Celebrating 150 Years of Excellence: Lürssen’s Journey in Superyacht Building

German superyacht builder Lürssen is commemorating a remarkable milestone: its 150th anniversary this June. Founded on June 27, 1875, in Bremen, Lürssen has a legacy characterized by pioneering engineering and family-driven innovation.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Peter Lürssen, the fourth-generation leader of the family-run shipyard, reflects on this incredible journey. “It is with great pride that I reflect on how Lürssen has evolved into the company it is today,” he states. “These 150 years have seen their share of trials, challenges, and jubilations. However, these success stories do not belong solely to Lürssen as a company; they belong to our people. I wish to express my gratitude to all our employees—past and present—without whom we would not be here.”


Lürssen remains committed to the values established by its founder, Friedrich Lürssen: a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and performance. Each workshop is a treasure trove of skilled craftsmen, many of whom pass down their expertise through generations, enriching the company’s identity as both a family business and a premier shipyard.

A History of Firsts

Lürssen’s innovative spirit was ignited in the late 19th century when Friedrich partnered with engineer Gottlieb Daimler to build the world’s first motorboat, REMS. Completed in 1886, this six-meter vessel combined exquisite craftsmanship with groundbreaking propulsion technology, despite initial skepticism from locals. This marked the dawn of a new era for shipbuilding.


The commitment to innovation has continued throughout the company’s history. In 1997, Lürssen launched Limitless, the first yacht outfitted with hybrid propulsion. The shipyard was also a pioneer in developing underwater exhaust systems, releasing AIR (now ICE), the first yacht with a pod drive, in 2005. Other milestones include launching the 60m ARKLEY (now CAIPIRINHA), which featured advanced wastewater membrane filtration. In 2016, Lürssen set a new standard by integrating NOx-reducing exhaust after-treatment systems across its fleet.

Leading the Charge in Sustainability

Building on its reputation for innovation, Lürssen launched Tesumo in 2020—an eco-friendly alternative to teak that has already found a home on several superyachts.

Coinciding with its anniversary, Lürssen is set to deliver COSMOS, a spectacular 114m yacht equipped with a methanol-powered fuel cell system. This groundbreaking technology enables the vessel to remain anchored for up to 15 days or travel approximately 1,000 nautical miles at low speed—all without combustion.

Peter Lürssen shares his vision: “It was my great-grandfather who built the first motorboat in 1886, laying the foundation for modern yachting. My dream is to ultimately build the first yacht without a combustion engine, marking the beginning of a new era for the industry.”

Shaping the Modern Superyacht Market

Throughout the 20th century, Lürssen was primarily known for its naval and commercial vessels. However, under Peter Lürssen’s stewardship, the company launched its dedicated yacht division in 1988. Since then, Lürssen has produced over 70 custom yachts, totaling more than 6,500m (21,325ft) in length.

Iconic Builds

Among Lürssen’s most prestigious creations are:

• AZZAM: The world’s longest private yacht at 180.61m (593ft)
  

• DILBAR: The world’s largest yacht by volume at 156m (512ft)
  

• OCTOPUS: Recognized as the first true explorer yacht at 126.2m (414ft)
  

Peter Lürssen emphasizes, “We don’t set out to build the biggest yachts; we aim to create the best yacht tailored to each client’s vision.” This dedication to engineering excellence and a custom approach has earned Lürssen its esteemed reputation.

One client remarked on the yard’s capabilities while describing the 122m yacht KISMET: “Lürssen’s position is simple: if you can conceive it, they can do it, no constraints. The seaworthiness of KISMET is incredible, and I am in awe of the spaces and workmanship.”

Commitment to Future Generations

Beyond its technical achievements, Lürssen prioritizes supporting long-term ocean health and industry growth. The company actively funds marine protection efforts through the Blue Marine Foundation, impacting over 4.4 million square kilometers of ocean.


Additionally, Lürssen has established the Lürssen Foundation, focusing on education and funding for early-stage ventures. This initiative supports engineering scholarships and invests in promising businesses aligned with sustainable marine technology.

Today, Lürssen operates three shipyards in northern Germany, employing approximately 2,000 individuals. The company also has an engineering center in Croatia and a sales office in the United States, specializing in custom yacht construction over 60m (197ft) and maintaining an award-winning refit and rebuild division.

Friedrich Lürssen’s original vision—“My firm shall be known as a leader in both quality and performance”—continues to resonate 150 years later, shaping the future of superyacht building.

For more details, visit Lürssen Yachts.