Balk Shipyard transforms Ursus into a 31m diesel‑electric pocket explorer

Ursus completed an 18‑month refit at Balk Shipyard in Urk, Netherlands, with an initial relaunch in January 2025, followed by sea trials on the IJsselmeer in February and formal delivery to her owner; the project began when the vessel arrived at the yard in 2022 and incorporated structural, accommodation and propulsion upgrades to suit extended expedition and leisure roles.

Six‑metre hull extension and major structural changes

At a glance, the most visible change to Ursus is the six‑metre hull extension that transformed the previous sub‑24‑metre Acico build into a 30.4‑metre “pocket explorer.” The refit included new bow and stern sections, an elongated superstructure and a full repaint to a metallic Lantau Gold finish to echo the owner’s Range Rover livery.

Exterior and guest‑facing upgrades

• Upper deck extension with al fresco kitchen, barbecue and Teppanyaki grill;
• Relocated tender garage aft to free the foredeck for an al fresco cocktail area;
• Space for two Jet Skis and a helm station added to the extended sundeck;
• New wing stations and reinforced crane foundations for heavier, more flexible handling.

Technical overhaul: propulsion, DP and bridge modernisation

The refit addressed performance and operational needs: Ursus now features a diesel‑electric propulsion system paired with Veth Azimut drives, and a dynamic positioning (DP) system was installed. To manage these systems the bridge received a comprehensive modernisation enabling more precise station‑keeping, quieter cruising and improved fuel efficiency over a wider speed range.

Systems and operational changes

• Diesel‑electric powertrain for flexible load management and reduced acoustic signature;
• Veth Azimut drives to enhance manoeuvrability in tight anchorages and marina arrivals;
• DP system supporting expedition‑style operations and protected anchoring in variable conditions;
• Relocation of tender crane to the sundeck, shifting guest and operations flow forward.

Crew and accommodation improvements

Accommodation adjustments included an additional crew cabin, improved crew areas and an en suite added to the captain’s cabin, aligning the vessel with longer range and higher autonomy operations common to expedition yachts and private charter use.

Design partnership and shipyard capabilities

The rebuild was executed in collaboration with Dutch studio Mulder Design. Balk Shipyard’s CEO, Evan Kortmann, noted that Ursus was “completely transformed from bow to stern,” reflecting the yard’s growing ReCraft expertise: the ability to integrate structural, accommodation and technical upgrades in a single programme. With Ursus delivered, Balk is also progressing on the 44.3‑metre sailing yacht Yemaya for 2026 delivery.

What this means for marine tourism and charters

Rebuilt units like Ursus can pivot between private ownership and charter markets, supporting luxury adventure travel experiences such as short cruise packages, yacht parties and bespoke safari‑style coastal itineraries. The increased on‑board volume, beach club facilities and quieter diesel‑electric operation make such vessels attractive for marine excursions where guest comfort and flexible activity staging are priorities.

Ursus is a case study in how targeted refits extend a vessel’s operational life and marketability: more saloon volume for socialising, expanded sundeck amenities for events, and DP capability for secure tendering in remote anchorages all translate into richer travel experiences.

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In summary, Balk Shipyard’s ReCraft of Ursus combined a six‑metre hull extension, a modernised superstructure and a diesel‑electric propulsion package with dynamic positioning to create a versatile 30.4‑metre pocket explorer. The rebuild enhanced guest spaces, crew accommodation and operational capability while maintaining an expedition‑ready profile suitable for luxury adventure travel, yacht parties, cruise packages and eco‑friendly wildlife safaris. From museum tours with live guides and interactive cultural workshops ashore to exclusive yacht charters and adventure rafting trips for beginners, the conversion demonstrates how technical refits enable a wider range of travel experiences and adventure activities. Personal reviews are helpful, but nothing replaces being onboard to judge comfort and performance for yourself—consider verified providers and transparent booking via GetExperience to avoid surprises when planning your next voyage.