Listen to this article
The OPERA yacht, measuring 146 meters in length, ranks among the top 10 largest superyachts globally, blending contemporary elegance with advanced engineering for ultimate luxury and performance. Built by the renowned German shipyard Lürssen and delivered in 2023, it features both exterior and interior design by Terence Disdale, emphasizing timeless aesthetics and expansive living spaces.
OPERA stands as a pinnacle of modern yachting, constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure for durability and efficiency. Its diesel-electric propulsion system, powered by MTU engines, allows for a top speed of up to 22 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, making it suitable for long range voyages. The yacht’s gross tonnage is approximately 12,518 GT, with a beam of around 22 meters and a draft of 6 meters, providing stability and vast internal volume.
Design and Construction: The exterior showcases sleek, contemporary lines with floor to ceiling windows that maximize natural light and views. Terence Disdale’s design firm, known for projects like Eclipse and Pelorus, crafted both the outer profile and interiors, focusing on elegance and functionality. Built in Bremen, Germany, OPERA may incorporate elements from the earlier Project SASSY, which was damaged in a 2018 fire, potentially reusing its hull for efficiency. Launch events included a soprano performance of Puccini’s aria, underscoring its cultural naming theme.
Amenities and Features: Key highlights include two swimming pools, one on the sundeck and one on the main deck, along with two helipads for convenient access. Enclosed decks suit harsher weather, while features like an outdoor cinema, private dining areas, and a tender garage enhance onboard entertainment. The interior blends classical and contemporary styles using materials such as marble and onyx, with unique cabin decor varying by deck. It accommodates up to 48 guests in 24 cabins and 80 crew in 40 cabins, all estimates due to privacy. Additional wellness facilities, including a cinema and spa, cater to relaxation and luxury.
OPERA, a 146.35-meter motor yacht delivered by Lürssen in 2023, exemplifies the zenith of superyacht engineering and design, positioning itself as the tenth largest yacht worldwide. Constructed in Bremen, Germany, with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, it boasts a displacement design optimized for stability and long range cruising. The yacht’s beam measures approximately 21.5 to 22.49 meters, with a draft of 6 meters, contributing to its gross tonnage of 12,518 GT and an estimated internal volume exceeding 12,000 tons. Its diesel-electric propulsion system, driven by MTU engines, enables a top speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, though some estimates suggest a more conservative 20 knots top and 14 knots cruise. This setup ensures efficiency for global travel while minimizing environmental impact relative to its size.
The exterior, penned by Terence Disdale Design, features elegant, flowing lines with extensive use of floor to ceiling glass to flood interiors with natural light and offer panoramic ocean views. Disdale, a London-based firm established in 1973, is celebrated for timeless aesthetics seen in yachts like Eclipse (Blohm & Voss) and Pelorus (Lürssen), blending modern minimalism with opulent details. OPERA’s profile includes two helipads, one forward and one aft, for seamless helicopter operations, and enclosed deck spaces that provide protection in adverse weather, making it versatile for various climates. The launch in September 2022 was marked by a ceremonial performance of Puccini’s “Chi il bel sogno” by soprano Elizabeth Winn, tying into the yacht’s operatic name and adding a layer of cultural sophistication.
Recommended: Explore The Ultimate Waterfront Dream Home On Anna Maria Island In Florida
Internally, while no official photos have been released due to privacy, descriptions point to an extravagant setup by Disdale, merging classical elements like marble and onyx with contemporary finishes for a palatial ambiance. Accommodations are estimated at 48 guests across 24 staterooms, each potentially featuring unique decor themed by deck, supported by an 80 person crew in 40 cabins. Standout amenities include dual swimming pools: a large one on the sundeck for open air leisure and another on the main deck, possibly with retractable features. Entertainment options encompass an outdoor cinema for al fresco movie nights, private dining rooms for intimate gatherings, and a tender garage housing water toys and support vessels. Wellness facilities are comprehensive, featuring a cinema, extensive spa, and gym areas designed for relaxation and fitness amid voyages. These elements collectively create a self contained floating estate, prioritizing comfort, privacy, and luxury.
Historically, OPERA’s origins trace back to Project SASSY, a prior Lürssen build destroyed in a 2018 shipyard fire, with speculation that its hull was salvaged and repurposed, accelerating construction amid rising demand for mega yachts. Delivered in March 2023, it quickly entered service, with sightings in Portsmouth Harbour shortly after. Ownership is predominantly attributed to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a key figure in the Abu Dhabi royal family and UAE’s foreign minister, son of the nation’s founder. However, conflicting reports occasionally link it to siblings like Sheikh Mansour or Hamdan bin Zayed, reflecting the opaque nature of royal asset ownership. The yacht’s estimated $450 million price tag aligns with Lürssen’s premium builds, while annual operating costs of $40-50 million cover crew, maintenance, and fuel, exemplified by a single refueling of 320,000 liters costing around $700,000.
In operation, OPERA has been spotted in diverse locales, including Cape Town (South Africa), Albania, Greece’s Piraeus, and the V&A Waterfront, indicating active use for leisure and diplomacy. Media buzz includes unverified stories of it hosting figures like Prince William and Kate Middleton for vacations, underscoring its appeal among elites. As a non charter vessel, it remains a private sanctuary, embodying the artistry of Lürssen, a shipyard founded in 1875, renowned for over 13,000 vessels and custom mega yachts up to 180 meters. Overall, OPERA not only pushes boundaries in size and technology but also represents a blend of cultural heritage, engineering prowess, and discreet opulence in the superyacht realm.
Specifications Table
| Category | Details |
| Length Overall | 146.35 m (480 ft) |
| Beam | 21.5 – 22.49 m (70 – 74 ft) |
| Draft | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Gross Tonnage | 12,518 GT |
| Builder | Lürssen Yachts, Germany |
| Year Delivered | 2023 |
| Designer | Terence Disdale (Exterior & Interior) |
| Naval Architect | Lürssen Yachts |
| Propulsion | Diesel-Electric, MTU Engines |
| Top Speed | 22 knots |
| Cruising Speed | 18 knots |
| Guest Capacity | 48 in 24 cabins (estimated) |
| Crew Capacity | 80 in 40 cabins (estimated) |
| Build Cost | $450 million (estimated) |
| Annual Running Cost | $40-50 million (estimated) |
| IMO Number | 1012933 |
| Key Features | Two pools, two helipads, cinema, spa, outdoor cinema, tender garage, floor to ceiling windows |
