Designed inside and out by Guido de Groot Design, with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, the raised pilothouse yacht remains on track for 2027 delivery.
The keel was laid in November 2025 under the project name Berlin, and recent yard images show the aluminium structure taking shape as hotworks continue. The superyacht was commissioned by experienced owners stepping up from a serial production build, seeking a more personal long-stay platform rather than a charter-focused layout.
A Raised Pilothouse with Purpose
Project Berlin follows Van der Valk’s established raised pilothouse lineage, reinterpreted with a more contemporary profile. Clean lines and a balanced stance define the exterior, while the 7.4m beam gives the yacht a broad, settled presence without visual excess.
The semi-planing aluminium hull and superstructure are engineered around a hard chine form, selected to balance efficiency, speed, and interior volume. This hull configuration supports predictable handling and reduced spray, suited to mixed cruising profiles and extended seasonal use. With a draft of 2m, the motor yacht is designed to access shallow bays and anchorages with confidence.
An asymmetric superstructure layout plays a central role in the design. By adjusting internal circulation and reducing crew passage space, the arrangement increases usable interior volume without expanding the overall beam. The result is more generous living areas and improved sightlines throughout.
Sundeck-Centric Exterior Planning
Exterior spaces reflect the owners’ intention to spend long periods aboard. The sundeck centers around an aft spa pool framed by wraparound sunpads, with additional lounge seating and dining areas positioned for open-air use. A substantial outdoor galley, complete with barbecue, supports day-long entertaining without reliance on interior service areas.
Forward, the bow provides another informal zone with integrated seating and sunpads, extending the yacht’s usable deck footprint. A high-low swimming platform and aft garage are incorporated into the stern arrangement, with space allocated for a Williams Dieseljet 415 tender.
Asymmetric Interior Layout
With a gross tonnage of 175GT, Project Berlin delivers interior proportions more commonly associated with larger yachts, achieved in part through the asymmetric layout and careful spatial planning. The main salon is defined by oversized opening windows measuring nearly 3m by 2m. These mullion-free apertures required careful engineering but create strong visual continuity with the water and introduce natural ventilation on a scale unusual for a yacht of this size.
The interior concept prioritizes liveability over formality. Loose furnishings and a modern, relaxed aesthetic have been developed in close collaboration with the owners. The emphasis is on comfort and day-to-day usability rather than high guest turnover.
Accommodation is arranged for up to six guests in three suites. Instead of the four-cabin lower deck layout typical of a 30m platform, Project Berlin houses two large VIP staterooms below, each configured for extended occupancy. The full-beam owner’s suite is positioned forward on the main deck. Expansive opening windows bring light and airflow into a space intended for daily living across long cruising seasons. The yacht will also carry three crew, with dedicated cabins and a practical mess arrangement designed to support smooth onboard operations.
Power, Speed, and Cruising Capability
Power comes from twin MTU 12V 2000 M96L engines, each rated at 1,920hp, delivering a combined output of 3,840hp through twin screw propellers. The projected top speed is 24 knots, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.
Fuel capacity stands at 13,200 litres, supported by 2,600 litres of freshwater storage, reinforcing the yacht’s suitability for independent cruising. Built entirely in aluminium with teak decks, the yacht balances structural strength with controlled weight.
Larger Custom Projects Taking Shape
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, Van der Valk currently has four other yachts either in build or on order.
At the top of the order book sits the 48m Project ZEN, due in 2028 and set to become the yard’s flagship. Designed by Guido de Groot Design with naval architecture by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the 499GT aluminium yacht is engineered for long-range cruising, with a projected 4,400-nautical-mile range and a top speed of 17.5 knots. Her brief centers on global capability, family living, and efficiency rather than outright speed.
Below her is the 40m Project Evo, scheduled for 2026 delivery. Featuring exterior design by Fancy by Dada and interiors by Cristiano Gatto Design, the 340GT fast displacement aluminium yacht targets 24 knots and is built to ABS class with IMO Tier III compliance. Also nearing completion is the 36m Jangada, a 300GT steel and aluminium displacement yacht with a 14-knot top speed. Launched in late 2025, she is now moving through final trials ahead of delivery.
With hull construction now visibly advancing, Project Berlin moves from concept to structure, marking a tangible milestone in her journey toward 2027 delivery.
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