Palumbo shipyards’ schedule is already booked for the next two years, revealed the shipyard CEO Antonio Palumbo in an interview with the Super Yacht Times.
“We are delighted to share that we have numerous exciting projects underway and are currently discussing and planning even more,” Mr Palumbo explained.
Part of the Palumbo Group, which was founded in 1967, Palumbo SY Refit builds on over five decades of experience in engineering and ship repair. Today, the company operates seven shipyards across Malta, Marseille, Naples, Messina, Ancona, Savona, and Rijeka, with offices in Monaco.
“Operating throughout the Mediterranean and with an established reputation in the industry, our clients turn to us for the most complex and challenging projects. Over the past few years, we have been entrusted with extensions, upgrades, major external and internal refits, and full paint jobs,” added Mr Palumbo.
The shipyard’s recent projects include the refit of two major superyachts: the 75.5-meter M/Y Wheels and the 80.1-meter M/Y U-81. M/Y Wheels, originally delivered by Oceanco in 2008, underwent extensive modifications at Palumbo’s Malta facility during the 2023-24 season, including a full superstructure repaint, new sundeck construction, and the installation of a state-of-the-art DPF filtration system to reduce emissions.
“The sundeck work included a new sunroof, jacuzzi, and custom-built sunbathing furniture, all designed and fabricated in-house. The installation of DPF filters also brought a substantial reduction of emissions from the main engines, highlighting how refit projects contribute to sustainability,” explained Simon Zammit, Shipyard Manager at Palumbo SY Refit Malta.
The 80.1-meter M/Y U-81, a Damen Yachting build, also underwent extensive maintenance at Palumbo SY Refit Malta from August 2024 to January 2025. The primary tasks involved installing a new stabiliser system and hydraulic hatches across multiple decks, a technically demanding upgrade that required precise coordination.
“This large-scale installation showcased our in-house expertise and engineering capabilities. We utilised advanced technology to plan and control every phase, ensuring precision through simulations and real-time calculations,” Mr Zammit stated.
With its Malta shipyard fully booked for the next two years, Palumbo SY Refit continues to position itself as a leader in the superyacht refit sector, reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a premier maritime hub.
