140m superyacht

140m Solaris is the most expensive custom superyacht

Dec 11, 2021 | News , Press

By Jules Rabai

Solaris, built by Lloyd Werft, and delivered in June this year is the most expensive custom superyacht to date.

An explorer class, capable of voyaging to locations beyond any other. If I could spend one day on any yacht in the world, it would be Solaris. The term state-of-the-art is an understatement when it comes to this vessel. I could argue any day that this superyacht is one of the best yachts in the world.

As a 14-year-old boy I feel truly fortunate seeing the world’s most beautiful yachts everyday. Every morning on the way to school, I view all the wonderful yachts harboured in the local port. Considering all that I have observed, I still haven’t seen anything as grand as Solaris!

Yet, every time I wonder, how much effort was put into these assets?

Each ship is the product of 3 people: The owner, who places the order, he defines the concept; The designer, who puts in the technical expertise; finally the builders, who bring it to reality.

The Russian billionaire, Mr. Roman Abramovich, the owner of this boat, has already been in possession of a number of superyachts (Sussurro, Ecstasea, Le Grand Bleu, Luna, Pelorus, Eclipse) before ordering Solaris. So, if there is someone having a concise idea on what is needed for a superyacht it is by all means Mr. Abramovich. Currently though, he owns 162.5-metre Eclipse, another one of the biggest superyachts in the world. So it may be asked, what made him choose to order another?

Solaris seen at anchor in the bay of Juan Les Pins near Cap d’Antibes (Photo: Julien Hubert)

Perhaps he wanted an environment that allows him to make outstanding business decisions. Maybe he wanted to own a vessel where he could invite extraordinary people and to show them places more exotic than the usual cruising regions of the Caribbean and French Riviera.

Though, in my opinion, the aim of this vessel is truly about the owner and his family. It offers unprecedented privacy, safety, and the ability to travel anywhere, all while being a great place to live. It’s a luxury villa on the sea! Mr. Abramovich has donated more money to build schools, hospitals and infrastructure than any other living Russian. Now it’s time for himself and his family.

If one creates a vessel as outstanding as Solaris (for one’s own family), then privacy and security are considerations.  This may be the reason for Solaris being a moving fortress. It has armoured plating, a hand-picked crew of 60, biometric fingerprint scanners, panic room and supposedly a radar missile detection system.  Roman Abramovich nevertheless is a master and a well-known pioneer for anti-paparazzi systems to help keep his privacy to the fullest extent private. So naturally against paps, he needed to use an ultra-high-tech laser shielding system. My utmost favorite of any of his systems so far. It can best be explained as a very high budget version of shining a torch in someone’s face. Only here, the torch is a high intensity infra-red laser (only harmful to cameras) and someone’s face is the photosensitive parts of the paparazzi’s cameras. This system can detect any photo before it can be taken and blind the paps’ cameras using its lasers.

Today, instead of long ranged lenses you have drones too – so once one enters in a range of 20 kilometres it is registered as a potential threat: Spy observed.  Then if one is as reckless as to go within 500-metres of the craft it has its video signal blocked: Spy disabled.  Afterwards if the drone still decides to hang around, it will be forced out of the sky: Spy eliminated. Along with strict ‘privacy contracts’ being signed by each of the crew, we may be very certain that not a word is getting off that ship.

Unparalleled privacy is just one of the many features which required Mr. Frank Neubelt’s ingenuity to implement for Solaris.  Frank Neubelt is a familiar name to most in the yachting industry being a well-respected designer. All his experience gathered over his 25 year career certainly shows with exceptional results. Even the name ‘Solaris’, already implies his phenomenal work, being Latin for ‘pertaining to the sun’ which his what his design truly adheres to.

Accordingly, the vessel has a mirror like light grey hull which glistens brightly in the sun. Furthermore, a crisp white superstructure provides a complement alleviating the hull by being brighter as if stating to the viewer that the inside is even better and to have a look inside. The superstructure is even, encapsulated by the hull arching over at the peak making the ship very unique. This element may also serve the purpose of protection reinforcing that the inside is something precious to keep safe.

The spectacle continues on into the night. Once the night lights are activated a magnificent view ameliorates the sea darkness. This is done by the well-placed lights shining at exactly sea level. Their glares rebound from the water onto the hull lighting it up and complementing the orange illumination of the upper decks to perfection. Orange by being close to gold also may suggest that we should see this artistry from the inside… So, what is on the inside?

The yacht’s interior is a well kept secret. Though, in a 11,011 ton mastery I would be certain that in the full length of 140-metre one of the  decks must certainly hide at least one indoor swimming pool.  Speaking about water it is just the standard for these size yachts to help you relax in many ways. For example, giving you an ability to enjoy the welcoming warmth of a jacuzzi, the aft swimming pool or the calming environment of a sauna. It is also expected to have a full gym.

Neubelt made sure the owner could invite plenty of friends – 36 guests, excluding the crew of 60 – by including 48 cabins onboard. Though, this is barely scratching the surface when you want to experience the full luxury of this yacht, such as a cinema screen integrated into the helipad.

If you need luxury, what better place to start than having a beach club at the back of your yacht. Though as far as I can tell Solaris was definitely installed with many ways to draw inspiration through sight.  Through equipping the ship with an almost endless suppository of balconies. All the upper deck’s edges taunt you to look down and feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of beauty below you – or just the fact that you are 8 decks high. These are both towards the bow and the stern. However you may still wish to have a full view of both what’s ahead and behind. This was made possible through 2 balconies jutting out of the hull either side. Finally you have multiple deployable ones located at the stern. Mentioning the term deployable, what else may you be able to deploy?

