Contract Signed for First BS 260: Industry Milestone
Novamarine has signed the contract for the first BS 260, marking the sale of the initial unit in its new maxi-RIB series to an Italian client. At 26 metres overall and with a seven-metre beam, the hull is being presented by the yard as the “world’s largest maxi-RIB” and is scheduled for delivery in 2028. The order represents the first commercial commitment to the model ahead of construction.
Francesco Pirro, Novamarine’s chairman and CEO, described the sale as a milestone in the company’s development within the pleasure craft sector, noting that the contract reflects client confidence in the yard’s approach to technology and comfort. He said the BS 260 aims to merge Novamarine’s performance and safety standards with the livability commonly associated with larger yachts.
Design and Scale: 26m Hull, 7m Beam, Maxi-RIB Innovations
The BS 260’s external profile is described as low, taut and powerful, with a long, clean bow and a compact, central superstructure. Large, continuous tubes run along the hull sides as an integral element of the vessel’s architecture, contributing to stability and to the RIB character of the design while supporting deck arrangements and seaworthiness.
The model is the largest in Novamarine’s Black Shiver family, which spans six RIBs from the 10-metre BS 100 to the 20.1-metre BS 200. The yard positions the BS 260 as an effort to expand the category’s boundaries by combining the safety and stability of large RIBs with interior and deck arrangements more commonly found on larger yachts.
Propulsion and Layout: Twin 4,400hp MTUs and Cabins
Performance is provided by twin MTU engines delivering a combined 4,400hp, a package specified to yield high top speeds while maintaining precise handling in a range of sea conditions. The propulsion choice reflects the model’s intent to offer both speed and control appropriate to a large, open RIB platform.
Deck arrangements are organised to prioritise outdoor living and protected sociable space. A large open stern deck provides sofa seating and direct, unhindered access to the water; this flows forward into a protected central area fitted with twin sofas and a dining table, lit through large glazed side surfaces and overhead openings. Below decks the layout includes three guest cabins and a separate crew cabin to preserve guest privacy and support onboard management. The yard emphasises that the central area is conceived as a habitable section of deck rather than a fully enclosed saloon.
Market Impact and Future Delivery: Novamarine’s 2028 Vision
The pre-construction sale of the first BS 260 is being cited by Novamarine as validation of its design direction and market appetite for larger, highly refined RIBs. Pirro noted the contract confirms client trust and the yard’s ability to innovate; the firm will continue to pursue vessels that combine its established performance and safety characteristics with elevated onboard comfort. Last year Novamarine also entered a commercial agreement with Palumbo Superyachts to produce customised tenders for that group’s four brands, underlining broader industry collaboration.
Delivery of the first BS 260 is planned for 2028, after which the vessel’s entry into service will offer a concrete test of the concept in operational conditions and should inform any further development of the Black Shiver range. The order and the Palumbo partnership position Novamarine to pursue additional bespoke projects and to refine production and customer offerings as the BS 260 programme advances.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple trusted websites. Facts originally seen at Source along with other Sources. Images are credited to Source. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details independently.