One of the world’s leading luxury ship builders has revealed plans for a ground-breaking new superyacht that promises to be one of the first to navigate far-reaching corners of the planet. With three sizes to choose from, SeaXplorer is the world’s first purpose-built, Polar Code compliant range of expedition yachts, and is capable of breaking through ice in the Arctic or sailing to remote tropical areas. Given its revolutionary design and global capability, the 213ft to 328ft motor yacht is causing a buzz after the concept was unveiled at this week’s Monaco Yacht Show by Damen Group, a Dutch company that builds superyachts under its Amels division, and warships. With true explorers in mind, Damen told potential buyers the yacht is safe to break through ice thanks to its unique hull design, and promises encounters with exotic cultures, majestic wildlife and spectacular wilderness in unspoiled destinations. The shipbuilder said every detail of the SeaXplorer fleet has been designed ‘for life-changing experiences at the extremes of our planet’, although it is not revealing how much one of the yachts would cost. Three models have been developed under Damen product director Mark Vermeulen, with a team investing thousands of hours in research and development, ice tank testing using a small model, and consultation to come up with a radical new design that pushes the boundaries. SeaXplorer will be kitted out with state-of-the-art technology and the finest comforts, with owners choosing their own interior designer to create a luxurious and comfortable space. While on extreme polar or tropical adventures at sea, passengers can enjoy up to 40 days of full luxury service without port call, with the ship having room for submarines, up to two helicopters, and diving and expedition boats to see sharks, whales or other marine life up close. With a top speed of 16 knots, the largest yacht can accommodate 30 guests and 50 crew members. Rob Luijendijk, Amels’ managing director, said in a statement: ‘A number of experienced yachting clients approached us about adapting Damen’s professional vessels, so we knew from them that there were simply no globally capable luxury explorer yachts out there. ‘And that’s also what we heard from EYOS Expeditions, who have decades of experience in bespoke luxury expeditions to the wildest places on the planet. ‘So that’s why Damen began developing the SeaXplorer. The result is well beyond a pretty rendering. It’s a fully developed range – something only Damen could do.’ About 90 per cent of superyachts don't venture beyond the Mediterranean and Caribbean, which account for just six per cent of the world's coastlines and 1.5 per cent of the ocean's total surface area, said Damen.

• published: 25 Sep 2015
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