We support our clients during the entire superyacht construction process, or we can offer support for particular stages, depending on their needs.
Stage 1
STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS
To construct a new large yacht it’s essential to have a clear statement of the Owner’s requirements. Key features and performance criteria will all determine the design, price range and the most suitable shipyard. So we value the personal input of the Owner and their team at the very earliest stages of a project.
What kind of yacht does the client want? Where do they want to go? How fast and with how many guests? What sort of toys do they enjoy using and envisage storing on their yacht? Plus much more will be the basis for the design and the specification.
Stage 2
CONCEPT
For most Owners this step is very exciting. This is where the vessel’s shape and form are drawn and their vision starts to become reality. We work with leading design houses, naval architects and marine engineers to ensure a buildable concept is developed early on.
Introducing the Client to a Designer that the Client likes and trusts plus who can appreciate and develop the Clients desire is key.
Or has the Client seen a yacht from a specific designer or shipyard that they like.
Are they after a production yacht, a semi-custom yacht or a fully custom vessel? As they all require a differing amount of input from the Client team.
Stage 3
SPECIFICATIONS
If a fully custom design is the preferred choice of the Client, then developing a detailed specification for use to tender yards is made easier using Divergent Yachting’s experience of design and construction projects. Our shipyard engineers, naval architects and engineers can create all the performance and tendering specifications in-house.
If a production or semi-custom yacht is the Clients preference, then the shipyard concerned will have a specification which will need to be reviewed and where required or wanted, items modified for approval by the yard. Normally there is some discussion and negotiation if changes are made to the Yards specification in these cases.
Stage 4
REVIEWING AND SELECTING CAPABLE SHIPYARDS
Superyacht Owners often prefer a particular shipyard, based on brand recognition or their previous experience. We’ve worked with many of the world’s leading builders of bespoke, semi-custom and production yachts and carry out a detailed review of all capable shipyards before issuing invitations to tender.
This to reflect the quality expectation, security of the shipyard, financial stability of the shipyard, delivery slots available plus check insurances are appropriate for the build and circumstances.
Stage 5
TENDERING PROCESS
The tendering phase relies on the commercial knowledge of the people approaching the selected shipyards. Our experts put together a detailed tender package and issue it to suitably qualified and experienced shipyards which the Client has approved us to approach. This process can take some months overall.
Stage 6
CONTRACTUAL NEGOTIATIONS AND SIGNING
This crucial phase can move quickly, so we manage the process carefully, keeping everyone informed of progress. Aligning the build specification with the yacht building contract is vital, even under the pressure to sign the contract. A small change could easily add unacceptable time and costs to the build phase. To reduce the risk of problems later, we work closely with the Owner’s team, the shipyard and a marine lawyer experienced in large yacht construction contracts.
Stage 7
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
During construction, we offer full project management and technical support.
Owners Representation includes commercial management of the contract to cover the build schedule monitoring, Stage payment sign-offs and delay claim negotiation. The Client receives monthly reports on progress and required input from all parties (Owners Supply Item designs and delivery etc).
Technical support includes selecting Owners supplied sub-contractors, managing interior outfitting, and inspecting the full build process such as welding, pipework, cable installation, equipment installation and paintwork.
Stage 8
SEA TRIALS
This is often the most exciting stage of the shipyard phase. To ensure a smooth handover from build to operation, our project management team will be joined at this stage by their surveying colleagues and our yacht management team.
All the sub-contractors and suppliers involved in the build are usually represented during the sea trial to ensure that all systems are operating optimally.
Depending on the vessel a sea trial can be a day or a number of days if a complex vessel.
Stage 9
ACCEPTANCE AND DELIVERY
Co-operate closely with the Owner’s legal team and marine lawyers to manage acceptance and delivery. A Memorandum of Understanding is agreed regarding outstanding works, if there are any that still need completing.
This includes ensuring the warranty list and process is agreed and acceptable to all parties. Any works still outstanding at delivery will need to be scheduled for completion as soon as possible dependant on Clients vessel use.
We also assist with vessel Registration with selected Flag State.
Ongoing OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Let us tell you about our operational management phase click here