It’s the first week of the year, which means it’s all systems go at Feadship, as the Dutch shipyard launches its first project of the year: M/Y Najiba. At 58m, the new superyacht is the second largest fully aluminium yacht Feadship has built, and has been designed to keep fuel consumption to a bare minimum.

Built as a family superyacht for experienced owners, the new superyacht’s lines and naval architecture was designed by Vitruvius Yachts upon the owner’s request, with Claudio Cicconetti being responsible for developing the general arrangement, and Guillaume Rolland of Studio Christian Liaigre in charge of interior design. Peter Wilson of MCM represented the owner for the duration of the build.  

“Najiba is a truly remarkable superyacht and the family are thrilled with what you have created for them,” said Peter Wilson as he addressed the assembled workforce at the launch, speaking on behalf of the owner. “They had seen Feadship quality in other yachts, hence the long- held dream to develop one of their own. Even so, the owners and their extended family could not believe their eyes when the final result was revealed to them this morning.”

Wilson also commended the professionalism and cooperation throughout the design and construction phases, which lasted a total of four years.

According to Feadship, Vitruvius Yachts were selected to ensure that European design influences were retained throughout the project. This is the first time that Vitruvius Yachts has designed a project with Feadship.

“The owners understood very well that a perfect yacht requires a strong scientific and architectural approach to support the exterior design,” says Philippe Briand, founder of Vitruvius Yachts. “At Vitruvius, we believe that architecture is the link between art and science. Art is also present in the clean and pure exterior lines, and the way the interior design by Christian Liaigre plays dramatically with the wood and immaculate white surfaces to transport you into what feels like a whitewashed villa on the beach.

“There is an almost scientific approach in the concept behind the construction. Najiba is the second largest Feadship to be built in aluminium to date and features an extremely efficient hull.

- Philippe Briand, Vitruvius Yachts

“There is an almost scientific approach in the concept behind the construction,” continues Briand. “Najiba is the second largest Feadship to be built in aluminium to date and features an extremely efficient hull. The result of the meticulously planned architecture keeps fuel consumption as low as eleven litres per nautical mile at twelve knots, enhancing the yacht’s sustainability.”

The yacht’s original layout features two master staterooms and a particularly open plan arrangement, with no central staircase area. There are also very few straight surfaces found on board, including the curved ceilings, and angles throughout the vessel.

Having owned several yachts prior to this, Najiba – meaning noble – is fulfilling the owner’s lifelong dream of commissioning a fully custom Feadship.

“We are exceptionally proud of our contribution to this stunning 58m vessel,” says director Henk de Vries. “Najiba has a beautiful, complex interior with numerous unique features. The clients are big fans of architecture and design, and took great pride in what they were creating. They were also determined to provide a comfortable environment for their families both at sea and when moored. They have certainly succeeded in this and it has been an honour to work with them.”

The dynamics of the new build market will be explored in detail in The Superyacht Report: New Build, published next month.

Profile links

Feadship

Studio Liaigre

MCM

Vitruvius Yachts

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