Oceanco, the Dutch shipyard behind standout superyachts such as Jeff Bezos’ Koru, Gabe Newell’s Leviathan, and Nancy Walton’s Kaos, is now raising the bar by focusing on even more advanced maritime technology. Enter ABB, the engineering powerhouse behind some of the maritime industry’s most advanced electric propulsion technology, which will supply an integrated electric power and propulsion system for not one but two high-efficiency luxury yachts currently being built by the yard.
Oceanco is already known for delivering mammoth vessels that dominate the high seas, but the new definition of luxury is no longer just about size and stature. It is also about serenity. Less hum, reduced vibration underfoot, smoother maneuvering into a marina, and a more seamless glide across open water at night are all becoming part of the new normal at the Dutch shipyard.
The result is a new generation of handsome vessels equipped with high-performing systems that combine Azipod electric propulsion with Onboard DC Grid, the PEMS power and energy management system, and battery energy storage, all working together to optimize energy flow across the yacht.
The appeal is not only performance, but also efficiency. This technology opens the door to alternative fuels and hybrid configurations, while the onboard energy storage system supports a range of functions beyond hotel loads. It can assist with peak shaving and load optimization, helping improve generator running hours, fuel consumption, and associated emissions. In other words, a floating paradise is no longer just about how beautiful it looks, but how effortlessly it feels, more like a high-end wellness retreat than a machine at sea.
Steve Jobs reportedly wanted his yacht designed in a way that would spare him the hum of engines and machinery. Thanks to Oceanco’s evolving technology, future owners may no longer need extraordinary custom solutions to achieve that level of comfort, because it could increasingly come built into the package itself. Efficient yachts are now joining the world of quiet luxury in the truest sense, gliding more quietly, moving more smoothly, and allowing owners and guests to enjoy the journey without constantly feeling the machinery behind it.
The two vessels will be equipped with dual 4.2 MW Azipod propulsors, Ice Class 1C, an onboard DC grid, batteries, PEMS energy management, and remote diagnostics. While no official declaration has been made, one possible candidate for this groundbreaking setup could be Project Y727, the 130-meter flagship announced at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025.
“At Oceanco, we are committed to providing yacht owners with ultimate efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. We recognize that the power plant principle based on DC integration and electric propulsion, as well-established technologies, is critical to this objective,” said Marcel Onkenhout, CEO, Oceanco. “ABB’s integrated power and propulsion solutions are proven to deliver exceptional performance across the board, while the company’s collaborative approach and technical expertise make it an excellent project partner. We look forward to working with ABB to deliver these highly sophisticated vessels to our discerning clients.” Quiet luxury has finally sailed into the world of superyachts, and the allure of that serenity is impossible to ignore.
