The launch marks the conclusion of a complex project that came to a grandiose end at the Balk shipyard in the Netherlands. The "Ursus", which has been plumped up from 24 to 30 metres, has been completely overhauled and now offers top comfort and performance.
The journey began in 2022, when the owner approached Balk with a clear wish: to preserve the charm of the interior while expanding the yacht to create additional space - for a new beach club, more room for the crew and a modern propulsion system.
The owner of "Ursus" asked Balk Shipyard for help
Although the owner already had plans to extend the yacht, he asked the shipyard for advice on the conversion. Together they decided to start from scratch - and so the owner and Balk laid the foundations for the major project. This is where the engineers and designers from Mulder came in, who tackled the redesign of "Ursus".
"Our focus was on combining the changes with the original design features," explains Bas Mulder, owner of the studio.
The remodelling took 18 months
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) flow simulations were used to optimise the new hull sections in order to reduce resistance and improve seaworthiness. Once all the designs were finalised, the conversion of "Ursus" began, which took around 18 months.
What exactly happened? The old bow and stern were removed and replaced, creating additional space at both ends. This allowed Mulder to plan an additional crew cabin, add a lounge aft, completely reorganise the beach club and reposition the tender garage. A new seating area was created in the bow. The superstructure was also extended by one metre, so that the saloon and sun deck could be extended.
New pods and a new bow thruster for "Ursus"
A double anchor system was also on the to-do list. The decks were given FSC-certified teak panelling and the hull now shines in the current Range Rover "Batumi Gold" paint finish.
"Ursus" also received technical upgrades, such as diesel-electric pods. A seawater cooling system and new Veth azimuth drives from TwinDisc were also added. The Volvo Penta D9 main engines and the Stamford 22kW generators remained on board. New features include a Veth bow thruster, Furuno navigation systems and a dynamic positioning system (DP).
Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard: "This was one of the most complex conversions we have ever carried out. We are now looking forward to the fine-tuning during the Seatrials.
Balk Shipyard: Specialist for refits
The owners are more than happy and said with conviction: "We are very satisfied with the result." Balk Shipyard will deliver "Ursus" in February 2025.
Founded in 1798 and based in the Netherlands, the shipyard has built up a good reputation as a provider of refits. Its facilities offer a lift system that can raise yachts up to 1,000 tonnes. Balk Shipyard specialises in superyachts up to 65 metres in length and is "recognised" by the Dutch royal family.
