Conversions from workboats or cruise ships to yachts are nothing unusual. Even large-format classics are regularly given a new lease of life by enthusiasts. However, no yacht shipyard has yet taken on a relatively young existing build in the holistic way that Oceanco has now done with its "1050H" project.
The 95-metre-long base was called "Trick One" when it was first launched in 2000, became "Al Mirqab" shortly afterwards and sailed the world's oceans as the "Indian Empress" for twelve years from 2006 - until the long-standing Oceanco flagship made headlines in 2018 after Indian owner Vijay Mallya failed to pay his crew. As a result, a Maltese court ordered the auction. However, the winner was unable to raise the final bid of 43.5 million euros. A new buyer took over for 35 million euros and renamed it "Neom", presumably in reference to the Saudi Arabian planned city. In summer 2019, the 23.5-knot 95-metre format changed hands again and was renamed "H".
Reymond Langton Design was responsible for the design of the conversion of the 14.60 metre wide steel-aluminium format. The British firm gave the "1050H" project new superstructures and completely new interior specifications. Judging by the photos, Oceanco in Zwijndrecht welded on an approximately ten metre long stern section and added a strip of windows to the front main deck. Above, the two characteristic pairs of wings that were in vogue at the end of the last millennium had to make way. In addition, the engines now fulfil the Tier III emission standards.
The A Group from Monaco represented the owner, who received an almost new yacht to his specifications without having to wait long. The delivery windows for new build projects are fully booked until the second half of the decade. Oceanco's Chairman Dr Mohammed Al Barwani also followed the undocking. The Omani businessman said:
It is a proud moment for me to see the nearing completion of this remodelling, as I was personally involved in the return of the 1050H to its birthplace for this ambitious project.
