Venturing into a superyacht new-build project, with the right build management company will alleviate a substantial amount of hassle and worry. Many owners who have built yachts will testify why they value having an experienced build Project Managers onboard.

Owners with time bound agendas and competing priorities are extremely busy people even with superhuman PA’s and EA’s their ‘office’ would be severely tested to provide the right level support. Having the infinite expertise of our Project Manager starting with the design process, through the build and right up until commissioning offers huge value, piece of mind and valuable cost savings for the owner.

As a liaison between the client and the shipyard, our Project Manager maintains the balance between all parties to ensure a smooth build process, while providing supervision and technical expertise on all aspects of the build.project.

This is where the vessel’s shape and form are drawn and your vision starts to become reality.

Some owners have a design or yacht designer already in mind, but more frequently, we will utilise our professional network to pair owners with the most suitable designer for their project.

Your Yacht Designer works hand in hand with your Naval Architect. Between them they will need to have a clear statement of your requirements, key features and performance criteria in order to determine the design, price range and the most suitable shipyard. Your personal input as the owner at the very earliest stages of a project is most important.

If a fully custom design is your preferred choice, then developing a detailed specification for use to tender yards is imperative along with engaging an experienced Project Manager, Engineer and Naval Architects to act as your representative is important at this early stage.

If a production or semi-custom yacht is your preference, then the shipyard concerned will have a specification which can be reviewed and if needed items modified for approval by the yard. Normally, there is some discussion and negotiation if changes are made to the yard’s specification in these cases

Every shipyard is different with its own strengths skills and reputation for building custom or semi custom superyachts with materials such as aluminium, steel or GRP. ​​A full review of all capable shipyards before issuing invitations to tender is paramount.

• Can they offer the correct security (financial, insurance and physical)?
• Do they have the right team for your yacht project?
• Do they understand you ultimate goal, ethos and use of the vessel?
• Do their past projects reflect your the quality expectations 
• What is your ideal lead time – projects can range from less than two years for a production, specification or conversion build, to sometimes more than four years for a custom built yacht. 

As the industry continues to grow there is a greater consciousness for sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Be mindful of choosing a shipyard who lines up with your goals. 

Our Project Manager will ensure you have the right tender package and issue it to the most suitably qualified and experienced shipyards for your project.

At this stage your legal team will be involved to review build contracts.

Our Project Manager is responsible for ensuring your new yacht is finished and delivered on time, to spec and on budget. They will closely monitor the build quality and build schedule, deliver commercial management to include stage payment signoffs and delay claim negotiation. A monthly report will be sent to you on the build progress.

Technical support may include selecting your own sub-contractors, managing interior outfitting, and inspecting the full build process such as welding, pipework, cable installation, equipment installation and paintwork.

All these aspects need to be closely monitored, so it is highly recommended to involve a good Project Manager from day one. 

This is the moment when you experience the true capabilities of the yacht which you first conceptualized all those months ago and without a doubt the most exciting (and busiest!) part of any new build project.

The purpose and goal of any sea trial is to conduct a thorough inspection of the boat and observe how the vessel handles in various conditions and scenarios. Essentially, this is the biggest test to date, pushing your new yacht to the absolute limit in order to find any potential flaws, to work out where adjustments are needed so that they can be corrected prior to delivery.

Several sea trials will be undertaken over a number of weeks to thoroughly test all systems and engines onboard. Once the final sea trial has been completed and issues resolved, the yacht is finally ready for delivery and crucially ready for you to take ownership. 

Our Project Manager, your lawyers and the shipyard finalize the details of Acceptance and Delivery which includes listing any works still outstanding and planning for the warranty phase. A Memorandum of Understanding is agreed regarding outstanding works, if there are any that still need completing.

The vessel is then registered and a christening ceremony takes place at the shipyard where your yacht is officially named and a bottle of champagne will be broken against the yacht’s bow to finalise the delivery and to welcome the maiden voyage.

Your superyacht journey begins…with SALT on hand to support you and your new prized asset all the way!