15 Years of M.Y. Kahalani: A Testament to Durability, Precision, and Evolving Support

Fifteen years after her delivery, the Feadship M.Y. Kahalani continues to exemplify the enduring quality of Dutch craftsmanship — both in design and performance. Akerboom Yacht Equipment, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer, is proud to have played a role in that legacy from the beginning, supplying key systems including the gangway, transom hatch, and shaft line.

Fifteen Years On Board: Supporting the Legacy of M.Y. Kahalani

Over the past decade and a half, Kahalani has been supported not only by the longevity of her equipment but by the professionalism of a crew deeply committed to operational excellence. That combination — durable engineering and meticulous maintenance — has allowed her to cruise reliably with minimal interventions. Scheduled lifecycle checks have included shaft line aft seal replacements and surveys in 2015 and 2020, as well as a 10-year service on the gangway.

This consistency is not incidental. At Akerboom, lifecycle support is not defined by how often we intervene — but by how little we need to. Robust systems, built to last and properly cared for, should not demand attention. They should deliver it.

Yet even the best-built equipment must evolve with time, and so must the organization that supports it.

Since her delivery, M.Y. Kahalani has exemplified timeless craftsmanship and enduring performance. Over the same period, Akerboom has undergone a transformation of its own—growing from a compact coordination team into a full-fledged global service organisation.

Global Service Network: From Reactive Coordination to Proactive Care

Today, Akerboom’s Global Service Network comprises dedicated engineers, planners, and field technicians stationed across key locations such as Barcelona and West Palm Beach. This expansion is not only structural but also strategic: we’ve shifted from reactive support to a forward-thinking, proactive approach—ensuring that vessels like Kahalani continue to operate at peak performance throughout their lifecycle.

This evolution has taken shape in several ways:

• A dedicated service department has matured into an international operation, complete with specialist teams and localised presence.
• Equipment has been modularised to improve reliability, reduce service complexity, and increase uptime.
• Control systems are now developed fully in-house, offering real-time operator feedback via integrated displays.
• Remote diagnostics and support capabilities have been built in as standard.
• Strategic partnerships with regional suppliers provide faster access to components and expertise when and where they’re needed.

 Current Support: Engineering Integrity Through Scheduled Precision

The impact of these developments was evident in the 2025 service scope for Kahalani. Executed in close collaboration with the client at de Haas Shipyard MDM in Rotterdam, the work included a comprehensive overhaul of the transom hatch—entailing full removal, servicing, and reinstallation—alongside a five-year shaft line survey and aft seal replacement. Additionally, the gangway system underwent a complete refurbishment to ensure continued flawless operation.

Fifteen years on, we’re not merely servicing equipment; we’re elevating it. Each project is an opportunity to refine our systems, strengthen our partnerships, and reaffirm our commitment to lifecycle support. For Akerboom, that means growing alongside the vessels we helped build—adapting our methods and innovations to meet the demands of the next decade and beyond.

Lifecycle support, in our view, is a continuous process of preservation and progress. It means standing by the systems we’ve delivered, improving them when necessary, and doing so in close collaboration with those who operate and maintain them every day.

To the owner’s team, to the crew of Kahalani, and to all those who value excellence at sea — we thank you for your trust.