The 114.2-metre Project Cosmos — one of the first superyachts in the world to integrate fuel-cell technology — has officially begun sea trials off the coast of Kiel, Germany. The milestone follows her high-profile launch in August, where Lürssen revealed further insights into her pioneering clean-energy systems and remarkable design.
A Breakthrough in Sustainable Superyacht Engineering
At the owner’s request, Lürssen installed two 500kW methanol fuel-cell units, enabling Project Cosmos to cruise at up to seven knots for 1,000 nautical miles with zero emissions.
The shipyard described the integration as a “technologically challenging procedure,” marking a significant step toward alternative propulsion in the superyacht sector.
As a first-generation prototype, Cosmos still carries the traditional engines, tanks and generators expected of a vessel of this scale, allowing her to operate in internal-combustion mode when required.
“While no two yachts that leave our halls are ever the same, some leave an indelible mark on our history. Cosmos is undoubtedly one of those yachts.”
— Peter Lürssen, CEO
Built for Global Exploration
Commissioned for a Japanese owner, Project Cosmos features a bold explorer-style exterior designed by Australian industrial designer Marc Newson, known for his work on the 139.7-metre Solaris.
Her Ice Class 1D hull allows safe travel through light ice conditions, giving her the capability to cruise all five oceans and all seven continents.
Signature Glass Architecture
What instantly distinguishes Project Cosmos is her dramatic use of glass:
- A dome-shaped private owner’s study delivers uninterrupted 360° views
- A continuous glass band wraps the entire cabin deck
- A glass-encased observation lounge sits beneath the helipad
- An aft balcony with a glass balustrade overlooks the pool deck
Developing the curved glazing for the dome required a custom process to bend unusually thick glass without optical distortion — a major feat of engineering.
Aft Deck Built for Adventure
The six-deck yacht includes a spectacular aft entertainment zone featuring:
- A full-size swimming pool and Jacuzzi
- Expansive relaxation seating
- An innovative dry dock launching system with a sledge for the yacht’s largest tender
Every detail signals that Cosmos is engineered for long-range adventure rather than traditional Mediterranean yachting alone.
Lürssen’s Mega-Project Momentum
Project Cosmos joins a string of >100-metre superyachts under construction at Lürssen. Though enormous, she is surpassed in length by the 134.2-metre Project Deep Blue, launched earlier this year.
The yard currently has 12 yachts over 100 metres in build, including the 102.7-metre Project Jassj, scheduled for delivery within 2025.
With hydro-clean propulsion, extreme-range capability and architecture unlike anything at sea, Project Cosmos is not just another giga-yacht — she signals a new era for sustainable superyacht travel.
