Explorer for sale: ‘Prometej’ – icebreaker DNA and a range of 9,000 nautical miles

​​“Prometej” was built in 1956 as an Arctic icebreaker at the Galati shipyard in Romania. Following a refit under the creative direction of Alberta Ferretti and a comprehensive overhaul at Adria Docks in Croatia, this 45-metre steel-hulled vessel combines comfort with capacity. The most recent refit was commissioned by the Swiss owner, Dr Tobias Reichmuth.

Explorer on a Longevity mission

In the summer of 2024, a trial run took place in the Mediterranean, and in early 2025 Reichmuth set off on a voyage with his partner and a changing group of guests in the spirit of longevity on. The plan was to visit so-called Blue Zones – those areas where people are thought to live to a particularly advanced age. The BlueCruise took them as far as Greenland at 74 degrees north latitude.

A range that could set a new record

The ‘Prometej’ excels at long-distance cruising. It is powered by two Mitsubishi diesel engines, each producing 1,000 PS (701 kW). At full throttle, this steel displacement vessel maintains a steady speed of 13.5 knots. At a cruising speed of 10.5 knots, it achieves a range of – relative to its size – a record-breaking 9,000 nautical miles. With full tanks, that would be equivalent to a non-stop voyage from Gibraltar to Hawaii. Two generators provide the power supply: a new John Deere with 185 PS from 2025 and an Iveco with 100 PS.

Ice-class hull and fitness room

The steel hull features ice-strengthening, enabling voyages in polar waters. Measuring 45.4 metres in length and nine metres in width, the “Prometej” has an interior volume of 469 gross tonnes. The maximum draught is 3.5 metres.

​The “Prometej” can accommodate twelve guests across seven cabins. Alberta Ferretti designed the interiors with a focus on durability and comfort. Facilities include a steam room and a gym behind the bridge. The exterior design is by Waterlinie Yacht Design.

Tenders and water sports equipment

Two tenders are stowed on the upper deck: a Zodiac MK V Milpro and a Williams 520 Jet-Tender from 2024. For water sports, there are two e-foil boards (Flite Air, 2024), two Seabobs F5-S (2024), two stand-up paddleboards, a two-seater sea canoe, fishing and snorkelling equipment, as well as water skis, a wakeboard, a floating island (MegaChill) and polar equipment.

The Swiss brokerage firm Ocean Independence has listed the ‘Prometej’ for 9.5 million euros.

Technical Specifications for ‘Prometej’

• Length: 45.4 m
• Width: 9 m
• Draught: 3.5 m
• Interior volume: 469 Gross Tons
• Year of manufacture: 1956
• Last refit: 2024/2025
• Hull: steel, ice-reinforced
• Construction: steel
• Engines: 2 x Mitsubishi 1,000 PS (701 kW)
• Generators: 1 x John Deere 185 PS (new in 2025), 1 x Iveco 100 PS
• Cruising speed: 10.5 knots
• Maximum speed: 13.5 knots
• Range: 9,000 nautical miles at 10.5 knots
• Capacity: 12 people
• Cabins: 7
• Flag: Cook Islands
• Classification: RINA
• Exterior design: Waterline Yacht Design
• Interior design: Alberta Ferretti
• Shipyard: Galati
• Location: Western Mediterranean
• Price: 9,500,000 euros (excluding VAT) via Ocean Independence