One of the more intriguing projects that will be available for potential owners to discuss at the Monaco Yacht Show in September is the transformation of the 1962 passenger ship Ambriabella into a full-fledged superyacht.

The Trieste-based Quaiat yard, which specialises in maintenance services, yacht building and the refitting of superyachts, is behind the restoration work, with completion expected within two years. As a passenger ship in the 1960s, the ship worked out of the ports of Trieste and Gardo on Italy’s Adriatic coast. After being sold to a Greek company, she worked the islands until falling into disrepair.

By 2000 she was just an ignored, rusting hulk, but a group of Italian entrepreneurs were on her case, recognising in Ambriabella unique and elegant lines that represented the golden age of Italian design and they saw the possibility to create a stunning superyacht. The group, under the umbrella of Nebula Yachting Investment, spent nine years looking for her, before discovering Ambriabella 40km from Piraeus.

After this ambitious refit, the 52-metre Ambriabella will accommodate up to 12 guests in six large suites, and nine crew members. Hybrid and diesel electric power are among the options, and there is of course ample scope for a potential owner to influence the interior design.

You can find out more about the project on the yacht’s dedicated website, or on Quaiat’s stand at the Monaco Yacht Show QN28.