A whole other shipyard
It starts by immersing yourself in the bespoke vision of a yacht: ONBOARD talks to Guido Orsi of Tankoa Yachts
Tankoa Yachts, a renowned boutique shipyard based in Genoa, Italy, stands as a testament to Italian craftsmanship, innovation and dedication in the luxury yachting sector. Known for producing custom yachts that seamlessly blend aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, Tankoa has carved a niche in delivering vessels ranging from 45 to 80 metres in length. With a focus on quality, personalisation, and direct client engagement, Tankoa maintains its commitment to creating masterpieces tailored to individual preferences.
SHIPYARD AND FACILITIES
Tankoa’s success is rooted in its state-of- the-art facilities and strategic investments aimed at enhancing both quality and production flexibility. The Genoa site serves as the heart of operations, focusing on the outfitting phase of yacht construction. Here, clients are immersed in the building process, engaging directly with the management team to ensure their vision is realised. This intimate relationship is a hallmark of Tankoa’s approach, creating a sense of partnership and trust.
To meet growing demand and ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship, Tankoa has recently expanded its operations with the addition of a new construction site in Civitavecchia. This facility is dedicated to the carpentry phase, enabling Tankoa to bring hull and superstructure fabrication in-house.
This strategic move enhances quality control and allows the shipyard to retain the industry’s most skilled artisans. The integration of these processes provides Tankoa with greater flexibility and reinforces its commitment to excellence.
In Genoa, further expansion plans are in motion. Tankoa is negotiating options to develop and renovate the site, which will include four new in-water sheds accommodating yachts from 50 to 80 metres. The updated facilities will feature:
- New offices and crew spaces: modernised workspaces for the team and dedicated areas for yacht crews and captains.
- Showroom and client areas: expansive spaces to showcase materials, finishes, and concepts, enriching the client experience.
- Refit capabilities: enhanced capacity to handle both small and large refits, consolidating Tankoa’s position in this growing segment.
This strategic expansion underscores Tankoa’s vision to balance production of new builds with the ability to cater to refits, ensuring that each project benefits from avant-garde facilities and unparalleled expertise.
LATEST UNVEILED BESPOKE YACHT: M/Y DIAMOND BINTA
Among Tankoa’s most remarkable achievements is MY Diamond Binta, a 58-metre custom yacht that epitomizes the shipyard’s dedication to innovation and bespoke luxury. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski, with interiors co- created by Margherita Casprini, this yacht is a shining example of the enduring success of Tankoa’s Paszkowski-designed family line. It seamlessly combines aesthetic brilliance with unparalleled functionality, setting a new benchmark for modern yacht design.
One of the defining aspects of MY Diamond Binta is its innovative layout, which includes a unique passage from the lower deck cabins to the beach area, ingeniously routed through the engine room. Such a feature is typically reserved for vessels exceeding 80 metres, showcasing Tankoa’s ability to incorporate big-yacht amenities into a more compact framework. The beach area itself is a spacious haven, thoughtfully designed for both socialising and relaxation, enhanced by folding side balconies that create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The interior design pushes the boundaries of conventional yacht layouts. Curved angles are used extensively, softening the spaces and giving them a sense of openness while subtly defining distinct areas. This design philosophy is complemented by custom strip lighting, which enhances the fluid lines and adds a contemporary touch.
The owner’s suite stands out as a luxurious retreat, complete with a private folding balcony that opens up to stunning sea views. Above deck, the sky lounge offers an exceptional space for relaxation, featuring a gym and a custom pool that overlooks the bow, combining fitness and leisure with breathtaking vistas.
This project holds special significance for Tankoa, as it marks the second yacht commissioned by the same client. The owner previously entrusted Tankoa with the construction of the S501 model, and the decision to return for a second, larger vessel underscores the client’s satisfaction with the shipyard’s craftsmanship and service. MY Diamond Binta is more than a yacht; it is a testament to the enduring relationships Tankoa builds with its clients and its unwavering commitment to delivering excellence at every level.
UPCOMING MASTERPIECE: T520 FENICE
Another exciting project on the horizon is the T520 Fenice, a 52-metre model under 500 gross tons, designed by Enrico Gobbi. Presented at the Monaco Yacht Show, this yacht continues the lineage of the T680 Fenice and fills a strategic gap in Tankoa’s portfolio, offering a steel hull and aluminum superstructure in the 50-55m range.
The T520 Fenice epitomises Tankoa’s ethos of exclusivity, luxury and attention to detail. After months of collaboration with the Gobbi Design Studio, the yacht has emerged as a masterpiece, combining sophistication and craftsmanship. It reflects Tankoa’s ability to deliver unique, tailor-made solutions that resonate with discerning yacht owners.
TANKOA’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As a boutique shipyard, Tankoa is committed to delivering no more than 4-5 yachts annually, ensuring that quality remains at the forefront. This measured approach allows for personalised client interactions and meticulous attention to detail at every stage of construction. With ten projects currently in progress, including speculative builds and custom commissions, Tankoa continues to grow while staying true to its boutique identity.
By investing in advanced facilities and maintaining a client-first philosophy, Tankoa is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving yachting industry, balancing new builds, refits and a steadfast commitment to excellence.