Returning from successful trials in the North Sea off the coast of Germany on May 30, 2018, Lürssen's 136-meter Project SHU is now preparing for an autumn delivery. The extraordinary vessel collects the best and brightest of creative minds to showcase a top-of-industry masterwork admired by all who are privileged with the view.
Looking down upon SHU from above, the heavens see an aerodynamic sweep of gentle curves. The perfect warm grey on the hull, echoed by arcs of creamy white on the superstructure and the teak of the soles, slips effortlessly through the water. The forward deck overhangs run thick to thin with the graceful feel of waves landing upon the beach.
Tapering back to a slightly narrowed waist, slim hips trace to stern as would eddies in a wake. Through a symphony of aesthetics and engineering, SHU gives pause, inspiring contemplation, dreams, and approval as she moves about.
A Team of Talent
SHU joins a long list of projects constructed to meet or exceed excruciating standards from Germany's Lürssen Yachts. The yard, with eight locations, continues to excel in all aspects of luxury yacht construction, from 60m up to the limits of a client's imagination.
Acting as the broker for the owner, as well as the owner's representative, the build supervisor, and the operational manager, Imperial Yachts worked hand-in-glove with highly acclaimed yacht designer and naval architect Espen Øino, both of whom are headquartered in the yacht hub of Monaco.
Working seamlessly with Imperial and Mr. Øino to design stunning interiors befitting such a vessel, Mark Berryman's UK design studio located in the south of England at New Forest ensured the task to good hands. Understandably, details continue to be closely held, with discretion and privacy as hallmarks of all involved.
Visual Exterior Details
From exterior images during sea trials and basic information provided by Imperial, SHU's statement appears as that of elegance and luxury on a grand scale. Sole-to-ceiling dark glass panels wrapping the main and upper decks suggest uninterrupted views. Glass bulwarks and cutaways further carve impressive perspectives viewed from interior spaces on board the yacht. Handsome light wood railings atop the bulwarks give stylish definition to deck promenades.
Aft on the main deck, a large, parabolic shape of water beckons guests for a swim. Up several steps with their own collection of curves, the pool is set athwartships to offer a long view of the horizon. Sun pads to port and starboard overlook the pool from the deck above, met in the middle with upholstered seating and tables.
High 18-m and 14-m D-value helicopter pads, one aft on the sun deck and one forward on the bow of the bridge deck, welcome the largest private aircraft currently available on the market. Jacuzzi tubs forward on the sun deck and upper deck, lots of outdoor dining, entertaining, and gathering spaces, and what could be a top deck observation lounge are a few of the features that make SHU a noteworthy addition to the top 20 largest yachts, worldwide.
As high quality images and important details become available about this fascinating gigayacht, NAVIS will share information with readers in future issues. For now, however, SHU continues to hold secrets that even name does not reveal.
