Abeking & Rasmussen delivers largest superyacht in 115 years

German shipbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen has launched 118.2-metre superyacht Liva, the largest vessel ever built by the 115-year-old yard.

The sleek black exterior lines and luxurious interior were designed by the team at Joseph Dirand Architecture in Paris.

“I wanted this boat to be timeless, elegant, pure, thine, classic, and contemporary with a large amount of outdoor space to be immersive with the surrounding landscape,” says Joseph Dirand. “This is exactly what I see when I look at it today — the black hull is really spectacular and looks completely monolithic.

“I have been obsessed with this project for all those years, and it is the opportunity of my life to design a boat like this. I am happy today that everyone realises why all those details were so important to get to this result. It is my turn to thank the shipyard for being such a great partner in the realisation of this dream.”

Matthias Hellmann, CEO at Abeking & Rasmussen, adds: “The delivery of this magnificent superyacht marks a defining moment for our company. I can confidently say: we have once again succeeded in building an exceptional yacht. By upholding our values of innovation, quality, and client satisfaction, we have created a yacht that sets new industry standards and delights our discerning clientele.”

The yacht employs a diesel-electric propulsion system designed for quiet operation during navigation and manoeuvring. This approach incorporates two 2,200 kW electric propulsion motors, manufactured by Ramme Electric Machines and supplied by SER Schiffselektronik Rostock. The vessel is equipped with two 2,240 kW Caterpillar main generators and three 599 kW Caterpillar auxiliary generators supplied by Zeppelin Power Systems.

A tender garage on the lower deck holds a 16-metre day tender. The second tender garage on the main deck forward accommodates three boats and a Triton submersible for up to seven guests and a variety of water toys, bicycles and dive equipment.

The exterior design, crafted to maintain the vessel’s black silhouette, boasts a unique approach. Instead of traditional anchor pockets, the yacht incorporates underwater anchors on the keel. This design not only adds to the vessel’s visual appeal but is said to enhance its efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Further features include a ‘Neptune Lounge’ offering an underwater view through a large underwater window. Guests can marvel at the world below sea level while enjoying the luxurious comfort of the lounge. On the main deck is the ‘mobile’ 12 x 4-metre pool, which has a floor that can be elevated to the upper level.

The crow’s nest, positioned at the foot of the mast, gives the owner and guests an impressive vantage point to soak in the surrounding views. The yacht also features a fully certified helicopter pad on the sky deck.

Abeking & Rasmussen, which worked with project manager Cornelsen & Partner throughout construction, says the launch of Liva marks a ‘significant milestone’ for the shipyard.