The world’s most exclusive residential yacht is being built in Papenburg: Meyer Yachts has been awarded the contract to build the 300-metre-long “Ulyssia”.
Construction of the project, which is being developed together with Ulyssia Residences, is scheduled to start in 2025. Delivery is expected in four to five years.
According to a press release, the mega yacht “Ulyssia” is set to become the “world’s most exclusive residential yacht community”. According to the vision of Monaco-based Swiss entrepreneur Frank Binder, 133 permanent residences and 22 guest suites are planned. Only the most affluent clientele will be targeted: Even the smallest residential unit of 110 m2 costs over €9 million.
The design for the new ship was created by architect Espen Øino, with the interior design by FM Architettura. With a length of 324 m, the “Ulyssia” is set to become the largest yacht in the world, far ahead of the 180 m long “Azzam” or the 162 m long “Eclipse” owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
All construction phases will be carried out by Meyer Yachts in Papenburg. Meyer has been involved in shipbuilding for centuries, but today the shipyard primarily builds cruise ships. The yacht segment is still new territory for the Papenburg-based company; the Meyer Yachts brand was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2021 together with the “ONE 50” project.
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The “Ulyssia” is to be built in the following main phases:
- Design: This phase includes the basic design to define the “Ulyssia”, followed by details and workshop drawings.
- Construction and technical equipment: Based on the workshop drawings, the steel and piping construction begins, followed by the technical equipment of the yacht. The first elements – so-called “blocks” – are assembled in the historic building dock in Papenburg.
- Assembly and interior fittings: After around 18 months, the first of these “blocks” are ready for assembly. In the later phases of the project – between months 40 and 44 – the outfitting and interior fittings are carried out.
- Testing, trials and delivery: A test and trial phase will take place before the delivery and maiden voyage of the “Ulyssia”.
“We are delighted to be working with Meyer Yachts to create the masterpiece ‘Ulyssia’,” said Alain Gruber, CEO of Ulyssia Residences. “This generational project is a legacy of founder and Chairman Frank Binder and the many talented team members behind ‘Ulyssia’ and aims to redefine the standard in luxury, sustainability, environmental sustainability and crew wellbeing. As a leader in the industry, we knew from the start of the project that Meyer Yachts would be the perfect partner to realize ‘Ulyssia’.”
“The ‘Ulyssia’ project revolutionizes the design and construction of residential yachts, taking the entire industry to a whole new level,” said Lars Kruse, Head of Sales & Design at Meyer Yachts. “In addition to the stunning exterior and concept design, the market that ‘Ulyssia’ is entering is absolutely unique and sets new milestones in shipbuilding history.”
