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Project COSMOS: First superyacht with fuel cell technology launched by Lürssen

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By Steph Loseby   9 March 2023

The first yacht to feature fuel cell technology onboard, the  114m (374ft) superyacht Project Cosmos , previously known as Project 13759, has been technically launched from Lürssen’s facility in Rendsburg, Germany. The technology will allow the motor yacht to operate with minimal environmental impact and will reduce its carbon footprint significantly.

At the forefront of innovation, Lürssen has been involved in research projects aimed at using fuel cells on ships since 2009, and since 2012, the development of a modular fuel cell system using methanol has been underway. 

The impressive 114m vessel Project COSMOS has not only been designed to become one of the most luxurious yachts in the world, but it is the first to feature this groundbreaking fuel cell technology onboard. 

Video footage by @redcharlie1 for @luerssenyachts 

This is a milestone in the yachting industry David Seal

At a Lürssen Live show last year, Peter Lürssen explained: "Fuel cells have very little maintenance and are more efficient than a diesel engine, which is already a very efficient way to produce power." He also mentioned that the fuel cell will allow the owner more than 15 nights emission-free at anchor, or the owner will be able to slow cruise his superyacht for more than 1000 miles emission-free. 

How does fuel cell technology work?

Describing the science behind the innovation, Peter Lürssen explained "The core element is a cell which consists of two bipolar plates and one membrane electrode-assembly, in between you build these cells, hundreds of cells are stacked to form a fuel cell stack. Several fuel cell stacks, the FC balance of the plant (compressor, DC/DC, etc.) and the fuel reforming unit, will be combined to a highly integrated fuel cell system. The fuel cell systems, which already meet the specific maritime rules, will be connected with the methanol supply system, the ventilation and electrical infrastructure. Then the magic can start, out comes electrical power and warm, moist air” as by-product."

Superyacht Project COSMOS

Much of the 6,3000 GT yacht’s details have been shrouded in secrecy, including her exterior and interior designers, however, images reveal the vessel appears to have a bold explorer -style profile with the superstructure placed forward to create a large aft deck complete with a swimming pool and a large cut-out, which we can expect to host a large tender.

Crowning her four decks, there appears to be an observation lounge and a helipad on the bridge deck below in true explorer style. 

Project COSMOS has been confirmed as the 5th largest project underway for the German shipyard, with seven additional vessels over 100 meters currently in build at Lürssen, including the 125m (410ft) Project Jag that is due for delivery sometime this year and the 116m (380ft) Project Alibaba, due for delivery in 2024.

It is expected that Project COSMOS will be delivered in 2025.

It is not yet known whether the vessel will become a luxury yacht for charter . If you'd like to charter a yacht of a similar caliber, you can view and compare all Lürssen superyachts for charter  or get in touch with a recommended yacht charter broker  for more information about making a booking.

Largest Lurssen yachts available for charter

126m Lurssen 2003 / 2021

115m Lurssen 2021

95m Lurssen 2014

90m Lurssen 2010 / 2024

85m Lurssen 2013 / 2022

73m Lurssen 1994 / 2022

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• Technical launch
• Lurssen yacht
• Project Cosmos
• Lurssen yacht launch
• fuel cell technology yacht

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By SuperyachtNews 27 Apr 2021

Lürssen to install first hydrogen fuel cell on a superyacht

The new technology should make it possible to anchor emission-free for 15 days or cruise 1000 nautical miles at a slow speed….

Lürssen is building its first superyacht with fuel cell technology for a pioneering and technology-driven client. The fuel cell will be flanking conventional generators and represents a major step towards an emissions-free superyacht. The new technology should make it possible to anchor emission-free for 15 days or cruise 1000 miles at a slow speed.

“My grandfather built the world’s first motorboat in 1886, my dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine,” states Peter Lürssen, CEO of Lürssen.

To bring the project to fruition, Lürssen is setting up an Innovation Laboratory to simulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System onboard a yacht powered by methanol. Since 2005 Lürssen has been involved in research projects aimed at using fuel cells on ships to advance sustainable shipbuilding.

“We don’t just want to use the latest technology on our yachts – we want to advance the status quo. And, in order to change things, we have to be active. That is why we have teamed up with several top partners,” continues Lürssen.

Since 2009, Lürssen has been a partner of a national research project called ‘Pa-X-ell’ with Besecke, Carnival Maritime, DLR, DNV, EPEA, Freudenberg and Meyer Werft. The aim of Pa-X-ell is the development and testing of a hybrid energy system with a new generation of PEM fuel cells for yachts and seagoing passenger vessels.

“The Innovation Laboratory will be ready in summer 2021 and under real-life ambient conditions and with all required auxiliary systems we consider this demonstration plant to be the final preparations to bring fuel cells onboard a yacht successfully,” comments Dr Justus Reinke, managing director of Lürssen. “It will definitely bring us a step closer to a C02 emission-free Lürssen yacht.”

Lürssen has committed to a strategic partnership with Freudenberg, one of the leading experts for maritime fuel cells and a global technology group. “With Freudenberg we have a strong partner at our side. We both have the aim to bring fuel cells onboard ships in the near future and revolutionise the yacht’s energy and propulsion system,” explains Lürssen.

“We are pleased to enter into a long-term partnership with Lürssen, the leading, innovative shipyard in the yacht sector. Together we will set standards for sustainable, emission-free mobility for yachts,” adds Claus Moehlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.

