Due to their sturdy construction designed to endure the roughest weather, cover long ranges, and operate autonomously for months at sea, and do so while offering guests onboard luxury amenities, Explorer or expedition yachts are an increasingly popular choice among adventurous superyacht owners. They are a breed of their own, and their impressive ocean-going abilities guarantee the most fun you can have on the water.
During the ongoing Monaco Yacht Show, Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts unveiled a new 210-foot (63.9-meter) expedition yacht concept called Project Mission that blends endurance and comfort. Designed for both commercial and private use, the new conceptual yacht is said to set new standards for purpose-driven expedition vessels. It boasts an imposing profile with geometrical lines that create a rugged aesthetic and impressive explorer capabilities to allow owners to cruise some of the most secluded and exclusive locations in the world.
Icon Yachts, founded in 2005, is based in Harlingen, Netherlands. Its latest expedition yacht concept was designed in collaboration with Bernd Weel Design and stands out of the crowd with an innovative modular design that allows it to carry extensive adventure equipment, tenders, and toys. Actually, according to the yard, besides tenders and RIBs, Project Mission will also be able to accommodate a three-passenger submersible and an Airbus H130 helicopter.
The explorer yacht was developed primarily for global travel, including journeys to polar regions during non-ice conditions, and its scope is to facilitate marine scientific research and data collection, exploration, and yacht cruises. As such, it was necessary to feature ample storage space.
Designed based on the Standard Shipping Container principle, the concept is built with modular elements and a hexagonal-styled mid section that will store different containers. This means the vessel's configuration can be modified and adapted based on its use. According to Icon Yachts, "The use of containers allows owners or special charters to adapt the vessel to their evolving needs by incorporating modular areas within or onboard the yacht."
Said containers can be filled with scientific research equipment for polar exploration, diving, skiing and other water sports equipment, or additional water toys and tenders.
Photo: Icon Yachts
Project Mission will enable owners and guests to immerse in the yachting experience and become active participants in philanthropic efforts. "Mission represents ICON's commitment to innovation and purpose-driven travel. It redefines what an explorer yacht can achieve – from sustainability and modularity to profound experiential impact. We're proud to set new benchmarks and lead the way in supporting sustainable exploration," said Micca Ferrero, owner of ICON Yachts.
Ferrero also reiterates that Mission's innovative design shows its versatility and multipurpose character, including areas for different activities, including a sports deck to support guests' active lifestyle, and shipping container docks that open up a wide array of possibilities.
With an impressive volume of 1,800 GT, Project Mission will accommodate between 12 and 18 guests, as well as 18 crew members and six expedition staff.
As for performance, it will have a cruising speed of 12 knots (13.8 mph or 22.2 kph) and an impressive range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 km), making it a suitable vessel for voyages to remote and challenging destinations.
Defined by sustainability, modularity, and outstanding exploration capabilities, Icon Yachts' Project Mission will enable owners to experience all the comforts associated with luxury superyachts while embarking on adventurous long-range voyages around the globe.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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