Icon Yachts’ 70m Project Master takes shape as explorer conversion hits construction milestone

Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts has marked a significant construction milestone in the conversion of the 70-metre explorer Project Master, as the vessel emerges from the dry dock with her full superstructure now in place. 

The technical launch represents the completion of all major steel and aluminium works and was celebrated at the shipyard in Harlingen with a presentation from Icon Yachts' owner Micca Ferrero and a gathering of colleagues, brokers and partners, including members of the Espen Øino team.

"Today marks the completion of phase one of Project Master, and it's the first project at Icon since I have become the owner of the shipyard," Ferrero told BOAT International. "We have put so much love, effort and time into this project that is wonderful to see it in real life – it’s our baby. We are all very proud and also very happy to have some special guests here today."

Originally built by  Kleven as the offshore rescue and support ship Ocean Ness, Project Master is undergoing an extensive conversion by Icon Yachts to transform her into one of the “world’s most capable explorer yachts."

The in-build vessel was also listed for sale with Fraser in January 2025, with an asking price of €99,500,000 and delivery scheduled for 2027, where Project Master will join the ranks of high-performance explorer vessels that blend comfort with serious expedition credentials.

The red-hulled vessel first arrived at Icon's facilities in 2022, following her reveal at the Monaco Yacht Show the year prior. Since then, she has undergone a full-scale structural transformation. Various parts of the original platform were demolished, and the interiors completely stripped to allow for a full redesign by British studio Winch Design. 

This is Icon’s first major conversion project since the delivery of the 68.2-metre Ragnar in 2020. Naval architecture and exterior design are being helmed by Espen Øino, with the platform extended by four metres to 70 metres overall, while retaining around 95 per cent of the original hull and superstructure.

Her new superstructure has been built to house the accommodation decks, which increases Project Master’s volume by 1000GT to a total of 2801GT.

"Project Master is the ultimate exploration vessel, and we are delighted to be working with Icon Yachts to offer a platform for discovering uncharted territories," said Jim Dixon of Winch Design. "At the heart of the design is a constant connection with the surrounding seascape, and an ambience of social relaxation and adventurous episodes. Each layer of the interior tells a story, taking guests on a journey of discovery through the depths of the ocean."

Accommodation is for 12 guests across six en suite cabins including a 140-square-metre owner's suite. On the upper deck, guests will find the main saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows, with the remaining guest accommodation positioned on the main deck, comprising two VIP cabins and three twin cabins. Once complete, Project Master will sleep an additional 19 crew.

On the top deck lies a fully certified helicopter deck that can double as a space for entertaining, providing more than 200 square metres of additional outdoor space.

Yacht management firm JMS Yachting is working alongside Icon on the project, having removed all the equipment from the wheelhouse to be recycled or reused. The team will also give Project Master all-new technology to ensure she is "ready for the next 20 years and significantly more comfortable".

Project Master will feature hybrid thrusters to allow for near-silent cruising at 10 knots. The configuration of the propulsion will also allow for the installation of a full diesel-electric system at a later stage, offering her owner future-proof possibilities. 

Once complete, Project Master will have a top speed of 14 knots and a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles.