Yacht designer Theodoros Fotiadis is expanding into the shipyard business and strengthening the superyacht location of northern Germany with the founding of the Astra Nord shipyard. The new company is utilising the site and hall of the old Volkswerft Stralsund shipyard, which was operated after 2010 under the names P+S Werften (2010 - 2014), Nordic Yards Stralsund (2015-2016) and most recently MV Werften Stralsund (2016- 2022). From 2022 to 2024, the Volkswerft Maritime Industrial and Commercial Park existed on the site.
The new site in the traditional port city of Stralsund is geared towards the construction of new builds over 65 metres and refit work on yachts up to 295 metres in length. The shipyard has already acquired its first refit customer: The 47.2 metre long Sanlorenzo "Ocean Dreamwalker III" is currently being refitted at Astra Nord. At the same time, the company is working on a series of yacht designs with lengths between 65 and 96 metres, which, according to Fotiadis, are intended to "fill the gap in the market left by Nobiskrug".
Comprehensive infrastructure for superyachts
The shipyard has a comprehensive infrastructure that characterises it for the construction and maintenance of superyachts. The site offers 97,000 square metres of fully covered and heated space. In addition, there are 32,000 square metres of office space and 24,000 square metres of workshop areas. The centrepiece is a main hall measuring 300 by 110 by 75 metres. An 800-tonne crane is available for transporting heavy components. A 270 metre long ship lift completes the technical equipment and enables even the largest yachts to be handled efficiently.
After-sales as a distinguishing feature
Astra Nord wants to set itself apart from its competitors by offering a comprehensive after-sales service. Fotiadis sees a previously unfilled gap in the German market here. "Whether it's routine maintenance, upgrades or technical support - our global network of qualified technicians and support staff is always on hand to ensure that every yacht we look after always performs at its best," explains the founder. This holistic approach is designed to retain customers in the long term and ensure continuous service throughout the entire life cycle of a yacht.
Innovative design concepts
One of Astra Nord's first design concepts is the 78 metre long "Neon". This yacht uses a platform developed by Lateral Naval Architects without conventional bulkheads to maximise the continuous living space on board and eliminate the connection between indoor and outdoor areas. Retractable glass walls and fold-down terraces help to dissolve the boundaries between the different areas. "Neon" is currently for sale through the brokerage house Moravia Yachting.
Experienced studio
Theodoros Fotiadis' Berlin-based studio has already made a name for itself with various yacht concepts. Its best-known designs include the 140 metre-long trimaran concept "Spear" and the 105 metre-long superyacht "5th Element". With the founding of Astra Nord, Fotiadis is now expanding his portfolio from pure design to the complete realisation of his concepts. The combination of creative design and practical construction expertise should establish Astra Nord as a new player in the manageable superyacht shipyard market.
Shipyard infrastructure Astra Nord:
- Covered area: 97,000 square metres (fully heated)
- Office space: 32,000 square metres
- Workshop areas: 24,000 square metres
- Main hall: 300m x 110m x 75m
- Crane capacity: 800 tonnes
- Ship lift: 270 metres
Capacities:
- New buildings: from 65 metres in length
- Refit work: up to 295 metres in length
Technical data of the 78 metre NEON
- LOA 78.0 m
- Fibre optic 78.0 m
- BEAM MOULDED 13.0 m
- BEAM WL 12.9 m
- DRAUGHT FULL LOAD 3.8 m
- DISP FULL LOAD 1950 t
- DRAUGHT SUMMER 3.9 m
- GT ESTIMATED LARGE TONNAGE 2200
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