Lürssen’s and Freudenberg’s concept is a fuel cell driven by hydrogen which is continuously reformed from methanol. The choice of methanol rather than elemental hydrogen has been made due to its higher energy density, the simplicity of handling and worldwide availability. Perhaps most importantly, however, methanol can be stored in structural tanks in the double bottom of a yacht in contrast to pressurized or liquefied hydrogen which requires valuable space above the tank top and extensive tank structures.

“Based on our vast knowledge in Fuel Cell Systems and Hydrogen generation by reforming methanol in connection with Freudenberg’s proven industrialization expertise, we are committed to realising innovative power and propulsion solutions for the maritime industry,” explains Dr Manfred Stefener, head of the lead center fuel cell systems of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “We are happy to have Lürssen as partner for bringing the combination of the mature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) with an efficient conversion process of methanol into hydrogen on the first yacht worldwide.”

According to Lürssen, methanol is an important base material for the chemical industry and has been an option to be used as a clean fuel for decades. When produced from renewable sources like by CO2 capture from the atmosphere methanol can be completely climate-neutral.

“Due to the low dynamic capability of fuel cells the system layout and the combination with other energy converters and storages is the key for a successful fuel cell power system. The yacht, which is currently under construction, will be able to stay more than 15 days at anchor with the night time power supply being a zero-emission mode. And the yacht can reach more than 1000 miles slow cruising with zero-emission,” comments Lürssen.

According to Lürssen, the modular construction of the methanol fuel cell system can be adjusted to a customized yacht to keep space requirements and costs as low as possible and the efficiency of the system as high as possible. Fuel cells cause almost no noise or vibrations, need only minor maintenance and are more efficient than diesel engines. However, most importantly, emissions like nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, soot and CO2 can be avoided when green methanol is used.

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Lürssen is building its first yacht with fuel cell technology for a pioneering and technology driven client. The fuel cell is flanking the conventional generators and is a big step to an emission free Lürssen yacht. This innovative technology makes it possible to anchor emission-free for 15 days or cruise 1000 miles at slow speed. Peter Lürssen states: „My grandfather built the world’s first motorboat in 1886, my dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine.”

In the meantime Lürssen sets-up an Innovation Laboratory to simulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol.Since 2005 Lürssen has been involved in research projects aimed at using fuel cells on ships in order to advance sustainable shipbuilding. “We don’t just want to use the latest technology on our yacht – we want to advance the status quo. And in order to change things, you have to be active. That is why we have teamed up with several top partners,” says Peter Lürssen.

Since 2009 Lürssen is partner in the national research project which is called Pa-X-ell. In addition to Lürssen the other partners are: Besecke, Carnival Maritime, DLR, DNV, EPEA, Freudenberg and Meyer Werft. The aim is the development and testing of a hybrid energy system with a new generation of PEM fuel cells for yachts and seagoing passenger vessels.

Dr. Justus Reinke, managing director of Lürssen confirms: “The Innovation Laboratory will be ready in summer 2021 and under real life ambient conditions and with all required auxiliary systems we consider this demonstration plant to be the final preparations to bring fuels cells on board a yacht successfully. It will definitely bring us a step closer to a CO2 emission free Lürssen yacht.”

Lürssen has committed to a strategic partnership with Freudenberg, one of the leading experts for maritime fuel cells and a global technology group with around 48.000 employees in 60 countries. Peter Lürssen says: „With Freudenberg we have a strong partner at our side. We both have the aim to bring fuel cells on-board ships in the near future and revolutionise the yacht’s energy and propulsion system.”

Claus Moehlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “We are pleased to enter into a long-term partnership with Lürssen, the leading, innovative shipyard in the yacht sector. Together we will set standards for a sustainable, emission-free mobility for yachts.”

Dr. Manfred Stefener, Head of the Lead Center Fuel Cell Systems of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies explains: “Based on our vast knowledge in Fuel Cell Systems and Hydrogen generation by reforming methanol in connection with Freudenberg’s proven industrialization expertise, we are committed to realize innovative power and propulsion solutions for the maritime industry. We are happy to have Lürssen as partner for bringing the combination of the mature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) with an efficient conversion process of methanol into hydrogen on the first yacht worldwide.“

Methanol is an important base material for the chemical industry and has been an option to be used as clean fuel for decades. When produced from renewable sources like by CO2 capturing from the atmosphere, methanol, is completely climate-neutral. Peter Lürssen comments: “Due to the low dynamic capability of fuel cells the system layout and the combination with other energy converters and storages is the key for a successful fuel cell power system. The yacht, which is currently under construction, will be able to stay more than 15 days at anchor with the night time power supply being a zero emission mode. And the yacht can reach more than 1000 miles slow cruising with zero emission.”

Thanks to the modular construction the methanol fuel cell system can be adjusted to a customized yacht to keep space requirements and costs as low as possible and the total efficiency of the system as high as possible. Fuel cells cause almost no noise or vibrations, need only minor maintenance and are more efficient than diesel engines. But most important emissions like nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, soot and even CO2 can be avoided when green methanol is used. 

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An Engineless Future? Lürssen Installs First Fuel Cell on Yacht

By George Bains

Lürssen is leading the superyacht industry into an exciting future with the construction of its first yacht with fuel cell technology, commissioned by a pioneering and technology-driven client. The fuel cell is flanking the conventional generators and marks a big step towards an emission-free Lürssen yacht.

“My grandfather built the world’s first motorboat in 1886,”  says Peter Lürssen,  “my dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine.” 

The innovative technology being developed by Lürssen will make it possible to anchor emission-free for 15 days or cruise 1000 miles at slow speed. Lürssen has also set-up an Innovation Laboratory to stimulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol. 

