Business is booming for the American refit yard, RMK Merrill-Stevens. One reason being is that the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show gave the firm better-than-ever exposure, making many keen to utilize the yard’s recent $30M renovation.
Florida's first-ever shipyard, RMK Merrill-Stevens, is spread across two sites along the Miami River. Having officially reopened in late 2020 post-renovation, the yard’s main site, formerly known as the North Yard and now named the Miami Superyacht Center, features the largest ship lift in south Florida (a Lloyd’s and USCG Certified 2,700LT lift built by Pearlson Shiplift Corporation). With new in-house trade workshops and modern facilities with all-new equipment, the yard can now service yachts measuring up to 73 meters for any refit, maintenance, repair and inspection work.
Two superyachts that were quick to make use of the yard’s new services are the 73-metre Delta Marine custom yacht Laurel and the 68-metre Feadship superyacht Archimedes, both of which were hauled onto the yard with the help of the ship lift. Another yacht currently in the yard is the 49.9-metre Odessa. Built by Turquoise in 2007, this luxury superyacht needed a variety of repairs and services with a quick turnaround. The team at RMK Merrill-Stevens were able to source many from vendors throughout the United States and Canada for repairs to her drivelines, gearbox, engine, shaft, propeller, coupling and mounts. This work also required the assistance of the yard’s many professional and valuable industry partners in the area.
The 49-metre superyacht Asteria is currently undergoing maintenance and repairs in conjunction with her five-year Lloyds Survey. Originally built in 1970 as an ocean-going salvage tugboat, Asteria was converted into a luxury expedition yacht in 2002 and has been travelling the world ever since. A true explorer vessel, she has safely and comfortably sailed to both the North and South Poles and through the Northwest Passage.
Next in line for the team is the completion of nine potential superyacht projects during the first quarter of 2022, just over a year after reopening. These include a 52m Benetti, 48m Metalshark, 49m Feadship, 50m Feadship, 36m Benetti, 39m Oceanfast and a 42m Westport with the largest being a 60m Benetti. “The yard is filling up quickly,” says Operations and Project Manager, Brent Allsop. “If anyone is needing a slot, the time is now!”
For these superyachts and more, one of the biggest benefits of visiting RMK Merrill-Stevens is being able to spend time in Miami. With many partnerships with local organizations, the yard offers its clients and their crews access to the city’s restaurants, spas, gyms, sports venues and more. For example, the River Landing is where amenities such as grocery and retail stores, gym and workout facilities, dockage and even condos for purchase can be found, all within walking distance from the Miami Superyacht Center.
RMK Merrill-Stevens’ list of ever-growing services is extensive. To find out how to book your superyacht in for work at the Miami Superyacht Center, contact the yard directly via the company website here.
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