The 110-metre Lürssen "O3" was spotted in the Kiel Canal after completing her sea trials. Originally announced in 2017, the yacht has undergone significant changes since her initial launch as Project Shackleton, particularly following a sale during the construction phase in 2022. Since then, the Occam Marine team has overseen the construction process and ensured the realisation of the new owner's vision.
Design and remodelling
The yacht's hull was first sighted in 2019, with the original exterior design and structural calculations coming from Salt Ship Design. However, after the takeover in 2022, designer Espen Øino significantly redesigned the ship and created its striking appearance. Paris-based studio CG Design was responsible for the interior design, while the original concept was developed by British designer Adam Lay. The first images of "O3" show a striking negative stern, grey and white tones underline the yacht's utilitarian profile and lend it a striking appearance. Details on the equipment of the Explorer are not yet available. Only a fully certified helipad is clearly recognisable in the yacht spotter photos.
Building history
Construction of the large format began at the Lürssen Peene shipyard in Wolgast before she was transferred to the Lürssen shipyard in Hamburg in 2022, where the outfitting was completed in a dry dock. Details of the layout of "O3" have so far been kept strictly under wraps, but the number of decks and the dimensions suggest an interior volume of around 6,300 GT.
Ranking of the largest motor yachts
With a length of 110 metres, "O3" is currently ranked 53rd in the 200 largest motor yachts in the world. There are currently 26 yachts longer than 100 metres under construction worldwide. German shipyards are still world market leaders in the construction of gigayachts with 13 projects currently underway. Average length: 109 metres! For Espen Øino, "O3" is another exceptional project after iconic yachts such as "Octopus", "Dilbar", "Skat", "Flying Fox" or "REV Ocean".
Technical specifications:
- Length: 110 metres
- Volume: approx. 6,300 gross tonnes
- Exterior: originally Salt Ship Design, redesigned by Espen Øino
- Interior: CG Design (original concept by Adam Lay Studio)
- Construction: originally Salt Ship Design
- Shipyard: Lürssen, 2025
