vessel. “To say that this has been a remarkable process is an understatement,” commented Oceanco’s CEO Marcel Onkenhout. “The project has called for passion, dedication, and extraordinary craftsmanship, with many involved in her creation now contributing to her recreation, including myself. We are proud to say that we are relaunching a completely new Oceanco.”

NEW AND IMPROVED

Although it’s enjoyable to spot which design elements were kept (there are still plenty of clues to her origins), Reymond Langton Design has achieved a thoroughly modern aesthetic creating a completely new superstructure, alongside a fresh interior. “This almost unimaginable transformation has been able to take place thanks to the shared trust, perseverance and expertise of the team involved,” said The A Group’s Richard Hein, who acted as the independent owner’s representative for the project. “A yacht is more than just the materialisation of an owner’s vision. It has its own character, its own specific habitat, with a unique purpose and story. Through the achievements of this project we have been able to extend the story of a remarkable superyacht for decades to come. It is about seeing the potential for all vessels, rather than starting from a blank sheet of paper each time.”

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

There’s more to 1050H’s transformation than style though, as Oceanco has futurised her in terms of system upgrades, safety, capability and sustainability. Technological capabilities have been upgraded across the board, along with an operational profile that is fully compliant with rigorous IMO Tier III standards. It goes without saying, that reimagining an existing superyacht not only saves on materials and costs, but also allows owners to evolve their vessels in a completely sustainable way, saving precious time along the way.

“It is our ambition that this landmark project will inspire owners of existing yachts to benefit from the gift of time while adding value to their ownership experience as well as the planet. Through this approach, icons have the potential to become the new faces of tomorrow,” comments Oceanco Marketing Director Paris Baloumis.

SETTING A PRECEDENT

Upsizing to a new, larger yacht is an integral part of the industry, but what if you were completely smitten with your current yacht? Already packed with memories, filled with your personality and super reliable; here, a total transformation could be a viable alternative to buying a contemporary, but unknown yacht. Imagine reworking parts of the hull, superstructure and glazing of your own yacht, resulting in a fresh look, that still retains its original character and family stories – a refit+, if you will. An interesting thought.