In addition to cruise ships, Meyer Werft also wants to build mega yachts in the future. But that’s not all: they are to be the largest and most innovative private vessels[ds_preview].
At the Monaco Yacht Show, the Papenburg-based family business presented the “MEYER Yachts” brand and an initial concept study for the first time. It is a mega yacht called “ONE 50” that is powered entirely by fuel cells and batteries.
“Since 1795, we have built more than 700 ships in Papenburg alone. Now we are opening the next chapter in our history,” said company boss Bernard Meyer in Monaco. “We are currently seeing that the demand for mega yachts is increasing and there is room for another shipyard in this segment.” The shipyard has almost limitless ideas and can build all ship sizes at all three locations in Papenburg, Rostock and Turku.
The first MEYER Yachts model to be presented at the Monaco Yacht Show was the “ONE 50”. At 150 m long and 20 m wide, this mega yacht has a GT of 15,000. On six decks, she offers space for a maximum of 44 guests, who are offered a spa on two levels, a cinema with adjoining billiard room, an entertainment area with stage, an art gallery and a huge infinity pool at the stern.
In addition to the size of future newbuilds, the focus is on sustainability and innovation. The required energy will be supplied by fuel cells and battery banks. With an electrical output of 25,000 kW, the “ONE 50” is expected to reach a top speed of 23 knots. “At Meyer, we always strive to position ourselves at the top,” says Thomas Weigend. The group of companies will therefore bring further specialists from the yacht building industry into our team.
The shipyard group is thus further diversifying its product portfolio – also in order to secure jobs. “We are experts in the construction of special ships, as we have already proven many times. Now we are working on making mega yachts bigger and, above all, more environmentally friendly,” says Bernard Meyer.
The shipyard is rounding off its range at the bottom end. Just recently, it was awarded the contract to build the “Ocean Residences”, a 290-metre-long apartment ship for well-heeled passengers. It is also building a rather small cruise ship for NYK with a length of 229 m and a capacity of 52,000 GT.
