Spaceship
Lürssen has launched the 114.2-meter megayacht Project Cosmos. Previously known as Project 13759, it is the shipyard's first yacht to feature fuel cell technology. “Fuel cell propulsion requires minimal maintenance and is more efficient than diesel engines,” explained Peter Lürssen, head of the German company, when the technology was first announced in 2021.
The yacht was first spotted outside the shed during its technical launch in Rendsburg in March 2023. It was then towed to Kiel for further outfitting before returning to Rendsburg for final finishing touches.
Cosmos stands out with its futuristic design, making it distinct from most 100-meter megayachts. Instead of the traditional "layered cake" superstructure, it features a two-level glass pavilion-like capsule extending from the bow to midship. Adding to its unique appearance is a semi-circular glass dome on top, reminiscent of a flying saucer.
Beneath the dome lies a spacious private owner’s studio, accompanied by an open-air terrace. To ensure the owner can fully enjoy panoramic views from the highest point on the yacht, Lürssen developed a custom solution for bending large sections of thick glass, ensuring crystal-clear transparency without any visual distortion.
The open aft deck combines functionality with comfort. At its center is a pool with a jacuzzi, surrounded by cozy lounging areas. The aft section also features a dry dock for a tender, which functions like a slipway during launch and retrieval.
“This is truly a special project, launched in celebration of our 150th anniversary,” says Peter Lürssen. “While we are a custom shipyard that builds unique yachts with no two alike, some projects leave an indelible mark on our history, and Cosmos is undoubtedly one of them.”
The exterior and interiors of the yacht were designed by Marc Newson, a renowned name in the yachting world. He is best known for designing the megayacht Solaris, built by Lloyd Werft in 2021 (reportedly for Roman Abramovich). Newson has also made waves with an exclusive version of the Aquariva speedboat, blending Riva's iconic heritage with modern aesthetics. Beyond yachting, he is celebrated for his groundbreaking designs, including the Apple Watch. Newson has broken auction records and become a sought-after name in prestigious art galleries like Gagosian. His portfolio spans electronics, kitchen appliances, cars, furniture, jewellery, watches, firearms, and even a public toilet in Japan.
The owner of Cosmos is Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, founder of the online retailer Zozotown and an avid collector of contemporary art. Known for hosting large-scale exhibitions and acquiring high-profile artworks, Maezawa has earned a reputation in Tokyo’s media as one of the most extravagant billionaires.
In 2021, the flamboyant entrepreneur flew aboard the Russian spacecraft "Soyuz" to the International Space Station, where he spent 12 days. During his time on the ISS, Maezawa read the manga series *Space Brothers*. He later planned to fly to the Moon aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX spacecraft and even invited eight lucky individuals to join him. However, he canceled the project last year. Instead, he has built one of the most fascinating yachts of the year.
