The ODAS Italia 1 Buoy represents a unique example of a pole-based offshore marine laboratory.

It consists of a steel pole body above which the laboratory head at head height is fixed, which provides a protected compartment for the instruments. Well ventilated and rainproof, the compartment in the lower part is equipped with a drain with protection from sea shocks, and externally supports solar panels. Above the laboratory unit a trellis structure carries all the meteo sensors and other apparatus.

Along the body of the buoy, at various depths, are placed thermometers, current meters, wave meters and two sample holding baskets for macrofouling investigations.

Measuring a total length of 51 metres, of which 36 are underwater, the buoy weighs about 12 tons and is positioned in the center of the Ligurian Sea, at a depth of about 1400 meters, approximately 73 km south of Genoa, along the route to Capo Corso.

Originally selected for the navigation aid purposes – for the dispatch of updated weather information to mariners during the first 15 minutes of each hour – later this area proved to be of great interest also from an environmental point of view to deepen the knowledge of the marine ecosystem that characterizes the Ligurian Sea and particularly the area where the buoy is moored.

The collected environmental data are then transmitted in real time to a dedicated shore station.

This enhances the importance of carrying out a thorough maintenance to the buoy structure.

To preserve its precious operation, the buoy was therefore entrusted to the experience of PALUMBO SY, which carried out a complete refit and repair service to all metal parts at its yard in Savona.

Soon the ODAS Italia 1 offshore marine laboratory will return to perform its very useful functions for the safeguard of both mariners and the environment.

Built in steel and aluminium to Lloyds class by Italian yard Nicolini to an in-house design, she was delivered in 1987 to a Middle Eastern royal family and originally named Al Menwar.

Always kept in class, YAAKUN features exterior design by Cantieri Navali Nicolini and Barracuda Yacht Design, while her vast interior was penned by Claudio Zampetti.

Up to 12 guests find luxurious accommodation in six well-appointed cabins comprising a main deck master suite, VIP suite and four doubles.

All guest cabins have entertainment centres, television screens and en-suite bathroom facilities while a further 11 cabins sleep 20 crew.

The spacious main saloon boasts a large settee opposite a bar with stools, while natural light floods in through ample windows port and starboard. In July 2006 YAAKUN was acquired and refitted by a European owner for a two-year circumnavigation of the world’s oceans. Her design, both inside and out, is the definition of 80’s chic.

In a rare twist, this superyacht has maintained the same signature styling since delivery – although she has been refitted several times, most recently in 2017.

Her top speed is 20 knots and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 4,200 nautical miles at 14 knots with power coming from two 4,170hp MTU 16V956TB82 diesel engines. For added comfort and safety, she is fitted with zero speed stabilizers.

Recently due for her 5-year survey, she’s been dry-docked at Palumbo SY Refit Napoli. 

Below is a non-exhaustive list of some of the works carried out as required by Lloyd’s Register Classification Society and by the flagstate for the 5-year survey process:

• shafts and propellers removed, inspected and ND tested,
• rudders removed and ND tested,
• all valves removed, opened, cleaned and inspected,
• black, grey and fresh water tanks opened, cleaned and inspected,
• hull and waterline re-painted.

It should be noted that in addition to ensuring compliance with the class/flag obligations, in such circumstances the Palumbo SY team always take a very active role in performing also any other cosmetic kind of remedial work, so that by the time the vessel is handed back to her Owner, she is in excellent all round conditions.

Bad Romance V is a 49.07m motor yacht delivered in 2008 by Trinity Yachts, an American luxury motor yacht builder.

With aluminium hull and superstructure the superyacht has a beam of 8.51m, a draft of 2.49m and a volume of 470GT.

Previously named Stay Salty, the yacht features exterior design by Trinity Yachts, interior penned by Patrick Knowles Designs and naval architecture by Trinity Yachts’s in-house team. 

Up to 12 guests are accommodated on board Bad Romance V, which also sleeps 10 crew members including the captain.

Powered by 2 Caterpillar engines, the yacht cruises at 16.0 kn and reaches a top speed of 20.0 kn.

Recently the yacht has been put in the expert hands of the knowledgeable and qualified staff of Palumbo SY Refit, Ancona to undergo a number of renovation jobs, alongside a series of maintenance and repair services. 

