Damen Yachting 55.5m Expedition Yacht for Sale in Miami

This 55.5-metre expedition yacht built by Damen Yachting and delivered in 2020 presents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly capable explorer platform engineered for serious global deployment. Designed as part of the respected YS 5009 series, she has been conceived from the outset for long-range cruising, advanced operational support, expedition logistics, and specialist mission versatility, while still offering the comfort expected of a modern superyacht. With a proven displacement steel hull, steel and aluminium superstructure, and a bold dark grey hull contrasted by a white superstructure, this yacht delivers a purposeful profile that blends contemporary style with commercial-grade toughness. Measuring 55.5 metres in overall length, with a 9.25-metre beam, 2.67-metre draft, and approximately 499 GT of internal volume across three intelligently arranged decks, she offers substantial onboard capacity without losing efficiency, stability, or usability in demanding conditions.

Design, Construction & Platform Capability

Built to Northern European standards of quality and reliability, this vessel reflects Damen Yachting’s strong reputation for robust engineering and highly functional expedition platforms. Her displacement hull form is optimised for stability, endurance, and dependable seakeeping in a broad range of ocean conditions, making her particularly suitable for buyers seeking a yacht that can operate far beyond the conventional cruising circuit. The structural design prioritises long-term durability, operational resilience, and safety, while the exterior arrangement has been tailored around practical working spaces and specialist support functionality. Composite decking enhances durability and reduces maintenance demands, and the overall deck plan has been designed to support both commercial-grade utility and private expedition comfort. One of her standout features is the certified helipad, which immediately broadens the yacht’s operational scope for remote access, logistics, guest transfer, and mission support.

Engineering & Propulsion Performance

From a technical standpoint, the yacht is powered by four Caterpillar 3512C diesel engines, each producing 1,421 horsepower, giving a combined output of 5,684 horsepower. This high-redundancy propulsion setup is paired with a quadruple screw drive system, a configuration that provides exceptional maneuverability, balanced thrust delivery, and dependable performance even during demanding operational use. The yacht is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 knots, while a 16-knot cruising speed offers an excellent balance of pace and comfort. At an economical speed of 10 knots, she delivers a substantial range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles, supported by a fuel capacity of 171,000 litres. This makes her especially attractive for buyers looking for serious transoceanic range and minimal dependency on frequent bunkering stops.

Operational Reliability & Onboard Systems

Reliability has clearly been a key priority in the vessel’s engineering brief. The propulsion train includes heavy-duty shafts, couplings, and propellers designed for sustained use and reduced maintenance downtime, while advanced generator systems ensure uninterrupted power delivery across all onboard functions. The yacht is also equipped with underway and at-anchor stabilizers, which significantly improve comfort at sea and while stationary in exposed anchorages. A bow thruster supports precise low-speed maneuvering and confident docking operations. Machinery spaces benefit from integrated noise-reduction measures to preserve a quieter onboard environment, and electrical infrastructure includes comprehensive battery banks, distribution systems, and shore power connectivity. Connectivity systems are equally modern, with Starlink, satellite communications, and onboard Wi-Fi supporting global communication requirements whether the vessel is used privately, commercially, or in specialist field operations.

Accommodation & Mission-Ready Interior Layout

The accommodation arrangement has been planned with versatility in mind, allowing the yacht to function effectively as a private explorer, support vessel, scientific platform, or specialist expedition yacht. Guest accommodation is configured for up to eight guests in four well-appointed cabins, while crew quarters accommodate seven crew members and there is additional space for four specialist staff. This layout makes the yacht particularly suited to expedition teams, scientists, researchers, guides, aviation personnel, or operational support staff requiring dedicated onboard presence. Rather than focusing purely on ornamental luxury, the interiors are designed around functionality, practicality, and durability, yet they still maintain a clean, contemporary, and comfortable aesthetic suited to extended time onboard.

Research, Collaboration & Specialist Facilities

One of the yacht’s most distinctive characteristics is the conversion of the main salon into a laboratory environment capable of supporting both wet and dry research activities. This dramatically expands the vessel’s appeal for buyers involved in marine science, exploration projects, documentary work, remote surveying, conservation, or specialist offshore operations. Conference and planning areas provide dedicated space for collaboration, mission briefings, and technical coordination, while the galley has been fitted with commercial-grade appliances and a service-efficient layout suitable for high-capacity operation over long periods. These features combine to create a vessel that is not merely expedition-themed, but genuinely expedition-capable.

Deck Equipment, Hangar & Water Access

The exterior working arrangement is one of the yacht’s strongest selling points. A large aft operational deck provides a serious working platform, supported by a heavy-duty crane with lifting capability of approximately 12 to 13 tonnes. This allows for the deployment and recovery of submersibles, tenders, equipment crates, mission modules, vehicles, or specialised payloads. A substantial multipurpose hangar adds further value by providing enclosed storage for tenders, expedition vehicles, dive gear, technical inventory, and support equipment. Water access is enhanced by a dedicated swim platform and dive centre, making launch operations, recreational use, and field activity both practical and efficient.

Guest Comfort & Leisure Amenities

Despite her highly operational character, the yacht does not compromise on essential comfort. Air conditioning is fitted throughout, and exterior guest spaces include sunpads, a sun deck for relaxation, and a dedicated exterior bar area that softens the utilitarian edge of the platform. This blend of function and leisure means the yacht can support adventure-oriented ownership without sacrificing onboard liveability. Whether used for private cruising with adventurous itineraries, mixed leisure-and-support roles, or charter conversion, the vessel offers a rare combination of utility and comfort that is difficult to replicate in conventional yacht designs.

Navigation, Safety & Global Readiness

The navigation suite includes radar, GPS, AIS, autopilot, and integrated bridge electronics, ensuring safe and efficient route planning and vessel management across varied cruising regions. Safety systems include fire suppression equipment, certified life-saving appliances, and compliant navigation instrumentation, all of which support her readiness for immediate operation. The hull and underwater sections are maintained with appropriate antifouling protection to support long-term performance efficiency and reduced drag. Registered under the Marshall Islands flag, she complies with international maritime standards and has been maintained to a strong operational standard since delivery, offering buyers a modern platform with minimal immediate refit pressure.

Ownership Potential, Inventory & Acquisition Value

From an ownership perspective, this yacht stands out as an unusually adaptable asset. She is equally suitable for private exploration, research operations, support functions, or transformation into a luxury expedition charter platform. Included inventory reportedly extends beyond standard onboard equipment to include valuable support craft such as a Fjord 42 chase vessel and a Hatløy Maritime landing craft, along with mission-specific tools, spares, and operational equipment. That added inventory substantially strengthens her value proposition for buyers who want a yacht capable of immediate deployment rather than a project requiring further outfitting. Given her modern 2020 build year, proven explorer credentials, large-capacity technical layout, and exceptional versatility, she represents a serious acquisition opportunity in the expedition yacht segment.

Purchase Opportunity & Buyer Enquiry

For buyers seeking a modern expedition yacht with genuine long-range capability, commercial-grade working functionality, and the flexibility to operate as a private explorer, research platform, or specialist support vessel, this Damen Yachting 55.5m deserves immediate consideration. Detailed inspections, technical review, professional survey, and sea trial are strongly recommended as part of the acquisition process. Enquire now to review full specifications, inventory details, operational history, and purchase terms for this highly specialised yacht available in Miami.