19m M/Y MARSS Motor Yacht

Project Overview:
We were entrusted with the comprehensive refit and recommissioning of M/Y MARSS, a 19m vessel that previously served as the dive tender for the 126m Lürssen OCTOPUS. The refit included a full hull and superstructure repaint, a complete technical and systems overhaul to ensure compliance with commercial operation standards, the redesign of the mast to accommodate specialist security equipment, the reimagining of the aft deck layout with multifunctional seating and dining areas, and an interior refurbishment.

Client Brief:
Our client, a Monaco-based technology company, sought to repurpose the vessel as both a chaseboat and a demonstration platform for their long-range automated drone-detection and perimeter security systems. The goal was to retain the vessel’s superyacht pedigree while enhancing its capabilities to serve as a sophisticated platform for showcasing advanced maritime security solutions.

Our Role:
We provided expert guidance and support throughout the entire process, from the initial research and pre-purchase feasibility study to the purchase negotiation and the intricate refit itself. Our mission was to ensure the vessel was transformed to meet the client’s operational needs and high standards.

Scope of Work:
1) Pre-Purchase Feasibility:
- Design Concepts: Developing design concepts tailored to the client’s operational requirements, ensuring the vessel would be fit for its new role.
- Equipment Upgrades: Proposing potential upgrades to enhance the vessel’s capabilities, particularly in terms of technical improvements and integrating advanced security systems.
- Pricing Estimates: Obtaining and reviewing preliminary cost estimates with the client team.

2) Purchase Support:
- Contract and Documentation Review: Reviewing all contracts and documentation in support of the purchase and registration under new ownership
- Coordination: Managing the document flow between the seller’s team, which included yacht management, legal advisors, and a family office, and the purchasing client.

3) Project Coordination:
- Supplier Vetting: Selecting suppliers with proven track records for quality and reliability, ensuring that all aspects of the refit met the required standards.
- Negotiations: Securing favourable terms with suppliers and ensured they adhered to both timeline and quality expectations.
- Hull and Superstructure Repaint: Managing the repainting process.
- Technical and Systems Overhaul: We oversaw a complete overhaul of the vessel’s technical systems, ensuring they were up-to-date and compliant with commercial operation standards.
- Mast Redesign: Coordinating the design and installation of a new mast to support specialist sensor and security equipment integration.
- Aft Deck Redesign: Reimagined the aft area, creating a versatile seating and dining layout that enhances functionality and guest comfort.
- Interior Refurbishment: Managing the interior redesign and guest set-up to meet the standards expected while accommodating the vessel’s new roles.
- Project Management and Coordination: Managing and coordinating all activities throughout the refit, ensuring alignment with the project’s goals.
- Budget Support: Supporting the client accounting team to ensure financial transparency and keep the project within budget.
- Stakeholder Communication: Facilitating communication between the client team, crew members, contractors and suppliers, ensuring everyone remained aligned with the project’s objectives.

Outcome:
The refit of M/Y MARSS has allowed the vessel to operate as both a standalone chaseboat and demonstration platform for long-range automated drone-detection and perimeter security systems.

Client Reference:
“The SPARK team provided us with excellent support throughout the research, purchase and refit of M/Y MARSS. Their expertise, attention to detail and project support ensured the successful transformation of our boat into a top-tier testing and demonstration platform for our advanced security systems.”
— Johannes Pinl, CEO & Founder, MARSS SAM

For further details, please visit Boat International.
https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/former-octopus-tender-refit-marss