Platinum Yachts, a subsidiary of Dubai World Company Dry Docks World, will unveil the model of the new project 'Triton', a 88 metre diesel electric mega yacht, at this year’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS).

“We are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, as it presents an excellent setting to debut the magnificent Triton alongside other models from our super yacht range,” said Dirk de Jong, project development manager, Platinum Yachts.

In 2001, Platinum Yachts launched the 160 metre yacht 'Platinum', the world’s largest private owned mega yacht, and it was officially delivered to the client in 2006.

Since then, new projects have followed, including the major refit of a 45m Sailing Yacht and the conversion of a 90m cruise vessel into a private luxury mega-yacht.

Recently Platinum Yachts has expanded its operations to include further ‘new-build’ projects and will showcase a model of their first line of mega yachts, the Triton 88m, at their stand at ADYS.

Currently under engineering, Triton 88m is an innovative and stylish diesel/electrical motor yacht with some outstanding features such as a single deck engine room – offering improved circulation/mobility and a more spacious interior for guests onboard – and a very large ‘beach’ area accompanied by a swimming pool, sunbathing area and beach bar.

The vessel’s exterior lines are designed by renowned designer Sam Sorgiovanni from Australia, combined with the Naval Architecture of Azure Naval Architects from the Netherlands.

The rise of the super yacht lifestyle worldwide is a boom that can be likened to that seen in the global real estate market. Going back over a decade to 1997, there were just 241 yachts longer than 25 metres being built across the globe.

By 2007, however, the number had soared to 916 vessels, with over 254 new orders placed for super yachts over 40 meters - up from 134 orders in 2005.

With bigger and more and more luxurious super yachts being built, classifications have been growing along with the length of the yachts, with terms like ‘mega yachts’ (yachts over 45 meters) and ‘giga yachts’ (yachts 60 meters long or longer) starting to infiltrate the market.

“In the world of high-net worth circles, one of the ultimate status symbols is owning a private luxury yacht,” De Jong added.

“I think the yachting industry will continue to grow despite the crisis, as unique, luxury items such as super yachts do not lose their value, in fact, it’s quite the opposite, they often appreciate in value.” 

Platinum Yachts is currently engaged in two further mega yacht projects and a number of repair and refitting contracts.

The company will be moving its operations to the new ‘purpose built’ premises within Dubai Maritime City where they will be opening their new ship-building facility, Drydocks World Dubai shipyard.

The headline sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show is the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).-TradeArabia News Service