Diverse Projects, located in Auckland, New Zealand were once again chosen to refit the 56-metre research and exploration yacht ALUCIA, marking their third consecutive refit on this vessel. The yacht’s refit has started in San Francisco in December 2015, following the completion of the filming of the three-part BBC series: Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough.
Expedition Yacht ALUCIA following her refit in 2016
The Diverse team were selected for their broad experience in complex refits with demanding timeframes and moved to San Francisco for the duration of the refit. The project started in December 2015 and was finished at the beginning of March this year.
The extensive job included interior works, engine and machinery services and entire hull paint job. Multiple systems were also upgraded from the bridge through all areas of ALUCIA, as well as her five-year regulatory needs were also attended to.
ALUCIA under refit in New Zealand by Diverse Projects in 2016
The superyacht also features submarines on board, which play an important role in her exploration voyages. The refit project also included the rebuild of several submarines used in her iconic expeditions, which are now due for testing in Mexico.
The project management team kept to an exacting delivery schedule, with ALUCIA being re-launched on time at the end of February and departed on 13th March.
Diverse Projects’ are able to deliver refits on time thanks to the management software utilised by the company, Predict, which provides for easy, complete tracking of tasks, budget, interaction by the crew, shipyard and management teams, and offers the company successful delivery results.
ALUCIA was refitted by Diverse Projects three times to date, with an extensive upgrade in 2014 to stay in the survey for her multi-faced operational requirements. The work, carried out over 12 months, saw a completely refreshed yacht leave the yard. The refit took place at Bay Ship & Yacht Alameda, with Synchrolift able of hauling out vessels up to 1,200 tonnes and up to 62 metres, and dry dock lift capacity up to 3000 tonnes.
The team at DiverseProjects has enjoyed the challenges working on this very unique vessel over the last three years and wish all involved with her the best for their transit voyages in the Pacific Rim through to the Atlantic.
David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef Trailer
Don’t forget to check out ALUCIA in the fantastic new documentary on the Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough, and get inspired to explore this amazing destination in Australia. If you would like to charter an expedition yacht or a luxury superyacht to cruise some of these breath-taking locations, feel free to contact us today.
