German shipyard group moves into megayacht market
At the recent Monaco Yacht Show, the German-owned Meyer Group of shipyards unveiled its concept for a new megayacht under the Meyer Yachts brand, powered entirely by fuel cells and batteries.
The new yacht, named ONE 50, is a departure from the company’s core competence of large and complex ships, and is the first step into diversifying its product portfolio.
“Since 1795, we have built more than 700 ships in Papenburg alone,” says Bernard Meyer. “Now we are opening the next chapter in our history and entering the market for mega yachts. We are currently seeing that the demand for mega yachts is increasing and there is room for another shipyard in this segment.”
With a view to making megayachts greener, the 150m long, 15,000 gross ton ONE 50 will have fuel cells and battery banks installed in the engine room to make it as sustainable as possible. The company says that electrically powered by 25,000 kilowatts, the vessel will reach a maximum speed of 23 knots and the fuel cells will mean emissions free operation.
Thomas Weigend, Meyer CEO, comments: “Megayachts are a new market segment that we can serve at all our three shipyards. At Meyer, it is always our ambition to position ourselves at the top – in environmental protection as well as now in yacht size. That’s why the ONE 50 is just the beginning of our ideas and plans.”
Comprising six decks, the new megayacht has capacity for 44 guests and offers a spa on two levels, a cinema with an adjoining billiard salon, an entertainment area including a stage, an art gallery and a huge infinity pool at the stern.
“We are experts in building special ships, we have proven that many times. Now we are working on making mega yachts even bigger and, above all, greener,” adds Meyer.
