The 66-metre offshore rescue vessel Ocean Falcon has arrived at the Lürssen shipyard in Berne, Germany, to complete an extensive conversion.
Work on the vessel, known as Project UFO, was originally set to take place at an alternative shipyard but arrived at Lürssen last week. The vessel is set to receive a four-metre extension and be transformed into an explorer yacht with plans to charter around the world.
The team at Lürssen will review the existing design and specification before a final quotation can be issued and work can commence.
Original plans for the conversion project indicated a high-volume interior with room for four tenders, a submarine, a 10-metre swimming pool and two fully certified helicopter landing pads with an accompanying helicopter hanger. In addition, guests will have access to an expedition preparation room and a separate diving centre.
Alberto Perrone, director of yacht services at Lürssen said: "UFO is not a yacht in the traditional sense, but neither is it an explorer or support vessel. The best way to describe this new type of vessel is as a “Pick-Up Truck” on the water. We are well-positioned for such a conversion – the outstanding engineering capabilities of Lürssen and our experience is of great benefit for the project.”
"Much of the existing structure, hull and systems are to be retained – so the vessel will stay true to her commercial look but function like a yacht," the shipyard added.