Lürssen began its research projects aimed at using fuel cells on ships in 2005, with the objective of advancing sustainable shipbuilding. 

“We don’t just want to use the latest technology on our yacht – we want to advance the status quo,”  continues Peter Lürssen.  “And in order to change things, you have to be active. That is why we have teamed up with several top partners.”

Since 2009, Lürssen has been a partner in the national research project Pa-X-ell, which aims to develop and test hybrid energy systems with a new generation of PEM fuel cells for yachts and seagoing passenger vessels. 

Dr Justus Reinke, managing director of Lürssen, confirms:  “The Innovation Laboratory will be ready in summer 2021 and under real life ambient conditions and with all required auxiliary systems we consider this demonstration plant to be the final preparations to bring fuel cells on board a yacht successfully. It will definitely bring us a step closer to a CO2 emission-free Lürssen yacht.”

Lurssen has committed to a strategic partnership with Freudenberg, one of the leading experts for maritime fuel cells and a global technology group with around 48,000 employees in 60 countries. Peter Lurssen says:  “With Freudenberg we have a strong partner at our side. We both have the aim to bring fuel cells on-board ships in the near future and revolutionise the yacht’s energy and propulsion system.”

Lürssen’s and Freudenberg’s concept is a fuel cell driven by hydrogen which is continuously reformed from methanol. The choice of methanol rather than elemental hydrogen has been made due to its higher energy density, the simplicity of handling and easy worldwide availability. But most important, methanol can be stored in structural tanks in the double bottom of a yacht in contrast to pressurized or liquefied hydrogen which requires valuable space above the tank top and extensive tank structures.

Dr. Manfred Stefener, Head of the Lead Center Fuel Cell Systems of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies explains:  “Based on our vast knowledge in Fuel Cell Systems and Hydrogen generation by reforming methanol in connection with Freudenberg’s proven industrialization expertise, we are committed to realize innovative power and propulsion solutions for the maritime industry. We are happy to have Lürssen as partner for bringing the combination of the mature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) with an efficient conversion process of methanol into hydrogen on the first yacht worldwide.”

Methanol is an important base material for the chemical industry and has been an option to be used as clean fuel for decades. When produced from renewable sources like by CO2 capturing from the atmosphere, methanol, is completely climate-neutral. Peter Lürssen comments:  “Due to the low dynamic capability of fuel cells the system layout and the combination with other energy converters and storages is the key for a successful fuel cell power system. The yacht, which is currently under construction, will be able to stay more than 15 days at anchor with the night-time power supply being a zero emission mode. And the yacht can reach more than 1000 miles slow cruising with zero emission.” 

The modular construction ensures that the methanol fuel cell can be adjusted to a customised yacht t keep space requirements and costs as low as possible and the total efficiency of the system as high as possible. Fuel cells cause almost no noise or vibrations, need only minor maintenance and are more efficient than diesel engines. Most importantly, emissions like nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, soot and even CO2 can be avoided when green methanol is used. 

Lürssen is undoubtedly one of the superyacht industry’s most prominent pioneers, and the German shipyard is leading us towards an exciting (and sustainable!) future.  

"My dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine." Peter Lürssen

"My dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine."

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Freudenberg and Lürssen Werft to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems for Mega Yachts

Freudenberg and Lürssen Werft to develop hydrogen fuel cell systems for mega yachts.

Freudenberg is entering into a strategic partnership with Lürssen Werft, the global market leader in the yacht sector, to develop fuel cell systems for mega yachts. In the case of the first system under development, it will allow a ship to spend more than 15 days at anchor or cruise for more than 1,000 miles with zero emissions.

This is roughly equivalent to the route from New York to Miami or from Hamburg to Lisbon via London.

With over 10,000 ships worldwide, the yacht industry is a significant part of the maritime economy. Its customers value innovations, new technologies and environmental protection. After all, yachts are often near residential coasts, where factors such as emissions of any kind are delicate issues.

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Just as in larger ships that prioritize range and route flexibility, electricity must be ruled out as an energy source due to the heavy weight and low volumetric energy density of battery systems. For these ocean-going vessels, fuel cell propulsion is a superior choice.

This is why Lürssen and Freudenberg have defined a joint technology roadmap for yachts without combustion engines. The two companies are already collaborating on the “Pa-X-ell 2” project, in which other partners such as Carnival Maritime, DNV, besecke, DLR, EPEA and Meyer Werft are pushing ahead with the development and testing of a hybrid energy system with a new generation of fuel cells for yachts and passenger ships suitable for the high seas.

Claus Möhlenkamp , CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.

Our strategic cooperation with Lürssen is another milestone in our fuel cell strategy. This is how we are making a significant contribution to sustainability in the maritime sector

“Our partners in the heavy-duty sector appreciate our strategic focus on fuel cell systems with high durability and efficiency.

“Our technical expertise, combined with high value creation, especially on a cell level, is a convincing asset,” Möhlenkamp adds.

“Following the collaboration with Meyer Werft in the cruise sector, our cooperation with Lürssen is proving that our technology is generally transferable to all maritime sub-segments.”

The partnership also brings important opportunities to Lürssen.

Peter Lürssen

Our cooperation with Freudenberg brings us a big step closer to our goal: an emissions-neutral Lürssen yacht

“We look forward to working with Freudenberg, the technology leader in maritime fuel cell systems.”

