Intrepid adventurers: The boldest explorer yacht concepts

Revealed by fledgling studio Bassan & Benedetti, the 78 metre Lontano is based on the hull of a supply vessel from the Norweigan shipyard Ulstein and features a striking military-inspired exterior. Powered by twin Rolls Royce AZ 100 electric Azipod engines, Lontano has an estimated top speed of 12 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. Accommodation on board is for a total of 12 guests in six guest cabins designed in the style of a Manhattan sky-top apartment.

Revealed by German yard Lloyd Werft, the 115 metre concept APEX is designed for unlimited exploration with an estimated range of 9,000 nautical miles. With an exterior penned by Monaco based studio The A Group, APEX is capable of carrying two 20-metre tenders and a helicopter with a dedicated hangar. The 18.5 metre beam allows for 2,500 square metres of living space and an 8,000GT interior, all of which can be customised by the owner. 

German shipbuilder Meyer Group's first superyacht concept, the 150 metre ONE 50, stretches over six decks and features a "herculean" interior of 15,000GT. Designed to be sustainable, ONE 50 is powered by fuel cell technology and battery banks for an estimated speed of 23 knots. 

This 127 metre superyacht concept, Rex from UK design studio Harrison Eidsgaard features a helicopter hangar that converts into a squash court. Elsewhere, the 14-metre swimming pool on the main deck can be enclosed with a glass covering to create an indoor pool for icy climes. The large concept has accommodation for 22 guests across a master suite complete with four private terraces, two Jacuzzis and a private gym, and 10 guest suites. 

Based on Marcelo Penna Yacht Design's established trimaran design, 56 metre Triexplorer was designed with sustainability in mind. The concept features a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, as well as solar panels and wind generators. The studio described it as “an 80 metre vessel sensation in a 56 metre aluminium vessel”. 

From Vripack and RMK Marine, 36.5 metre Seven Seas is a "pocket-sized explorer, reimagined on a massive scale". The concept's steel hulled yacht was likened to a “Jaguar SUV” by Vripack co-creative director Bart M Bouwhuis. “It gives a quiet, harmonious looking profile that will be everlasting, without compromising on the internal layout,” he said.

Penned by designer Alejandro Crespo of Daroca Design in partnership with Brythonic Yachts, Equilibrium’s design was “meticulously thought out to fit in any type of environment, from Antarctica to the Caribbean.” The 105 metre concept is to be built entirely in steel paired with a “champagne-green” hull, with the name Equilibrium inspired by the "optimal balance between her explorer yacht features and pleasure yacht luxuries".

Revealed by Iddes Yachts, this 55 metre go-anywhere expedition vessel combines luxury and comfort. Described as the “ultimate adventure platform”, the yacht features a D13 certified helideck capable of carrying tenders and amphibious vehicles. Elsewhere, the yacht features a 185 square metre loading deck, a beam of 10.5 metres and a five-ton multipurpose crane.

Penned by Gresham Yacht Design, this mighty 100-metre explorer concept is equipped for adventure. Its impressive facilities and equipment include a dedicated helicopter hanger, CAP 437 helipad, twin 12.5-metre custom tenders and a Trident submarine. Elsewhere, the explorer features full dive facilities with a decompression chamber. Two fully covered aft deck areas provide dedicated spaces for lounging and dining while Exploris also features a 10-metre pool, Jacuzzi and sunbathing deck.

Xventure marked the first explorer concept in the 41-year history of Dutch yard Heesen. The 57-metre steel built superyacht is designed by Winch Design was described as “the ultimate explorer yacht” taking owners “off the beaten path in seven-star comfort.” Key features include an optional hybrid propulsion system, generous 1,280GT and accommodation for a total of 12 guests, including a full-beam owner’s apartment. Xventure is also capable of carrying a submarine, Jet Skis, scuba diving equipment, a four-metre crew tender and fishing equipment.