When "Liva" was launched at the end of January, Abeking & Rasmussen (A&R) was still running her under the project number 6507, later under the alias "Celerius". The design debut of the Parisian studio Joseph Dirand Architecture was notable for its classic round superstructure with comparatively little volume and the modern hull with underwater windows (3.40 m x 1.30 m) and a 12 x 4 metre long pool with a lifting floor. The black steel hull appeared narrow, now the width was given as 16.80 metres. For comparison: the hulls of similar length formats are usually up to 18 metres apart.
A&R overcame major challenges
The traditional shipyard from Lemwerder near Bremen had to integrate technically complex systems. Anchor pockets were dispensed with for a smooth bow section. Instead, the iron falls from the underside of the hull towards the ground. On the propulsion side, A&R installed what it describes as a sophisticated and exceptionally quiet diesel-electric system. Power is generated by five Caterpillar diesels: two main generators, each generating 2,240 kilowatts, and three auxiliary generators (599 kW each) supplied by Zeppelin Power Systems. The power of two 2200-kilowatt electric motors is transmitted into the water by two propellers on conventional shaft systems; the maximum speed of "Liva" is above 18 knots. Fins stabilisers from SKF ensure comfortable sea voyages.
According to the shipyard, one of the biggest challenges was to install a garage for a 16 metre long dayboat on the lower deck. A second shelter for tenders is located on the forward main deck, where three more tenders and a Triton dive boat (for up to seven guests!) are parked, as well as a variety of water toys, bicycles and diving equipment. In general, Abeking & Rasmussen endeavoured to make all technical necessities as invisible as possible in order to strictly adhere to the sophisticated aesthetic design concept.
A designer "obsessed with the project"
Joseph Dirand, responsible for exterior and interior design, said on the occasion of the undocking: "I wanted this boat to be timeless, elegant, pure, sleek, classic and contemporary at the same time, with plenty of open space to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape. That's exactly what I see today when I look at it - the black hull is truly spectacular and looks completely monolithic." The Frenchman built up a special relationship with "Liva": "I have been obsessed with this project for all these years and it is the opportunity of a lifetime to design a yacht like this. I'm happy today that everyone recognises why all these details were so important to achieve this result."
One of these details can be found at the foot of the mast, into which a kind of crow's nest has been integrated. There is also a marble-clad fireplace on the front sun deck. The round aft serves as a fully certified heli-platform. The owner's deck extends below, while the bridge occupies the upper deck. All the superstructure windows - which appear almost discreetly small compared to the giga formats of the day - are adorned with wooden panelling.
Cornelsen & Partner oversaw the entire process on behalf of the owner. Abeking & Rasmussen's CEO Matthias Hellmann bid farewell to the 118 metres with: "The delivery of this magnificent superyacht marks a groundbreaking moment for our company, and I can say with confidence that we have once again successfully built an exceptional yacht."
Technical data "Liva"
- Total length: 118,20 m
- Width: 16,8 m
- Depth: 4,0 m
- Gross tonnage: 5054 Gross Tons
- Naval architect: Abeking & Rasmussen
- Exterior design: Joseph Dirand Architecture
- Interior design: Joseph Dirand Architecture
- Drive: 2 x 2200 kW RAMME electric motors, supplied by SER Schiffselektronik
- Bow and stern thruster: 4 x VOITH VIT 1000-300
- Generators: 2 x 2240 kW Caterpillar + 3 x 599 kW Caterpillar, supplied by Zeppelin Power Systems
- Speed (max./drive): 18 knots++ (15 knots speed)
- Range: 7100 nautical miles+ at 15 knots
- Guests: 12
- Crew: 33
