Dutch shipyard Van der Valk has announced that construction has begun on a new 30-metre custom superyacht known as Project Berlin. The RPH new build has been commissioned by experienced owners who are moving up from a serial production build. Delivery is scheduled for Summer 2027.
Project Berlin sees the Waalwijk-based shipyard team up once again with Dutch designer Guido de Groot, with the yard highlighting 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, explained that the owners were seeking a more personalised interior for spending long periods of time on board.
“We started talking with the owners in January 2025, and at that time they had been contemplating moving to another serial production build, but they also wanted the opportunity to develop a custom interior layout and design,” said Bijker. “This was important to them as they anticipate staying on the boat for extended periods, from April [until] October – they are really building this boat for themselves, and not for charter nor for carrying many guests onboard, which other owners might do."
As a result, the all-aluminium project draws on Van der Valk and Guido de Groot's previous work with raised pilothouse designs.
“We had already made several studies to envisage what a more modern version of raised pilothouse yachts we’ve built at Van der Valk would look like, so we had some initial artist impressions already,” explained De Groot. “They were a good starting point for these clients, who wanted something modern, and then the design progressed according to their needs beginning with the aft area with a high-low swimming platform and aft garage, then the large saloon, the raised pilothouse itself, 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, describes to have been "quite a challenge" due to their size.
Space is a significant element throughout Project Berlin. For example, the lower deck guest accommodation comprises just two large VIP suites and 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 ambiance, 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, the new build'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 Project Berlin 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 five yachts in build or under construction, including its largest custom build to date: the 47.8-metre Project Zen.
Read More/Van der Valk begins construction on largest custom build to date