After nearly a decade of secrecy, redesigns, and an extraordinary evolution in scope, Lürssen’s 110‑metre explorer—formerly known as Project Shackleton and Icecap—is finally emerging into the public eye under her new name: O3. Recently sighted departing Germany for sea trials, the vessel marks one of the most significant and closely watched superyacht milestones of 2026.
A Project Years in the Making
Originally announced in 2017, the yacht began life as a private commission with an exploration‑first ethos. Early work was carried out at Lürssen’s Peene‑Werft facility in Wolgast before being transferred to Hamburg in 2022 for outfitting and extensive redesign.
The journey of O3 has been anything but linear.
- 2018: The project was sold for the first time.
- 2022: A major in‑build resale took place, triggering a radical re‑imagination of both her silhouette and onboard capabilities.
- 2025: O3 was launched, prior to entering the final phase of construction leading to early 2026 sea trials.
Oversight of the project shifted during the process, with Occam Marine stepping in after the resale to coordinate engineering upgrades, design revisions, and final construction phases.
Exterior Architecture: From Salt Ship Design to Espen Øino
The original naval architecture and exterior styling were penned by Salt Ship Design, whose commercial‑inspired stance is still visible in O3’s powerful lines. However, the second ownership brought in world‑renowned designer Espen Øino, who dramatically reshaped the yacht beginning in 2022.
Among the most notable exterior transformations:
- A large, fully certified helideck added aft, elevating the yacht’s functional profile and altering her upper‑deck geometry.
- A distinctive inverted axe‑style bow, reinforcing her expedition‑centric form and enhancing performance in challenging conditions.
- A grey‑and‑white utilitarian profile, combining contemporary luxury aesthetics with high‑latitude practicality.
With a robust steel hull, ice‑strengthened construction, and an engineering platform built for range and resilience, O3 aligns squarely with the emerging market for go‑anywhere, polar‑capable superyachts.
Interior Vision: The CG Design Era
While the original interior concept was authored by Adam Lay, the new ownership commissioned CG Design, a Paris‑based studio, to reinterpret the vessel’s interior world.
True to the current trend of hyper‑exclusive long‑range yachts, interior details remain confidential. Still, credible estimates put O3’s interior volume at 6,300 GT, placing her among the world’s largest superyachts by tonnage.
Although no interior photographs have been released, insider reports suggest:
- A five‑deck arrangement with extensive guest and crew spaces.
- Leisure zones likely including spa facilities, fitness and wellness areas, and multi‑purpose lounges.
- A layout optimized for extended expeditions with owners and scientific or recreational teams.
Onboard Features and Exploration Credentials
O3 is built not just as a luxury vessel, but as an expedition platform engineered to operate in remote and extreme environments. Confirmed and reported features include:
- Helideck & heli‑hangar capabilities for aerial operations.
- Fold‑out beach club and an aft infinity pool, blending adventure with modern luxury.
- Ice‑classed hull, ensuring capability in polar waters.
- Diesel‑electric propulsion system with advanced energy‑saving technologies and high‑efficiency thermal management.
- Expected accommodation for up to 20 guests and a large, globally‑capable crew complement.
Her size—projected at approximately 110 metres—positions O3 among the world’s top tier of explorer superyachts, comparable with other boundary‑pushing vessels such as La Datcha and Bold in terms of mission profile.
A Market Turning Toward Exploration
Industry analysts note a rapid rise in demand for extreme‑range adventure yachts, a trend accelerated by a new generation of owners seeking remote experiences rather than traditional “Mediterranean‑only” cruising. O3 emerges at precisely the right moment—combining Lürssen’s reputation for engineering with an aesthetic leaning toward purposeful exploration.
Her arrival also aligns with a broader global surge in ice‑capable megayachts designed for science, expedition charters, aviation‑supported expeditions, and high‑latitude tourism.
The Road Ahead
With sea trials now underway and delivery expected in 2026, O3 is poised to become one of Lürssen’s most important builds of the decade—an embodiment of engineering ambition, luxury innovation, and explorer‑yacht evolution.
Though a veil continues to hang over aspects of her interior and onboard technology, the confirmed details paint a picture of a vessel designed to push beyond conventional boundaries. As she begins trials across the Baltic and North Sea, the global yachting community is watching closely. O3 may not just be another entry in Lürssen’s world‑class portfolio—she may be its next icon.
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