French shipyard JFA Yachts has just officially delivered the 49.9 meter hybrid expedition superyacht Canoa, marking the largest and most technically complex project ever undertaken.
The yacht model was officially launched from the shipyard’s facility in Concarneau, France in January 2026 and has completed trials at port and at sea before officially being handed over to the owner.
Canoa is the longest yacht model ever built by JFA Yachts. The ship has an aluminum hull combined with a superstructure made from glass-epoxy composite material – a breakthrough for the first time on an expedition yacht of this size. The hybrid structure helps reduce upper weight, lower the center of gravity, thereby enhancing stability, fuel economy and improving onboard comfort.
"Mục tiêu của chúng tôi là đóng một chiếc du thuyền thám hiểm đích thực có khả năng đi xa, vận hành trong thời gian dài, đồng thời tích hợp các giải pháp tân tiến để tối ưu hiệu suất năng lượng," ông Frédéric Jaouen, Chủ tịch JFA Yachts chia sẻ.
Carrying the language of naval architecture and exterior design from Humphreys Yacht Design, the hull has been optimized through in-depth hydrodynamic studies. This helps the ship achieve outstanding performance on long-distance voyages while still maintaining the ability to accelerate when necessary. According to the shipyard, sea trials have confirmed the impressive wave-cutting ability and the synchronous operation of the ship’s systems.
One of the outstanding characteristics of Canoa is a parallel hybrid powertrain package that combines a pair of MTU diesel engines with electric motors. This configuration provides smooth operation, minimizing emissions during navigation when moored as well as when moving at low speeds.
Large capacity battery pack, solar panel system and Dynamic Positioning System help further minimize environmental impact, while the ship’s operating range reaches an impressive level exceeding 5,000 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots/hour.
Designed as a true long-distance expedition machine, Canoa has a large aft deck area capable of carrying two motorboats (tenders). Three cranes handle support activities on the ship, including a C-davit crane for the 9.2 meter long tender, a hidden crane on the foredeck for rescue boats and Jet Skis, and a crane on the aft deck serving the swimming platform area, engine room and equipment storage (lazarette).
Accommodation space accommodates 10 guests distributed across 5 cabins, including an owner’s suite located on the upper deck with a private lounge, office and balcony with integrated outdoor Jacuzzi. Four guest cabins are located on the lower deck, while the crew area accommodates nine people.
The ship’s interior is handled by studio m2atelier from Milan with large glass panels opening up panoramic views and flooding the 4 deck space with natural light.
"Khao khát của chúng tôi ngay từ đầu là tạo ra một chiếc du thuyền thám hiểm kết hợp giữa khả năng đi biển đường dài thực thụ với hiệu suất vượt trội cùng diện mạo ngoại thất đặc trưng phản ánh đúng sức mạnh của con tàu," ông Tom Humphreys, Giám đốc Điều hành của Humphreys Yacht Design cho biết thêm.
Appearance of Canoa continues to strengthen JFA Yachts’ position in the expedition yacht market. The French shipyard affirms that the project is an important milestone, demonstrating high expertise in aluminum shipbuilding, composite engineering and high-end bespoke yacht manufacturing.
Lesson: Navigator Media
