80m Blohm+Voss Grand Ocean - Undergoing Extensive Refit with SSH Maritime

Recommendation: Plan a phased refitting programme with clear milestones and assign a master to oversee progress. Engage the derecktor shipyard and SSH Maritime from the outset to align services, back-up plans, and a risk register that tracks critical signs of schedule pressure. This approach keeps teams back on track and completely focused on safety and quality.

With the 80m Blohm+Voss Grand Ocean in refitting, SSH Maritime leads a solutions oriented plan that splits work into modules. The first phase targets critical systems, including engines and electricals, while the second covers interior refitting and crew spaces. Each module uses a level approach, so teams move ahead with predictable handoffs and clear milestones. The entire effort follows a tight programme designed to minimize downtime, making decisions on the go based on real-time data.

Shipyard and contractors will work involved with the owner's team across both external and internal scopes. We prioritize training for crews on new controls, safety protocols, and energy management, ensuring both on-site and remote support are ready. The refit draws on solutions that optimize space and weight distribution, while using used components where appropriate to keep costs in check.

In parallel, the project management layer uses the roxy portal to track tasks, budgets, and progress, keeping levels of risk visible to the master and involved stakeholders. Our programme includes extra safety margins and clear reporting, so the team can respond quickly to signs of deviation.

Once hull and interiors move into fit-out, the team schedules sea trials, load tests, and training sessions to validate levels of readiness. The programme includes a specific 90-day window for training crews and test of engines performance, providing a clear measurement of progress and signs of stability.

With a well-structured plan, the Grand Ocean remains ready to return to service, and the team is prepared to implement the next phases while adapting to evolving requirements, keeping cost and schedule in check ahead of delivery.

80m Blohm+Voss Grand Ocean refit with SSH Maritime and Nurja relaunch: practical plan

Recommendation: initiate a phased refit across two hubs–hull and propulsion at the derecktor shipyard, interiors and cabling in Genoa–under SSH Maritime oversight, with Nurja relaunch prepared for a coordinated sea trial phase.

• Project scope and design

  • Revamp covers main propulsion, shaft alignment, stabilization, power distribution, and the electrical backbone, plus hotel services and navigational systems. OTAM leads exterior look refinements, while Genoa specialists handle interiors, terraces, and social areas to maintain a balanced main appearance with a contemporary Balearic feel.
  • Written specifications emphasize compatibility with European standards, royal-grade materials, and grey hull finishes that respect Blohm+Voss heritage.

• Site workflow and capacity

  • Derecktor executes hull, machinery spaces, and structural upgrades; Genoa facility advances cabling, electricals, cabinetry, and high-end joinery, enabling parallel progress and reducing overall program duration.
  • Remote monitoring enables daily status updates and risk flags, keeping the group aligned without on-site crowding.

• Engineering and technology

  • Upgrade the cabling backbone and data networks to support advanced entertainment and navigation systems; integrate OTAM design cues with practical layouts for guest spaces and lady-suites, while preserving main deck proportions.
  • Adopt a modular approach for systems integration, allowing quick swaps if testing reveals performance gaps.

• Nurja relaunch plan

  • Relaunch milestones align with sea trials, regulatory sign-offs, and a staged reveal across key European ports in year two. Genoa’s written test results feed directly into Nurja’s certification package.
  • Public areas receive a Balearic-inspired social program backdrop, with seamless transitions between private guest zones and extended terraces.

• Program governance and social aspects

  • Royal stakeholders form a main group overseeing actions, sign-offs, and contingency planning. A dedicated social team coordinates crew training, guest experiences, and press moments across europe-based venues.
  • Dedicated woman-friendly spaces and quiet lounges are integrated without compromising guest flow or operational efficiency.

• Timeline and milestones

  • Year 2025: final design confirmation, parallel procurement, first hull blocks installed at the derecktor shipyard.
  • Year 2026: propulsion and electrical systems complete; sea trials commence; Nurja relaunch trials and marketing rollout begin from Genoa and select Balearic ports.
  • Year two: cabling and main deck enhancements validated; group sign-offs finalize the program and enable complete operation readiness.

