The Company That Built Jeff Bezos’ Yacht Has an Idea to Create Even Larger Vessels: Using Container Ships

Yachts are among the first indulgences of millionaires. These luxurious vessels, which combine elegance, advanced technology, and exclusivity, serve as symbols of status and power. Typically, they’re custom-built with all the amenities the owners desire, such as gyms, helipads, and swimming pools. Recently, two major players in the industry have proposed a unique idea to create even larger yachts.

Oceanco, the shipbuilder responsible for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ massive yacht, has collaborated with Italian yacht designer Mario Biferali Yacht Design to develop Project Anthos. This project envisions transforming a massive 10,630 GT container ship into a floating palace, providing ample space for the owner and guests to enjoy their journey.

From Container Ships to Floating Palaces

Merchant ships serve a different purpose than yachts. They’re designed to safely transport as much merchandise as possible. In these vessels, practicality takes precedence over aesthetics, resulting in a relatively austere appearance. However, these maritime giants are notable for their significant size and robustness, which are precisely the characteristics that make them valuable candidates for transformation.

Oceanco and Mario Biferali Yacht Design have introduced their first line of transformed yachts called “Nacht,” a name derived from the words “naval” and “yacht.” In an interview with lifestyle magazine Boat International, designer Mario Biferali said, “[‘Naval’] is driven by functional design, [‘yacht’] by high-end experiences.” Meanwhile, Anthos, the name they gave the project, derives from an ancient Greek word meaning “flower.”

The companies have designed the 492-foot boat showcased in the renderings in this post. It features a tower exclusively for the owner, extending over three decks and offering 360-degree sea views. Onboard, there’s accommodation for a crew of 54, distributed across 27 cabins. The captain has a private cabin, and several VIP suites are available for guests.

Anthos also includes an in-house gym, along with a Pilates and yoga room, a cinema, a spa complete with a sauna, and a beauty salon. The foredeck provides ample space for a helipad, a sports area, a swimming pool, and a bar. The design includes various lounging areas throughout the open sections of the superyacht, with access to the cabins from the lower deck via the foredeck.

Currently, this is just a concept that would require a billion-dollar investment to develop. However, Biferali appears committed to making this project a reality. In this regard, he told Boat International that his vision focuses on transforming merchant ships into luxurious vessels. Time will tell if one of these ships will eventually sail the seas.

Image | Mario Biferali Yacht Design

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