Few shipyard groups can claim the kind of momentum currently being experienced by Palumbo Superyachts. With 25 yachts under construction across its Ancona and Savona facilities, an order book valued at approximately €1 billion and a construction pipeline spanning 20 to 100 metres, the Italian group is navigating a period of exceptional growth underpinned by strategic industrial investment and a portfolio of four distinct brands.
The numbers tell part of the story. Five deliveries are scheduled for 2026 alone, including the Columbus Atlantique 38-metre Principessa Capricciosa, the ISA Custom 80-metre, the ISA Gran Turismo 67-metre Sea Raider X, the ISA Viper 130 and the ISA GTO 70.
"This growth is the result of a long-term industrial vision," says Giuseppe Palumbo, sole director of Palumbo Superyachts. "For many years, we have consistently invested in people, engineering, production facilities and product development, while building a portfolio of complementary brands capable of addressing different owner profiles and market segments."
That portfolio - ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Extra Yachts and Mondomarine - allows the group to serve multiple segments simultaneously, from sporty semi-custom models to fully bespoke explorer yachts. Each brand operates with its own identity, yet all benefit from shared engineering resources, production infrastructure and decades of shipbuilding expertise rooted in Palumbo's heritage.
Industrial expansion: The Ortona acquisition
Supporting this growth is a major industrial investment that will reshape the group's production capacity. Palumbo Superyachts has acquired a new shipyard in Ortona (Italy), set to become operational in 2027. The facility will focus primarily on large steel and aluminium yachts for ISA Yachts and Columbus Yachts, significantly increasing the group's ability to manage complex, large-scale projects.
"Ortona represents a key strategic investment for the future of Palumbo Superyachts," Palumbo explains. "The new shipyard will significantly strengthen our production capacity for large steel and aluminium yachts. Beyond increasing capacity, it will provide greater operational flexibility and a more efficient production workflow across our facilities."
The acquisition reflects confidence not only in current demand but in the group's ability to sustain growth across multiple yacht categories. It also signals an intent to compete in the custom and semi-custom segments, where lead times, engineering capability and financial stability are increasingly decisive factors for buyers.
ISA Yachts: Spanning 20 to 100 metres
ISA Yachts has emerged as one of the group's most dynamic brands, recognised for its sporty design language, advanced engineering and high level of customisation. The brand's current order book reflects its ability to operate across an unusually broad size range, from 20-metre models to large custom yachts approaching 100 metres.
Four ISA projects are scheduled for delivery in 2026: the ISA Custom 80-metre, the ISA Gran Turismo 67-metre Sea Raider X, the ISA Viper 130 and the ISA GTO 70. But the pipeline extends beyond these. Currently under construction are an ISA GT 100-metre, an ISA GT 80-metre, an ISA 66-metre, an ISA GT 68-metre, an ISA Classic 65-metre and an ISA Spectre 62-metre. Several 45-metre models are also in build within the ISA Gran Turismo and ISA Unica ranges.
Managing such a diverse portfolio demands organisational depth and technical precision across multiple concurrent projects, according to Palumbo. "Delivering a 45-metre yacht and a 100-metre yacht involves very different challenges, but the philosophy remains the same: precision, quality and absolute attention to the owner's vision," he says. "ISA Yachts has a strong and distinctive identity, yet every project is unique. Our role is to transform each owner's expectations into a technically reliable yacht built to the highest standards."
The brand's expertise spans steel, aluminium and composite construction with carbon fibre reinforcements, allowing it to tailor hull materials and structural approaches to each project's performance and aesthetic requirements. This positions ISA as a credible option for owners seeking both semi-custom and full-custom flexibility.
Columbus Yachts: Bespoke identity and contemporary vision
Columbus Yachts occupies a different space within the Palumbo portfolio. "The Columbus client is looking for individuality," Palumbo notes. "While Columbus offers successful model ranges, every project can be extensively customised to reflect the owner's lifestyle and vision. At the same time, the brand also develops fully custom yachts starting from a blank sheet of paper."
The Columbus Atlantique range has achieved notable international success, with yachts including Acqua Chiara, Frette and Night Fury demonstrating the series' appeal. The forthcoming delivery of the Columbus Atlantique 38-metre Principessa Capricciosa extends the range into more compact dimensions while preserving the architectural characteristics that have defined the line.
"The success of the Atlantique range lies in its ability to combine elegant design, generous volumes and an exceptional connection with the sea," says Palumbo. "Its architecture creates bright interiors and outstanding outdoor living spaces, offering owners the feeling of living in a waterfront villa rather than on a traditional yacht."
Also under construction is the Columbus Crossover 47, the latest evolution of the brand's explorer range, currently in build at the Savona shipyard. The Crossover series gained visibility last year when the Columbus Crossover 42 Big Naan was showcased at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show.
A recent addition to the Columbus portfolio is the Columbus Custom Hybrid 50-metre, reflecting the brand's integration of contemporary propulsion solutions into bespoke projects.
Extra Yachts: A lifestyle brand built on liveability
Extra Yachts has experienced steady growth in recent years, appealing particularly to experienced yacht owners who understand how they use their vessels and are seeking a more relaxed, informal onboard experience.
"Experienced owners know exactly how they use their yachts," Palumbo explains. "They are looking for genuinely usable living spaces, a closer connection with the sea and a more relaxed, informal way of enjoying life on board. Extra was created precisely to meet these expectations."
Currently under construction are three Extra Triplex 100 models and one Extra 90 Fast, all scheduled for delivery in 2027. The projects confirm the market's appetite for yachts that prioritise liveability and efficiency over traditional yacht aesthetics.
The Extra philosophy centres on rethinking how space is used onboard, with layouts designed around everyday life rather than formal conventions. The result is a yacht that feels less like a vessel and more like a contemporary apartment that happens to be on the water.
Looking ahead
With 25 yachts under construction, five deliveries scheduled for 2026 and a pipeline extending well into the next decade, Palumbo Superyachts is entering a phase of expansion supported by a record order book, significant industrial investment and a production network that will soon include three major facilities. The acquisition of the Ortona shipyard, combined with the existing capabilities in Ancona and Savona, positions the group to manage increasing demand across both custom and semi-custom segments.
"Today, the market is rewarding this strategy," Palumbo reflects. "Owners are looking for shipyards with proven experience, financial strength and the ability to deliver highly customised projects consistently. Our order book reflects the trust we have built over the years and our ongoing commitment to innovation."
Discover how Palumbo Superyachts can bring your vision to life by contacting the team directly.
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