Delivered in 2022 as a platform supply vessel from Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, U-81 was later transformed into a dedicated support yacht with Damen Yachting handling naval architecture and interiors, and Azure Yacht Design overseeing exterior design and engineering in collaboration with the owner's team.
Although the interior of U-81 has remained confidential, it is known that the design was executed by Damen Yachting. No public images have been released, and details of the onboard layout have been kept deliberately discreet. The private configuration of the superyacht suggests a highly customised approach aligned with the operational needs of her mothership and owner.
Externally, U-81 has a commanding presence that speaks to her origins as an offshore utility vessel. The conversion to a support yacht has prioritised capability over embellishment, resulting in a purposeful profile defined by a vertical bow, high foredeck, and a recessed aft working area. Azure’s design retains the rugged essence of her former role, with minimal ornamentation and a focus on practical access and stowage.
A large helipad is positioned just forward of amidships, built above dedicated storage zones for tenders and toys. A powerful crane mounted aft enables the deployment and retrieval of substantial watercraft, including a sizeable chase boat with four outboard engines. Slim diagonal windows integrated into the superstructure provide subtle detail without detracting from the workboat heritage of the yacht. The superstructure itself is clean and functional, painted white with minimal visual interruption, reflecting U-81’s utilitarian philosophy.
U-81 is powered by twin diesel-electric Caterpillar engines, each delivering 1,947hp. This setup gives her a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of around 12.5 knots. Her twin azimuth thrusters provide excellent manoeuvrability - a critical asset for tight anchorages or formation cruising alongside a mothership. Built on a steel hull with a steel superstructure, the vessel measures 80 metres in length with a generous 16.2-metre beam and a 6.15-metre draft. Her gross tonnage stands at 3,040 GT.
Currently registered under the Marshall Islands flag, U-81 proudly ranks 81st in the YachtBuyer YB100 list of the world’s biggest yachts by gross tonnage for nearly three years, underscoring her significance within the support yacht segment.
Following her delivery, U-81 has seen a series of refits to enhance her operational capabilities. The most recent works took place at Palumbo Superyachts Refit in Malta between August 2024 and January 2025, where she received a new stabiliser system and upgraded hydraulic hatches on the main deck.
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