Dutch shipyard Amels, part of Damen Yachting, has reached a historic milestone with the launch of Project Tanzanite, a full-custom 120-metre motor yacht that now claims the title of the largest Dutch-built yacht ever constructed. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the mammoth project will involve over 1,000 skilled craftspeople during the final outfitting phase at the yard’s Vlissingen facility.
With an impressive gross tonnage of 6,083GT, Project Tanzanite is also the largest member of the Amels fleet, surpassing the yard’s former flagship, the 89-metre Here Comes the Sun, by more than 30 metres.
Design and Build
Damen Yachting carried out the naval architecture in-house, while Deeside Maritime has represented the client throughout construction. The exterior lines are the work of acclaimed designer Espen Øino, who has collaborated with Amels on projects including the Amels 60, Amels 80, and the 77.8-metre Energy. The yacht’s interiors are being developed by Zuretti Design, whose renderings reveal a warm, contemporary atmosphere featuring cream and brown tones, curved furnishings, and striking wooden and marble statement walls.
The hull of Project Tanzanite was originally built at Damen Yachting’s Galati facility in Romania before being transported to the Netherlands, where she was officially launched in May 2023 during a ceremony attended by local schoolchildren.
At the time, Amels project manager Jeroen Waalewijn reflected:
“The launch of the hull was an emotional yet incredible moment for all of those who have played such an integral part in the realisation of [Project Tanzanite] so far. To see her out on the water and to now have her here in Vlissingen is a testament to the entire project team.”
Cutting-Edge Technology
Project Tanzanite incorporates the latest in sustainable yacht technology, including diesel-electric engines and Azipod electric propulsion systems, enabling her to operate with what Amels describes as “the lowest levels of noise and vibration ever recorded on a yacht of this size.”
Looking Ahead
The launch of Project Tanzanite underscores Amels’ growing influence in the large yacht sector. The shipyard currently has 10 superyacht projects under construction, including five hulls from its highly successful Amels 80 series.
With her scale, technology, and design pedigree, Project Tanzanite not only sets a new benchmark for Dutch yacht building but also reinforces Amels’ position at the forefront of the global superyacht industry.