Maritime Fuel Cell System Based on Methanol

The fuel cells, which have been uniquely developed for maritime applications, will temporarily substitute the ship’s conventional diesel generators in the first joint ship installation. This allows the yacht to anchor for 15 days or cruise 1,000 miles without emissions – an important added value for the ship owner.

The system uses Freudenberg’s methanol-operated, maritime fuel cell system with integrated fuel reforming, which received the “Approval in Principle” from the DNV GL classification society at the end of 2020: Steam reforming of methane is used to produce hydrogen directly in the system, which then reacts with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell, generating the electric energy required for the propulsion as well as the ship’s electrical system.

Ship owners benefit from the fuel cell system’s higher efficiency, when compared with a combustion engine, and thus enjoy lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs. The ships travel nearly without sounds or vibration, which is particularly important for the regions that serve as destinations for the yachts.

Another component of the collaboration is the commissioning of an innovation laboratory at Lürssen, where the integration and operation of Freudenberg’s maritime fuel cell systems are simulated on board a yacht operated with methanol. The optimal hybridization between fuel cells and batteries will also be analyzed here.

The Goal Is to Decarbonize the Maritime Fleet

In addition to the Truck and Bus segment, equipping ships with fuel cell systems is one of Freudenberg’s strategic goals, explains Dr. Manfred Stefener.

Dr. Manfred Stefene r, Vice President Fuel Cell Systems at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies:

Our aim is to decarbonize the entire maritime fleet.

“Thanks to the integration of fuel cell battery solutions, we will supply all of the energy requirements of ships, including those of the main propulsion system. This hybridization strategy makes it possible to sustainably and cost-efficiently achieve the required installations in the double-digit, megawatt range for every ship. Freudenberg provides these solutions from a single source.”

Right-sizing of fuel cell and battery as well as fuel flexibility are key success factors for Freudenberg: It is one of the few companies with the technological capabilities to manufacture both fuel cells and high-performance batteries for heavy-duty applications within its own production facilities – a value-added benefit to customers.

“This allows us to directly influence the cost, quality and technical performance of the systems,” notes Stefener.

In the future, continuously operating fuel cells will cover the base load in shipping. Batteries will provide the power needed for peak performance, for example, during maneuvering. “This perfectly coordinated interaction increases the lifespan of all system components while also optimizing the efficiency of the overall system,” Stefener says, explaining the right-sizing approach.

“Additionally, it allows for smaller configurations of the total installed capacity, which offers significant space and cost benefits.”

Greatest Possible Flexibility in the Fuel Selection

Freudenberg’s maritime fuel cell systems are also advanced where fuel flexibility is of concern. The fuel cell systems can be used optionally with pure hydrogen, methanol or liquefied natural gas (LNG). In view of the high demands on range and route flexibility of the world’s maritime fleet, methanol fuel, in particular, which can already be produced in a completely emission-neutral manner, offers enormous potential for reducing emissions.

For methanol and LNG, Freudenberg uses innovative reformer technologies that are directly integrated into the maritime fuel cell systems. The reformer technology produces hydrogen chemically and is located inside the hydrogen supply module.

Freudenberg’s downstream modular and standardized fuel cell modules can convert reformed hydrogen from both methanol and LNG into electricity and heat. They can also be operated with pure hydrogen.

“Now we can offer our customers the greatest possible flexibility when they select their fuel,” Stefener concluded.

For Sustainable Yachting, Weinheim (Germany), June 15, 2021

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Lürssen installs first fuel cell on a yacht

Lürssen is building its first yacht with fuel cell technology for a pioneering and technology driven client. The fuel cell is flanking the conventional generators and is a big step to an emission free Lürssen yacht. This innovative technology makes it possible to anchor emission-free for 15 days or cruise 1000 miles at slow speed.

“My grandfather built the world’s first motorboat in 1886, my dream is to be the first to build a yacht without a combustion engine.” states Peter Lürssen .

In the meantime Lürssen sets-up an Innovation Laboratory to simulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol.

Since 2005 Lürssen has been involved in research projects aimed at using fuel cells on ships in order to advance sustainable shipbuilding. “We don’t just want to use the latest technology on our yacht – we want to advance the status quo. And in order to change things, you have to be active. That is why we have teamed up with several top partners,” says Peter Lürssen.

Since 2009 Lürssen is partner in the national research project which is called Pa-X-ell. In addition to Lürssen the other partners are: Besecke, Carnival Maritime, DLR, DNV, EPEA, Freudenberg and Meyer Werft. The aim is the development and testing of a hybrid energy system with a new generation of PEM fuel cells for yachts and seagoing passenger vessels.

Dr. Justus Reinke , managing director of Lürssen confirms: “The Innovation Laboratory will be ready in summer 2021 and under real life ambient conditions and with all required auxiliary systems we consider this demonstration plant to be the final preparations to bring fuels cells on board a yacht successfully. It will definitely bring us a step closer to a CO2 emission free Lürssen yacht.”

Lürssen has committed to a strategic partnership with Freudenberg, one of the leading experts for maritime fuel cells and a global technology group with around 48.000 employees in 60 countries. Peter Lürssen says: “With Freudenberg we have a strong partner at our side. We both have the aim to bring fuel cells on-board ships in the near future and revolutionise the yacht’s energy and propulsion system.” Claus Moehlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “We are pleased to enter into a long-term partnership with Lürssen, the leading, innovative shipyard in the yacht sector. Together we will set standards for a sustainable, emission-free mobility for yachts.”

