The most powerful Azipods that ABB has ever supplied to a yacht operate under the "Solaris" stern - rotating 360 degrees, low-vibration and fuel-efficient: The electric motors located in the propeller nacelle each deliver 4500 kilowatts. ABB promises an overall speed of 21 knots for ships with this Azipod model (CO1400L). Whether this also applies to "Solaris" remains to be seen. For comparison: 80-metre "Artefact" pods of the same design, but with "only" twice 2200 kilowatts of power, can propel them up to 19 knots.
The formal act of the first launch matched the aura of secrecy that has surrounded the 140-metre project since the keel was laid. Just in time for the launch, a thick fog settled over the Outer Weser, which even the lenses of the yacht paparazzi were unable to penetrate. The actual veil around the "Solaris" silhouette had already been lifted by the Bremerhaven shipyard days before, in a procedure that was less ceremonial but all the more exciting due to the successive dismantling of the gigantic enclosure.
An Explorer was uncovered, which surprised with a huge Targa bar. Even though the air slots of Porsche's famous safety bar are aligned vertically and not transversely, a similarity can be seen in the shape and silver-grey colour scheme. However, a car designer was not at work. The design concept was in the hands of Australian industrial designer Marc Newson, known for his retro-futuristic objects. The mast, which is slanted in the opposite direction to the direction of travel, sits on Newson's XXL bracket, with the partially glazed helicopter hangar underneath. The latest photos show a canopy-like roofing of the aft end of the pool, with which Marc Newson picks up on the shape of the bow. The tender fleet certainly has a surprise or two in store. There are four flaps on the starboard side of the hull alone. Nevertheless, there are two cranes on the forecastle, which are likely to hoist a dinghy or two onto the deck.
