Feadship’s 55 metre custom explorer Shinkai is now nearing delivery after completing sea trials in the North Sea.
Designer Philippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts was on board during the rigorous tests, after which he reported back to the owner that, "Shinkai will be the perfect protective and comfortable cocoon from which to explore all the world’s oceans."
“The cold, grey November weather presenting itself to us on the day of Shinkai’s sea trials could not have been better to test her unique blend of rugged explorer meets comfortable superyacht.," he added.
Scheduled for delivery early next year, Shinkai is designed to embark upon gruelling adventures, such as the North West and North East passages and features a steel, ice-class hull and an advanced sonar system for exploring the ocean floor.
Previously known as Project 708, Shinkai was designed by the Vitruvius design studio with an interior penned by Danielle Boutsen of Boutsen Design.
Traditional stabiliser fins, which could be damaged by underwater ice, have been swapped for a gyroscope system that measures 3x3 metres and weighs 23 tones. Feadship estimates the system to be the largest built to date.
Elsewhere, Shinkai has a “striking mast” and a dedicated submarine – two features specifically requested by the owner who has “enormous experience” of ocean exploration, the yard said.
The 7400kg submarine is retrieved by a “massive crane”, which has a reach of eight metres and will also be used to launch Shinkai's limousine tender and the owner’s car from the aft deck.
Described as both “self-sufficient and fuel-efficient”, Shinkai's first adventure will be to tackle the North West passage.