We first mentioned the existence of a 170 metre yacht under construction at Lürssen in our 2012 Global Order Book, and today we got our first glimpse of her as she left the main shed at its yard in Bremen.

In fact, rumour has it that she is nearer 180 metres in length, but as is often the case with yachts like these, she is shrouded in secrecy. We believe she is called Project Azzam and that her sleek profile was designed by a British company, but are awaiting confirmation. Her four stern tunnels (pictured below) are intriguing, and suggest she might be quite a fast yacht.

The hull will now be moved into the floating drydock where her bow section will be added and she will be fitted out. Based on the impressive speed with which Lürssen progressed on the 147m Topaz, we think she could be launched late 2013.

• Builder: Lürssen

Project Topaz was technically launched mid May 2012 when she emerged from her floating shed at Lürssen yard. Very little is known about the motor yacht although she is believed to be the second largest yacht to be launched by the German yard.

While Lürssen are unable to confirm or deny any details about the project due to strict confidentiality agreements, we have it on good authority that she has a length of 147m with a beam of 21.5m.

We will follow up with further details about the yacht once they have been confirmed. Topaz will delivered in 2012.

* Builder: Lürssen

No further details are known about this recent contract for a three-masted sailing yacht in a German yard. This project will become the largest sailing yacht in the world with a length of 147 metre. Supposed to have a very modern design, this superyacht is scheduled to be launched in 2014.

Some five months after the contract was signed, the project to build the 141m Dream Symphony has been given the green light. On 9 February 2011, Dream Ship Victory, Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects and Ken Freivokh Design met at the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam to finalise the design and technical proposal under the direction of Valeriy Stepanenko.

Following this meeting, the project was approved. The keel laying will take place at Dream Ship Victory’s facility in Turkey later this Summer, with launch scheduled for 2015.

* Builder: Dream Ship Victory
* Naval Architecture: Dykstra & Partners
* Exterior / Interior Styling: Ken Freivokh Design

Launched in November 2011 from Abu Dhabi Mar, the 141 metre Yas, previously known under the project name Swift 141, will be delivered late 2012.

She is being built by Abu Dhabi MAR in a new facility in Abu Dhabi’s port area, using the steel hull from a Dutch-built navy frigate, which is being completely modified. New machinery, systems, outfit and luxury interior are being created and installed by sub-contractors to specifications by Abu Dhabi MAR. The superstructure, built in advanced composites and glass, and the interior styling are by Pierrejean Design Studio in Paris. Powered by twin MTU diesels, Yas will have a top speed of 26 knots.

* Builder: De Schelde (1977) / Abu Dhabi MAR (rebuild)
* Naval Architecture: Royal Dutch Navy
* Exterior Styling / Interior Design: Pierrejean Design Studio

The project Victory (hull F.6218) is currently in construction at Fincantieri's Muggiano yard in North West Italy. This seven deck yacht is based on a design by Espen Oeino, with an interior by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa. It will include internal sea water dockage for a 14m tender and 6 pools of up to 8 meters in length. Her first steel plate was cut On 1 September 2010.

* Builder: Fincantieri
* Naval Architecture / Exterior Styling: Espen Oeino
* Interior Design: Alberto Pinto / Laura Sessa

Like the Yas above, the Swift 135 is based on the hull of a Dutch navy frigate. It is being completely rebuilt by Abu Dhabi MAR using advanced composites and glass. Pierrejean Design Studio are creating a new interior for her. The project is temporary stopped until the delivery of Yas.

* Builder: De Schelde / Abu Dhabi MAR (rebuild)
* Naval Architecture / Exterior Styling: Pierrejean Design Studio

Privilege One will be the first motor yacht of this Italian yard based in Civitavecchia. Few details are known for the moment excepting that the hull is already completed.

• Builder: Privilege Yard

Previously known under the project name Kay, the AMG 120 was designed by Cor D Rover some years ago. The project started its life in Asia, and it is now under fitting out at Arista Marine Group in Croatia.

• Builder: Arista Marine Group
• Exterior Styling: Cor D Rover

Project 120 is believed to be the next large motor yacht to be built at the Lürssen yard. Designed by H2 Yacht Design, this motor yacht will be constructed to full SOLAS regulations. Modern outside with a contempopary décoration, she will accommodate 54 passengers. Of course, nor Lürssen or H2 are unable to confirm or deny any details about the project due to strict confidentiality agreements. With a construction started in 2012, we could expect a delivery in 2014.

• Builder: Lürssen
• Exterior & Interior Styling: H2 Yacht Design