Yachtzoo Facilitates Landmark Superyacht Acquisition: Project Metamorphosis
Yachtzoo is proud to have played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Project Metamorphosis, a groundbreaking 72-metre superyacht built by The Italian Sea Group (TISG). This remarkable superyacht, distinguished by its Giorgio Armani-designed interiors and exteriors, fuses high fashion and cutting-edge maritime engineering. Yachtzoo’s involvement underscores our commitment to connecting high-end clients with exceptional yachts to meet their unique visions.
Image from SuperyachtTimes ©Justin Ratcliffe
A Unique Collaboration: Armani and TISG
The genesis of Project Metamorphosis lies in a visionary concept by Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group. Inspired by Giorgio Armani’s Emporio Armani store in Milan, Costantino invited the renowned designer to create a custom design for the Admiral brand. Armani, already familiar with TISG through previous refitting work on his yacht Main, embraced the challenge.
This collaboration demanded a constant exchange between Armani’s creative team and TISG’s engineers. Armani’s sketches were translated into detailed blueprints, with the shipyard’s team making adjustments for practicality while staying true to the original design intent. The resulting 2,070GT superyacht embodies Armani’s signature style, blending understated aesthetics with functional luxury, while adhering to stringent performance and technical requirements.
Yachtzoo’s Role in Realizing a Vision
Yachtzoo’s expertise was instrumental in bringing Project Metamorphosis to its current owner. Recognizing the yacht’s exceptional qualities and potential, Darrell Hall of Yachtzoo successfully brokered the sale in the spring of 2024. This change of ownership, occurring just months before the scheduled launch, presented both challenges and opportunities.
The new owner, with a clear vision for the yacht’s future use, sought to incorporate specific modifications to align with their personal preferences and intended charter operations with Yachtzoo. Our team worked closely with the owner and the shipyard to ensure a seamless transition and the successful implementation of these enhancements.
Are you considering chartering, buying or selling a yacht? Contact Yachtzoo today to discover how our experienced brokers can help you achieve your goals.
Image from SuperyachtTimes ©Justin Ratcliffe
Meeting the Owner’s Requirements: Sustainability and Exploration
A key aspect of the owner’s vision was a commitment to sustainability and responsible yachting. While not the primary motivation, the owner was keen to integrate eco-friendly measures into the design. He envisioned a yacht capable of long-distance voyages, adhering to environmental regulations.
This ambition led to significant upgrades, including enhancements to the yacht’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The owner prioritized minimizing environmental impact by ensuring the SCR units could operate continuously, regardless of location. This involved increasing urea storage capacity without compromising the yacht’s impressive 6,000-nautical-mile cruising range.
Polar Class 1C Certification: Embracing Adventure
The owner’s desire to explore high latitudes, including a planned multi-year circumnavigation with a potential transit of the Northwest Passage, necessitated upgrading the yacht to Polar Class 1C certification. This classification, based on first-year ice conditions in the Baltic Sea and Arctic Ocean, required modifications to the hull, rudderpost, steering gear, and propellers. Freeze-protection valves were installed, stability calculations were revised to account for ice accretion, and environmental protection measures were enhanced.
Digital Twin Technology: Revolutionizing Yacht Management
To facilitate remote monitoring and management of the project during construction, the owner’s team employed cutting-edge digital twin technology. Film360 Ltd created a complete 3D model of the yacht using a Matterport LiDAR camera, capturing spaces in high resolution. This digital twin allowed the owner’s team to track construction progress, identify potential issues, and plan for future maintenance.
The Captain emphasized the value of this technology, noting its ability to reveal cable and piping runs, wi-fi router locations, and black and grey water routes. This detailed information provides invaluable insights for troubleshooting and repairs, minimizing the need to dismantle interior elements.
Image from SuperyachtTimes ©Film360
AV/IT Upgrades: Ensuring Seamless Connectivity
Recognizing the importance of seamless connectivity in today’s world, the owner invested in substantial upgrades to the yacht’s AV/IT systems. Working with AV/IT integrator Pibiesse, the team added four Starlink antennas and augmented cabling to ensure high throughput, redundancy, and future scalability for data-heavy applications.
These upgrades were designed to future-proof the yacht’s AV/IT capacity, allowing for the seamless integration of new technologies as they emerge. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Project Metamorphosis remains at the forefront of maritime technology.
Enhanced Navigation and Operational Capabilities
To further enhance the superyacht’s capabilities, an integrated bridge system from Furuno was installed. This high-end addition improves navigation and operational capabilities, extending the vessel’s usability in remote and uncharted locations. The new bridge equipment includes FLIR thermal cameras and a WASSP multibeam sonar for mapping the seabed in high-resolution 3D.
The WASSP system allows a tender to map the seafloor ahead of the mothership, identifying the safest passage and anchorage. Telescopic wing stations with pop-up floors and a pantographic mechanism for console controls further enhance the yacht’s operational flexibility.
Customization and Detailing
Numerous other modifications were implemented to meet the owner’s specific requirements. These included the addition of an ice bath next to the hot tub on the sundeck, stacked storage for four jet skis in the forward tender garage, and a larger transom hatch for flush access to the beach club.
Attention to detail was paramount throughout the project. The handrails, curved to follow the shape of the bulwarks, exemplify this commitment to quality. Each stanchion is unique, and the rails feature a polished stainless-steel profile on the outside, complementing the yacht’s crisp exterior styling.
Do you need expert project oversight for your yacht build or refit? Yachtzoo’s yacht management team provides comprehensive services to ensure your project is a success. Contact us today to learn more.
Image from SuperyachtTimes ©Lorenzo Tampucci
Yachtzoo: Delivering Excellence
Project Metamorphosis is poised to be a showstopper, representing a harmonious blend of design, engineering, and technology. Yachtzoo is proud to have played a key role in bringing this exceptional yacht to its discerning owner. Our commitment to understanding our clients’ needs and connecting them with the finest yachts in the world remains unwavering.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or require expert yacht management, Yachtzoo is your trusted partner in the world of luxury yachts. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
Images and Original Article written by SuperyachtTimes
