Novi Marine Hands Over Hybrid Patrol RIB to Antwerp

June 24 2026August 03 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

A Unique Gemini Hybrid Patrol RIB for City Harbour Antwerp

Novi Marine (The Netherlands) won the 140 points long tender and officially delivered the very first and unique hybrid Gemini WR650 patrol RIB to the “Stadshaven Antwerpen” (Belgium).

A RIB or Rigid Inflatable Boat is a very safe high-performance motor boat.

The ceremony was attended by Antwerp mayor Els van Doesburg and city harbour master Werner Weijts, amongst others.

I attended the event and witnessed the handover of the 6.5-metre Gemini WR650 Hybrid.

The patrol boat combines a Yamaha 150 hp outboard with a twin Torqeedo electric propulsion system.

It operates electrically in urban areas and switches to petrol power for rapid interventions.

According to Novi Marine, distributor of GEMINI RIBs, the vessel meets the latest European emissions standards and prepares Stadshaven Antwerpen for future regulations.

Proud to share that Gemini Marine and novi-marine are good Friends of RIBs ONLY.

Regular Specs

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Bernico Hybrid 52R of Jon Olsson

August 05 2022August 03 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

An Innovative Hybrid Powerboat

This unique big RIB has 3.100 hp in total and is really fast. It clocked at 104 knots according to Bernico (B).

In this video a propeller lost half a blade and is replaced by the owner Jon Olssen (S) whilst the RIB was in the water.

This video was published on the Jon Olsson YouTube channel.

There’s a lot more fantastic RIBs by Bernico here te see on RIBsONLY.com Enjoy!

Specs

Model	Bernico Hybrid 52R
LOA	15,56 m
Width	3,43 m
Hybrid system	2 hours of electric-only cruising
Fuel tank	2 x 1.000 l
Engines	Twin Mercury Racing 1550 hp
Engine type	Twin-turbo V8 with sequential fuel injection
Internal cockpit width	2,22 m
Fresh water tank	150 l
Deadrise at transom	20°

data may vary

Going Bananas Delivering Jon Olsson’s 3K hp RIB

July 20 2022June 02 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Going Bananas on this Exclusive RIB

It’s been a while since Nico Bertels updated us on Jon’s epic boat build. However, he has finally finished this amazing RIB down to every last custom detail.

The boat, designed for speed and luxury, exceeds expectations, impressing the customer, Jon Olsen.

The narrative includes a test ride, showcasing the powerful engines, innovative steering wheel controls, and the boat’s exceptional performance, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour being 102,28 knots.

The project is a collaboration between a company known for custom-built boats and Jon Olsen, a social media influencer.

The text highlights the successful outcome, expressing pride, relief, and excitement for future, even more ambitious projects.

It took Bernico 4 years to build this head-turning full carbon Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Jon Olssen (S) is the lucky owner of this military looking unique RIB called “C’est normal”.

This video was published on the #lifeonwater YouTube channel.

More RIBs built by Bernico International to admire.

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The Worlds Fastest Hybrid RIB Clocks at 104.2 Knots – It’s a Bernico!

June 20 2022January 26 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Another Bernico Masterpiece

It’s been rumoured for some time but now it’s gone public.

The Worlds Fastest Hybrid RIB clocks at 104.2 Knots. It’s a Bernico International! CEO and owner is the Belgian Nico Bertels, a well-known boat builder and race pilot with a fantastic palmares.

He won many (!) titles and his son Buby is following in his footsteps.

He sells boats that are well-liked all around the world, and have won lots of awards. One of his biggest secrets is the shape of the hull, the most important part of any boat.

It took the company 4 years to build this head-turning full carbon Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Jon Olssen (S) is the lucky owner of this military looking unique RIB called “c’est normal”.

The actual ride is the next video so stay tuned.

This video was published on the Jon Olsson YouTube channel.

Here are more videos of Bernico Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).

RIBCRAFT Steps Taken to Reduce Carbon Footprint

January 23 2022May 05 2023 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

RIBCRAFT have announced several steps they have taken to reduce their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

A Middle Eastern customer required a Patrol RIB intended for the surveillance of the environmentally protected areas with zero environmental footprint, while at the same time being able to operate at speeds in excess of 40 knots for safety and security missions.

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