Attention to detail and customisation are front and centre in the superyacht build process, and for some, this commitment extends to its shipyard facilities. At the heart of Italy's yacht-building haven, Ancona, CRN resides within the newly upgraded Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard. This 80,000-square-metre strategic construction hub is where CRN metal superyachts ranging from 50 to 95 metres are designed and built. Additionally, it houses the production of the entire Custom Line made-to-measure composite range, spanning 30 to 43 metres, as well as the full-aluminium flagship superyachts of the Riva Superyacht Division, the Custom Line 50-metre and the Pershing 140.
Excellence begins on land
Renovating the brand's facilities wasn't just about modernisation but also about creating a space that reflects CRN's 60 years of dedication to excellence and craftsmanship and its specialisation in custom superyachts up to 95 metres. The transformed space welcomes owners and other guests to their CRN yachting-building journey.
The project to upgrade the entire Ancona shipyard began in 2016. Initially, work focused on constructing seven new sheds, culminating in opening the new 4,200-square-metre operational area housing over 150 employees for Ferretti Group's metal superyachts division in December 2023.
The space holds historical significance for CRN. Once home to a concrete office building acquired by the company in 2002, it has been completely rebuilt and redeveloped to host the new executive offices and hospitality areas. Today, the new three-level structure, which uses over 300,000 kilograms of steel and iron structures, mirrors the very superyachts the brand builds. The architecture features 1,000 square metres of glass, reflecting CRN's signature design nuances of extensive use of vertical glazing and striking appearance. The Ancona-based Studio di Ingegneria Talevi handled all stages of the redevelopment project.
Showcasing the design ethos
A bespoke design continues inside - a testament to CRN’s Italian craftsmanship and style. Attention is first captured by the custom-designed grand steel staircase, which connects the floors, showcases precise engineering and sets the tone for the entire space.
The choice of materials and finishings creates a dynamic and luxurious feel. From the Canaletto Rigatino walnut, 700 square metres of Tivoli-quarried travertine marble to the rare stone adorning meeting rooms. Local artisans crafted the custom-designed furniture, including the reception desk echoing the shape of a boat hull and a boardroom table that required 1,200 hours of work, highlighting meticulous attention to detail and exclusive designs defining CRN’s characteristics.
Aesthetically, two colour tones have been used to distinguish space, from the warm tones of cognac to the shades of Air Force blue. The lighting design is equally thoughtful, with over 100 metres of linear LED lights and intricate installations that evoke the movement of waves.
An impressive project pipeline
The new executive and hospitality areas house the CRN management, engineering, project management and production departments, working together to drive CRN's lineup of current projects forward.
Currently, there are four fully custom CRN superyachts in steel and aluminum under construction at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. CRN M/Y 143, also known as Project Maranello has naval architecture developed by CRN Engineering in collaboration with Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard for both the exteriors and the interiors. The 67-metre yacht is due to launch at the end of 2024.
Drawing inspiration from its namesake, the home of Ferrari, this project promises aerodynamic lines, performance and elegance across six decks. The yacht is currently being outfitted with onboard systems, equipment and bespoke carpentry. Notably, the yacht has a hybrid-propulsion system to enhance energy efficiency for the eco-conscious owner while reflecting CRN’s ever-lasting commitment towards conscious yacht design and innovative solutions, ensuring at the same time the highest standards of onboard living for owners, guests and crew.
A new LOA milestone for the shipyard is the 85.8-metre CRN M/Y 144 – a fully customised yacht set to be the brand’s flagship, with an expected launch in 2026. The naval architecture has been developed by CRN Engineering, while the exteriors are designed in collaboration with architecture studio Vallicelli Design.
Scheduled for 2026 is the delivery of CRN M/Y 145, also known as Project Thunderball, which is progressing in its construction phase. The naval architecture of this 70-metre is by CRN Engineering in collaboration with Vripack, which developed the external lines, while interior design and outdoor furniture are signed by Nauta Design. The yacht will also benefit from a Peak Shaving System, an energy-saving solution that keeps the electricity curve as flat as possible.
Marking the 10th collaboration with Nuvolari Lenard is the newly contracted 67-metre CRN M/Y Project 146. With streamlined exterior lines and elegant aesthetics, her launch is expected in 2027. Again, equipped with hybrid propulsion, CRN continues moving the industry forward, working with eco-conscious owners.
These four ongoing projects underscore the advanced naval architecture of CRN’s engineering team. They follow the recent success of the 60.3-metre Comfortably Numb, delivered last December 2022, and the recent 72-metre Njoy, which left the shipyard in January 2024.
Leading the way, responsibly
At the core of CRN lies a commitment to innovation, particularly in the realm of eco-conscious yacht design. The forward-thinking approach has led to the implementation of various energy-saving strategies and technologies.
The shipyard facilities are powered by renewable energy sources, including a trigeneration plant, which reduces electricity consumption by up to 79 per cent and is complemented by a solar power system to generate further electricity. Advanced climate control, acoustic design and LED lighting have also ensured optimal working conditions while minimising environmental impact.
These eco-conscious credentials for the facilities also extend to the yachts, showcased through state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion systems and energy-saving technologies - standard features in CRN's latest models.
For more information about the shipyard’s latest updates, contact the CRN team today.
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