Lürssen delivers 142-metre Dragonfly after crash through dry-dock door

The 142-metre yacht Dragonfly, previously known as Project Alibaba, has been delivered by the Lürssen shipyard.

The yacht, which was delivered on 3 December 2024, drew headlines in 2023 when it crashed through the door of the German boatbuilder’s dry dock facilities in Bremen, in an apparent failed attempt to leave the shed.

One employee was injured in the incident, which triggered a large-scale response involving emergency response teams, including a helicopter, water rescue and fire brigade units. The front of the yacht was damaged during the accident. It is not known how much time the incident added to the yacht’s delivery schedule.

Dragonfly features exterior styling by Germán Frers and social spaces designed by Nauta Design.

“One of the many hallmarks of any Lürssen yacht is the mastery of technical challenges. Dragonfly is no exception,” says managing partner Peter Lürssen. “She is a large, powerful yacht that can cruise efficiently anywhere in the world, fitted with a highly efficient diesel-electric hybrid propulsion concept developed by Lürssen’s in-house engineering specialists.”

Dragonfly has an interior volume of approximately 9,500 GT and includes several notable features including a glass-bottom pool on the main deck, a cinema, a spa and a water sports centre. A dedicated business deck incorporates a large office, a gym, a games room and a helicopter hangar.

“The goal was to produce a well-balanced design that emphasises timeless appeal over transient trends,” says Germán Frers, chief executive officer and principal designer at Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering. “Dragonfly is a sophisticated yacht that not only fulfils but exceeds expectations, balancing luxury with practicality that ensures lasting appeal.”

An innovative feature of Dragonfly is its bespoke double-folding platform system at the stern. This allows the deck above to fold into the platform, creating a spacious beach club area with direct access to the water.

“It has been an exciting four years of creative work designing this outstanding combination of atmospheres and unique lifestyle,” says Mario Pedol, president of Nauta Design. “Dragonfly offers incredible perspectives and breathtaking outside views – all with a subtle balance of refined elegance.”

Dragonfly‘s propulsion system is designed for efficiency and integrates a diesel-electric system with an electric Azimuth Pod Drive. The system includes twin diesel engines powering two controllable pitch propellers via individual gearboxes. The engines are equipped with PTI/PTO units for electric propulsion or for generating electrical energy to operate the vessel.

“The Y.CO project coordination team and our technical partners are proud to have played a role in realising this iconic project—an extraordinary showcase of design, innovation, and craftsmanship—from concept to delivery,” says Charlie Birkett, co-founder and CEO at Y.CO. “We are happy to welcome Dragonfly into the Y.CO Yacht Management Fleet.”

Dragonfly is the fourth yacht delivered by Lürssen in 2024, a year that has seen the shipyard produce an impressive total of 485 metres of yachts. Earlier deliveries include Luminance (138.8m), Kismet (122m), and Haven (82m).

“A big thank you goes to everybody involved,” says Peter Lürssen. “I would also like to extend my gratitude to Germán Frers, Nauta Design and Y.CO for their outstanding collaboration throughout this build.”

Lürssen has built some of the world’s largest and most expensive superyachts, including 146-metre Opera, which made its maiden voyage in Portsmouth, and 156-metre Dilbar — regarded as the world’s largest superyacht by volume.