Cabinet approved revision of coastal zone policy to stimulate private investment

Brabus, the German manufacturer recognized for its modified Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has unveiled its first catamaran, the Ultima 55. This model was developed in collaboration with Sunreef Yachts, a Polish company. The boat boasts 1,450 horsepower distributed across two engines, features hydrofoils that lift the hulls above the water, and starts at a price of US$ 3.7 million.

With dimensions of 17 meters in length and 5.6 meters in width, the Ultima 55 is based on the Sunreef Ultima platform. It receives the Brabus visual identity, featuring Graphite Black or Phantom Gray paint, along with carbon fiber details applied to the front and rear wings, pillars, air vents, roof bars, and lighting supports. A carbon fiber spoiler on the rear roof helps differentiate it from conventional Sunreef models.

The deck that transforms into a veranda

When anchored, the Ultima 55 allows side platforms to open, expanding the deck width to approximately 7.6 meters. This converts the stern area into a suspended terrace over the water. In this space, there are cushions that can be folded to form sofas, a retractable carbon fiber table, an electric grill, and a beverage counter. The exterior finish can be chosen in three shades: Graphite, Red, or Pearl.

Internally, the boat is equipped with sofas and armchairs upholstered in Brabus Moonstone Masterpiece leather with triangular stitching, while the ceiling is covered in Alcantara, complemented by visible elements of wood and carbon fiber. The floor features aluminum inserts and illuminated logos. The equipment list includes a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a 43-inch television that emerges from a counter, and a full kitchen equipped with an induction hob, electric oven, sink, refrigerators, and an ice maker.

There are two standard accommodation configurations: the first includes a master suite, a VIP cabin, and a crew cabin, accommodating up to four passengers. The second option replaces this arrangement with three simpler cabins, increasing capacity to six guests. In the command station, a large screen centralizes navigation information, vessel monitoring, and internal functionalities through an interface developed by Brabus itself.

Hydrofoils and the 'feeling of flying'

Propulsion is provided by two six-cylinder engines, each with 725 hp, capable of taking the catamaran to speeds exceeding 40 knots, which is equivalent to about 74 km/h. The fuel tanks have a capacity of 1,500 liters, and the fresh water tanks hold 330 liters.

The technical differentiator lies in the hydrofoils. According to both companies, these surfaces create lift below the waterline and raise the hulls as speed increases. This mechanism reduces drag, virtually eliminates side tilt, and provides what is described as 'the feeling of flying over the water'. Constantin Buschmann, CEO and owner of Brabus, stated in a press release: 'We wondered what a modern high-performance catamaran should be like.'

Although the Ultima 55 is the first boat resulting from this partnership with Sunreef, it will not be the only nautical launch from Brabus this year. The company has also signed an agreement with AB Yachts and plans to present new vessels during the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

According to data from the analytical firm Kpler, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased, with the number of vessel passages dropping by 77% compared to the previous day, totaling only five vessels.

Kpler noted that all registered transits were conducted using the Iranian one-way scheme, indicating a decrease in operational confidence and limited routing options through this strategic waterway.

In contrast, movement through the Bab el-Mandeb remained relatively stable, recording 47 vessel passages despite ongoing activity from sanctioned vessels, shadow fleet operations, and one unregistered transit.

Kpler emphasized that since the public positions of the US and Iran remain contradictory, operators are closely monitoring traffic volumes, route behavior, and any diplomatic events that might alter risks in regional shipping corridors in the coming days.

After introducing its electric vehicle, Ferrari confirmed its plan to invest in biofuels. The company's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, announced this during the second-quarter earnings call held on Thursday (30th).

Ferrari plans to introduce two new models by the end of 2026 and has already conducted tests with carbon-neutral fuels in its combustion engines. The brand did not specify what these cars will be or which powertrains were used in the tests.

These two launches reinforce the technological neutrality strategy advocated by Maranello since 2022. Instead of focusing on a single direction, the manufacturer simultaneously maintains electric, hybrid, and combustion models. This quarter saw the presentation of the two extremes of this range: the Ferrari Luce, its first mass-produced electric model, and the 12Cilindri Manuale, which brings back the manual gearbox.

Biofuels enter the picture

According to Vigna, biofuels are classified as carbon-neutral fuels and demonstrate good performance in the company's engines. The executive stated that the company analyzed several options of these alternatives without noticing any loss of performance. However, he did not detail the formulations used nor the engines involved, and Ferrari has not yet established a timeline for possible commercial implementation.

The interest in these alternatives is justified by the fact that neutral fuels allow for emission reduction without having to abandon internal combustion engine technology, a sensitive point for customers who associate the brand with the characteristic sound of the engine. Such solutions are at the heart of European discussions about the end of the sale of combustion-powered vehicles, expected in 2035.

On the other hand, the electric bet received mixed reactions. The Ferrari Luce, a four-motor liftback displayed in Rome, was criticized by some enthusiasts and generated distrust in the financial market. Despite this, its global quota for 2026 was fully sold out, with orders from China already being directed towards 2027.

Two unnamed launches

Specialized publications speculate that one of the future models could be a convertible version of the F80, a hybrid hypercar with about 1,217 horsepower, and that the other might derive from the 12Cilindri. Ferrari has not confirmed any of these suppositions. It is customary for the company to keep details secret until the time of presentation, which often results in limited editions selling out even before the public launch.

The financial indicators for the quarter support the pace of launches. Net revenue reached 1.938 billion euros, representing an 8% increase, and net profit grew by 9%, totaling 463 million euros. EBITDA advanced by 7%, reaching 755 million euros, with a margin of 39%. However, deliveries decreased to 3,366 units, reflecting the replacement of generations in part of the product line.

The lower volume of deliveries was compensated by sales of custom-ordered items; customizations contributed approximately 20% of the revenue from cars and parts. As the results exceeded market expectations, the company raised its annual projections, now forecasting revenue of around 7.6 billion euros and adjusted EBITDA of at least 2.97 billion euros.