Aman at Sea keel laying ceremony heralds new era in luxury motor yachts

San Giorgio di Nagaro, Mariotti, the Keel Laying © MICHELE SILVESTRO 2024
Edited by Travel Weekly


Aman, the leading lifestyle and hospitality brand, marked the beginning of their ultra-luxury motor yacht project, Aman at Sea, with a keel-laying ceremony at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Italy.

A joint venture with Cruise Saudi, the 183-metre (600ft) as-yet-unnamed vessel will feature just 50 spacious luxury suites, each with private balcony, and is anticipated to welcome guests from 2027, setting a new standard in waterborne voyages.

The vessel will also be the first dual fuel powered new build, that will use marine diesel oil and methanol to run.

Aman at Sea, Interior. Image: SINOT Yacht, Architecture & Design

At the ceremony, Aman at Sea CEO Jonathan Wilson, Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen and Marco Ghiglione, CEO of T. Mariotti, lowered the first 200-ton steel block for the new motor yacht. A longstanding maritime tradition, representatives also placed newly minted coins on the steel to bestow good luck on the vessel during both construction and future sailings.

Renowned constructors of ultraluxury cruise and expedition vessels and superyachts in Italy since 1928, T.Mariotti has been appointed to deliver this first-of-its-kind vessel and will provide the highest standard of design, mirroring the level of detail and care experienced across Aman’s hotels.

“Today signifies a momentous step forward in the development of Aman at Sea and my strategic vision to create a new category of ultra luxury superyachts which will provide exceptional travel experiences alongside Aman’s core values of privacy, peace, generosity of space and unparalleled service,” Aman Group chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin, said.

“This represents a significant milestone for the brand as we continue to diversify our geographical portfolio on land, with a strong pipeline of projects, and bring the renowned spirit and architectural distinction of Aman to the world’s oceans for the first time with the launch of Aman at Sea.”

The Aman at Sea concept. Image: SINOT Yacht, Architecture & Design

Ghiglione, commenting on the steel cutting ceremony, said it was an important milestone in the building of project.

“Laying the keel of the world’s most luxurious yacht brings to life the ambitious design our team has produced with their efforts so far. We are grateful to all who have been involved and we can’t wait to see the continued progress of this unique project,” Ghiglione said.

The 50 spacious luxury suites will each feature their own private balcony. The vessel will be home to an array of dining options, including an informal all-day restaurant, plus international dining options and a relaxed club and lounge, a serene and spacious Aman Spa, complete with Japanese garden, two helipads, plus an expansive Beach Club, which will offer guests direct access to the water at the stern of the yacht.

The vessel’s official name and journeys will be announced in due course.

Feature image: Marco Ghiglione, CEO of T. Mariotti and Jonathan Wilson, CEO of Aman at Sea at the keel laying. Image © Michele Silvestro 2024

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