The 80m Artefact is soon to be launched from German yard Nobiskrug. Formerly known as Project 790, the project has pushed boundaries in terms of its design, construction and flagging process. International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provides administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Registry, has overseen the construction and flagging of the innovative project, working with the yard, the owner’s representative, Captain Aaron Clark, and Lloyd’s Register.

One of the most striking design features about the yacht is the high proportion of glass used. With areas of deck-to-ceiling glass, the challenge for the build team was to ensure that the yacht’s superstructure strength was not affected. A total of 760sqm of glass has gone into the vessel, comprising 227 pieces up to 94mm thick. To offset the 70-tonne weight of the glass, the vessel’s superstructure is made of glass-reinforced plastic (fiberglass). Using a composite superstructure has enabled curved shapes to be moulded to create an interesting exterior design.

“When hearing about the amount of glass proposed, it would have been easy to have just said ‘no’ and not take the time to examine these plans carefully,” comments Marc Verburg, Fleet Operations Manager, Yachts, at IRI’s Roosendaal office. “However, this glass is stronger than steel and we worked hard to find a suitable regulatory solution. Lloyd’s Register conducted factory and ultrasound tests and we are happy with the use of glass on this project.”

“It is certainly a challenge to have zero exemptions on a build like this..."

Another notable accomplishment of the project, considering the complex design features, is that Artefact is being built and flagged with no special notices or exemptions, having met all of the RMI’s standard requirements. As an example, Artefact meets the new International Maritime Organisation’s Tier III low emission regulations for yachts. This came from a desire from the owner’s team to build a yacht that is future-proofed from regulatory change.

“It is certainly a challenge to have zero exemptions on a build like this,” explains Patrick Bachofner, Director of IRI’s Geneva office. “The more exemptions a project has, the more the value of the boat is decreased because it is deviating from national and international regulations and conventions, so this is quite an achievement.” 

The project also includes a number of environmentally-friendly features, including solar panels and a battery storage system, which will enable the vessel to operate for a limited time without internal combustion engines. An electric pod propulsion and dynamic positioning system is designed to hold the yacht’s position without the need to drop anchor.

Profile links

Marshall Islands Yacht Registry (International Registries, Inc.)

Lloyd's Register

Nobiskrug

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