The raised pilothouse yacht remains on schedule for delivery in summer 2027 and is being developed in partnership with Guido de Groot Design, which is responsible for both the interior and exterior styling, while Diana Yacht Design handles naval architecture. Construction formally began with the keel laying in late 2025 under the project name Berlin.
Superstructure Complete as Project Berlin Nears Outfitting
With the superstructure now fully assembled, Project Berlin moves into the next phase of construction as outfitting approaches. For custom yachts, this stage often marks the transition from structural work into systems integration, technical installation, and interior development. In Project Berlin’s case, that next phase will bring greater focus to the yacht’s owner-led layout and long-stay brief.
The project was commissioned by experienced owners moving up from a serial production motor yacht, with the aim of creating a more personal platform intended for extended seasonal cruising rather than charter use.
Large opening windows formed one of the major engineering challenges during the early build. Several sections measure close to three meters long and two meters high, requiring additional structural work within the aluminum framework while maintaining rigidity around the openings.
Project Berlin’s Owner-Led Design Direction
At 30.85 meters with a gross tonnage of 175GT, Project Berlin sits within Van der Valk’s custom aluminum portfolio but follows a noticeably different brief from more performance-focused projects. The yacht uses a semi-planing aluminum hull and superstructure paired with a raised pilothouse configuration, targeting a projected top speed of 24 knots through twin MTU 12V 2000 M96L engines.
One of the defining features is the asymmetric superstructure arrangement. By narrowing sections of the portside circulation route, the design team created additional interior volume across the 7.4m beam without increasing overall width. The decision influenced everything from structural balance to glazing placement throughout the raised pilothouse yacht.
Despite relaxed crew regulations at this length, the owners prioritized exceptional crew welfare with three cabins, a large crew mess, and a dedicated laundry—amenities rarely found even on larger yachts."
Van der Valk
Accommodation is arranged for six guests across three suites rather than the more typical four-cabin arrangement seen at this size. Two enlarged VIP cabins occupy the lower deck, while the owner’s suite spans the forward main deck with oversized opening windows designed to maximize light and airflow.
Outside, the superyacht centers much of its social space around the aft sundeck spa pool, supported by wraparound sunpads, dining areas, and an outdoor galley, while the bow creates an additional lounging zone for use during longer stays aboard.
Engineering Around the Sub-24m Rule
Despite exceeding 30 meters overall, Project Berlin has been engineered to remain below the important 24-meter regulatory threshold through a load line length of 23.7 meters. That classification simplifies several technical and certification requirements while still giving the yacht the volume and deck space expected from a larger platform.
The approach also supported practical design decisions during development, including the integration of the tender garage and the broader owner-focused layout.
Deliveries, Sea Trials, and New Builds Continue
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, Project Berlin’s latest milestone arrives during a busy period for Van der Valk as multiple custom builds move through final stages or early construction.
The yard recently completed delivery of the 36m Jangada, the third yacht in the series for a returning owner. Designed around long-term family cruising, the steel and aluminum yacht introduced greater volume, an additional deck, and a quieter onboard environment shaped around extended use. She has since completed her delivery voyage and arrived in the UK ahead of Mediterranean cruising plans.
At the larger end of the order book, Van der Valk is progressing its future flagship, the 48m Project Zen. Scheduled for 2028 delivery, the 499GT aluminum yacht was developed with Guido de Groot Design and Van Oossanen Naval Architects and centers on long-range capability, family use, and wellness-led spaces.
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The yard has also moved closer to handing over its current flagship, the 40m Shine, following successful final sea trials. Built under the project name Evo, the yacht marks Van der Valk’s largest completed build to date and represents a major step in the yard’s move toward larger custom projects.
With the wheelhouse now installed and outfitting approaching, Project Berlin continues its progression toward becoming one of the next yachts to emerge from this expanding custom lineup.
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