Lürssen delivers new 114-meter megayacht designed by Marc Newson

Lürssen Shipyard has announced the delivery of Nausicaä, a 114,2-meter megayacht, initially developed as Project Cosmos, and designed entirely by Australian industrial designer Marc Newson.

The delivery of this megayacht, explains a note from the shipyard, represents a historic milestone for the Lürssen family, as it ideally recalls the pioneering vision of founder Friedrich Lürssen, who 140 years ago contributed to the birth of motor yachting with the construction of the first 6-meter motorized vessel in history, since Nausicaä “opened new avenues for innovation”.

The megayacht's design clearly departs from traditional industry standards, favoring fluid, organic forms over traditional flat surfaces. The modeling of the hull and superstructure required complex creative engineering, particularly in the creation of large, geometrically precise, mirror-like steel cylindrical forms that characterize the aft areas and main access gates. Despite its refined aesthetic, the vessel has been structured to undertake long-range voyages in all weather conditions, relying on an Ice Class 1D-certified hull, suitable for safe navigation even in light ice in both polar and tropical waters.

Transparency and integration with the surrounding landscape are the underlying theme throughout the naval architecture, dominated by extensive use of structural glass. The most significant engineering feature is the Skydome, a glass dome located at the vessel's highest point and composed of seven large curved gravity panels, each weighing over a ton and 62 millimeters thick. This structure houses the owner's private office, a 56-square-meter space with an interior height exceeding three meters, protected by an orbiting system of bronze shutters to regulate natural light and connected to a private terrace for exclusive use. Just below, a continuous band of glass wraps the entire upper deck, creating the visual effect of a suspended ribbon, culminating at the bow in a 19-meter-wide panoramic lounge located directly beneath the helipad. Innovation in the field of glass has been a distinctive feature of the German shipyard for some time now, with Rising Sune, Kismet and now with Nausicaä because, as Peter Lürssen stated, the aim is to go beyond structural complexity to create spaces that are aesthetically spectacular, yet functional for customers.

Nausicaä's exterior spaces and aft section also feature innovative solutions. The aft deck, which utilizes the full 18-meter beam, centers around a large pool suitable for swimming and diving, while the lower end houses a dry dock for a sport fishing tender over 12 meters long. The tender is moved via a slide system capable of handling loads of up to 16 tons; once the vessel is launched, the tracks retract and the area transforms into a sheltered lounge entirely lined with teak.

The interiors further break with traditional conventions, eschewing the main hall for a double-height atrium conceived as a permanent art gallery, featuring sculptures and unique pieces. The atrium's upper level is dedicated to entertainment, with a sushi bar, a recreation area, and custom seating integrated into the structure.

From a technical standpoint, Nausicaä adopts a modern diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of five engines—two primary and three auxiliary—connected to fully electric azimuth pods. The system is supported by a 2-megawatt battery pack, capable of powering all onboard services at peak times and operating silently, with zero local emissions, for extended periods. Looking ahead, the shipyard has already prepared for the integration of a methanol fuel cell system for onboard hydrogen generation, believing this is an emerging technology that will become a reality, allowing the megayacht to eliminate the use of traditional fossil fuels during long voyages.

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