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The 130m GEx Explorer Yacht Concept Designed to Carry Four Helicopters

Alexander McDiarmid Design revealed the 130-metre explorer yacht concept in September 2026, and it was presented for display at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show.

Developed in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects, Ghost Yachts and Maritime Aviation, GEx has been conceived as an Ice-Class Polar explorer with a strong emphasis on aviation capability. With an interior volume of approximately 9,700 GT and a 20-metre beam, the yacht combines expedition-ready engineering with the comfort and amenities expected of a modern superyacht.

Its defining feature is the aft Flight Deck, designed to accommodate two Airbus Corporate Helicopters ACH145 simultaneously. Beneath the deck, two dedicated hangars can each house another ACH145 with its main rotor blades attached, giving GEx capacity for four helicopters in total. Aircraft lifts raise the helicopters to deck level, while a dedicated VIP Aviation Lounge allows guests to access them directly from the hangars.

The yacht’s exterior is characterised by bold angular lines and a superstructure that appears to float above the hull. Her explorer credentials extend beyond aviation, with capacity for tenders, submersibles and a wide selection of water toys, making her equally suited to polar expeditions, heli-skiing and remote cruising.

Onboard amenities include a swimming pool, beach club, spa and wellness areas, cinema, lecture theatre, games room and gym. Observation lounges and panoramic spaces are positioned throughout the yacht to make the most of remote landscapes and open-sea views.

Accommodation is centred around five VIP guest suites and an expansive owner’s suite, with the owner’s deck featuring an atrium lounge and private foredeck. Up to 43 crew can also be accommodated, including aviation and specialist expedition personnel.

Technically, GEx is designed to Ice Class 1D and Polar Code C standards. Four MTU diesel-electric generators supply power to two ABB Azipods, with a projected cruising speed of 12 to 14 knots and a top speed of approximately 17 knots.

With GEx, Alexander McDiarmid Design presents an ambitious vision of the modern explorer yacht — one where aviation, expedition capability and luxury are engineered into a single platform.

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