Lürssen’s and Freudenberg’s concept is a fuel cell driven by hydrogen which is continuously reformed from methanol. The choice of methanol rather than elemental hydrogen has been made due to its higher energy density, the simplicity of handling and easy world wide availability. But most important, methanol can be stored in structural tanks in the double bottom of a yacht in contrast to pressurized or liquefied hydrogen which requires valuable space above the tank top and extensive tank structures.

Dr. Manfred Stefener , Head of the Lead Center Fuel Cell Systems of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies explains: “Based on our vast knowledge in Fuel Cell Systems and Hydrogen generation by reforming methanol in connection with Freudenberg’s proven industrialization expertise, we are committed to realize innovative power and propulsion solutions for the maritime industry. We are happy to have Lürssen as partner for bringing the combination of the mature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) with an efficient conversion process of methanol into hydrogen on the first yacht worldwide.“

Methanol is an important base material for the chemical industry and has been an option to be used as clean fuel for decades. When produced from renewable sources like by CO2 capturing from the atmosphere, methanol, is completely climate-neutral. Peter Lürssen comments: “Due to the low dynamic capability of fuel cells the system layout and the combination with other energy converters and storages is the key for a successful fuel cell power system. The yacht, which is currently under construction, will be able to stay more than 15 days at anchor with the night time power supply being a zero emission mode. And the yacht can reach more than 1000 miles slow cruising with zero emission.”

Thanks to the modular construction the methanol fuel cell system can be adjusted to a customized yacht to keep space requirements and costs as low as possible and the total efficiency of the system as high as possible. Fuel cells cause almost no noise or vibrations, need only minor maintenance and are more efficient than diesel engines. But most important emissions like nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, soot and even CO2 can be avoided when green methanol is used.

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Lürssen: progress through research and innovation

Lürssen launches its Innovation Lab, an innovation centre to explore new propulsion solutions for superyachts

Lürssen and its Innovation Lab

Following the presentation of the AHPO super yacht at the Monaco Yacht Show , Lürssen continues its path of innovation, with fuel cell technology taking centre stage. At the International Superyacht Show, the German shipyard gave visitors the opportunity to take a virtual tour inside the Innovation Lab, where a fuel cell is being tested, and to understand how a fuel cell powered by hydrogen reformed from methanol works.

Last year Lürssen announced the building of their first yacht with fuel cell technology as well as the set-up of an Innovation Laboratory at their yard in Bremen. The Innovation Laboratory is a demonstration facility that is used to simulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol.

The fuel cell was integrated into the Innovation Lab this summer and has already successfully completed the first test runs. Under real life ambient conditions and with all required auxiliary systems this demonstration plant can be considered to be the final preparations to bring fuel cells on board a yacht successfully.

Lürssen has committed to a strategic partnership with Freudenberg , one of the leading experts for maritime fuel cells and a global technology group with around 50,000 employees in 60 countries.

An essential milestone in maritime fuel cell technology is that Freudenberg has recently received type approval from RINA . The safety concept thus conforms to the IMO Interim Guideline and is approved for use on all types of ships. This is also the world’s first type approval for a maritime fuel cell system with integrated fuel reforming for the fuel type methanol.

“ With Freudenberg e-Power Systems we have a strong partner at our side – explains Peter Lürssen, manager of the company and 4 th generation of the family – We both have the aim to bring fuel cells on-board ships in the near future and revolutionize the yacht’s energy and propulsion system. The innovation laboratory will definitely bring us a step closer to a CO2 emission free Lürssen yacht”.

Yacht Refit, new life for yachts

“A refit is not just about necessary maintenance, it can also be a way to completely transform a yacht – says Alberto Perrone, Refit Sales Director at Lürssen – We enjoy the very complex rebuilds and refits, we like when owners come to us with problems to solve, we want to do the things that other yards steer clear of”.

In the past year more than a dozen yachts between 70 and 100 metres have used the Bremen facilities for refits and maintenance work. With over 1,800 qualified and experienced employees, the German shipyard has the manpower to tackle any project, be it a new build, refit or conversion.

Lürssen has also invested in a think tank that is dedicated to finding solutions to vessel construction and maintenance problems before they even arise. This proactive attitude also reduces the amount of time a yacht spends out of the water, which can be a selling point for owners who like to spend as much time as possible on board. This, combined with German engineering and timekeeping, gives many owners the peace of mind to take their yachts back to Bremen, Hamburg or Rendsburg, the three cities where the German company has yards.

AHPO is a beautiful 115 m superyacht , unveiled at the last Monaco Yacht Show, custom-built for a regular customer who already owned an 86-metre Lürssen and who needed high-level design and engineering and, above all, comfort for his family.

Once again, the exterior and interior design was entrusted to the Nuvolari-Lenard design studio, which succeeded in giving the Lürssen AHPO a unique look.

The design was based on the need to provide the yachtl’s guests with a healthy and familiar life on board, with numerous facilities for sports and activities, including an extra-large gymnasium on the sky lounge deck and a spacious wellness area on the lower deck.

AHPO is designed to reach its destinations in maximum comfort and, like all Lürssen yachts, this superyacht is equipped with advanced technology and engineering systems.

For example, the generators are equipped with a heat recovery system to heat the pool water, resulting in reduced electricity consumption and emissions, while dynamic positioning enables electronic anchoring in sensitive and remote areas, protecting the seabed and allowing safe mooring regardless of water depth.

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From Lürssen to Baglietto, Major Shipyards Are Now Building Hydrogen-Powered Yachts

The zero-carbon power source will allow owners to venture into waters where diesel propulsion is prohibited, and more., by michael verdon.

