The Indian Empress has recently been given a general refit by Melita Marine Group during her fourth visit to Malta. During her two-month stay, the 95-metre yacht had two of her three main engines and four generators overhauled, decking re-caulked and crew cabins and other areas refitted.

All aspects of the refit were carried out at Melita Marine Group and Malta Superyacht Services, under the Group’s project management.

Manoel Island Marina has become a regular port of call for the Indian Empress and on occasion, even for basic services such as provisioning and bunkering.

“Over the past years, Melita Marine Group has gained a reputation for delivering a high quality service,” said Pierre Balzan, managing director for Melita Marine. “Owners and captains have been consistently putting their trust in our skilled workforce in Malta, where we have invested in a solid service structure, as well as at our various offices throughout the Mediterranean. The service rendered by our staff and approved sub-contractors has indeed reached a level of excellence.”

Previously known as Al Mirqab, the Indian Empress, built at the world renowned Oceanco shipyard in Holland in 2000, is one of the largest private yachts in the world, with exceptional standards and a capacity to reach a maximum speed of 25 knots. Formerly owned by a Qatari Royal Family, the Indian Empress now belongs to Indian billionaire and entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, chairman of United Beverages Group – a multinational conglomerate of over 60 companies – and owner of Kingfisher Airlines.

Dr Mallya is also a keen yachtsman and aviator and has won trophies in professional car racing circuits and horse racing.