Lürssen Delivers Ice-Class 114m NAUSICAÄ by Marc Newson

Formerly known as Project COSMOS, NAUSICAÄ stands out for its radical design approach and technical innovation. The yacht features a fully custom design by Newson, covering exterior, interior, and every detail in between, resulting in a cohesive and unconventional aesthetic.

'Innovation in glass has long been a hallmark of Lürssen,' says Peter Lürssen. 'From RISING SUN to KISMET, and now NAUSICAÄ, we continue to push the boundaries of scale and structural complexity, creating spaces that are both aesthetically dramatic and functional for our clients.'

Key exterior features include sweeping curvatures, louvred detailing, and extensive use of glass. A standout element is the Skydome, a large glass structure on the uppermost deck made of seven massive hot-bent panes, each weighing over 1,000 kg. This creates a 56 square-metre owner’s office with 3.15-metre headroom and an adjoining sky terrace. A continuous glass band also wraps around the upper deck, culminating in a 19-metre-wide forward observation lounge beneath a certified bow helipad.

'It is extremely challenging for a design project, of any description, to literally deliver on the vision conceived and presented at concept stage,' says Marc Newson. 'Here, I am very proud to say that every detail, at every scale, has been realised at the most coherent level. Working with an immensely creative client has enabled rare opportunities to push the boundaries and test the limits of form, material and functionality.'

The yacht is built to Ice Class 1D standards, enabling safe navigation in light ice conditions as well as tropical waters. The open aft deck spans the full 18-metre beam and includes a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Aft, a sophisticated dry dock system can accommodate a 12.5-metre sportsfish tender with a 16-tonne capacity.

Inside, NAUSICAÄ departs from traditional layouts. Instead of a conventional main salon, the main deck features a two-level atrium configured as an art gallery with a large central sculpture. The upper level includes a hospitality area with a sushi bar and viewing balcony. Guest spaces are highly customised throughout, with every element designed by Newson.

NAUSICAÄ is powered by a diesel-electric system with five generators driving Azimuth pods. A substantial battery plant provides up to 2 MW of power, allowing silent, zero-emission operation for extended periods. The yacht has also been prepared for future integration of a methanol fuel cell system.

This delivery reinforces Lürssen’s capability in complex, highly customised projects and marks one of the most unconventional large yachts completed by the German shipyard in recent years.