-
Guests
8
-
Cabins
4
-
Crew
7
| Length | GT | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
55.5m
|
499 GT | 2020 |
| Beam | Draft | Top Speed |
| 9.25m | 2.67m | 20 Kts |
Delivered in 2020, Kyogre is an award winning 55.5m expedition yacht built by Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting. Damen Yachting's team has created the interior and exterior design of the superyacht, alongside her naval architecture.
Key Features
- Research and laboratory support vessel
- Hangar space for submersibles and dive operations
- Conferences areas onboard
- Main salon converted into a laboratory space
- Extended aft deck with 12 tonne capacity crane
Design & Construction
Designed around a displacement steel hull and a steel / aluminium superstructure she features a 9.25m beam and a 2.67m draft. The yacht is built over 3 decks with an internal volume of 499 GT (Gross Tonnes). The design also incorporates a heli-pad.
This was the eighth yacht built on the YS 5009 design. Launched in March 2020 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was delivered to her owners in August 2020.
Exterior Design
Kyogre is built on Damen Yachting's YS 5009 platform, one of the yachts that established the purpose-built support vessel as a distinct category within the superyacht market. Unlike a conventional explorer yacht, the YS 5009 was conceived from the outset to carry large tenders, aircraft, specialist equipment and expedition machinery, allowing a mothership to remain focused on guest accommodation while the support vessel handled operations.
The design centres on Damen's patented Sea Axe bow, developed with Delft University of Technology. Rather than riding over waves, the deep, narrow bow slices through them, reducing slamming and vertical acceleration while allowing the yacht to maintain speed in heavier weather. The design also lowers resistance in calmer conditions, improving fuel efficiency and creating a more stable platform for helicopter operations, crane lifts and offshore work.
Operational capability defines the deck layout. An open working deck of approximately 225sqm is served by a 12-tonne knuckle-boom crane capable of launching submersibles, large tenders and mission equipment. The aft deck can accommodate craft up to 15m (49ft), while the certified helipad expands logistical capability well beyond that of a conventional expedition yacht.
One feature that distinguishes Kyogre from the seven YS 5009s delivered before her is the large enclosed multipurpose hangar on the main deck. Designed to house submersibles, diving equipment, all-terrain vehicles or workshop facilities, it greatly broadens the range of missions the yacht can support without sacrificing valuable deck space.
Although the platform is unapologetically functional, guest comfort has not been overlooked. A 50sqm sundeck provides outdoor seating away from working areas, while a panoramic observation lounge overlooks the aft deck, allowing guests to remain connected to operations without being directly involved.
Interior Design
Kyogre's interior reflects her specialist role, combining expedition functionality with the finish expected aboard a modern superyacht. Rather than following a traditional arrangement centred on entertaining, several spaces were adapted to support research, collaboration and long-duration expeditions.
The most significant change is the conversion of the main saloon into a dedicated wet and dry laboratory. Durable marine-grade finishes, stainless steel work surfaces and carefully planned lighting create an environment suitable for scientific research while remaining practical to maintain during extended periods at sea. Separate conference areas support presentations, project planning and educational programmes, allowing the yacht to function as a floating research base as well as an expedition support vessel.
The remaining guest spaces retain a more familiar superyacht atmosphere. A commercial galley is designed for continuous operation during long missions, while the bridge adopts an ergonomic layout with excellent visibility and logically arranged controls, reflecting the yacht's commercial offshore heritage.
Accommodation
Kyogre accommodates up to eight guests across four cabins, with additional accommodation for seven crew and four full-time scientists or expedition personnel.
This arrangement reflects the yacht's operational flexibility. Rather than dedicating every cabin to guests, the layout allows specialist teams to remain on board throughout extended expeditions, making the yacht equally suited to scientific research, exploration projects or specialist support operations. The guest accommodation also provides comfortable quarters for expedition leaders, researchers or owners accompanying each mission.
Performance & Capabilities
Four Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines deliver a combined 6,000hp, giving Kyogre a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. At that speed she offers a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles, allowing her to support prolonged operations in remote cruising grounds without frequent refuelling.
The Sea Axe hull is as important to the yacht's capability as the propulsion package. Extensive testing showed the design can reduce vertical acceleration by as much as 75% compared with conventional fast displacement hulls, improving comfort while allowing higher sustained speeds in rough weather. Reduced resistance also contributes to fuel savings, while the hull's improved directional stability provides a steadier platform for crane operations, helicopter movements and offshore transfers.
Combined with her steel hull, aluminium superstructure, helipad, heavy-lift crane, enclosed mission hangar and expansive working deck, these characteristics explain why the YS 5009 became one of the most influential support vessel designs of the past two decades and why Kyogre remains one of the most capable examples of the class.
Amenities
Air conditioning offers increased on-board comfort.
Kyogre Yacht is not For Sale
Motor yacht Kyogre is off the market at the moment, but you can browse other Damen YS 5009 Yachts for sale worldwide. For more options, check out all Damen Yachting Yachts for sale or search all new & used yachts for sale across the globe using YachtBuyer’s Market Watch.
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