Galley Solutions

Superyacht New Build Galley Design & Fit-Out

Comprehensive galley solutions for new build superyachts — from concept design through equipment specification to full commissioning.

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New Build Galley Solutions — The Superyacht Galley

Superyacht Galley Design and Specification for New Build Projects

A new build superyacht galley is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a professional kitchen environment that is precisely matched to the vessel's intended use, culinary ambitions and operational requirements. Unlike a refit — where the existing structure, plumbing and electrical routes constrain what is possible — a new build galley can be designed from first principles, with every element optimised without compromise.

The decisions made at the early design stage of a new build galley have consequences that last for the vessel's entire operational life. A galley designed with insufficient cold storage becomes a recurring problem on every provisioning day for decades. A combi oven specified one size too small forces the chef to choose between menus on every service. A warewashing layout with inadequate rack space creates bottlenecks at the end of every dinner service. Getting these decisions right at the design stage costs nothing extra. Getting them wrong is expensive and inconvenient to correct after the vessel is in operation.

Our Role in New Build Galley Projects

We engage with new build galley projects from the earliest design stage — ideally at the point where the galley layout is being established in the naval architect's drawings, before structural elements are finalised. Our involvement at this stage allows us to:

  • Define the galley brief — working with the owner and captain to establish the culinary programme, guest count, crew size and operational priorities that should drive the specification
  • Review the layout — assessing the proposed galley footprint and workflow for practical efficiency, identifying any early-design compromises that should be corrected before they are built in
  • Develop the equipment schedule — specifying the complete equipment list with manufacturer, model, configuration and technical requirements for every item
  • Manage procurement — ordering all equipment in the correct sequence to meet the yard's installation programme, coordinating delivery to the build location
  • Commission and train — commissioning all equipment at handover and training the captain and initial chef on the complete galley installation

Key Design Decisions for New Build Galleys

The most important decisions in a new build galley specification are rarely about individual equipment brands — they are about the fundamental dimensions and relationships that define the galley's capability:

Galley footprint — the single most important variable. Every square metre of galley space enables additional cooking, storage and workflow capability. We advise owners to invest in galley area rather than reduce it, and to resist pressure from interior designers to compress the galley in favour of guest accommodation. A generous galley pays for itself in operational quality throughout the vessel's life.

Cold storage capacity — the most common specification error in new build galleys is insufficient cold storage. We calculate cold storage requirements based on provisioning cycles, guest count and menu ambition, and specify refrigeration capacity accordingly.

Cooking platform — the choice between gas and induction cooking is fundamental to the galley's fire safety profile, ventilation requirement and power demand. We assess both options for each project and provide a recommendation based on the vessel's power system, flag state and operational priorities.

Ventilation system — adequate ventilation extraction is essential for a professional galley environment and is frequently under-specified. We provide extract volume calculations as part of the equipment specification so the HVAC engineer can design a system that matches the actual cooking load.

New Build Galley Equipment Brands

Our new build galley specifications typically draw from the leading brands in each equipment category: Rational for combi ovens, Winterhalter and Miele for dishwashing and glasswashing, Dometic and True Refrigeration for cold storage, Miele for laundry, and a range of suppliers for cooking ranges, induction equipment and ventilation. We select brands based on the vessel's brief and operational context, not on preferred-supplier relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions: New Build Superyacht Galley Projects

When should we engage a galley specialist on a new build project?+
As early as possible — ideally when the naval architect's general arrangement drawings are being developed and before structural elements are finalised. Early engagement allows us to influence the galley footprint, layout flow and technical services routing before decisions are locked in. The cost of making changes at the design stage is zero; the cost of correcting a structural galley constraint after build is significant. Our involvement at the GA stage adds no cost to the project and typically prevents problems that would cost many multiples more to correct later.
How much galley space does a superyacht need?+
As a rule of thumb, a professional galley on a vessel serving 8 to 12 guests needs a minimum of 20 to 25 square metres of galley space — including refrigeration alcoves and provision storage but not including crew mess and laundry. Smaller galleys are possible but require very careful layout design and limit the cooking programme. We provide galley area recommendations for each project based on the intended guest count, service style and chef team size, and advocate for adequate galley space against interior design pressure to compress the working spaces.
Should a new build superyacht galley use gas or induction cooking?+
Both options are viable and each has advantages. Induction cooking eliminates open flame from the galley, reducing fire risk and simplifying SOLAS compliance. It requires no LPG storage and reduces ventilation extraction requirements. Gas cooking is preferred by some professional chefs for the speed of heat response and the physical control of a flame — particularly for wok cooking and high-heat techniques. The trend in new build superyachts is strongly towards all-induction galleys. We assess each project's requirements, the vessel's electrical system and the owner's culinary brief to recommend the most appropriate cooking platform.
How is the galley equipment schedule coordinated with the build yard?+
We work directly with the yard's project manager and outfitting coordinator to align equipment delivery with the installation programme. Key coordination points include: confirmation of galley module dimensions before equipment is ordered; provision of technical specifications (electrical, plumbing, ventilation) to the engineering team; delivery to the yard at the correct stage of outfitting; and attendance at commissioning. We have experience working with major superyacht yards in Europe and can engage with the yard's existing supply chain procedures and documentation requirements.
What is the typical budget for new build galley equipment?+
Equipment budgets vary significantly based on vessel size, specification level and equipment selection. A well-specified galley for a 45 to 60-metre new build vessel — including combi oven, cooking range or induction suite, full refrigeration, dishwashing, glasswashing, laundry and preparation equipment — typically falls in the range of €150,000 to €350,000 for equipment alone. Larger vessels and higher specification levels will exceed this range. We provide a detailed equipment budget estimate at the specification stage, broken down by category, to enable accurate project cost planning.
Can we influence the galley layout after the GA plan is approved?+
Yes, but the extent of possible changes decreases as the build progresses. Minor layout changes — repositioning equipment within a defined galley space, adjusting worktop configurations — are possible during outfitting without significant cost. Structural changes — moving bulkheads, relocating access doors, significantly altering the galley footprint — become progressively more expensive and disruptive as the hull advances. The earlier we are involved, the broader the range of changes we can recommend without cost penalty.
What documentation do we provide for the new build galley?+
We provide a complete galley technical file at commissioning — including the full equipment schedule with manufacturer specifications, all warranty documentation, operation and maintenance manuals for every item, commissioning records and the recommended spare parts list. This documentation supports the vessel's classification society requirements and provides the foundation for the captain's ongoing maintenance management. We retain copies of all project documentation and can provide replacement copies if the originals are lost.
Do you offer design services for the galley interior as well as equipment?+
We specialise in the functional design and equipment specification of the galley — the layout, workflow, equipment selection and technical integration. We work alongside the interior designer who is responsible for the finishes, materials and aesthetic of the galley space. Our functional specification informs the interior designer's work, and we review the interior design proposals to identify any conflicts between the aesthetic intent and the operational requirements. This collaborative approach ensures the galley is both functional and visually consistent with the vessel's interior design brief.

Related Services

Abraham Stones
Superyacht Galley Specialist

Abraham Stones has delivered new build galley solutions for owners, shipyards and management companies worldwide. His 20+ years of hands-on superyacht galley experience ensures every solution is grounded in real operational knowledge.

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