VESSEL REVIEW | Amphib II – Turkish-built, long-range explorer yacht with ice navigation capability

Turkish shipbuilder Mengi Yay Yachts has completed construction of a new long-range explorer vessel at its shipyard in Tuzla.

Amphib II was launched on July 13, 2026, as the second vessel in a series. She was designed by VYD Studio, while naval architecture was undertaken by Van Oossanen Naval Architects based in the Netherlands.

Mengi Yay has positioned the vessel as a platform for extended open-water cruising. The builder said the main goal was to create an “unlimited blue water explorer with its extraordinary ability."

Amphib II has an LOA of 52.6 metres (173 feet), a draught of 2.6 metres (8.5 feet) at full load, and a gross tonnage of 499. The hull is steel while the superstructure is aluminium. The lighter superstructure material helps reduce topside weight, while limiting the enclosed volume keeps a vessel of this length within the 500 GT limit.

Diesel-electric propulsion optimised for leisurely navigation

The yacht has a displacement hull form, consistent with a design intended for economical long-distance passages rather than high transit speeds.

Amphib II is listed with a diesel-electric installation incorporating twin Caterpillar C32 engines each rated 1,450 hp (1,080 kW). This arrangement delivers a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Tank capacities are approximately 65,000 litres (14,000 gallons) for fuel and 15,000 litres (3,300 gallons) for freshwater.

The yacht's range is listed as 4,100 nautical miles at cruising speed.

Increased helideck space for more efficient transfers

VYD Studio reported that Amphib II is classed by RINA with the notations C+ Hull • Mach Ych, REG Yacht Code, Unrestricted Navigation, DMS, Ice Class 1C, Comfort Class and Green Plus. The yacht also holds helicopter landing area certification. The ice notation in particular covers voyages to higher latitudes and seasonal cruising in light ice conditions.

The aft and upper deck arrangement departs from that of the first hull at the owner's request. Therefore, compared with series lead yacht Gray Wolf, Amphib II has an expanded helideck and no pools.

The yacht also carries tenders and a four-tonne crane for launching and recovering them. Together with the certified landing area, these allow helicopter operations and tender-based excursions from remote anchorages.

Amphib II uses synthetic teak decking in place of natural teak. The yacht can accommodate 10 guests in five cabins while the crew complement is nine.