Icon Yachts is back with a top-class explorer. The Dutch brand unveiled Mission-M at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. The 50-metre expedition yacht with 499 GT continues the in-house tradition of robust long-distance runners. See 64 metre project mission.
Developed on the Icon 50 platform and designed by Weel Sluijter-Design, the vessel is specially designed for remote regions. Ice class 1D and Polar Code C classification qualify the yacht for Arctic waters. With a range of 7,000 nautical miles at eight knots, Mission-M is designed for self-sufficient long journeys that normally only much larger ships can manage.
Robust construction for extreme conditions
With a high, flared bow, Mission-M is stable and safe even in rough seas. Despite the 499 GT, the Explorer is designed and constructed in accordance with the rules and regulations for yachts over 500 GT.
Typical of a semi-custom: owners can personalise the layout and interior fittings. Technical limits relating to fire protection must be observed. Two main engines with conventional shaft drives operate below deck, while the engine room offers easy access for maintenance. All systems are designed to be extra easy to maintain, with components from the commercial shipping industry providing maximum uptime and durability.
The crane can lift almost 10 tonnes
The split-level design extends over six decks and creates a generous feeling of space and volume. Inspired by commercial offshore design, the yacht has a 270-degree bridge and a spacious sky lounge. The ten-metre aft deck is equipped with a crane that can lift up to 9.6 tonnes and has a reach of 15 metres.
Owners stay on a private deck with a balcony, while guests sleep in four cabins on the lower deck. Accommodation for crew and staff is efficiently distributed across the decks, with pantries and service areas to support smooth operations. The interior was again designed by Carla Guilhem Design.
Configuration for scientific purposes
As an option, the open aft deck can accommodate two 20-foot containers instead of the tender: a laboratory and a separate personnel module for up to four scientists. Mission-M thus serves as a platform for research and marine conservation.
Technical data Mission-M from Icon Yachts:
- Length over everything: 50,45 m
- Width: 8,93 m
- Depth: 2,80 m
- Gross cubic capacity: 499 GT
- Main engines: 2x Caterpillar C32, 895 kW
- drive system: Twin-screw shaft drive with double rudders
- travelling speed: 12 kn
- Top speed: 14 kn
- Range: 7,000 nm at 8 kn
- Guests/cabins: 10/5
- Crew/cabins: 11/7
- Classification: Polar Code C, ice class 1D
- Tender: 8.5 m ARKSEN 28 /10m ROAM landing craft
- Crew tender: 5 m Ribeye SOLAS RHIB
- Diving boat: 2-person submarine Worx Nemo/ICON A5 seaplane
