Complex rebuild project completed in style

Complex rebuild project completed in style

The relaunch of the 30-metre motoryacht Ursus concludes an extensive rebuild project at Balk Shipyard with which Mulder Design has been closely involved over the past two years. Transformed in terms of design and performance, an extra six metres of length have been used to great effect with a wide range of innovations that enhance comfort in every respect. The owners have expressed their delight with the results and Ursus has now embarked on a series of sea trials ahead of delivery in February.

Balk Shipyard – MY Ursus – Stern section Large

The original briefing for this complex undertaking was to preserve the charm of the yacht’s interior while extending the yacht to create additional space for the likes of a redesigned beach club, a new seating area, extra crew facilities and upgraded propulsion systems. The Mulder team was tasked with providing both its naval architecture and design expertise in redesigning the yacht.

Our focus on the exterior was to blend the modifications with the original design characteristics in order to keep a coherent yacht,” says Bas Mulder. “The hull extensions were optimised by the use of CFD calculations to reduce the resistance and improve seakeeping capabilities. We had a very good partnership with the Balk team and this integrated approach has paid dividends for the final result.

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Balk Shipyard – MY Ursus – Middle Large
Balk Shipyard – MY Ursus – Bow section Large

Added value
Once the extensive design and engineering process was complete, Ursus underwent a comprehensive rebuild at Balk Shipyard that took some 18 months. The bow and stern were removed and replaced, adding extra space at both ends. The tender garage was relocated, creating a new seating area in the bow, while a twin anchor system and a crew cabin were integrated. Additionally, the decks were upgraded with FSC-certified teak, and the hull was repainted to align with the owner’s latest Range Rover livery Batumi Gold.

The yacht also received advanced technical upgrades to ensure optimal performance, including the addition of new diesel-electric pods. A seawater cooling system was installed to maintain ideal conditions in the technical spaces, and the yacht was equipped with new Veth Azimut drives from TwinDisc.

Balk Shipyard – MY Ursus – New electric pods – Guy Fleury Large

While the Volvo Penta D9 main engines and Stamford 22DkW generators were retained, the extended hull required an adjusted setup to maximise their power. Other enhancements included a Veth bowthruster for improved manoeuvrability, Furuno navigation systems, a dynamic positioning system and wing stations for precise handling.

Embracing the challenge

“This was one of the most complex rebuilds we’ve undertaken and our dedicated team embraced the challenge,” comments Balk Shipyard CEO Evan Kortmann. “Collaborating with Mulder Design, we brought an innovative concept to life, combining our engineering expertise with true craftsmanship. The close cooperation with the owner and his representative was also key, allowing us to maintain personal contact and short communication lines throughout.”

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