During her stay at the Palumbo facility, the main operation turned out to be the replacement of the floor in the main deck hall, where also the floor support structures were replaced and aesthetically suitable solutions were identified for the building of the new skirting board.

Moving to the upper deck, the Palumbo team fitted a new awning system that combines elegant design and clever technical solutions.

Supported by extremely lightweight yet very strong carbon fibre poles treated with UV-protective clear coating, the awning is made of composite fabrics, providing shelter against heat and bad weather, as well as adding character and versatility to the deck.

In the bathroom of the master cabin an infiltration problem was solved before proceeding with the replacement of the tiles with marble.

Other tasks on the to-do list involved: paint touch-ups to the hull and on the upper deck, some upholstery work and the complete maintenance of tender and jet skis.

Very pleased with both the applied cosmetic upgrades and the provided technical service, the Palumbo team is confident about the appeal that their successful job will have on both Owner and guests for quite some time to come.

The 46.57-metre yacht Balista (ex: Project 12) was launched by the Italian shipyard Cantieri di Pisa in 2013. 

Sporting naval architecture designs by Italian duo Cantieri di Pisa and Arrabito Naval Architects, the motor yacht is a high-performance vessel belonging to the Akhir range.

Her exterior lines were designed by the Rome-based studio Galeazzi Design and the vessel showcases a versatile three-deck layout with a host of amenities for onboard entertainment.

The sundeck, which is divided into three sections, features shaded and sunlit lounging areas forward and aft, a bar and a centrally located Jacuzzi. The main deck aft area also features lounging areas, and alfresco dining can be enjoyed on the skylounge.

The elegant interior on board Balista is the brilliant work of the UK designer Mark Berryman who created a welcoming ambience with a touch of luxury by incorporating Italian woodwork with dark marble, plush furnishings and leather accents.

Both the main saloon and skylounge provide the ideal space for relaxing, and fold-out balconies off the skylounge with sliding Asian-inspired doors seamlessly blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors.

This Italian-built yacht can sleep up to 14 guests in seven staterooms comprising the main-deck master suite, a versatile VIP cabin that serves as either a full-beam stateroom with a lounge or two separate staterooms, two double-bed staterooms and two twins.

A set of two MTU 16V 4000 M93L diesel engines allow Balista to cruise at 22.5 knots and reach a top speed of 24.5 knots, whereas at economical speed she reaches a transatlantic range of over 3,000 nautical miles.

Now, we all know that, despite regular servicing and checks, with age yachts of any kind are statistically more likely to develop unexpected technical issues. 

This has been the case also for Balista that recently called upon the assistance of Palumbo Superyachts Naples for repairs.

Being high season, the yard provided their immediate availability. Experienced engineers were deployed to detect and solve the problem of the reported water leakage in the shortest time possible, so to minimize the unforeseen stopover period.

Sure enough, the whole job was effectively and efficiently completed at record speed, and Balista got back to the sea offering her guests complete peace-of-mind cruising for the rest of the season.

Stopping at several ports on her way from Doha in Qatar, the entirely wooden built dhow AL MUBARAKI, called at PALUMBO Superyachts in Malta.

At the Yard, the majority of the works were focused on the replacement of aged wooden planks mainly in way of the wind water line band. In addition to this, there were also other engineering and pipe work repairs.

Now that the whole refit job is complete, this traditional Qatari wooden sailboat, which uses solar energy as well as the power of the wind to travel, is back in the water and ready to resume her duties to showcase the maritime history of the Gulf state as part of a tour to several Mediterranean ports in order to promote the Football World Cup, which will take place in Qatar at the end of this year. 

For this significant tournament – due to kick off on November 21 and play its final on December 18 – the Country has spent the last 12 years planning, building and testing the operations to make sure that it will be a truly amazing experience for everyone. 

Beyond playing a major role in sport, the event’s success is critical to boost environmental sustainability in Qatar using football’s unique capacity of inspiring millions of fans worldwide in order to raise their awareness on waste recycling and reducing. A commitment shared also by all the PALUMBO facilities through the reduction of polluting materials and environmental footprint of their processes.

So, save the date and join forces with all the PALUMBO facilities to cheer the competing football teams and support Qatar environmental campaign, just as AL MUBARAKI is doing!