On 17 May 2025, a new explorer was launched in Aalsmeer in the Netherlands, the Feadship 715 (Feadship 714). The almost 80 metre long "Valor" with a steel hull and XL volume was specially designed for expeditions in rough waters. A two metre wide ice belt gives the yacht the Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 classification. Feadship thus fulfils the owner's dream of crossing the Northwest Passage and visiting the most inhospitable places on earth.
Innovative hybrid technology
The centrepiece of "Valor" is her hybrid drive. Instead of conventional main engines and auxiliary generators, the yacht utilises a diesel-electric system with solar and battery support. Four variable-speed generators feed a DC grid and a water-cooled 5.34 megawatt-hour lithium-ion battery storage system. This configuration delivers more than five times as much electrical power as the 83.50 metre long "Savannah", which Feadship presented as a breakthrough in 2015.
Additional CO2-free energy is supplied by a solar panel on the mast. "Valor" can operate purely electrically, emission-free and extremely quietly for up to 48 hours - ideal for travelling in sensitive marine areas. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent, is also used during the test runs.
Stabilisation systems from Quantum Marine Stabilizers, including the XT fins and MAGlift stabilisers, make the Feadship 715 one of the most comfortable yachts in the world.
Feadship in the style of a frigate
Chris Bottom from Studio De Voogt supplied the exterior lines. The designer realised the specifications of the American owner, who wanted a mixture of the dreadnought bow of a battleship and the silhouette of a modern guided missile frigate with luxury yacht elements. "The owner had three requirements," explains Bottom. "Firstly, the design had to be 'recognisable from space' and unique. And then he rejected both the typical 'wedding cake' design and the usual curvy shapes of many yachts."
The spacious upper decks are walkable all round, with both the owner's deck and the bridge deck having sections with widened bulwarks. On the bridge deck, these serve as helm stations, while on the owner's deck they provide additional outdoor lounges as well as space for a grass-covered "toilet" and shower for the owner's three golden retrievers.
Luxurious interior
The interior design by Bannenberg & Rowell (B&R) exceeds the owner's specifications for spaces made of natural materials such as wood, stone, metal and glass. B&R even designed the main staircase, which consists of 48,001 pieces, including solid bronze and stone. As an alternative to the stairs, a lift connects all six decks of the yacht.
The owner's deck has a forward-facing suite with a view of the helideck, a dressing room and an office, plus a sky lounge with dining area and an outdoor lounge with Jacuzzi. On the main deck there are six guest suites, the main saloon, a covered outdoor dining area and the spacious deck around the 8.35 x 2.55 metre pool with counter-current system.
Technical specifications Feadship "Valor":
- Length: 79.50 m
- Width: 13.40 m
- Draught: 3.70 m
- Hull: Steel with ice class
- Structure: Aluminium
- Drive: Hybrid diesel-electric, solar, battery
- Generators: 2x Cat C32B 1470 kWe, 2x John Deere 354 kWe
- Battery capacity: 5,343 kWh
- Range: > 5,000 nm
- Fuel: HVO BioFuel or low sulphur marine diesel
- Fuel capacity: 166 m3
- Exterior lines: Studio De Voogt
- Interior: Bannenberg & Rowell Design
- Construction: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
About Feadship:
Feadship is one of the world's leading shipyards for luxury yachts. Based in the Netherlands, the company is known for its designs and quality standards. With "Valor", Feadship emphasises its commitment to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly yachting.