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A silent, limitless, zero-carbon power source that can run on ocean water might seem like the stuff of a Jules Verne novel, but the sci-fi-sounding technology of the hydrogen fuel cell will soon be a reality in yachting.

For an industry that adopts new technology at a glacial pace, using this type of experimental power on a superyacht costing tens of millions of dollars is a bold and financially daring step. But four shipyards are outfitting new builds with fuel cells anyway. The first is expected to splash in 2024. If it succeeds, it may one day supplant the hybrid diesel-electric engines and solar-powered sailboats that have served as a first step toward nautical sustainability.

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“Someone has to be the pioneer,” says Michael Breman, sales director at Lürssen Yachts, referring to an unnamed superyacht under construction at the company’s German headquarters. Lürssen, which has built many of the world’s largest, most complicated superyachts, won’t even reveal the vessel’s length. But Breman credits the owner, who also wants to remain anonymous, as someone looking toward the future with enthusiasm: “He’s smart about it. He didn’t jump in without taking stock of everything.”

Harnessing hydrogen presents big challenges: Just storing the highly flammable element in both liquid and gaseous forms requires extremely large, specially outfitted tanks that can consume valuable real estate across a boat’s interior. Plus, waterside hydrogen fueling stations are largely nonexistent. In order to bypass these limitations, Lürssen is using methanol—which can be housed in conventional tanks and converted to hydrogen—as the main fuel source. (The process produces less CO 2 than burning diesel, and some forms of methanol can be converted with zero harmful emissions.) Once the fuel cell turns the hydrogen into electricity, it can be used or stored in lithium-ion battery banks. That clean energy powers electric engines, while the cell continues to generate electricity. The fuel cell will run as long as it’s fed hydrogen.

A rendering of Lürssen’s game-changing fuel cell.  Courtesy of Lürssen Yachts

Lürssen and its partner, the Freudenberg Group , have been working on their fuel cell since 2019 and plan to start final testing this spring. The other big benefit of this system is that the cell “doesn’t have any moving parts, so there’s no noise or vibration,” says Breman.

The fuel cell won’t power the yacht’s main propulsion but instead will run the house load—mainly electricity and air-conditioning—in blissful silence for 15 days, or move the boat at a slow, net-zero-emissions pace for 1,000 miles. Both are significant breakthroughs since they will allow the yacht to stay away from port for weeks or travel into environmentally sensitive waters restricted to electric vessels.

Italian builder Baglietto says it’s building a fuel cell prototype that will be on display at its shipyard by the end of the year. The system can be installed on yachts 171 feet or longer and delivered by the end of 2024 or early 2025. (Sanlorenzo plans to debut its own system around the same time; Feadship also has a fuel-cell system in the works but remains mum on launch dates.)

Baglietto’s system captures hydrogen directly from ocean water, and you can also fill its storage tanks with commercially sourced hydrogen. Like Lürssen’s, its system will power the house load while delivering a silent, slow-mo cruise of six to nine knots. “One of our big goals is to extend the range in zero-emissions mode,” says Alessandro Balzi, director of Baglietto’s energy department. “It allows a yacht into areas where diesel propulsion is prohibited.”

While these systems represent an important step-change in sustainable technology, nobody expects a true, zero-carbon yacht for at least a decade. “Clean energy is not yet there for the main engines,” says Tankoa CEO Vincenzo Poerio, one of yachting’s early adopters of hybrid diesel-electric engines. Hydrogen fuel cells will be a critical component but not the total solution—at least not for a while. “We’ll see multiple systems coming together to feed our need for clean energy—possibly even nuclear-fusion power,” says Poerio. “Owners are asking for yacht designs now that can be swapped out as those systems mature over the next 10 years.”

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Project Deep Blue: Semi-complete hull of 130m+ Lürssen yacht technically launched

The semi-complete hull of a Lürssen project, known only as Project Deep Blue, has been spotted for the first time during its technical launch. 

The hull was seen preparing to leave the shipbuilder's Lemwerder site in order to move to Lürssen's Bremen facility for the next stage of construction, which will see the bow segment attached.

While no official specifications have been released by the yard, Project Deep Blue is estimated to measure around 130 metres, although this figure could be significantly higher once the bow is fitted. 

Details about the yacht's design team also remain under wraps, but yacht-spotters have drawn similarities between the yacht's lines and those of Ahpo (now Lady Jorgia ), with the same tapered decks on the forward part of the superstructure. 

The yacht, which is expected to have a gross tonnage of around 9,000 GT, is one of Lürssen's first projects to use the builder's new slipway which is able to accommodate much heavier loads. 

 According to BOATPro , Lürssen has 13 projects in build including Project Deep Blue. She is expected to see delivery in 2025.

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Innovations

The lürssen think tank.

YOU CAN’T PLAN EUREKA MOMENTS. BUT YOU CAN SET THE STAGE FOR THEM.

Innovation with a pioneering mindset.

Since its earliest beginnings, Lürssen has always been a pioneering shipbuilding company. From systematically optimising hull design to building the world’s first motorboat and on to today’s advancements in efficiency and sustainability – innovation is embedded in the Lürssen DNA. Accordingly, we maintain a think tank of the most forward-looking engineers and naval architects. Areas in which we have made the most progress in recent years include energy-efficient yacht design, exhaust aftertreatment and – currently – the introduction of the world’s first motor yacht powered by green hydrogen fuel cells. This last innovation, which uses bio-base methanol to produce hydrogen on board, has the potential to completely revolutionise yachting, harmonising luxury and performance with love and respect for the wellbeing of the oceans and our climate.

