Feadship Unveils New 87m Superyacht Concept in Collaboration with Harrison Eidsgaard

Developed for superyacht owners wanting to explore the world in privacy, luxury and the utmost comfort, 87m EXPV is an outstanding new concept from the drawing boards of two icons of the superyacht industry. 

Previously working together on 77.7m motor yacht TANGO, alongside several other projects over the past 17 years, shipyard giant Feadship and design studio Harrison Eidsgaard have come together once again to create the magnificent concept that is EXPV.

In a, ‘radical departure from the norm’, the 87m concept presents an array of unique additions and innovative features not often seen on large yachts or explorer vessels. 

A notable example of this onboard EXPV is the distinctive ‘split’ superstructure in the owner’s private space forward, and the guest area aft, completely separating the guest and owner quarters to offer the greatest level of privacy. The team revealed that inspiration for the guest accommodation came from the layout seen onboard cruise ships, whereby the most wanted suites are facing outwards. On EXPV, there are six guest suites arranged around the stern on two deck levels, all with private terraces and beds facing out to sea: a completely new layout solution never seen before on a superyacht. 

Similarly to the private nature of the accommodation, the two deckhouses feature separate staircases and elevators, but are also connected by an incredible floating Glass Bridge and an ‘Ocean Lounge’. 

Co-Founder & Partner of Harrison Eidsgaard, Peder Eidsgaard, commented on the new, cutting-edge concept: ‘this is a yacht designed for experienced owners who like to spend long periods on board with guests who might join them for a week, a month or even more, so privacy was an essential consideration...the whole concept is based on the premise that the owners have their own residence and there is a separate guest house for friends and visitors. The idea is that the owners can spend weeks on board in full privacy, but also interact with their guests in the Ocean Lounge in the middle of the boat.'

The unique ‘Ocean Lounge’ of EXPV is essentially a grand beach club. Located on the lower deck amidships, with folding, hydraulic platforms on both sides, the lounge boasts a luxurious indoor swimming pool, a large skylight, and sliding glass doors. 

The glass doesn't stop there. Guests onboard EXPV can see straight through from the stern of the yacht all the way to the bow: a remarkable yet stunning addition to the 87m’s design, showcasing its unreserved adornment in glass.

‘We’ve collaborated with Harrison Eidsgaard on various projects and they always throw a few challenges into the mix,’ shared Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Director and CEO of Royal Van Lent shipyard. ‘The Glass Bridge was one such challenge and we worked closely with the De Voogt engineers to see how we could make that work. Suspended in mid-air, it’s a completely new idea and quite a feat of engineering.’

 Other features onboard EXPV include an owner’s office, located behind the wheelhouse, with a private full-beam master suite on the deck below; an owner’s observation lounge with full-height windows and a private terrace overlooking the foredeck; as well as a heli-deck above the observation lounge with direct access to the owner’s apartment. 

Another unmissable feature of the new concept is the substantial mast on top of the aft deckhouse. A ‘crow’s nest’, explained to be a two-person pod, has been integrated into the structure, allowing guests to travel to the masthead for incredible views high above the deck.

‘When we started this project, we took all the features you find on superyachts and threw them up in the air,’ explained Eidsgaard. ‘The pieces landed where you might not expect to find them, but where they might make more sense. The two deckhouses are unique and no other superyacht has them, but the profile with its reverse bow, bold use of glass and dynamic curves is very purposeful.’

As a nod to the explorer nature of the concept, large tenders, of 13.5m, are stowed on the open deck above the Ocean Lounge and under the Glass Bridge with no height restrictions. 

The groundbreaking concept is not only groundbreaking in terms of design. Feadship’s technical team worked to create a structurally strong explorer vessel that overcame challenges such as the tender deck amidships with the open-plan Ocean Lounge immediately below, where the engine room would usually be situated. Because of this, a single-level engine room was utilised, with innovative diesel-electric propulsion included: ideally suited to the new arrangement.

With 85m SLICE revealed just weeks ago at the MYS, Feadship is certainly proving its innovative nature within its latest concepts; and we can’t wait to see what will come next.