Breaking into the yachting scene with ambition, EkoKat Yachts International has revealed its first project, the EkoKat 62, a motor catamaran the company describes as “the world’s first 60-foot superyacht.”
The 18.9-meter yacht has been designed to deliver the kind of space usually reserved for vessels nearly twice its size. According to EkoKat, it matches the onboard volume of 30–40 meter yachts, yet comes in under the $3 million mark.
Phil Dobson, the founder and CEO of EkoKat, relates how the story of EkoKat emerged: “The journey up the ladder in the world of luxury yachting seems never ending. Starting at 30-40ft, we progress quite quickly to around 60ft, which we can drive ourselves if we want with confidence and proficiency. Buy anything bigger than that (the transition zone), and the story changes dramatically. It is neither practical nor safe, full crew are required, there are legal regulations, and you certainly cannot just get in and go. In addition, the far longer 100-130 superyachts cannot possibly enter the idyllic bays with crystal-clear shallow water and beaches and anchor for the day, having to stay well away, and coming ashore by small tender or dinghy. They are also five times the price to buy (at approximately $15-25 million new), and ten times the cost to run each year.”
Mr. Dobson, hence, being the owner-operator of 50-60ft yachts for 30 years and with 10,000 hours of hands-on experience, designed the EkoKat 62, together with engineers and naval architects.
One of its defining features is the 80 square meter flybridge. Equipped with a kitchen and bar for six, multiple sun loungers, a raised 1.2-meter sunbathing platform, and an optional Jacuzzi, it creates a deck meant for both entertaining and relaxation. The flybridge also integrates the helm station with four seats and Xenta joystick controls.
The EkoKat 62 has been developed with sustainability in mind. A retractable hardtop carries solar panels with an output of 600 kW, feeding battery packs that power all onboard systems. This setup eliminates the use of generators, allowing guests to enjoy quiet moments at anchor with only natural sounds and music.
Practicality has been given equal attention. The yacht features a garage for water toys such as electric foils and underwater scooters. Inside, the dual functioning 67 square meter saloon can shift in purpose, where the crew converts the sofas into beds and soundproofed electric partitions allow the space to be converted into up to four guest cabins at night. The full-beam owner’s suite has private access to the foredeck, which is arranged with a tapas-style dining area and sunpads. A fully equipped galley and a dumbwaiter connect service between decks.
“Seeing the Bayesian Yacht disaster in Sicily last year, when owner and guests tragically perished trapped down in their hull bedrooms, both my wife and I had no desire to sleep down there. My visionary skills went to work right away…and completely changed the layout and configuration, bringing all the bedrooms up to main deck level for both safety and prevention of sea sickness,” Mr. Dobson explained.
Superyacht-level details have also been built in. The yacht includes the Ultra Anchor system for reliable mooring and is expected to reach a cruising speed of 22 knots. Its creators have aimed to bring elements of larger vessels into a size category that is more accessible.
The EkoKat 62 will make its official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, which is being held from September 9 to 14, 2025. EkoKat Yachts International, while new, has set up its operations with a global outlook. Production is currently taking place in Guangzhou at a proven composite hull facility, while the company’s ownership, design, intellectual property, and international operations are run from Europe. Headquartered in Montenegro, it also has bases in the Caribbean and the Maldives.
By packaging scale, performance, and eco-friendly technology into an 18.9-meter frame, the company is positioning the EkoKat 62 as a challenger in the superyacht conversation. Its launch in Cannes will test how far the 60-foot category can stretch in redefining luxury at sea.
