Dramatic Transformation Unveiled as 31m 'Ursus' is Delivered to Owner Following 18-Month Overhaul

The much-anticipated launch of the pocket explorer Ursus has marked an unequivocal triumph for professional craftsmanship and stellar design. The mighty Dutch Balk Shipyard masterfully executed an ambitious 18-month refit, culminating in a riveting spectacle: a reimagination of the 30.4-meter Ursus as a dramatically extended, aesthetically splendid super-yacht with sophisticated technical upgrades.

The extensive overhauling process saw a complete metamorphosis of the explorer’s bow and stern, effectively augmenting the super-yacht’s LOA by an astounding six meters. Gone was the erstwhile sub-24-metre Acico build, replaced by a vast superstructure mirroring breathtaking expansion in the main salon, the sundeck, and the beach club. Bathed in the elegant shade of metallic Lantau Gold, the newest iteration of Ursus reflects an exquisite synchronization with its Range Rover livery.

In the words of Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard, the rebirth of Ursus was a paradigm of finesse resulting from clear owner vision, collaborative efforts, and the relentlessly innovative Mulder Design studio. The whole vessel positions itself as a vibrant showcase of refitting prowess and vision.

On board, the once stationary tender crane now inhabits the extended sundeck, featuring a host of attractions including the helm station, Teppanyaki grill, barbecue, and storage for jet skis. The foretaste of the cocktail area in the foredeck comes as a pleasant surprise, brought forth by relocating the tender garage to the aft.

Technical renovations were pivotal to the Ursus refit strategy to match the extended hull complexity. This led to the installation of a spanking new diesel-electric propulsion system, Veth Azimuth drives, and a dynamic positioning system. A thoroughly upgraded bridge perfectly rounds off an offering of exceptional maritime prowess.

The delivering of Ursus demonstrates the power and versatility of Balk Shipyard. As the world savors the super-yacht refurbishment, all eyes are on the shipbuilder’s next majestic endeavor: the 44.3-metre sailing yacht Yemaya, set to hit the waves in 2026.