From Oil Rig Support Vessel to €99,500,000 Superyacht: The Extraordinary Transformation of 'PROJECT MASTER'
Discover how this former workhorse is being reborn as a luxurious explorer yacht, pushing the boundaries of adventure and redefining sustainable yachting.
At 70 metres in length and boasting a substantial 2,800GT, PROJECT MASTER is the latest mega explorer yacht under construction at Icon Yachts, one of the Netherlands’ most renowned builders. Known for their innovative approach to refits and conversions, Icon Yachts is creating a masterpiece with this purpose-built vessel. Scheduled to launch in 2028, she is now listed for sale with Fraser Yachts for €99,500,000—an impressive proposition for a yacht with such capability.
Design Meets Purpose
This is no ordinary 70-metre superyacht. With an exterior penned by Espen Øino and interiors designed by Winch Design, MASTER has been meticulously conceived to balance rugged practicality with understated luxury. Her dimensions speak volumes: a 69.6-metre length, an expansive 18.4-metre beam, and a draft of 4.5 metres give her a presence that is as formidable as it is graceful.
Inside, she accommodates 12 guests across six staterooms, including a full-beam master suite, two VIP suites, and three additional guest cabins. With Winch Design curating the interiors, her spaces promise to be as refined as they are welcoming—a true sanctuary after long days (or months) exploring the world’s most remote cruising grounds.
Built for the Extremes
Designed for high- and low-latitude cruising, PROJECT MASTER doesn’t just flirt with adventure—she is built for it. She holds Polar Code C certification and is fully equipped for Arctic and Antarctic voyages, ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental standards for polar waters. This certification covers hull strengthening for ice navigation, systems for safe operation in extreme cold, and measures to minimise environmental impact, putting some of the most pristine and uncharted waters within reach.
Her commercially certified helideck can support helicopters weighing up to 4.3 tonnes, ensuring guests can come and go in style—or facilitate vital logistics during extended expeditions. Complementing this, her two 11.5-metre tenders provide versatile options for both exploration and shore excursions.
The Mechanics of Reliability
What truly sets MASTER apart is her robust engineering. Her propulsion system pairs five Scania generators with advanced exhaust treatment systems, meeting the stringent IMO Tier III regulations for NOX emissions. These generators power two Voith Schneider eVSP propellers, a choice that reflects a strong focus on manoeuvrability and efficiency. The Voith system excels in precise dynamic positioning (DP) while keeping operations remarkably quiet—a major benefit in sensitive environments or when hosting guests.
The Voith system, widely used in commercial shipping, is renowned for its ability to maintain a vessel's position even in strong winds, making it a proven choice for serious offshore operations and now an innovative asset in yachting.
A Schottel bow thruster further enhances her agility, ensuring effortless
control even in challenging conditions. All of this is underpinned by engineering drawn from the commercial shipping world, where reliability and performance are paramount.
Range and Speed
With a cruising speed of 10 knots, MASTER offers a transoceanic range of 6,700 nautical miles, allowing her to connect far-flung destinations without the need for frequent refuelling. Her top speed of 14 knots adds a little extra versatility for when schedules demand urgency.
A New Standard for Explorer Yachts
PROJECT MASTER sets a new benchmark for user-friendly explorer yachts in this size class. By blending proven commercial technologies with superyacht luxury, she delivers a platform that is as capable as it is comfortable. Whether charting a course through icy Arctic waters or anchored in a tropical lagoon, she is designed to excel.
For those seeking the ultimate hybrid of exploration and indulgence, this €99,500,000 vessel represents an exceptional opportunity to own a yacht that stands apart from the crowd.
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Project Master: From North Sea Rescue Vessel to Luxury Explorer Yacht
Origins and Early Life as MV Havila Tigris
Project Master began its life as the MV Havila Tigris, a Rolls-Royce/Ulstein 1,864 GT design built in Norway by Kleven Verft in 2001. Originally built with a length of 66 meters and a 15-meter beam, the vessel served as an offshore rescue and support vessel, a crucial role in the often-challenging conditions of the North Sea. It was designed to provide emergency response and rescue services to offshore installations and vessels, with the capacity to accommodate up to 88 persons. The Havila Tigris was equipped with advanced rescue equipment, including a fast rescue craft and a dedicated rescue zone
