U-81, a Damen Yachting vessel, was built to serve as a support yacht for Here Comes the Sun, the luxurious superyacht owned by billionaire Graeme Hart. If it were not for the New Zealander’s vision, this vessel, originally commissioned in the early 2010s as an offshore oil and gas platform named Naghi 1000 at Damen Yachting’s commercial site in Vietnam, would never have donned the avatar of a lavish support yacht. It was later transformed at another Damen shipyard in the UAE.
U-81 began operating as a support yacht in 2022 and was recently sold to an undisclosed billionaire. Interestingly, despite being longer at 262 feet than Jeff Bezos’ $75 million Abeona and $30 million Wingman, U-81 has remained shrouded in secrecy and is far less discussed. Perhaps that is why the sale did not cause the stir one would expect. Priced at around $100 million, U-81 stands as Damen’s largest support vessel and, arguably, its most imposing. (Abeona holds the record for being the largest purpose-built support vessel by Damen.)
Yes, she is packed with umpteen features and amenities, but one must look past her rugged, utilitarian exterior to truly appreciate her capabilities. U-81 accommodates eight guests across four cabins and offers a fully equipped gym and spa area with the latest fitness equipment, a sauna, steam room, and massage table. Outside, her recessed aft deck provides ample space to store a wide array of tenders and toys, which can transform into a basketball court once deployed. The foredeck serves as a helipad, with additional tender storage below.
In 2024, the vessel underwent maintenance at Palumbo SY Refit in Valletta, Malta, from August to January 2025. The refit included the installation of a new stabilizer system and hydraulic hatches on the main deck. U-81 boasts a top speed of 16 knots and a range of over 5,000 nautical miles, making her an impressive companion to any superyacht fleet.
Who is Graeme Hart
The 69-year-old billionaire, worth $10 billion, who made his fortune by manufacturing everyday essentials like milk cartons, water bottles, paper, and aluminum foil, is known for being fiercely private. That might explain why the world has barely gotten a glimpse of U-81. Perhaps with new ownership, the vessel will finally emerge into the spotlight. A college dropout, Hart once worked as a mechanic and truck driver before earning an MBA from the University of Otago. Born to a radiographer father, Hart started his first business at the age of 18 with a loan from his father. His big break came in 1990, when he purchased New Zealand’s Government Printing Office for less than its capital value, a move that catapulted him towards becoming the country’s richest person and a serial superyacht owner. The billionaire’s award-winning 292 feet superyacht named Here Comes the Sun sold for a whopping $195 million after just four months on the market in 2023.
