For those with substantial resources and a thirst for adventure, there’s a new vessel on the horizon that could capture your imagination. Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts has introduced their latest expedition yacht concept, Mission, a serious seafaring vessel unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show. Designed by Bernd Weel Design, this 210-foot ship borrows the rugged aesthetics of the famous Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrew Melchinco. It features a versatile, modular design that can accommodate a fleet of tenders, RIBs, a three-passenger submersible, and even an Airbus H130 helicopter. Mission is built to take on journeys across the globe, including polar regions during non-ice conditions, and it boasts extensive helicopter landing facilities and top-tier expedition equipment.
According to Bernd Weel, as reported by Superyachttimes, “The project embodies an ‘experience-focused’ design, meaning the vessel is designed to facilitate specialized expeditions, exploration, and yacht cruises. Mission incorporates all the amenities and functionalities on board to create experiences and lasting memories.” He further emphasizes that “the vessel’s design reflects its multipurpose character, from the active lifestyle sports deck to the shipping container docks. Mission’s versatile design offers a wide array of possibilities.” The unique selling point of the motor yacht, Mission, is its modularity, which enables the vessel to adapt to its ever-evolving needs by incorporating modular spaces both within and onboard the yacht.
Containers aboard Mission serve as adaptable workhorses. One container could be fully equipped with scientific instruments for research purposes, while another could be used for storing a variety of water toys. This 1,800 GT ship has a cruising speed of 12 knots and a remarkable range of 6,000 nautical miles. At 210 feet in length, the vessel demonstrates immense potential for supporting marine scientific research and data collection. According to Micca Ferrero, owner of ICON Yachts, “MISSION represents ICON’s commitment to innovation and purpose-driven travel. It redefines what an explorer yacht can achieve – from sustainability and modularity to profound experiential impact. We’re proud to set new benchmarks and lead the way in supporting sustainable exploration.”
