A superyacht that has been under wraps, literally, is visible in the water in Germany. The code-named Project Icecap, which may eventually be known as the yacht Shackleton, is free and clear of covers at one of Lürssen’s shipyards. Upon expected delivery this year, she should be among the 50 largest private yachts in the world.
The 351-footer (107-meter) is floating on her lines at Penne-Werft, which is a naval facility under Lürssen’s umbrella. (Lürssen has a defense division specializing in naval and Coast Guard vessels.) Only a handful of facts have been public since Moran Yacht & Ship announced the contract back in 2018. Its team has been overseeing construction on behalf of the owner, too. Among the confirmed details, for instance, the megayacht has a tremendous volume exceeding 6,500 gross tons. That immense interior volume pairs with a significant beam of 60 feet (18.3 meters). As you would expect of her length, Project Icecap accommodates a large owners’ party. A total of 20 guests are being treated to 10 staterooms amid the five decks. Finally, Moran Yacht & Ship revealed early on that Project Icecap will have a diesel-electric propulsion system.
The project-management team and the shipyard have kept quiet on other aspects, including the designers attached. However, Salt Ship Design has a rendering of the project on its website. The Norway-based naval-architecture and engineering studio provides services for a variety of craft. These include offshore-energy vessels, fishing vessels, seismic-research ships, and explorer yachts.
Although the renderings of the superyacht on Moran’s and Salt Ship’s website reveal a dark-blue hull, the rest of the styling matches the real yacht. Note, for example, the bow, reminiscent of an inverted-bow design called the X Bow. While it’s far more common in commercial applications, some superyachts like Olivia O use it as well. Briefly, the design slices through waves, lowering sound and vibration. It further reduces pitching in rough seas and consumes less fuel in high waves, therefore especially suiting explorer-type cruising. Yet another advantage is more volume forward, where crew’s quarters typically are.
Perhaps additionally hinting at exploration-oriented cruising, Project Icecap/the yacht Shackleton has sizable tender stowage on deck. The renderings reveal a sizable powerboat sitting directly beneath a pool, further forward of an elevated, certified helipad. Finally, the majority of the decks are either enclosed or shaded. This suggests cooler and perhaps quite hot climes are on her itinerary. Regardless, a handful of alfresco lounges and observation areas are scattered about her decks.
Given her appearance, Project Icecap/the yacht Shackleton should see delivery within the next few months.
Lürssen lurssen.com
Moran Yacht & Ship moranyachts.com
Salt Ship Design saltship.com
Paul Smith
Moran are no longer involved in Project Icecap. The project was sold after Moran’s client was unable to raise the funds for the build.
Thomas Seidel
Another fantastic ship with an excellent galley that leaves nothing to be desired.
Planning and execution rendered again by Lethe GmbH.