Lürssen on how to “Think Ahead”

 

 

At Lürssen, we are fortunate to work with visionary clients and creative designers who challenge the status quo and prove that convention is malleable. We bring these bold ideas to life. Over the past 150 years, countless emerging technologies have shaped our industry, and many groundbreaking features have become standard practice. This is where true value lies—in the building blocks of innovation.

 

A prime example of this is our patented exhaust after-treatment system. When the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced strict limits on Nitrous Oxide (NOx) emissions in 2016, we recognised the need for a more efficient solution to meet IMO Tier III requirements. While Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems were available, they added significant weight to the engine room. Instead, we developed an after-treatment system that reduces volume, weight, and vibration, while still meeting regulatory standards with a compact design.

 

Our R&D team engineered a system that converts up to 90 percent of NOx emissions into water vapour and nitrogen. It reduces space and weight by 30 percent, cuts costs by 20 percent, and minimises noise and vibration. As a result, Lürssen clients enjoy more interior space and a quieter, more comfortable, and healthier environment on board.

Since 2016, this advanced exhaust system has been a standard feature in all new Lürssen projects. Its versatile, modular components can be customised to fit the specific needs of each client and project, maximising space and efficiency. Its adaptability also makes it ideal for refit projects, allowing even existing yachts to benefit from this cutting-edge technology.

Reducing a superyacht’s carbon footprint requires more than just improvements to the propulsion system, though; it demands a holistic approach to the entire yacht. Thanks to our innovative work in hydrodynamics and propeller design, all Lürssen yachts achieve peak fuel efficiency without compromising on the comfort or bespoke amenities our clients expect.

 

One new innovation is an air injection system designed to dampen noise emissions from the propeller, protecting both the yacht’s environment and the marine ecosystem. In addition, all our yachts come with Lürssen’s automated energy and battery management system. Unlike traditional ship power management systems that focus on power generation, our system automatically optimises energy usage based on demand. Two standard modes are offered: Comfort Mode ensures unrestricted energy supply, while Eco Mode minimises energy consumption. Additional custom modes can also be set up, depending on client preferences. Historically, energy supply and distribution on yachts have been largely independent of automated systems. Lürssen’s integrated solution brings the two together, resulting in more efficient energy use and optimal machinery performance.

 

The diversity of the Lürssen fleet means that very few processes are standardised. Despite this challenge, since 2019, we have fully digitalised the production of all pipework. With the investment in a laser-marking device, we aim to make every component of our yachts intelligent, linking each piece to a data matrix code that stores all relevant information. When scanned, the system reveals details such as where the piece belongs, when it needs to be installed, and the quality checks it must pass.

 

This system offers significant benefits even after delivery. For example, if a yacht needs to replace pipework during routine maintenance, the crew can scan the pipe with a smartphone, send the code to the shipyard, and the exact replacement can be manufactured and shipped without the need for anyone to travel. This saves time, reduces costs, and ensures systems remain operational for the owner.

We are able to “Think Ahead” because of our storied history. As an industry, we continually evolve, shedding outdated practices and embracing new, more efficient methods. Next year, as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we will set a new milestone with the delivery of the 114-metre Project COSMOS.

 

Project COSMOS is a revolutionary new build for a technology-driven client. Fuel cells will complement the traditional generators, allowing the yacht to anchor carbon-neutral for 15 days or cruise 1,000 miles at slow speeds.

These incremental advancements bring us closer to achieving Peter Lürssen’s ambitious vision: “My great-grandfather built the world’s first motorboat in 1886. My dream is to be the first to build a motor yacht without a combustion engine.” This is our goal for the future; to get there we need to continue to take one step forward at a time. 

 

Events such as The Superyacht Forum provide brilliant opportunities for the industry to collaborate and share thoughts and opinions on how we can drive progress together. Lennart Pundt, Head of Project Development at Lürssen, will participate in one of this year’s workshops to tackle the pertinent question: which non-fossil fuel solutions could be key to a greener future?