The second unit in the Steeler Ocean Explorer 85 series, Moss departed from the yard’s Meppel facility for her initial run, with further offshore testing scheduled ahead of final commissioning and handover.
First Full Completion at the Meppel Facility
Moss is the first yacht to be fully finalized at Steeler’s Meppel site following the yard’s acquisition of Holterman Shipyard in 2024. The project therefore represents more than a series continuation - it signals the operational integration of two Dutch shipbuilding teams under one roof.
Yard and Project Manager Tim Wedzinga described the build as a significant moment for the company, noting that the shared knowledge and experience of both shipyards shaped the final result. He added that the yacht performed well during trials, moving “elegantly and confidently through the water.”
Launched at the end of January 2026, Moss now enters the final stretch before delivery, with offshore trials set to validate her systems and long-range cruising credentials.
Designed Around an Owner-Captain Vision
The Ocean Explorer 85 platform was originally penned by Dutch designer Edwin van der Mark, with naval architecture developed by Studio Delta. For Moss, the standard concept was refined in close collaboration with her owner, who will also captain the explorer yacht.
This hands-on involvement has shaped a yacht tailored for practical, long-distance cruising. With a gross tonnage of 148GT, Moss carries a fully custom interior by Kees Marcelis. The design brief focused on durability, clarity of layout and comfort for extended time on board, while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Expedition Credentials with Onboard Comfort
With a beam of 6.6m and a shallow 1.7m draft, Moss is designed to access cruising grounds that may be off limits to deeper-draft yachts of similar length. The hull form and naval platform were developed to support confident passagemaking while retaining comfort underway.
Sea trials reportedly confirmed her stability, handling and smooth cruising characteristics. These attributes will be further assessed during the upcoming offshore testing phase.
On deck, the motor yacht pairs expedition intent with leisure features. A Jacuzzi is positioned on the flybridge, while a tender crane supports practical deployment of auxiliary craft. At water level, a hydraulic bathing platform creates direct access to the sea, reinforcing her dual role as cruiser and lifestyle platform. Moss has been built to CE-A standards and complies fully with Malta sCYC 2024 flag requirements, carrying unrestricted navigation notation.
Guest accommodation is arranged across three staterooms for up to six guests. Crew quarters provide space for two in a dedicated cabin, ensuring operational support during extended passages.
Growth Across the Ocean Explorer Platform
Moss follows her sistership Aviso, delivered in 2025 as the Ocean Explorer 85 flagship at the time. With three new builds now launched within the broader Ocean Explorer line, Steeler continues to expand the platform across multiple sizes.
Alongside the 85, a second Ocean Explorer 72 has recently been commissioned, while a Ocean Explorer 67 is currently in build and scheduled for display at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival. Earlier this month, Steeler also confirmed the appointment of HMY Yacht Sales as its sales and marketing partner across North America, Central America and the Caribbean - a move that signals broader ambitions for the brand in key cruising regions.
For now, attention remains on Moss as she completes her remaining trials. Once offshore testing concludes, she will return to Meppel for final preparations ahead of delivery. Her maiden voyage is expected to take her toward the Indian Ocean, joining her sistership on the water and marking the next chapter for Steeler’s growing explorer fleet.
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