I am aiming at the flotilla of 20 high speed jet skis. These are the ultimate way to enjoy the surface of the sea energetically and rhythmically join in with the waves. I mean rhythmically literally. I mean with music! Thanks to the genius of Neubelt, very high powered speakers are installed which can blast music at volumes which can even be heard through the noise of the jet ski. No more lost air pods that’s for sure.

This is how to enjoy the surface of the sea. Though you also have the ability to also be inspired by underneath the sea just as much as above. Trends and innovations are the new staple of the superyachting world after all.  Gaining more popularity are mini-subs, such as ‘Project Neptune’.  This mini submarine is one of the most iconic in the world and provides you with a full 180 degree window at the front and having space for 2 passengers.  It’s unknown if Solaris has a personal sub, but it’s highly likely.

When it comes to passenger and crew transportation you cannot ignore the two docking ports on either side of Solaris for limousine tenders, as well as the helicopter.

Once the design was finished it was the task of German shipbuilder Lloyd Werft to bring Solaris to reality.  This shows in their choice of technology and materials. Solaris has a hull of steel making it very robust yet still not overweighed by the aluminium superstructure. All assisted by 2 AziPods – electric propulsion capable of turning 360 degrees.

In conclusion I would say that Solaris is a marvel. A floating luxury villa which is stylish and robust.

All photos credited to Julien Hubert and YouTube video by Omglol taken on the Côte d’Azur.

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Lürssen Yachts Unveils 140m+ Project ALI BABA

By Emily Dawkins

The 140m+ motor yacht Project ALI BABA has officially been unveiled by leading German shipyard Lürssen Yachts. In a press release shared by the yard, the Top 100 superyacht was prematurely revealed to the industry during her outfitting due to a technical failure in her dock at Lürssen’s Bremen-Aumund facilities.

Whilst details of her build, design and specifications remain tightly under wraps,  Lürssen 's 140m+ motor yacht Project ALI BABA has now been launched and unveiled to the industry for the first time. 

Showcasing a sleek, low grey profile, an elongated stretching bow, and two helipads, onlookers watched Project ALI BABA as she surprisingly emerged from her shed yesterday afternoon. 

In a statement released by Lürssen, ‘a technical failure of the dock gate forced water out of the dock, thereby pushing the nose of the yacht into the dock curtain’ , leaving no choice for the German yard but to prematurely launch her into the open. Images shared online show reasonable damage to the Lürssen shed, and luckily only minor damage to the new build. 

The industry has been long awaiting more news of ALI BABA’s build, as she was last seen in May 2022 during transport from her construction shed to begin her assembly. Her build initially began in 2019 and she is due to be delivered to her owner in 2024. 

According to the German yard, following her unexpected launch, Project ALI BABA will now be moved to Lürssen’s Hamburg facilities for completion. The dock in Bremen-Aumund will be inspected and repaired during this time. 

With her official length still yet to be confirmed, Project ALI BABA is expected to sit in the Top 20 largest yachts in the world alongside several other Lürssen builds. 

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UAE One: Futuristic 140m “UAE flagship” concept presented by Italian designer

A 140-metre superyacht called UAE One has been revealed by the Milan-based designer Enzo Manca. The superyacht design is, according to Manca, "very different from the usual megayachts."

The bold concept has been tailored for the United Arab Emirates, "with the idea it should become the official flagship mega yacht of the state." According to Manca, the concept was designed with input from a Sheikh, with a focus on privacy and additional space for international meetings, as well as multiple transfer options, including a "mini-internal port" for tenders and a submarine.

Taking inspiration from defence ships and spanning nine decks over 2,800 square metres while towering up to 40 meters, the concept's exterior is defined by its distinctive curving lines. The tinted, mirrored windows and strong militant style add to the privacy element.

Reminiscent of an aircraft carrier — with its two heliports ideal for foreign delegates —the expansive circular deck space hosts various luxury amenities.

The 28-metre beam accommodates an 18-metre swimming pool that sits transversely, while the wellness centre and spa transform the concept from its military-style beginnings into a superyacht.

For further relaxation, the huge circular sofa positioned at the bow has been designed around a central fireplace to admire the 360-degree views. Meanwhile, the exterior lounging areas are shaded for additional comfort.

The yacht's interior space includes accommodation in various configurations, with one owner’s suite, eight master cabins and 14 mini-suites, with official interior design renderings still under development.

Three additional meeting rooms and a press area are envisioned for private, international meetings and gatherings. The crew quarters, comprising 35 cabins, will be large enough for staff of 65.

The UAE ONE concept aligns with Manca's existing portfolio of unique superyacht concepts.

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VIDEO: 140m Project Solaris first look before launch at Lloyd Werft

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By Mairead Finlay   22 February 2021

Take a first look at the spectacular project Solaris under construction before its official launch at Lloyd Werft.

The expedition megayacht is one of the largest in build worldwide — and has been speculated to be possibly one of the shipyard’s last. She is still in dry dock but is anticipated to be now only months away from being delivered.

The Bremerhaven-based Lloyd Werft are also the builders behind the phenomenal 115m LUNA ,  but are otherwise predominantly known for building cruise ships.

she features a large helipad, expansive beach club, and a sun deck

Her exact length remains unknown, and few other details have been revealed thus far in this top-secret project. But what we do know, is that she features over eight decks in total, has a large helipad, expansive beach club, and a sun deck. We will update this page as and when additional information is provided.

It is not expected that she will be a yacht to charter once she’s delivered to her owner.

Find out additional information about expedition yachts for charter that are currently available. For further advice please get in touch with your chosen yacht charter broker . Photos:  Tom van Oossanen , Dr Duu & Scheer

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