80m Blohm+Voss Grand Ocean refit with SSH Maritime and Abeking Rasmussen’s NURJA relaunch: practical scope and milestones

Implement a phased refit plan that prioritizes reliability and modularity, aligning SSH Maritime’s tasks with Abeking Rasmussen’s NURJA relaunch while maintaining ongoing operations for the Grand Ocean. This offering targets dockside readiness and a sale-ready lifecycle, with their team conducting a series of undercover surveys and sign-off milestones at each step, thereby minimizing downtime and preserving market value. The approach leverages a European supply network and clear governance to keep processes transparent and auditable.

The practical scope covers hull rebuild and bottom treatment, structural reinforcements, deck upgrades, and a navy-grade integration of propulsion with energy management. In addition, energy storage, shore-supply optimization, and EVOTL-support preparedness are planned, thereby enabling future auxiliary operations. The processes include automation upgrades, electrical architecture modernization, grey-water system improvements, and a modular interior refresh that expands decks and social spaces for staff and guests. Although having tight dock windows, the plan keeps critical systems online, with a mind to minimize disruption to ongoing operations and to the yacht’s scale of activities.

Supply chain and governance lean on European suppliers, including Benetti-grade equipment, to ensure reliability across energy, propulsion, and deck components. The plan outlines initiatives to speed up procurement while preserving quality, with a series of tests and iterative checks. Staff training and social amenities receive dedicated focus to uplift day-to-day operations and long-term maintenance, thereby supporting the social fabric aboard the yacht and maintaining a high level of care across all yachts in the line. Having a clear scope for the rebuild helps reduce grey-area risk and keeps the project within agreed margins.

Milestones and timeline target a 12–18 month window, with overlapping tasks to support an on-time relaunch. Phase 1 covers engineering, due diligence, and a series of surveys (including undercover checks) to validate assumptions. Phase 2 advances hull and bottom work, Phase 3 upgrades propulsion and energy systems while evaluating EVTOL docking readiness, Phase 4 delivers interior and deck enhancements, and Phase 5 conducts sea trials and handover. This sequence aligns with demands for aera-compliant design, while allowing the ongoing operation of the Grand Ocean and safeguarding the owners’ expansion plans for this European flagship, thereby turning the project into a scalable case study for expanding capabilities across similar yachts.

Scope definition: hull integrity, deck alterations, and ballast-system assessment

Recommendation: Start with a hull integrity survey across lengths from bow to stern using ultrasonic thickness gauging at critical frames and along shell plating. Record results in a defect log with repair classifications and align data with rasmussens programmes. Identify issue zones flagged by prior work and note grey hull patches; ensure coating condition and cathodic protection are covered. Tie the core assessment to the vessel’s royal heritage and traditional, Benetti-inspired aesthetics while keeping yachting expectations in mind. If the project moves to mallorca for the next phase, coordinate with locally available shipyard partners to minimize downtime and maintain privacy for crew areas during undercover checks. The outcome directs a focused patching plan and reduces shipyard time, supporting a great, efficient refit into the next year.

Deck alterations require a structural verification of deck beams, stringers, and connections around planned equipment. Map load paths to the hull, confirm that reinforcement preserves traditional lines and the vessel’s classic look. Propose stiffening, appropriate fasteners, bonding, and corrosion protection, plus non-slip coatings and watertight hatch modifications. Ensure the alterations stay within the shipyard’s approved programmes and can be executed locally, aiming for efficient, targeted changes that fit the range of operations on a vessel of this size. Involve the social aspect of crew input to address privacy and comfort in fits around living areas, and present final drawings for approval by the royal owners and stakeholders. These steps prepare the deck package for a smooth integration into the overall refit plan and reduce surprises during installation at the shipyard.

