Project "Master": 70-metre explorer with electric drive and research laboratory

Icon Yachts has completed the first construction phase of its "Master" conversion project. With the technical launch, the Dutch shipyard put water under the two electric Voith Schneider Propellers (eVSP). The steel hull already has many thousands of nautical miles in its wake; an offshore supply vessel built in 2001 at the Norwegian Kleven shipyard served as the basis for the conversion. Espen Øino is in charge of the design, which also includes the extension by four metres to a length of 70 metres. Icon Yachts last demonstrated its expertise in complex conversions two years ago with "Ragnar".

First yacht with Voith Schneider propellers

Icon's new Explorer is the world's first yacht to be fitted with Voith Schneider Propellers, a propulsion technology based on the almost 100-year-old principle of the cycloidal propeller. Six blades arranged in a circle rotate around a vertical axis and can generate thrust in any desired direction. As the wing tips are connected to each other and allow the angle of attack to be adjusted in a concerted manner, the change from forward to aft extension is almost infinitely variable. Rudders are not required as the propellers cover both propulsion and steering.

In addition to the manoeuvring and consumption advantages, the units are also designed to reduce underwater noise thanks to integrated permanent magnet electric motors that dispense with gearboxes. For this reason, the German manufacturer Voith Turbo, a division of the Heidenheim-based group of the same name, recently delivered two eVSPs, each with eight blades, to the 125 metre-long research vessel "Meteor IV". Ferries operating between Manhattan and Staten Island have been relying on the non-electric VSP variant since 2021. Tugboats and offshore vessels also rely on the Voith propulsion system.

Research and adventure combined

With five 500-kilowatt generators each as power suppliers, it is expected to have a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles at a speed of ten knots. The retractable bow thruster contributes to dynamic positioning operation and can act as main propulsion in an emergency. The hull, which has grown to 70 metres, was given a completely new superstructure at Icon, increasing the interior volume by 1,000 gross tonnes to 2,801 gross tonnes.

The "Master" will have a fully equipped research laboratory and training room and will also undertake scientific expeditions and adventure voyages. The plans envisage both relaxed Mediterranean tours and trips lasting several weeks in polar waters. The plan is for scientists to share their findings and knowledge with guests in real time. The equipment includes two custom-built expedition tenders with a length of 11.75 metres. They support operations in remote areas and significantly extend the yacht's radius of action.

Upcycling instead of building from scratch

Icon and the team at Espen Øino International found ways to reuse or upcycle 80 per cent of the original ship. This is not only positive from an environmental point of view, but also shortens the lead time for the owner and overcomes major hurdles in the supply chain. Recycled parts are utilised by the shipping industry, in accordance with Icon's ISO 14001 certification.

Brokerage house Fraser is looking for an owner for the "Master" project; the price for the 70-metre explorer, which will be completed in 2027, is 99.5 million euros.

About ICON Yachts

Icon Yachts was founded in 2005 in Harlingen, the Netherlands, and specialises in conversions, refits and new builds of superyachts. The shipyard facilities have direct access to the North Sea and consist of a 150 x 33 metre covered dry dock and a 90 x 20 metre floating dock.