Australian superyacht builder Echo Yachts today said that work on two new builds is on track and progressing well, releasing renderings of both projects.

Under construction at the yard’s Henderson facility is an 84-m Trimaran superyacht due in 2017, and a 46-m catamaran support vessel, due in the first quarter of 2016. 

Both projects are under construction for the same owner, with many years of ownership experience.

The 46-m shadow vessel is a catamaran design that will be used as a support vessel for the 84m superyacht on its completion. 

Built in fibreglass with cutting-edge vacuum infusion processes and high tech laminates, the vessel has been designed by LOMOcean in New Zealand to house a fleet of 11 watercraft including a 12-m catamaran. An impressive strength-to-weight ratio will see the yacht able to efficiently cruise in a wide range of environments.

Echo Yachts said a large amount of design and engineering work was invested into the project prior to build work commencing “to ensure a construction process that is extremely efficient without any compromise on quality”. 

Focusing on research and development (R&D) and harnessing innovation is a core goal of the yard, and the 46-m project is a clear demonstration of the beneficial effects of this programme, it added.


SUPERYACHT

Meanwhile, the 84-m Trimaran superyacht will be the latest in a long line of superyachts built for her owner and is the culmination of his many years’ experience. 

Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, the yacht will not only be the biggest superyacht ever built in Australia, but also the largest tri-hulled superyacht ever built, Echo Yachts said.

Huge volumes will ensure ample living space on board for her 12 guests to take advantage of.

The two new projects mark the start of a long-term market presence and strategy for the yard, which particularly specialises in large, custom projects. On completion of the 46-m in the first quarter of 2016, Echo Yachts will have an 80 m+ build slot available and is seeking inquiries for new build projects.

Yard management are confident that this opportunity represents an attractive prospect for owners looking to take advantage of both an attractive exchange rate on the Australian dollar and Echo Yacht’s offering of a high-quality, no-fuss build.


SERIOUS PLAYER

Although a young operation, Echo Yachts says that the combined expertise of its staff and their many decades of experience within the superyacht industry means that it is set to be a serious player in large yacht construction. 

Bringing together the team from Australia and around the world was a “key consideration” for senior management and company shareholders Mark Stothard, Jurien van Rongen and Nick Gardiner. Their investment into selecting the right team is already paying dividends in the quality and on-schedule and on-budget builds of the two new projects, the company added.

With the yard able to build any hull form in aluminium, steel, composite, or a combination of these materials, Echo Yachts says it is “more than qualified to meet the demands of any custom project”. 

In addition to the strength and skillsets of the yard team, the Australian reputation for innovative high-quality construction makes Echo Yachts a particularly appealing option, especially for those based in the nearby Asia-Pacific where yacht ownership continues to rise in popularity, it said, adding that the yard welcomes all enquiries, and looks forward to “continuing to build its market presence in 2015”.