LÜRSSEN INNOVATIONS OVER THE YEARS. A HISTORY OF MAKING HISTORY

Lürssen builds the world’s first motorboat.

REMS has a Daimler engine with a cylinder capacity of 0.462 litres and a weight of 60 kilograms, producing an output of 1.5 hp.

Lürssen designs and builds the world’s first half-glider speedboat

Instead of planing hulls, Otto Lürßen relies on a rounded hull and powerful engines. At high speeds, these hulls partially emerge from the water.

Lürssen develops and builds the world’s first remote-controlled boat

The HAVEL is 13 metres long and is remotely steered with the aid of a wire.

Lürssen is the first to use a Voith Schneider propeller

Lürssen builds its first experimental boat with a Voith Schneider propeller.

Lürssen speedboat sets world record

Lürssen is the first to reach a speed of of 68.2 km/h, or around 37 knots, with a speedboat. Gert Lürßen himself sets the record on the Weser River.

Lürssen builds the world’s fastest motor yacht

SHERGAR is powered by two MTU diesel engines and two Allison gas turbines with an overall output of 16,100 hp, which take her to speeds of up to 45 knots.

Lürssen develops the world’s first common mounting of drive and energy systems

Main engines, gearbox and generators are mounted on a large common frame, thereby achieving extremely low noise and vibration levels.

Limitless utilises waste heat for desalination – another first

LIMITLESS utilises the excess heat from her diesel generators for desalination, providing on-board freshwater.

Hybrid propulsion implemented for the first time in Limitless

The 96-metre LIMITLESS is the first yacht to feature an energy-efficient hybrid propulsion system, comprising a combined diesel-mechanical and electric drive (PTI/PTO).

Lürssen pioneers research into underwater exhaust systems for yachts

The findings form the basis for optimum positioning of the exhaust system to minimise backpressure, noise and emissions.

For the first time, a yacht is built with a common-rail main diesel engine

The 70-metre SKAT, built in 2002, is the first yacht to use a common-rail engine as the main engine. This enables a reduction of emissions and fuel consumption to a minimum.

The large windows of RISING SUN are covered with special heat-insulting foils.

This exceptional material lowers the energy required for air conditioning significantly, reducing emissions substantially. RISING SUN has also been equipped with customised particulate filters to efficiently extract soot from exhaust fumes.

Lürssen builds the world’s first yacht with a pod drive

Lürssen builds the 90-metres ICE with a pod drive. The benefits: extremely high level of maneouverability, low noise level, reduced fuel consumption.

Lürssen makes a commitment to fuel-cell technology

Lürssen becomes involved in research projects aimed at using fuel cells as an on-board energy source. Fuel cell technology powered by methanol is a big step towards a zero pollution Lürssen Yacht.

Lürssen delivers the world’s largest private sailing yacht

EOS has an overall length of 93 metres.To reduce noise levels in the interior when running the engine, she also incorporates the first active engine mounting system in a yacht.

One of the world’s largest yachts now uses waste-heat recovery

One of the largest yachts in the world, 155-metre AL SAID is equipped with an extensive waste-heat recovery system for freshwater production through desalination.

Lürssen starts a wood modification project to develop alternatives to teak.

Various modification processes have been studied and combined in order to achieve technical and visual properties comparable to those of teak.

The fuel-cell research project Pa-X-ell is launched with Lürssen on board

Lürssen becomes a partner in the national research project Pa-X-ell, aimed at development and testing of marine hybrid fuel-cell systems utilising hydrogen reformed from methanol.

ARKLEY features a sophisticated wastewater treatment system based on membrane technology.

The treated water is close to drinking-water quality. The solution becomes a standard installation on Lürssen yachts.

A ballast water treatment system is integrated for the first time

TOPAZ is the first yacht to feature a ballast water treatment system.

AZZAM world’s longest private yacht

Lürssen delivers Azzam the longest yacht in the world. She not only sets a record with regard to her length of 180 metres and a speed of more than 30 knots – but also her building time of less than three years is record-breaking.

DILBAR world’s biggest private yacht by GT

Lürssen delivers the 156-metres yacht Dilbar – the biggest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. Without a doubt Dilbar is one of the most complex and challenging yachts that has ever been built, both in terms of dimension and technology. With a gross tonnage of 15,917 t, Dilbar provides spaces in the interior which have never been seen on a yacht before. The impressive project was finished in an astonishing 52 months.

An ambitious R&D project yields an exhaust-gas treatment for NOx emissions

The R&D project KeSS leads to the development of a compact exhaust system including a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, significantly minimizing NOx emissions.

DILBAR is equipped with air-injection systems for lower emissions and greater efficiency

The air-injection solutions at the transverse thruster and beneath the hull result in reduced noise emissions, lower vibration and greater fuel efficiency.

Battery installations on two vessels enable peak-load shaving and energy storage

MADSUMMER and the refitted DRAGONFLY feature large integrated batteries to store electrical energy and absorb short-term load peaks, avoiding the need to start a second generator.

The Innovation Lab sees the first-ever feasible fuel-cell solution for yachts

The Innovation Lab yields the first maritime PEM fuel-cell system equipped with an integrated methanol reformer and fully integrated into the yacht environment.

