Oceanco is pleased to announce the relaunch of 92.8m / 304ft Draak (ex-Tranquility and Equanimity) from its facilities in Zwijndrecht. Originally delivered by Oceanco in 2014, Draak returned for a comprehensive rebuild to adapt the yacht for a new operational role. The project has transformed her into a companion yacht to Leviathan, and is equipped to carry a dedicated dive tender, as well as provide accommodation for additional crew and guests.
With Leviathan and Draak conceived to operate seamlessly together, both project teams worked closely on design, engineering and operational decisions to ensure consistency and cross-functionality. This required close collaboration between Oceanco, Co-makers, owner representative YTMC and both yachts’ crew.
“Strong collaboration between all parties was needed to re-engineer the yacht’s DNA. Integration of large-scale equipment optimised for operational efficiency and versatility will bring added robust capability to enhance the fleet’s program, as well as the guest and crew experience.” says Dan Morgan of YTMC.
The rebuild involved several significant exterior modifications, led by Oceanco’s original design team, including the removal of the upper deck aft helideck. This created the necessary clearance on the main deck aft for a large tender deck equipped with heavy-duty C-davits, while a 12.6-tonne jib crane was integrated on the upper deck aft to support hoisting manoeuvres. The boarding platform was extended for added safety, accommodating retractable fenders and swim stairs, increasing Draak’s overall length by just over 1m / 3.3ft.
Internally, the yacht has been reconfigured to support her new operational purpose. The former beach club and spa area has been converted into a fully equipped dive centre with a decompression chamber, while the main deck saloon has been transformed into a large crew mess. In the main saloon, a dedicated chef's lab has been installed to facilitate the preparation and hosting of intimate dining experiences for both crew and guests. New adaptable cabins provide additional high-end crew accommodation capacity when required.
The rebuild was overseen by Life Cycle Support Project Manager Edwin Schneider, who was also part of the original new-build team. Oceanco's detailed drawing and engineering package proved invaluable given the scale and complexity of the project.
“The new layout required a complete overhaul of several key systems, including ventilation and electrical infrastructure,” says Edwin. “On a refit of this scale, everything is interconnected and every decision had to be carefully evaluated for knock-on effects. With the extent of the changes, we effectively had to open up the entire yacht.”
Draak will now be prepared for sea trials ahead of delivery later this year.
