In the world of luxury superyacht construction, Oceanco, the Dutch shipyard, has undeniably established itself as a leader in both craftsmanship and innovation. With a reputation for pushing boundaries, Oceanco is not only redefining what is possible in yacht design, but also setting new standards for how sustainability can coexist with luxury. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology, eco-conscious engineering, and forward-thinking design is shaping the future of the yachting industry.
As global awareness of environmental issues continues to rise, industries around the world are being called to adopt more sustainable practices. The yachting industry, once criticized for its environmental impact, is now embracing this shift, and Oceanco is leading the way.
The company’s latest launch, the 111-meter superyacht Y726, serves as a prime example of how a yacht can be both a symbol of luxury and a testament to environmental stewardship. This yacht represents years of research and development, showcasing Oceanco’s relentless pursuit of sustainability without sacrificing the opulence and sophistication expected from the world’s finest yachts.
Unlike traditional yacht-building methods, Oceanco’s approach to innovation goes beyond just technical specifications—it extends to the very materials used in construction. Teak decking, once the hallmark of luxury yachts due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, is now under scrutiny for its environmental and ethical concerns.
In response, Oceanco has made the bold decision to completely eliminate Burmese teak from its supply chain, replacing it with responsibly sourced, FSC-certified Green Teak and synthetic alternatives. For instance, Y726 incorporates Green Teak, a plantation-grown variety from Thailand, ensuring that every stage of its lifecycle, from forest management to lamination, meets strict sustainability standards.
This commitment to traceability extends beyond decking materials. Y726’s interiors feature innovative materials such as eggshell composites and recycled nut shells, offering both aesthetic refinement and a compelling backstory.
As Wim Verhoeff, Oceanco’s Sales Director, explains, “Today, sharing the origin and journey of a material carries more weight than simply saying it’s rare or exotic.” This shift reflects a broader trend in the luxury market, where consumers are increasingly interested in knowing the environmental and ethical implications of the products they purchase.
However, Oceanco’s dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop with materials. The company has gone a step further by conducting a full lifecycle carbon footprint analysis on Y726. Collaborating with third-party experts, the team assessed the yacht’s environmental impact from the initial material procurement to its predicted emissions over a 25-year operational life.
This analysis not only led to an internal switch to green electricity but also provided the owner with operational strategies to reduce long-term environmental impact. For example, Oceanco demonstrated the fuel efficiency differences between MGO and HVO options, giving clients the transparency they increasingly demand.
On the technical front, Oceanco has moved away from the traditional pursuit of top-speed performance, opting instead to design hulls for cruising efficiency. Y726, while not the most radical example of energy transition, incorporates energy-saving features such as waste heat recovery, battery-based peak shaving, and a flexible architecture that allows for future upgrades. As Verhoeff puts it, “It’s all about the technical backbone. If battery technology or alternative fuels evolve, the yacht must be able to evolve with it.”
Every new Oceanco yacht is now subject to the same rigorous carbon audit, providing clients with the information they need to make informed decisions while also giving the shipyard a framework for continuous improvement. Additionally, dedicated waste managers now oversee the recycling processes across all builds, and the layout of technical spaces is specifically designed to allow for future retrofitting as new technologies become available.
Oceanco’s sustainability vision extends beyond the construction of new yachts to the aftercare and maintenance of vessels throughout their lifespan. The company’s recently renamed “Lifecycle Support” division emphasizes longevity, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining yachts to the highest standards over time.
The division offers modular crew cabins, provisions for future HVAC upgrades, and even anticipates the integration of advanced onboard systems like ocean plastic detection, disaster relief, and water purification technologies. This approach ensures that yachts are not only sustainable at the time of delivery but can remain cutting-edge throughout their operational lives.
As Verhoeff reflects, “There’s a new generation of owners coming through. They want to contribute, not just consume. Our job is to provide them with the tools to do that and to show them that yachting can be part of the solution.”
This forward-thinking mindset is embodied in the design of Y726, where every material choice, every technical feature, and every operational strategy has been carefully considered to reduce the yacht’s environmental footprint while maintaining the highest levels of luxury.
Oceanco’s commitment to sustainable innovation is setting a powerful precedent for the future of luxury yachting. As the industry moves toward greater transparency and responsibility, the work of shipyards like Oceanco shows that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are the keys to shaping a more sustainable and responsible future for the yachting world.
As technology continues to evolve, the yachts of tomorrow will be smarter, more energy-efficient, and more environmentally friendly than ever before. Oceanco’s pioneering work in combining luxury with sustainability is not just a trend, but a blueprint for the future—a future where yachting is part of the solution, not the problem.
The company’s ongoing dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility is leading the way for the next generation of superyachts, ensuring that luxury and sustainability will go hand in hand for years to come.