Damen Yachting announces award winning 65m support vessel Big Shadow

The design concept has already picked up a Good Design Award and features a unique roll-in helicopter hangar.

Damen Yachting looks to further underline its dominance of the support and crossover yacht sector with the 65m (213ft) Big Shadow, which has already taken home an award for its design.

The yacht concept earned Barcelona-based Kirsten Schwalgien Design (KSD) a Good Design Award, with its innovative roll-in helicopter hangar winning plaudits.

Developed in collaboration with Damen Yachting, KSD and an experienced Owner the yacht is based on the popular Damen Yacht Support 65 platform and provides plenty of space with 1,380GT and a 12.7m (42ft) beam.

Big Shadow concept with helicopter flying behind
Big Shadow features a roll-in helicopter hangar © Damen Yachting

Big Shadow’s most unique feature came about as a specific request from the client, a full-size roll in helicopter hangar, able to store up to an Airbus H145 without folding the rotor blades.

“The owner’s brief required to implement the heli- hangar into the existing structure,” explains Kirsten Schwalgien, Founder of KSD. “The roll-in hangar allows the owner to transport their helicopter with maximum speed, ease and efficiency. It’s a feature which I expect to see more of in the future.”

Schwalgien goes on to explain more about the vessel’s eye-catching look: “The vibrant fluorescent yellow accent color gives the boat a recognizable presence. Tapered bulwarks elongate the entire design, while the sheer line and the superstructure converge to push the visual weight of the boat aft to achieve a more dynamic shape and sharper lines. BIG SHADOW has her own character, defined by a contemporary, aerodynamic shape, much-improved functionality, and a distinctive design.”

Big Shadow can accommodate 11 crew and a comprehensive range of tenders and toys. She delivers a top speed of 18 knots, with a range of 5,000nm at a cruising speed of 14 knots. 

The project is scheduled for delivery towards the end of 2021.

The support vessel is due for delivery by the end of 2021
The support vessel is due for delivery by the end of 2021 © Damen Yachting

The Good Design Awards is held annually by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and celebrates the best in innovative industrial, product and graphic design.

As well as Big Shadow KSD has contributed to various superyacht projects including the custom-designed tenders of the 100m (328ft) Feadship superyacht MOONRISE and the exterior design of the 115m (377ft) superyacht LUNA.

Damen Yachting has become renowned for both its yacht support vessels and its SeaXplorer brand of expedition yachts. To explore its entire fleet view all Damen Yachting yachts for sale.

Alternatively to view the entire selection of similar vessels on the market view all new and pre-owned yacht support vessels for sale.