The Bremen-based yard was honoured by HANSA for building mega yacht »Azzam« as the most outstanding ship made in Germany in 2013. It‘s the first time the family-owned company receives this traditional award
Since 1982 HANSA annually selects the »Ship of the Year« built in Germany. Many cru[ds_preview]ise liners were awarded in the past, but also ferries, naval vessels and in early days container ships. Nearly all well-known German shipyards were recognized by the maritime magazine during those three decades for building innovative, technical advanced and efficient vessels. Last year the LNG tanker »Coral Energy«, built at Meyer Werft, received this award. HANSA chose the vessel mainly for its forward-looking LNG propulsion technology.
This year the »Ship of the Year« title goes to the Bremen-based shipyard Lürssen for building the outstanding mega yacht »Azzam«. It is the first time that HANSA grants the award to the family-owned company, which is globally renowned for constructing luxury yachts. However, it is the fourth time that a yacht takes the title.
Lürssen delivered the 180m »Azzam« (which means »determination« in Arabic) in October 2013, dwarfing the second largest motor yacht in the world, the »Eclipse«, which was awarded by HANSA as »Ship of the Year 2010«, by 16.5m. It took the shipyard three years to build this vessel plus one year of engineering work prior to the construction. With about 30 kn the ship is also one of the fastest yachts in the world. The high-speed performance is achieved by 94,000 hp, generated by two gas turbines and two diesel engines, which are connected to four waterjets. It is reported that the yacht provides space 50 for crew members. According to media reports »Azzam« has cost her – still not confirmed – owner approximately 630 mill. $.
However, the record-breaking dimensions of »Azzam« were not the only reason for HANSA to honour her, but also the innovative propulsion concept and her extraordinary design.
TWG/nis
