Founded on 27 June 1875, Lürssen shipyard is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The family-run business has grown from modest beginnings, through just four generations, into one of the world’s leading superyacht builders. Peter Lürssen, a descendant of founder Friedrich Lürssen, shares his vision for the future of this renowned German shipyard.
How would you describe the spirit of Lürssen and its 150 years of shipbuilding?
Peter Lürssen: The story of Lürssen is, in many ways, a story of German engineering – but more importantly, it is a story about people. Our values are rooted in research, creativity, and long-term thinking. Curiosity is at the heart of what we do, and that spirit lives in our people. My role, simply put, is to create the conditions where that curiosity can thrive – where bright minds can work with purpose, safely and collaboratively. When we talk about perfection, we are not referring to a single outcome, but to a mindset – one that enables us to meet, and often exceed, the expectations of our clients. After 150 years, this has proven to be the right approach.
What is Lürssen’s vision for the future of yachting?
Peter Lürssen: We want to stay at the forefront of innovation. From the very first motorboat to the first hybrid propulsion system, we are proud to have installed these innovations on our yachts before anyone else. My personal ambition is to eventually build the first yacht without a traditional propulsion system. We have already made great strides towards this goal. We are working closely with the owner and his team of a 100m+ yacht for the installation of methanol fuel cell technology, which would allow the yacht to remain effectively carbon-neutral for up to 15 days at anchor and to cruise for 1,000 miles at slow speeds. This would be a landmark achievement.
For over 20 years now, we have been researching alternative fuels across the entire Lürssen Group. We have a dedicated clean energy innovation lab here in Germany, and through our recently formed Foundation, we are investing heavily in training initiatives and smart solutions for cleaner, more efficient yachting. This is a new era, and we are at the forefront of change.
In what other ways is Lürssen driving a more environmentally responsible future?
Peter Lürssen: Lürssen has a holistic approach that balances long-term environmental goals with the immediate needs of the business, our clients and how they want to operate their yachts. We therefore adhere to increasing environmental expectations and demands for sustainability in how we build yachts and how these operate in the future once delivered.
It is our responsibility to ensure production processes in our shipyards are as sustainable as possible – from the way we do things to the choice of materials we use. In the past, our focus has always been to allow clean and environmentally friendly procedures and processes. Our focus now lies on reducing the carbon footprint of what we do on our premises.
The build itself is not the main source of emissions of a yacht when looking at the full lifecycle; it is the operation. Therefore, our first aim is always to reduce the power demand on board with a well-suited design for the client’s actual demands.
Propulsion systems naturally dominate conversations around responsible yachting with efficient naval architecture propulsion design; yet, in reality, this is just one part of the puzzle and actually the smaller one. The bigger portion of a typical large yacht is associated with the hotel load for air conditioning and general service systems on board. Our well-suited design for these systems is key to lowering emissions in the future.
Finally, we have to provide the energy on board in an efficient manner. We utilise the used fuel as efficiently as possible by combining electrical production in generators with advanced waste heat recovery and utilisation. The next level with the use of fuel cells is just about to be achieved.
From efficient hull design to exhaust after-treatment systems and well-suited service systems, Lürssen yachts are not only built to last – they are engineered for optimal efficiency. We have patented many solutions which are now standard across our modern fleet.
The Lürssen Foundation is a new initiative. Can you tell us more about it?
Peter Lürssen: The Lürssen Foundation is an integral part of our vision for the future. We are committed to supporting the next generation of engineers who aim to drive meaningful and responsible change. The Foundation’s first initiative – an intensive six-month scholarship programme – was launched earlier this year. We currently have several highly talented students undertaking guided research projects on clean energy in the maritime industry. They are young, keen-spirited individuals who are challenging the norms. If these scholars are a fair representation of the next generation of marine engineers, then the future is certainly one to look forward to.
Through the Foundation, we are also actively seeking organisations and start-ups that are making a positive difference in our industry and the wider community. We are offering support through financial investments and partnerships to projects where we see the potential for real, tangible impact.
Why do you support Blue Marine Foundation, and what makes their work important to you?
Peter Lürssen: I have a long-standing and personal relationship with Blue Marine Foundation. The work they are undertaking immediately impressed me, and I recognised the great importance of their conservation efforts. Blue Marine Foundation is working towards an ambitious, yet achievable, goal of protecting at least 30 per cent of the oceans by 2030. I wholeheartedly support them and encourage everyone to learn more about what they are doing and contribute to the cause in whatever way they can.