GREEN HYDROGEN YACHTS

The future of yachting: zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Awareness of the need for clean energy is growing. But in many industries, companies struggle to find mature and effective technological solutions or simply lack the vision to take decisive action. Others are constrained by the demand to deliver shareholder value. At Lürssen, we’re convinced that the superyacht industry represents a unique opportunity to make meaningful advances, which can then be applied elsewhere. Visionary owners with a fascination for innovation and a passion for the sea are predestined to support the drive for cutting-edge clean energies. In addition, as family-owned and operated yacht-builder, Lürssen has the freedom to pursue bold visions. In a strategic partnership with maritime fuel cell expert Freudenberg, we are in the process of introducing fuel-cell powered ships.

BIO-BASED METHANOL FOR FUEL CELLS

Project paxell: collaborating to drive innovation.

As of 2009, Lürssen has partnered with a national research project termed Pa-X-ell. Further partners include Besecke, Carnival Maritime, DLR, DNV, EPEA, Freudenberg and Meyer Werft. The collaboration partners have developed and tested a hybrid energy system with a new generation of PEM fuel cells for yachts and other passenger vessels. The pilot project uses methanol stored in tanks to produce hydrogen, which in turn feeds fuel cells that power engines and electric motors, resulting in zero emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, soot and CO2 (greenhouse gasses). When “green” bio-based methanol is used, the entire process becomes greenhouse gas-free. Lürssen is working to advance sustainable yachting. Take a virtual tour of the Innovation Lab and the Pa-X-ell project.

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE: TESUMO

A teak alternative with superior qualities for shipdecks.

It takes innovative approaches to address sustainability issues. In 2008, Lürssen launched a project to develop an alternative to teak for shipdecks in collaboration with the University of Göttingen and the Bavarian shipdeck specialist Wolz. The result of the joint effort is Tesumo, a sustainably cultivated wood that undergoes an innovative modification process before use. Tesumo not only offers the beauty and warmth associated with teak, but actually surpasses the traditional wood of choice in many of its durability and functional properties.

EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM

We now fit the exhaust aftertreatment system on all Lürssen yachts with keels laid after 1 January 2016. Meeting regulations on limiting nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions is a major challenge for the superyacht industry. Ships propelled by diesel engines can achieve these limits only with bulky selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that take up space and add weight, in turn reducing energy efficiency. Lürssen set out to develop an innovative exhaust aftertreatment system that would significantly reduce NOx emissions while also reducing space, weight, noise and vibration. We launched the R&D and implementation process in 2015 with the partners HUG Engineering and Nießing Anlagenbau. The project received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Together, we developed the concept and successfully tested it within just two years.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT YACHT DESIGN

Based on the concept that on-board comfort and pure joy of yachting are aligned with many different environmental benefits, Lürssen is committed to developing energy-saving technologies for fuel-efficient yachts that also operate at significantly lower levels of noise and vibration. Our naval architecture team achieves these goals with innovative hydrodynamics and propulsion systems. The experts use customized software, for example, in realistic simulations to optimize hull design, reducing resistance and providing smoother and more fuel-efficient operation. Further in-house innovations include a yacht-optimised air injection system, which creates an air cushion at the hull. This dampens noise emissions from the propeller travelling into the yacht, as well as from the engines travelling outside the yacht.

BETTER DATA, BETTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Interconnecting energy management and monitoring systems.

By merging energy-related data from on-board functions and systems, we systematically enhance the transparency and energy efficiency of our vessels. Operating, monitoring and analytical functions are interconnected across system boundaries. During yacht construction, the electrical design department at Lürssen gathers and analyses more than 10,000 operational data points, spanning basic alarm information to the voltage and current of each switchboard. To best utilise all these data, we have created an automated platform to intelligently and efficiently manage energy generation, distribution and consumption on board. It features an open-interface architecture incorporating the many individual systems unique to each project.

SMART MANUFACTURE

Applying the latest digital tech to tradional custom yacht building.

Digitalisation is revolutionising manufacturing, with the automotive industry leading the way. In luxury yacht construction, where tailored concepts and individual solutions are the hallmark of an outstanding shipyard, the transition to digitalised processes is not so simple. To overcome this barrier and apply digitalisation to custom-built yacht projects, Lürssen uses cutting-edge solutions like laser-marking to give each component of a vessel its own unique data matrix code. This links it to all relevant data. When scanned, the code enables our system to provide detailed information about where the piece belongs, when it needs to be installed and the quality checks required.

BESPOKE YACHTS

Individual visions create individual challenges.

Each bespoke Lürssen yacht project is unique, yet they all share one characteristic: the No. 1 priority is to fulfil the owner’s vision. Accordingly, every build represents an individual set of challenges. For example, clients and designers have highly diverse concepts for on-board swimming pools, which are typically one of the most important features on a superyacht and have a significant impact on the guest experience. One project called for a 12-metre infinity pool positioned transversely across the main deck. This raised the challenge of minimising the wave effect caused by the vessel’s motion. The innovative engineering solution was to subdivide the water in the pool using retractable bulkheads that counteracted waves according to their intensity.

INNOVATION MEETS SUSTAINABILITY: ALICE

A concept yacht shows what innovative sustainable solutions can do.

Lürssen’s innovative drive for greater substantiality is exemplified in ALICE, a pilot project using green hydrogen fuel cells and other environmentally friendly technologies. On permanent display at the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, the climate-neutral vessel is outfitted with Tesumo teak alternative decks. She also features park-like gardens, whose trees and vegetation create a pleasant climate and environment. On-board leisure facilities include a full-sized tennis court. Reflective glazing minimises the need for air conditioning in warm weather, while heat-recovery technology reduces overall energy consumption.

Are you an early adopter?

We look forward to talking about your innovative yacht

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