A rare opportunity has arisen with "Nurja". The Swiss brokers at Ocean Independence are listing the 40.50 metre long and 18 metre wide catamaran from A&R halls for 38 million euros. It is probably the world's only SWATH-superyacht. The abbreviation stands for Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull, i.e. a twin hull with a small waterline area.
Low "footprint" thanks to SWATH
The concept is based on a type of catamaran, but with very narrow waterlines. The part responsible for the ship's buoyancy in the form of torpedo-shaped keels lies deep below the surface of the water. The technology gives "Nurja" a low "footprint" in two respects. Firstly, directly due to the small wetted area resulting from four struts between the hull and the water surface; secondly, thanks to SWATH, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions are improved.
The concept should also guarantee stable voyages in rough seas. "Nurja" was launched in 2008 at Abeking & Rasmussen as the "Silver Cloud" and returned to her construction site from October 2021 to November 2024 for a comprehensive refit. The traditional shipyard from Lemwerder has built almost 30 SWATH ships since 1999, most of them pilot boats.
Drive and range
Two 1,100 hp Caterpillar C32 engines power the special format. The maximum speed is 15 knots, the cruising speed 10 knots. With fully fuelled tanks, "Nurja" has a range of around 4,000 nautical miles. Four fin stabilisers ensure smooth sailing and a calm position at anchor. They are controlled by a Marine Dynamics system. During the conversion, both engines, the gearboxes and the entire hydraulic system were overhauled or replaced.
Control and monitoring
Abeking & Rasmussen also installed the latest automation technology from Böning. The Alarm Management and Control System (AMCS) connects navigation, drive, safety technology and all on-board systems. Two independent CAN bus networks work in parallel. If one system fails, the other takes over. All functions can be monitored and controlled from the bridge. The system fulfils the requirements of the DNV classification society. The certificates are valid until 2029.
Interior fittings and cabins
Focus Yacht Design from Bremen designed the new interior. The owner's cabin is located on the upper deck and extends across the full width of the ship with a private balcony, separate bathrooms, an office and direct access to the fitness room. Four further cabins are located on the main deck. A total of twelve guests can sleep in five cabins. The crew consists of nine people. A lift stops on all decks.
Comprehensive innovations
The aft deck now has a fold-out platform to the water. A new crane can lift up to 2,500 kilograms and bring dinghies and water sports equipment into the water. Helicopters land on the upper deck. All deck areas have been covered with synthetic teak and the mooring equipment has been completely renewed.
A VSAT system enables satellite connection on the high seas. A Wi-Fi 6 network supplies all areas with fast Internet, with the entertainment electronics running via a Crestron platform. Music and video can be controlled in all rooms. The system is integrated into the central control system.
Safety and classification
The shipyard completely renewed the fire protection and rescue equipment. All work was approved by DNV. The yacht fulfils the current regulations for commercially used yachts. The classification runs until 2029, after which the next general inspection is due.
Technical data "Nurja":
- Overall length: 40.5 metres
- Year of construction: 2008
- Refit completed: November 2024
- Shipyard: Abeking & Rasmussen, Lemwerder
- Hull type: SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull)
- Engines: 2 x Caterpillar C32, 1,100 hp each
- Maximum speed: 15 knots
- Cruising speed: 10 knots
- Range: approx. 4,000 nautical miles
- Stabilisers: 4 fin stabilisers with Marine Dynamics control system
- Guest cabins: 5 (for up to 12 guests)
- Crew: 9 persons
- Tender crane: up to 2,500 kg load capacity
- Classification: DNV, valid until 2029
- Price: 38 million euros (excluding VAT)
- Location: Western Mediterranean
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