Signorini (Muir/Tbs Marine): "Increased dimensions and integrated redundancies"

This service was published in preview in issue 1-2026 of the Yacht Upstream supplement available at this link

The increasing size and operational complexity of superyachts is placing new demands on mooring and anchoring systems. In this context, Muir, represented in the Mediterranean by Luca Signorini's TBS Marine, is updating its solutions, materials, and processes to meet the standards required by shipyards and classification societies. SUPER YACHT 24 interviewed Signorini to analyze the most relevant technical aspects, from mechanical configurations to sizing criteria, to maintenance and sustainability issues applied to latest-generation projects.

What range of yachts does Muir specialize in and what are the latest innovations?

Muir is known worldwide for its systems installed on megayachts measuring 60 meters and above, but we have always worked across three main segments: mega, pleasure, and commercial. We have recently introduced many new features to reaffirm the company's proactive approach to our customers. For example, in the megayacht segment, I would like to highlight our new HR20000 model with an innovative horizontal winch layout for yachts with covered mooring areas. This solution minimizes installation costs, takes up less space, and ensures easy maintenance. In the pleasure segment, we just presented the updated Cougar HR1600 model at METS, now available with a new brushed AISI 316 stainless steel finish and casings, offering excellent corrosion resistance.

How is the company responding to the increasing size and displacement of superyachts?
Muir has a strong tradition in large chain sizes and can produce chains up to 54 mm U3 or 60 mm U2. This can be suitable for vessels up to 150 meters in length. We have updated our electrical panels to integrate soft-start systems and VFD inverters, including on the stern capstans, to better support the repeated high-load pulls typical of large vessels. We install our torque-limiting gearbox protection system as standard on all anchor winches. This ensures that, even in undesirable situations such as a lurching anchor, the mechanical components are protected from overloads that could cause breakage.

What technical solutions do you consider distinctive of Muir products?
Muir has always focused on total reliability, so I'd first mention the quality of the construction elements, starting with the materials themselves: from the steel selected for the drums and gypsies (chain sprockets) to the commercial components used in our drive systems. Bonfiglioli, Cima 1915, and WEG, to name a few, are our long-standing partners, ensuring reliability, durability, and global spare parts availability. Secondly, I'd mention the generous sizing and redundancies designed to ensure safety. As mentioned previously, this includes the integrated gearbox protection system, the large-diameter SS431 shafts, our anti-seize bearing-mounted chain tensioners, the oversized rollers, the commercial-duty motors, and the positive dog clutch system. Muir considers the product as a complete assembly, from the welded flanges to the super-mirror polishing of our stainless steels.

The yacht that represents Muir's solidity and capabilities?
“M/Y Kensho is a fantastic example of a Muir-equipped yacht. We worked closely with the shipyard to ensure the anchoring system was well-designed and supplied several VRC22000 winches, low-profile stoppers, and VC20000 capstans. These are heavy-duty systems suited to the demanding requirements of a Mediterranean charter vessel. The last thing you want is for your vessel to be stranded because the anchoring system isn't working.”

How do classification society requirements influence winch design?
"The sizing of anchoring systems is regulated by IACS member companies from the very early stages of project development. Starting from the outfitting specification, the type and size of anchors and chains are determined, and this calculation is based on classification rules, which vary from company to company, so we are deeply involved in this process. The same applies to the testing performed on the equipment in our facility, where we host inspectors on a weekly basis to observe the equipment testing."

What are the priorities in terms of market, sales network and services for construction sites?
Muir has long maintained a broad network of partners and service points around the world. At TBS, we are proud to serve the Italian market and the Mediterranean more generally.
Very recently, Koreax Srl was founded – a service company controlled by Tbs Srl – which, through mobile workshops and our headquarters, is responsible for maintenance throughout the Mediterranean basin, further strengthening the brand's proximity to its customers."

Where can progress be made in terms of sustainability?
Muir is committed to its 'Built to Last' philosophy, which is reflected in everything from our approach to design, manufacturing, and support. We often joke with our service partners that our equipment is 'too good' because it almost never breaks, and if it does, it can be repaired rather than replaced. While this may not be the best sales approach, it demonstrates our commitment to reducing waste and avoiding a 'throw-away' mindset for equipment. We are also proud of our manufacturing facility in Tasmania, which boasts an extensive hydroelectric network, and which, combined with our rooftop solar system, means our Tasmanian operations are 100% carbon neutral. As the market leader in this area, we believe great progress can be made by choosing equipment that doesn't require regular replacement. It's crucial that we consider the embodied energy and carbon in our systems when building these beautiful boats.

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