German yard Lürssen has launched the 114.2-metre Cosmos, one of the first yachts in the world to be fitted with fuel-cell technology.
At the owner's request, Lürssen have installed two 500kW methanol fuel cells, a "technologically challenging procedure" that means Cosmos can cruise up to seven knots for a range of 1,000 nautical miles. As a prototype, the yacht still includes all the usual diesel generators, engines and tanks needed to run in traditional internal combustion mode.
"While it is true that as a custom shipyard, no two yachts that leave our halls are ever the same, there are some that leave an indelible mark on our history," said yard CEO Peter Lürssen. "Cosmos is undoubtedly one of those yachts."
Commissioned for a Japanese owner, Cosmos features an unusual, explorer-style profile by Australian industrialist designer Marc Newson (known best for his work on the 139.7-metre Solaris). What makes her most recognisable is the large, glass dome, which is designed as a private owner's study connected to a terrace. A complex feat of glass engineering, Lürssen developed a custom solution to bend large sections of thick glass for undisturbed 360-degree panoramic vistas.
The glass theme continues on the cabin deck, where a continuous glass band encases the entire upper level for uninterrupted views. Located forward in the bow, beneath the helipad, is a glass-encased observation lounge, while aft lies an open balcony with a glass balustrade, which overlooks the main deck.
Another major highlight on this six-deck superyacht is the aft deck swimming pool and Jacuzzi arrangement, flanked by comfortable seating and connected to a dry dock which operates with a sledge to launch and retrieve Cosmos' largest supporting tender. She is clearly engineered for long-range, remote cruising, with an Ice Class 1D certification allow her to safely operate in "light ice" conditions.
According to the yard, this opens her up to the possibility of exploring "all five major oceans – and all seven continents".
Cosmos is one of the largest yachts currently under construction, though she is eclipsed by another Lürssen – the 134.2-metre Project Deep Blue, which was launched earlier this year.
There are 12 projects over 100 metres currently in build at Lürssen, including the 102.7-metre Project Jassj, which is scheduled for delivery this year.
Delivery of Cosmos is expected in 2026.