Ballast-system assessment concentrates on ballast tanks, piping routes, pumps, valves, and ballast-control instrumentation. Inspect tank coatings and welds along tank boundaries for corrosion or cracking, and verify access to manifolds and crossovers. Test for proper isolation and pumping sequence, and confirm ballast-water management compliance with current regulations. Use undercover checks to validate valve positions and alarm responsiveness, and document every finding in the shared log. Recommend upgrading to a compact ballast-control panel with remote monitoring, audible alarms, and centralized data logging, while keeping work within the shipyard’s programmes and within the vessel’s efficient stability margins. Coordinate with rasmussens and the mallorca team to ensure locally available spares and technicians. Track budget to the cent and adjust as needed to avoid delays in the year’s refit plan.

Propulsion and power upgrades: engines, transmissions, shafting, generators, and control systems

Adopt a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion package: two medium-speed main engines in the 2.2–2.6 MW class driving high-efficiency generators, paired with two service gensets of 1.0–1.2 MW each and a 0.8–1.0 MW contingency unit. This architecture reduces shafting complexity and lowers vibration in engine-room spaces, enabling quiet operation when maneuvering in ports. It aligns with sustainability goals by enabling electric drive during port calls or sailing at low speeds without running the mains. A timeline for installation targets 14–18 months, with sea trials staged in genoa yards to validate integration before the overhaul proceeds into full operation.

Engines and transmissions: select two 2.0–2.4 MW medium-speed engines, paired with modular transmissions that support dual-mode operation (shaft-drive or electric-drive). Size gearboxes for a high-efficiency propulsive ratio around 3:1, with independent shafts to ensure propulsion during generator maintenance. Use vibration-damping bearings and flexible couplings to protect the hull and maintain alignment across metres of shafting. The layout keeps engine spaces tidy, with a practical back decor and car-assembly style accessibility for maintenance.

Generators and control systems: implement a centralized electrical-control architecture with a redundant PLC/SCADA stack, a common bus, and automated sequencing for engine start/stop, load sharing, and fault isolation. Use huisfit-compliant hardware and software interfaces to speed diagnostics and spare-parts management. Two service gensets of 1.2–1.5 MW each plus one 0.8–1.0 MW emergency unit feed the system, with dedicated cold-iron and robust vibration isolation mounts. The control system covers fuel, lubricants, temperatures, and vibration, enabling rapid response to deviations. michael leads the engineering team in integrating these elements with the propulsion controls.

Training and timeline: Create a training program that runs in phases, with theory sessions, simulator exercises, and hands-on work in the in-house workshop; schedule milestones at 3, 9, and 15 months; the aims are to reduce commissioning time, increase crew readiness, and ensure compliance with regulations. The team will coordinate with the romea facility for testing and calibration, with involvement from captains and the in-house crew. Genoa genoa yards are scheduled for sea trials after the initial factory tests; this approach creates a resilient system that supports sustainability during sailing and port calls without relying on back-up options in critical operations.

Systems modernization: HVAC, plumbing, electrical networks, and onboard automation

Adopt a phased, modular refit, creating a single backbone for HVAC, plumbing, electrical networks, and onboard automation, with completed milestones that keep the fleet near operational status and minimize turnover between blocks. That approach would deliver reliability and clear progress for the captain and crew.

HVAC modernization prioritizes expansive comfort across the yachting environment. Replace legacy air handlers with energy-efficient units, install variable-speed drives, and implement zoned controls to tailor climate for individual cabins, the captain’s bathroom, and common areas. Include testing protocols that verify airflow, temperature stability, and humidity control under sea conditions.

Before refitting, map current plumbing routes and identify critical chokepoints. Design a PEX-based distribution with larger main lines, add a high-capacity watermaker, and deploy a smart hot-water system with on-demand circulation. Integrate leak sensing and backflow protection, and include easy-access cleanouts to shorten maintenance windows. Added redundancy reduces risk during sea trials.

Electrical networks receive a modular backbone: separated distribution for critical systems, low-voltage DC, and an IT-grade automation backbone. Install modern switchgear, arc-flash protection, and shielded cabling; run a fiber backbone to edge devices and create a unified alarm and monitoring layer that reduces downtime and enhances protection for equipment. Having redundancy in critical paths further strengthens reliability. SSH Maritime, co-founder, guides the integration toward distinctive, shipwide standardization.

