The Feadship yard in Aalsmeer has commenced the outfitting of the 55-metre Project 708 after its delivery from the Feadship hull-building facility in Papendrecht.
Due to be completed end of 2021, this innovative Feadship has been commissioned by a client with enormous experience of exploring the world. Designed by Philippe Briand and Vitruvius Yachts Ltd, the expedition-style yacht will be fully self-sufficient and exceptionally fuel-efficient. As the planned adventures include taking on the North-West and North-East Passages, Project 708 has a steel hull built to ice class and includes an advanced sonar system to explore the ocean floor.
Rather than fitting traditional stabiliser fins, which run the risk of being damaged by underwater ice, Feadship will install the largest gyroscope system built to date. In addition to this twenty-tonne unit, Project 708 will carry lots of heavy toys. Primary among these is a 6.3-tonne submarine that will be housed on the long flat aft deck along with a massive crane.
The latter will be capable of lifting 7000 kg when the sub is manned and have an outreach of almost eight metres. As well as launching the sub, the crane will also be required for a limousine tender and to lift the owner’s car from aft deck to shore. Project 708’s interior has been designed by Danielle Boutsen of Boutsen Design.
Project 708 Twin screw, steel hull and aluminium superstructure
Length overall: 54.90m 180’1”
Beam overall: 10.35m 33’11”
Draught (loaded): 2.99m 9’10”
Fuel capacity: 140,000 litres 36,984 US gallons
Fresh water capacity: 25,000 litres 6,604 US gallons
Naval Architect: Vitruvius Yachts Ltd / Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior design: Vitruvius Yachts Ltd
Interior design: Boutsen Design
Main engines: 2x MTU 12V2000M72, 1,080 kW each @ 2,250 rpm
Generators: 2x Zenoro 208 kWe
Stabilizers: Gyro marine GM600
Speed (max/cruise): 14.5 knots (12 knots range speed)
Range: 5500 NM at cruising speed
