Formerly known as Project BLUE, the 525-feet (160-meter) mega yacht BLUE has been delivered to its owner. She left the Lürssen shipyard in Bremen on July 2nd and embarked on her maiden voyage, heading to Malta where she will now enjoy her very first season with her new owners.
First launched in February 2022, the yacht is now the fifth largest yacht in the world in terms of volume.
Terence Disdale has designed both the interior and exterior of the 15,320 GT superyacht, making full use of the yacht’s 72-feet (22.5-meter) beam and generous decks.
The yacht is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. The concept combines diesel-propulsion-technology with efficient modern electric propulsion systems.
BLUE’s system consists of two diesel engines that drive two controllable pitch propellers through individual gearboxes. These gearboxes are equipped with PTI/PTO units that can be used for either electric propulsion (slow speeds) or for generating electrical energy to operate the vessel at higher speeds.
BLUE is also equipped with an electric Azimuth Pod Drive, which in electric mode can be used separately, or when the PTI units are engaged, with the two propeller shafts.
In order to generate less noise and vibration and reduce nitrogen oxide levels, the megayacht is equipped with a state-of-the-art exhaust after-treatment system. Furthermore, BLUE’s innovative after-treatment system and wastewater treatment plant are equipped with new membrane technology that allows the treated wastewater to be safely disposed of in “drinking water quality,” according to the yard.
“To execute such a comprehensive project, an excellent team is necessary,” said Lürssen’s managing partner, Peter Lürssen. “We are very proud of BLUE as yet another statement of Lürssen’s ability and desire to build yachts that meet all of our exacting owners’ requirements, guided by our core focus of expert engineering, beautiful design and being a proud market leader in developing sustainable technologies.”
In terms of features, the yacht has a pair of helicopter landing sites; a large helideck at the bow and a smaller helipad aft. Each of the four upper decks features a large al fresco entertaining area and there is a swimming platform connected to a beach club, plus forward stateroom balconies on either side.
Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne, and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world’s leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.