Superyachts.com's Largest News Stories of the Year

160m Project BLUE Launched by Lurssen

In February we welcomed the launch of the largest superyacht of the year: 160m BLUE. Built by superyacht giant Lurssen, the monumental vessel hit the water at the German yard’s Bremen facilities, instantly catching the attention of superyacht enthusiasts. BLUE has been designed both inside and out by Terrance Disdale Design, and features a range of innovative features including green solutions such as a hybrid propulsion technology system. Her strong white profile has become iconic since the start of the year, as she has since been seen on sea trials, and later this year confirmed as delivered to her owner. 

The Virtual Launch of the Amels 80 

At the start of the year, the industry witnessed the high-tech live online reveal of the brand-new Amels superyacht series: the Amels 80. To unveil the largest model in the Dutch shipyard’s Limited Editions series, a 1:10 scale Amels 80 model (8m) was revealed accompanied by a dramatic interpretative dance, followed by an introduction to the range and Q&A with Managing Director, Rose Damen, Product Manager, Adriaan Roose, Exterior Designer, Espen Øino and Interior Designer, Paul Costerus. As reveals go, this one was marvellously extraordinary.

Oceanco Entered into the NFT Universe 

Leading Dutch shipyard Oceanco launched into the world of NFT’s in March this year. Renowned for crafting jaw-dropping custom yachts, Oceanco became the first superyacht builder to launch its own series of non-fungible tokens, branded as Superyacht NFTs. Designed by esteemed yacht designer Timur Bozca of Bozca Design, each Superyacht NFT is uniquely different, boasting an individual combination of features, themes and situational settings. For the Dutch yard, the move to NFT’s ‘felt like a natural progression’, but was certainly an exciting breakthrough for industry enthusiasts.

Superyachts.com Launched Australia InDepth

In June, Superyachts.com launched a brand new addition to its all encompassing range of InDepth Documentary series. Following milestone new charter legislation that was passed in December 2019, the brand new Australia InDepth documentary delves into both the astonishing range of charter experiences available for superyachts Down Under, as well as covering the wealth of superyacht infrastructure and expertise in Australia. The breakthrough two-part series provides viewers with an insight into one of the world’s most adventurous cruising destinations.

Dutch Bridge To Be Dismantled for Jeff Bezos Y721

Although not transpiring, one of the largest stories this year was the news surrounding one of Oceanco’s latest new builds: 127m sailing yacht Y721. Reportedly built for multimillionaire and Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos, the new build caused controversy back in February this year when news circulated about Rotterdam’s iconic Koningshaven Bridge being partly dismantled to allow the monumental vessel to pass through. Inevitably, at the time of Y721’s launch in August, she passed through the Netherlands’ tight waters with ease; she was transported separately to her three sizeable masts, which were later attached at the end of the year. Not only an impressive launch for Oceanco, the superyacht has taken the world by storm as the longest yacht to ever be launched in the Netherlands.