Behind the Scenes: Installing a Lift on a New Superyacht
With a new build project, a yacht lift must be designed and engineered with precision, styled to complement the interior, and maintained for long-term performance at sea. Holland Marine Lifts are a trusted name in marine lifts with decades of experience in building and servicing bespoke systems.
How Shipyards Initiate Lift Installation Requests with HML
The installation of a new yacht lift usually begins when a shipyard approaches us during the early build phase. Shipyards request passenger lifts, dumbwaiters, or glass lifts, and we respond with proposals and technical drawings. These designs go back and forth until they are fully aligned with the shipyard’s requirements. Once the quote and plans are approved, production of the custom yacht lift begins in our workshops.
See our range of bespoke yacht lifts
The Step-by-Step Process: From Design Approval to Construction and Installation
Each yacht lift is the result of a carefully managed process:
- Design Development: We produce precise drawings that integrate the lift into the yacht’s structure and blend with the yacht’s interior. Shipyards may request unique features, from panoramic glass walls to LCD panels or watertight landing doors at decks where the lift has a stop on an exterior deck. The entire design process takes around 3 to 4 months.
- Workshop Construction: The marine lift is built and tested at our facility. Every part is engineered for smooth operation and durability, with a special focus on quiet movement between levels, all essential in the luxury yacht environment. From the production and purchase of components to complete assembly takes 4 months.
- Onboard Installation: The lift is delivered and fitted into the yacht during its construction phase. This may involve unique solutions such as extra entry doors, Bluetooth systems for noise reduction, or custom bronze and stainless-steel finishes. The onboard installation takes 8 to 12 months. We, at HML, do not work continuously, but in different phases.
- Final Commissioning – Before handover, our technicians carry out rigorous testing to ensure the superyacht lift is fully operational.
How HML Works with Shipyards to Ensure Integration with Yacht Interiors
The success of a custom yacht lift lies not only in its engineering but also in its design integration. Yacht interiors are highly curated spaces, and lifts must feel like an extension of this environment. We collaborate with shipyard designers to deliver lifts that are both functional and aesthetic.
Some designs feature glass panels for panoramic views, flooring that gives the illusion of walking above the sea, or polished finishes that reflect the yacht’s design language. By tailoring every element, we ensure each yacht lift enhances the onboard experience with complete discretion.
Find out more about our past superyacht lift projects
How HML Schedules Inspections After Installation To Maintain Performance
Delivering a lift is only the beginning. To ensure our superyacht lift remains in peak condition, we carry out annual inspections. These are not legal requirements but act as a reassurance that we will continue to certify its safety and comfort throughout the lift’s lifecycle.
During these inspections, our technicians check key components such as door rollers, air filters, and hydraulic filters. As custom yacht lifts on superyachts are generally used less frequently than those on offshore or naval vessels, repairs are rarely urgent. Instead, worn parts are noted for replacement at the next visit, ensuring minimal downtime.
If crew and chief engineers notice issues, like cables beginning to unravel or doors failing to open, we can dispatch technicians quickly. In urgent cases, they have even sourced spare parts from other vessels to ensure that the marine lift remains operational. The philosophy is simple: the yacht lift must always be running.
Inspections also allow for fine-tuning, such as controller adjustments, to keep lifts operating quietly and smoothly. In some cases, inspections are rescheduled around a yacht’s cruising itinerary, with certificates extended by a few months if the vessel is away from Europe.
The installation of a new yacht lift is a detailed process that blends engineering expertise with refined design. From the first shipyard request to customisation and long-term servicing, we ensure every superyacht lift we deliver is reliable, safe, and tailored to the yacht’s unique style.
By combining advanced engineering with close collaboration, we have become a trusted name in marine lifts. Every journey on board is elevated by a lift that delivers comfort, reliability, and elegance, reflecting the same standard of luxury as the yacht itself.