From Tug to Trailblazer
Few yachts carry the legacy, presence, and mystique of ARCTIC. With her bold silhouette and storied past, she is more than a vessel — she’s a legend reborn.
Launched in 1969 by the renowned Schichau Unterweser shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, ARCTIC was originally constructed as an ice-class salvage tug named Arctic. She was built to endure the harshest conditions imaginable — operating in some of the world’s most remote and dangerous waters, assisting disabled vessels, recovering wrecks, and towing ships across unforgiving seas. With her reinforced steel hull, deep draft, and immense power, she was a symbol of resilience and industrial might.
For years, she served a vital role in commercial maritime operations. But in the late 20th century, she caught the attention of a visionary owner who saw in her more than just utility — he saw potential. And so began one of the most ambitious yacht transformations ever undertaken.
In the early 1990s, ARCTIC entered a new chapter — a groundbreaking conversion from salvage tug to private superyacht under the vision of her new owner. Unlike traditional yacht builds, her transformation preserved much of her original structure and capability. The goal was not to erase her past, but to evolve it — to celebrate her strength while introducing world-class luxury. Naval architects and designers collaborated to strip her down, redesign her interiors, and reimagine her as a private expedition yacht, with the soul of an adventurer and the comfort of a five-star hotel, capable of reaching the ends of the Earth in style.
Throughout this process, care was taken to honour her roots. Her ice-class steel hull remained intact, retaining her ability to navigate icy waters and rough seas. Her expansive beam and deep displacement allowed for spacious accommodations, generous storage for tenders and toys, and high-level operational autonomy. She wasn’t just being dressed up — she was being elevated.
By the early 2000s, ARCTIC emerged as something completely unique in the yachting world: a yacht with the soul of an adventurer, the strength of a commercial ship, and the elegance of a private residence. Her understated exterior hides a world of comfort and sophistication — with refined lounges, expansive guest suites, and even a private 4D cinema. Yet, throughout, there’s a quiet nods to her heritage and her past — a subtle reminder that this vessel has lived many lives.
In 2014, ARCTIC made history when she became the first motor yacht to reach the most southerly navigable point on Earth, earning a Guinness World Record for the feat. This was no stunt — it was a testament to her original engineering, her expedition-focused design, and her experienced crew. The record symbolises everything ARCTIC stands for: exploration, resilience, and pushing the limits of what’s possible at sea.
Since then, ARCTIC has travelled the globe on private expeditions, often in total privacy — from Antarctica to Alaska, through the South Pacific and across the Mediterranean. Every mile has added to her legend.
Over the decades, ARCTIC has earned a cult-like following in the yachting world. Her unmistakable profile, storied history, and unrivalled capability have made her one of the most iconic expedition yachts afloat. Today, she stands as a testament to transformation — proof that the strongest vessels aren’t just built of steel, but of stories, legacy, and reinvention.
Her unique capability to go where others can’t has earned her international acclaim. ARCTIC has been featured in documentaries, photography campaigns, and yachting publications. Her past guests include not only high-profile adventurers and visionaries, but also scientists, filmmakers, and those looking for more meaningful travel experiences.
Now, ARCTIC is entering the charter market. This isn’t just an opportunity to cruise on a superyacht — it’s a chance to become part of a story that spans oceans, generations, and extremes. Whether anchored beneath towering fjords or crossing equatorial seas, ARCTIC offers more than luxury: she offers legacy.
To charter ARCTIC or find out more about her schedule then please reach out to us here
