Abeking & Rasmussen expands its offering in the superyacht segment with ARUBY, a 70-metre semi-custom platform developed in collaboration with Reymond Langton Design. The project complements the shipyard’s fully custom production and introduces a “ready-to-build” approach, based on a pre-engineered platform that reduces development phases while retaining margins for customization.
The concept builds on experience gained from previous projects in the 58- and 78-metre range, now evolved into this 70-metre configuration with the aim of optimizing space and technical layout. As highlighted by the shipyard, “ARUBY is a recently developed concept created together with Reymond Langton Design, based on a naval platform of approximately 1,770 GT, with a general arrangement oriented towards flexible use, including private, representative and charter applications. The technical configuration features a single-level engine room located below the lower deck, a solution that frees up volume for guest areas and improves the overall efficiency of the internal layout.”
From a propulsion standpoint, ARUBY adopts a diesel-electric system with pod drives, designed to reduce vibration and noise levels. The project is also prepared for the use of alternative fuels, with a view to future adaptability, while the hull has been designed with slender lines to improve both energy efficiency and onboard comfort.
One of the key aspects of the project is the reduction of time to build. “ARUBY is our response to owners seeking top quality without the typical timelines of a fully custom yacht project,” explains Till von Krause, Sales Director of Abeking & Rasmussen. “By using a pre-engineered platform, we can reduce timelines by several months while still allowing design freedom for the interiors.”
This approach is also reflected in the yacht’s market positioning. “ARUBY is a turnkey path to ownership, and prior experience in new builds is not required,” notes Tamara Gramberg, Head of Marketing & Sales Management, underlining the project’s versatility, including potential charter use.
From a design perspective, the layout reflects a concept focused on guest autonomy and discreet service. The spatial organization integrates wellness areas, workspaces and self-service solutions, aiming to reduce direct interaction with the crew and enhance flexibility of use.
ARUBY therefore fits into a strategy aimed at structuring the semi-custom offering on more industrialized foundations while retaining elements typical of tailor-made projects. “It is a semi-custom product based on a pre-engineered platform, expanding our portfolio alongside fully custom yachts,” observes Björn Benecke.
Overall, the project represents an evolution of the semi-custom model towards greater standardization of technical components, combined with the possibility to intervene on layout and interior design, with the aim of balancing production efficiency and lifecycle value.