At the end of February, the Lloyd Werft shipyard, which belongs to the MV Werften Group, undocked "Solaris" and caused quite a stir. A targa bracket - in which flaps for the lifeboats are integrated - dominates the Lines by the Australian industrial designer Marc Newson.
With the successful completion of the sea trials, further details were revealed. "We are very proud that we have mastered this challenge," said Lloyd Werft Projects and Sales Director Friedrich Norden. "'Solaris' is a masterpiece in many respects. A number of very individual requirements, some of which are unprecedented in yacht building, have been incorporated into this project." These include the more than 2000 square metres of glass surfaces that adorn the steel hull and aluminium superstructure. These are said to include the largest individual panes that have ever been installed on a yacht.
The drive system is also unique. Eight MTU diesels with a total output of more than 14,000 kilowatts supply the power for the two Azipod units from ABB. The nacelles are each equipped with 4.5 megawatt electric motors, which will help the 140 metre long "Solaris" reach a maximum speed of 18 knots. A maiden voyage to the Mediterranean is expected.
