Dutch yacht builder Oceanco has been constantly in the news over the last years for building Jeff Bezos’ dream vessel, the $500 million sailing megayacht Koru, which is truly a magnificent creation. However, there’s another challenging project successfully completed by the Netherlands-based company during the same time as Koru that also deserves attention. At the beginning of the year, Oceanco gave a preview of the 105-meter superyacht H3 which has undergone a complete transformation. Originally launched in 2000 by Oceanco under the name Al Mirqab, the luxury vessel returned to her home shipyard in October 2019 for an extensive rebuild and 10-meter extension. Renamed H3, the luxury superyacht finally emerged this year featuring a completely new look. Oceanco has finally released the first interior images of the H3, giving us the first look inside the freshly overhauled superyacht.
Oceanco claims it is the first time a superyacht has been completely recreated as a “wholly new, contemporary vessel.” To face the future, H3 has been brought up to new standards in technology, safety, capability, utility, and sustainability, according to the Dutch company. In addition to being extended by 10 meters, the superyacht features a brand-new superstructure. In fact, the vessel’s exterior had to be significantly modified to balance the extra length and give it a modern appearance. The superyacht also has been given a totally new interior designed by Reymond Langton. Its layout has been completely restructured by giving the interior a multi-functional, family-friendly layout.
One of the most crucial changes made to H3 is the addition of a seven-meter infinity pool on the main deck and a beach club below, according to a report by Boat International. The owner’s deck has also been completely transformed, which now features a private dining area that can cater to 14 people and a lounge area that can also be used as a private cinema suite. Additionally, there are two additional cabins that can function as a beauty salon and study, along with a climate-controlled winter garden with enough space for up to 32 guests.
The light color palette used by Reymond Langton for the interior further adds to the family-oriented vibe of the superyacht. The designer experimented with different materials to create a soothing environment, which includes fiddleback sycamore, light taupe oak, and soft nubucks and leathers. In addition to the use of bronze and nickel detailing to add contrast, the design studio chose a number of different marbles for the interior, including Calacatta Vagli, Crema Delicato, and backlit Quartz.
A dual staircase that spirals around a waterfall feature welcomes the guests to the inside. In addition to the two extra guest rooms, H3 gets an owner’s suite along with six more guest cabins on the main deck and a bridge-deck VIP suite. The superyacht also features a big sundeck complete with gym equipment. Furthermore, a beach club that adjoins a wellness center gets a hammam, sensory shower, hair salon, and massage and beauty rooms. Oceanco’s CEO Marcel Onkenhout said: “To say that this has been a remarkable process is an understatement. The project has called for passion, dedication, and extraordinary craftsmanship, with many involved in her creation now contributing to her recreation, including myself. We are proud to say that we are relaunching a completely new Oceanco.
Superyacht H3 and its interesting history
Originally called Al Mirqab, the superyacht was constructed in 2000 by Oceanco for the former prime minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim al Thani. Six years later, the vessel was purchased by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya who renamed it Indian Empress. The superyacht was again sold in 2018 for around $38 million in an auction ordered by a Maltese Court due to unpaid debts by Mallya, according to Superyachtfan. It was briefly owned by a member of the Saudi Royal Family who renamed it NEOM to promote the new Saudi mega-city Neom, which is described as the world’s largest and most complex architectural project. After changing hands a few times, the superyacht was finally purchased by Saudi billionaire Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim, chairman and owner of MBC Group, and commissioned Oceanco to completely transform the vessel.
Sheikh Walid Al Ibrahim founded MBC in London in 1991 and launched the first independent Arabic satellite TV station. It’s now a Dubai-based 18-channel media conglomerate which considered to be one of the largest media companies in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2017, Ibrahim was ranked 27th on the list of the richest people in the Middle East, with a fortune worth more than 6 billion dollars. The H3 is currently estimated to be worth $100 million, with annual running costs of around $10 million. The superyacht is currently back at Oceanco’s shipyard after undergoing sea trials and is expected to be delivered to her owner soon.
