Turkish yacht builder Norse Shipyard has offered a first look into the 67.1-metre Azumi, which was redelivered this June following an extensive, two-year conversion from fishing vessel to superyacht. Works were undertaken at the yard's facilities in Kocaeli, Turkey and included the lengthening of her steel hull from 65.4 to 67.1 metres.
As a result, the aft deck was "dramatically reimagined" to host a swimming pool and a large swim platform. Every deck was also relaid with hand-selected teak to add a "timeless warmth and sophistication" to her profile.
This same design ethos was applied to her 945GT interiors, which have been refashioned in natural textures, a soft colour palette and contemporary furniture. The Turkish yard also endeavoured to preserve some "original components" and harmonise them with modern features.
Azumi was launched by Sanuki Shipbuilding & Iron Works in 1998 and spent decades as a Japanese fishing and research vessel, then cruising under the name Kanazawa. According to BOATPro, the ship was sold in 2022 with the intention of rebuilding her into a luxury superyacht. Both exterior design and naval architecture has been completed by Canadian design studio Gregory C. Marshall.
"The transformation of Azumi was not only a technical endeavour but also an incredibly exciting journey for us," said yard manager Ahmet Çolak. "We also see this conversion as a true expression of sustainability, as bringing an existing vessel back to life demonstrates that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand."
Earlier this month, Norse Shipyard hit the headlines by signing a contract for the construction of the 106-metre Project MG, also known as the world’s first wind-assisted hybrid expedition yacht.
Read More/Xplorer Yachts and Norse Shipyard sign contract for 106m wind-assisted explorer yacht