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Oceanco brings rebuilt Draak to FLIBS 2026

Draak arrives at FLIBS with a dive centre, decompression chamber, specialist tenders and spaces redesigned for research missions

Oceanco brings Draak to FLIBS 2026 after an extensive rebuild for scientific research, diving and marine exploration

Following her Monaco Yacht Show appearance, Draak will be presented by Oceanco at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, taking place from 28 October to 1 November. The 92.9-metre yacht arrives in Florida after an extensive rebuild that fundamentally changed her role, turning her into a companion yacht for scientific research, marine exploration and diving operations.

From superyacht to operational platform

Originally delivered in 2014 and previously known as Equanimity and Tranquility, Draak returned to Oceanco’s Zwijndrecht facilities for an extensive reconstruction programme.

The purpose was not simply to update interiors and systems, but to adapt an existing platform for an entirely different operational role. Draak now operates within the Inkfish fleet alongside Leviathan, with the two yachts developed to work together during exploration and research missions.

A dive centre replaces the former beach club

One of the most substantial changes involved the former beach club and spa, which were converted into a fully equipped dive centre.

The space includes specialist diving equipment, a medical treatment room and the first decompression chamber installed aboard an Oceanco yacht. The six-person system was developed with Hytech-Pommec and supports both oxygen and Heliox decompression procedures.

A decompression chamber engineered around the yacht

Integrating the chamber required an unusual engineering approach. Oceanco decided not to create a new opening in the yacht’s structure.

Instead, the chamber was custom-designed around the dimensions of the existing access route. Its height, windows, pipework and components were repositioned so it could be moved into the dive centre.

A dedicated rail system was also developed for installation, leaving only millimetres of clearance during manoeuvring.

The interiors change with the yacht’s purpose

The rebuild extended beyond technical areas. Vedder upgraded the interiors to support the yacht’s new role and encourage greater interaction between guests and crew.

The former main saloon became a shared dining room, while the upper-deck saloon was converted into a Chef’s Lab for more intimate dining, menu development and chef training.

Accommodation was also reconfigured and expanded to include an owner’s stateroom and eight guest cabins.

Tenders, cranes and scientific operations

The aft areas were also substantially modified. Removing the upper-deck helideck created the clearance required for a dedicated tender operations area on the main deck aft.

The yacht carries the dive boat Scylla, RIB tender Minotaur, a Nautique Paragon sports tender and two Ribeye SOLAS rescue tenders.

Specialised lifting equipment includes a 12.6-tonne Van Driel jib crane with 11 metres of outreach and a custom C-davit arrangement using two 6.7-tonne units.

A rebuild based on the original platform

The transformation brought together Oceanco’s Life Cycle Support and Design teams, Co-makers, owner representatives YTMC, Y.CO and Inkfish, together with the crews of Draak and Leviathan.

Access to Oceanco’s original design and engineering data was a key part of the process. It allowed structural modifications, new systems and specialist equipment to be integrated into a platform the yard already understood in detail.

92.9 metres reconfigured for exploration and research

Draak now measures 92.9 metres, with a 14.5-metre beam and a gross tonnage of 2,894 GT according to Oceanco’s FLIBS press release.

Exterior design is by Oceanco, rebuild interior outfitting is by Vedder and naval architecture is by Oceanco together with Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture.

Her appearance at FLIBS therefore highlights a broader aspect of large-yacht development: the ability to use a rebuild to fundamentally change the purpose of an existing platform, transforming it from a hospitality-focused yacht into an operational asset for research, diving and exploration.

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www.oceancoyacht.com

30 September 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Oceanco brings rebuilt Draak to FLIBS 2026
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.