Damen Yachting has launched the fourth YS53, a 53-metre Yacht Support vessel, at its Antalya facility. Following her launch, the vessel will enter final outfitting and sea trials ahead of delivery to the owner later this year.
Since the introduction of the Yacht Support concept, Damen Yachting has redefined the role of support vessels within the superyacht sector. The Yacht Support 53 series brings together capability, flexibility and reliability in a platform designed to support increasingly ambitious owner programmes, the company says. Following the delivery of “Emotional”, the third YS53, in August 2025, the series continues to demonstrate its versatility across a wide range of owner missions.
Drawing on the proven heritage of Damen’s fast offshore support vessels, Damen Yachting has delivered more than 20 purpose-built support yachts to date. These vessels operate worldwide across adventure, exploration and scientific programmes.
Designed and built in-house
The YS53 features exterior design, interior design and naval architecture all developed in-house by Damen Yachting. Her expansive open main deck offers more than 200 square metres of configurable deck space for tenders, toys and specialist equipment, with a 15-tonne crane enabling the handling of large tenders and heavy loads.
The signature axe bow ensures smooth performance in a wide range of sea conditions, while a reinforced deck supports touch-and-go helicopter operations. Inside, the interior accommodates up to eight guests and up to 11 crew, combining refined design with an efficient layout that supports comfortable long-range operations. The interior design reflects Damen Yachting’s commitment to functional excellence, creating durable and flexible spaces that support the vessel’s logistical mission without compromising comfort and luxury on board.
Pim Oostra, Damen Yachting Project Manager YS5304: “What makes the YS53 design successful is the way it expands what owners can do during their time on the water. By providing additional space for crew, tenders, toys and specialist equipment, the platform enables more ambitious programmes and greater operational freedom. With this fourth 53-metre Yacht Support now launched, the continued development of the series clearly demonstrates the growing role of dedicated support vessels. As owners look to explore further and operate more extensively, the role of a support vessel within the wider fleet becomes increasingly important.”
