Van der Valk Joins Hull and Superstructure of 48m Project ZEN

Project ZEN reaches its marriage milestone

Van der Valk Shipyard has joined the hull and superstructure of its 48-metre Project ZEN at the yard in Waalwijk. The operation brings the two largest structural sections together and moves the project into the next phase of interior, systems and finishing work.

Project ZEN is yard number WV0149 and is set to become the largest yacht built by Van der Valk. The yard continues to target delivery in the second quarter of 2028, so the project remains an active build rather than a completed yacht.

A new 48-metre platform

The raised-pilothouse yacht uses an entirely new platform developed for the owner rather than an existing production design. Guido de Groot is responsible for the exterior and interior vision, while Van Oossanen Naval Architects developed the naval architecture.

The design includes a Hull Vane and a quoted transpacific range of more than 4,400 nautical miles. That range remains a design target until the finished yacht completes trials under representative loading and operating conditions.

Family use shapes the layout

Van der Valk says the arrangement was developed around family life at sea, including a large bow lounge and a dedicated spa pool. A lower-deck garage is designed for a larger tender and a jetski, with access through a side-opening ramp.

These features show how the owner brief extends beyond long-range capability into day-to-day guest use. Their final execution will depend on the completed build, commissioning work and any changes made before delivery.

Next phase of construction

With the main structural sections now united, work can progress around machinery integration, interiors and technical systems. The milestone is significant because alignment and joining of the hull and superstructure establish the yacht's full profile for the first time.

Van der Valk has not announced sea-trial dates or a revised delivery schedule. The current programme therefore remains centred on Q2 2028, with further construction milestones expected before launch and commissioning.