This is the revival of MY Ursus's initial glimpse into the exterior design of the 30m explorer yacht undergoing restoration at Balk Shipyard.

The 24-meter Acico motor yacht MY Ursus was brought to Balk Shipyard in 2022 for a complete restoration, promising to transform the interior and exterior. A key milestone has been achieved: Balk Shipyard has installed new bow and stern sections, adding six meters to MY Ursus and turning it into a 30.36-meter pocket explorer yacht.
Balk Shipyard is collaborating with Mulder Design and the owner’s team to restore MY Ursus, aiming to enhance the yacht’s seaworthiness and living quarters. Mulder Design has designed a new naval architecture, crafted the exterior, and will manage the interior design and aesthetics with the owner’s team.
“We have been honoured to be working with involved and passionate owners for this project. They are experienced yachtspeople who want to maximise the enjoyment they get from their vessel,” says Evan Kortmann, Chief Executive Officer at Balk Shipyard. “This is a dramatic rebuild and MY Ursus will not only leave larger than when she arrived, she will leave completely changed. Mulder Design has
beautifully reimagined the vessel; it’ll be hard to believe this is the same yacht.”

The ship’s deck areas will undergo significant changes and redesigns. The upper deck will be expanded to offer more space for the owner and guests. Additionally, a new outdoor kitchen will be installed. Other improvements include adding new wing stations and crane foundations, a refreshed beach club, and various technical enhancements. The updated design will provide more space for crew living quarters.

“A rebuild is always a challenge,” says Jan Willem Frederikze, Naval Architect and Project Leader at Mulder Design.” Even more so if a yacht is taken from a CE (below 24 metres) to a Class vessel. This makes for a hybrid structure, hybrid layout and hybrid decision-making.”

Renderings by Mulder Design

Balk Shipyard Explorer Yacht Motor Yacht Mulder Design