Lusben opens new inspection pit for sailing yachts

Italian refit and repair specialist Lusben has opened a new inspection pit for sailing vessels at its Livorno shipyard. At 12 metres long, 8.5 metres deep and 3.5 metres wide, the pit is the largest currently available in the Mediterranean, according to Lusben.

With this new facility, Lusben — which completed a complex refit for Maltese Falcon in 2023 — says it can expand the target market for its services and take on new commissions, including work on sailing yachts with canting keels.

The new pit’s large size facilitates both routine and extraordinary maintenance operations, including painting and work on keels. The new structure allows work on sailing yachts up to 70 metres.

Two concrete slabs cover the pit, which can also be used for work on motor yachts, extending the space available at Lusben’s Livorno shipyard for ‘classic’ refit operations.

“Now we have a new inspection pit for sailing yachts that allows us to perform work of all types on canting keel boats up to 70 metres long,” says Alessio Centelli, Livorno site manager. “It’s a remarkable project that confirms the shipyard’s credentials as a centre specialising in the world of sailing yachts as well.”

Gianni Paladino, Lusben commercial director, adds: “This major investment in the Livorno site, following others completed in recent years, confirms the group’s intention to expand the Lusben division and, in the coming years, consolidate its position as a benchmark for refit work in the Mediterranean.

“Now we have the space, the technology and the people to achieve this important objective, as is already confirmed by recent orders and others being finalised for the upcoming autumn season.”

Lusben says it plans to expand its team and hire new staff to manage the new inspection pit.