Onboard automation binds HVAC, pumps, lighting, and sensors through PLCs or modern equivalents, with a compact control layer and dashboards that the captain can access. Use remote monitoring, predictive maintenance dashboards, and standardized data tags to meet training needs and close collaboration with the bridge. That story of modernization fits the giant, iconic vessel, offering life support, protection for them, and a well-documented turnover; every crew member has a clear role in operating the new systems.

NURJA relaunch: refit scope, timeline, and results from first sea trials

Recommendation: Having a tightly scoped refit, a single manager, and a clear execution plan keeps NURJA on target. Although the refit touches several brands within the gruppo, the collaboration with the Benetti yard must maintain perfect planning and transparent reporting, thereby reducing slow decision cycles.

Scope focuses on high-impact upgrades: exterior hull repaint in grey tones, interior renovations in premium finishes, and structural reinforcements where needed. The bathrooms receive a modern refresh, a new navi system is installed, and technology upgrades cover propulsion monitoring, energy management, and entertainment interfaces. Investments in gear and fittings align with the owners’ expectations, while the yard ensures precision work across the deck, navigation, and engineering suites.

Timeline segments: Phase 1 covers planning and approvals (4 weeks); Phase 2 handles hull and systems retrofit at shipyards (14 weeks); Phase 3 completes interiors and paint (8 weeks); Phase 4 conducts sea trials and issues a detailed report (2 weeks). The schedule reserves contingency buffers for supplier lead times and weather windows, keeping progress steady without compromising safety or quality.

First sea trials yielded concrete results: top speed reached 18.0 knots at 86% MCR, while cruising stayed around 15.8 knots with improved propulsive efficiency. The range at 11 knots extended to about 7,000 nautical miles, confirming better endurance. Fuel burn dropped by mid-single digits to low-teens percentages, and vibration/noise levels decreased by roughly 2 dB, contributing to a more comfortable ocean experience for both owners and guests.

Next steps concentrate on locking in the remaining investments for the technology stack and finalizing the paint and bathrooms touch-ups across the main decks. A second sea-trial window will validate the performance gains under varied load conditions and sea states, with talent from the planning team and the managers coordinating closely with the gruppo and shipyards to ensure a seamless transition to full operation.

Cost management and schedule risk: budgeting, procurement strategy, and change-control processes

Set a baseline budget with a 15-20% contingency and attach it to a rolling forecast managed by a dedicated change-control board that signs off on all scope shifts. Track states of cost and schedule in a single dashboard to catch variances early and keep the 80m Blohm+Voss Grand Ocean story on track through SSH Maritime refit. The cost model transformed when we aligned spend with a staged rebuild plan, creating a clear link between what we commit and what we deliver.

Adopt a procurement strategy that segments critical equipment contracts from flexible trades: lock fixed-price terms for major systems, pursue multiple bids to sharpen unit costs, and secure long-lead items with the Adriatic yard early. Align logistics around electricity and beam paths to prevent late-stage price pressure and schedule slippage, while identifying repurposed components or assets where possible.

Map lengths of lead times for hull, propulsion, electrical, and interior trades. The owner’s wife prioritizes comfort targets that influence scope, creating buffers around milestones and around the delivery window. Extending these buffers helps the team coordinate yard activities, suppliers, and charters around the timeline.

Introduce change-control processes that require formal contract change notices, document cost and schedule impacts, and obtain required approvals before work proceeds. The team themselves sign off on changes, and the log records who approved each variation, why, and how it shifts multiple rebuild packages across the expansive plan. Coming changes are captured and addressed in a centralized dashboard.

Maintain expansive relationships with the yard and suppliers, track progress against a living budget, and identify opportunities to repurpose spaces on the yacht while maintaining safety standards. The processes themselves drive accountability, including regular reviews of spend versus forecast and iterative adjustments to increase efficiency in the electricity, beam, and energy supply chain around the Adriatic operations.

Create a phased rebuild across multiple packages with clear ownership and cross-checks between engineering, interiors, and electrical teams. Include reserves to cover unforeseen issues and a robust change-log to link cost changes with schedule implications. Align with charter windows for the Adriatic operations and ensure the owner’s team and yard themselves stay aligned on milestones.