For the 440 Open, Fjord is using the hull of the 41 XL and focusing on the deck and interior. The shipyard cites 56 changes compared with its predecessor. The price has not yet been announced; the launch will take place in Cannes in September 2026.
The most striking new feature is the electric aft bench. It raises up to form a backrest for the sun lounger, creating a continuous lounge area stretching from the swim platform to the cockpit. The bench measures 190 cm in width and 43 cm in depth. When in the upright position, a lying surface 163 cm long remains usable. When fully extended, the sun lounger measures 200 cm in length and 210 cm in width. The swim platform itself measures 218 cm in length and 383 cm in width.
Powertrain and Chassis
Fjord is offering the Volvo Penta D6 with 480 PS for the first time. This is the most powerful version in this series. The engine is fitted with Duoprop propulsion and Aquamatic DPI. The system incorporates joystick control, assisted mooring and autopilot. The shipyard has not provided any figures for speed or fuel consumption.
A Seakeeper 4.5 stabiliser is available as an option. The gyro system reduces rolling motion when the boat is at a standstill. The unit uses flywheel technology and automatically adapts to sea conditions.
Cockpit and controls
The new dashboard features two 19-inch Volvo displays fitted flush with the surface. The surface is flat, with no protruding controls. The Fjord logo is backlit, and the upper edge is illuminated by ambient lighting. The standard version comes with a display, remote control, joystick and windscreen wiper controls, all in black.
The navigation package includes a second display, a chain counter, an autopilot, Interceptor software, VHF radio and a bow thruster. The extended package adds Active Ride Control for the Interceptors, integrates the bow thruster into the docking system and activates the Volvo Penta Dynamic Positioning System.
The driver’s seat has been redesigned. Fjord had it specially designed for this model. The backrest is more reclined and the padding is thicker. The seat can be moved forwards and backwards, and the backrest can be folded down. This layout maintains access to the galley and ensures a clear passageway.
T-top and shading
The T-top opens electrically 1.6 metres towards the rear. The headroom remains at over two metres. The mechanism is concealed within the structure. Electric roller blinds extend from the sides. The rear sun awning covers the open area.
The T-top mast is fitted with a Volvo DP antenna, Starlink, radar, searchlight, DVB-T antenna and navigation lights. Solar panels, which charge the service batteries, are available as an option. The shipyard does not specify any performance figures for the solar panels.
Interior and design
Design Unlimited is responsible for both interior variants. The studio had already designed the Fjord 40 back in 2007. The standard version is called “Tailored” and features dark tones. Furniture in Atlanta Walnut, upholstery in Corsica Cream, worktops in Black Aurora, vertical surfaces in Anthracite, fabric elements in Coral and flooring in Midnight Ash.
The light-coloured ‘Legacy’ option is available at an additional cost and comprises six individual items in the price list: furniture in Baltic Blue and Nordic Oak, upholstery in Corsica Greige, worktops in Polar White, vertical surfaces in cream, fabric elements in beige and flooring in Nordic Oak.
Fjord has made four ergonomic changes. The guest cabin door has been enlarged and is now the same as on the 490. An extra step has been added to the internal staircase, thereby eliminating the threshold to the main deck. The sliding door has been replaced by a hinged door.
Cabin layouts
Layout A1 features an owner’s cabin with a double bed, a wardrobe on the starboard side, sideboards and two drawers under the bed. The bathroom has a separate shower cubicle with a rain shower and a hand-held shower. In the saloon, there is a small sofa with a 35-litre fridge underneath. The guest cabin B1 features a double bed, a sofa, a wardrobe and three portholes in the deck that can be opened.
Layout A2 adds a second cupboard and a sliding door in the main bulkhead to the owner’s cabin. The bathroom remains the same. Layout B2 replaces the portholes in the guest cabin with a door.
Layout A3 replaces the lobby with a galley featuring a two-ring electric hob, a 30-amp shore power connection, a 49-litre fridge, a sink with a drainer and storage space. Layout A4 combines the extended owner’s cabin from A2 with the galley from A3.
Fittings and electronics
Three fridges are fitted as standard: one in the galley and two under the forward cockpit benches. Two further fridges can be fitted as an option under the aft benches, making a total of five fridges on deck.
The Garmin EmpirBus system is fitted as standard. It controls the lighting, air conditioning, fuel tank monitoring and battery management via a touchscreen. The system displays the state of charge, voltage and condition of all batteries in real time. Alerts are issued to indicate low charge levels or faults.
The climate control is operated via the same interface. Users can view the system status and control the cooling functions centrally. The tank monitoring system continuously tracks black water, grey water and fresh water levels. The T-Top ambient lighting can also be dimmed and switched on and off via the system.
Entertainment and connectivity
The new audio system combines JL Audio amplifiers with a Fusion Apollo R800 control unit. The top-of-the-range version features eight speakers and two subwoofers. The system is divided into three zones: the bow, the cockpit and the stern, plus the cabin area. Streaming is via AirPlay. The Garmin underwater lighting synchronises with the music and changes colour in time with the beat.
A 55-inch television is available as an option. It extends electrically from the ceiling and moves along two axes: horizontally and vertically. When extended, it sits above the control console without obstructing the galley or seating area. The distance to the nearest seating position is 1.8 metres, and to the furthest 5.07 metres.
Garmin’s camera system comprises six cameras: four on the sides of the hull, one at the bow and one on the T-top mast. They assist with mooring and manoeuvring. Starlink provides an internet connection even outside coastal waters.
Swimming platform and access
The emergency ladder is on the starboard side, and a manual swim ladder is on the port side. A new feature is the electric swim ladder, which lowers directly into the water. The platform accommodates a Williams 285 Jet Tender, whilst the gangway and stern bench remain accessible.
The rear bench is available in three versions: without a bench (standard), with a fixed bench or with an electric bench. Without a bench, the full platform area remains usable.
Deck layout
There are three cockpit configurations to choose from. The F1 features a port-side galley unit 660 mm wide, with a cover, a 65-litre fridge, a mineral stone worktop and an additional passenger seat. The seat can be moved and the backrest folded down, with the cover included.
The E1 features driver’s and passenger’s seats with a sliding function and folding backrests, as well as a galley on the starboard side, 1240 mm wide, with a cover, a sink with a folding mixer tap and storage space, and a mineral stone worktop.
F2 provides six benches, each 1,040 mm wide, and two, each 592 mm wide, as well as two drawer-type fridges and two fold-down tables with electric height adjustment and padded tops. Everything comes with a cover, and access to the storage room is electrically operated.
Prices and availability
Fjord has not yet announced any prices. The world premiere will take place in September 2026 at the Cannes Yachting Festival. This will be followed by Genoa in October, Barcelona in October and Fort Lauderdale in October/November 2026.
According to the shipyard, it has reduced the configuration time by 70 per cent. Many frequently chosen options are now standard. The navigation packages combine several individual options. The interior design is available in two basic styles, which can be configured in five stages.
Technical Specifications
- Overall length: 13.79 m
- Fuselage length: 12.14 m
- Width: 3.94 m
- Draught: 1.17 m
- Water tank: 335 l
- Fuel tank: 900 litres
- Displacement: n/a
- CE category: B
- Maximum number of people: 12
- Engine, standard: 2 × Volvo Penta D6-340
- Engine, option: 2 × Volvo Penta D6-480
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT