Dutch shipyard Van der Valk has reached a new construction milestone on its 30-metre custom RPH superyacht, known as Project Berlin. The wheelhouse of the new build project, which is currently under construction in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, has now been joined, marking the final phase of her superstructure installation.
Outfitting is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with the custom yacht on track for delivery in summer 2027.
Project Berlin sees Van der Valk team up once again with Dutch designer Guido de Groot, commissioned by experienced owners moving up from a serial production build. The yard highlighted the vessel's dynamic lines and space and comfort customary of a larger yacht – all while remaining under the 24-metre regulatory threshold.
Yoeri Bijker, commercial director at Van der Valk, previously explained how the owners were seeking a custom interior layout and design for spending long periods of time on board. “They are really building this boat for themselves, and not for charter nor for carrying many guests onboard, which other owners might do," said Bijker.
As a result, the all-aluminium project draws on Van der Valk and Guido de Groot's previous work with raised pilothouse designs.
At the project's unveiling, De Groot explained that the owners initially sought something modern. However, the design progressed according to their needs, incorporating an aft area with a high-low swimming platform and aft garage, a large saloon, the raised pilothouse and a large owners’ suite forward.
On board, the 199GT yacht will feature an asymmetric layout with a smaller crew passage allowing for greater interior volume across a seven-metre beam. The main saloon and forward dining area are bright and airy thanks to large opening windows free from mullions, which Valentijn Roos, Van der Valk's project engineer, described as "quite a challenge" due to their size.
Space was of significant consideration throughout the yacht. For instance, the lower deck guest accommodation comprises just two large VIP suites, while the master suite – found in its traditional place forward of the main deck – benefits from the yacht's full beam and is also fitted with expansive opening windows.
“Normally on a 30-metre yacht you would see four guest staterooms, but that simply didn’t match the owners’ way of using this particular vessel,” added Bijker. “In fact, that’s one of the reasons why they were leaning toward building something custom.”
Project Berlin's custom interior design has been developed in collaboration with the owners and prioritises modern style with comfort, mostly thanks to loose furniture. “It won’t be minimalistic, but quite playful in terms of ambience, and designed to the owners’ tastes,” shared De Groot.
Outside, the wide beam allows for expansive deck spaces, including a large sundeck complete with an aft spa pool, a relaxed bow seating area and several dining and lounge spots across each deck. De Groot added: “There’s also a very big outdoor galley on the sundeck complete with its own barbecue grill area – both indoor and outdoor living are very important to the owners in terms of the dimensions we have, and we have worked really hard on maximising the layout.”
When it comes to the technical specifications, Project Berlin's sub-24-metre regulations allow for several benefits. One of which is the addition of a tender garage, housing a Williams Dieseljet 415 tender, which can partially extend into a dedicated watertight compartment in the engine room. Another is simplified crew area regulations, though the design ensures plenty of space for crew across three cabins and a large mess with a dedicated laundry.
Project Berlin is projected to offer a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots thanks to a semi-displacement hull. A two-metre draught will offer access to shallow bays and anchorages.
According to BOATPro, Van der Valk currently has four yachts under development, including its largest custom build to date, the 39.9-metre new build superyacht Shine.
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