Concept yachts fulfill a similar role in superyacht design to that of concept vehicles in the automotive industry. They allow design teams to explore new shapes, materials and ideas free from constraints and at the same time serve as a calling card for manufacturers, demonstrating their innovative strength and courage to constantly redefine the limits of what is possible. In 2025, numerous such superyacht design concepts were presented by established shipyards as well as independent design studios and young up-and-coming designers. Chapter presents five particularly noteworthy projects that address key contemporary issues: sustainable propulsion technologies, innovative use of space and a new aesthetic that is often inspired by nature.
Lily – Vripack & Oceanco
With Lily, the Dutch shipyard Oceanco and the yacht design studio Vripack presented a 101-metre-long concept that is unconventional in several respects. The design follows an asymmetrical, half-storey deck organization, which is intended to optimize lines of sight, air circulation and the spatial experience on board – a break with the otherwise strictly symmetrical world of superyachts.
The name says it all: the design language quotes the water lily, whose petals wrap protectively around a center. The decks of Lily overlap in an organic way and create curved contours that are reminiscent of a closing calyx. A motif that is also continued in the interior: Offset half decks and a glass atrium staircase create a spatial experience that dissolves conventional deck structures.
The Dutch design studio Vripack emphasizes that Lily was conceived in the area of tension between visionary design and technical feasibility. The aerodynamic lines of the two-level steel hull are intended to optimize lines of sight, air circulation and the experience for the owners. According to the designers, the concept not only pushes boundaries, but also removes them completely.
Lily is also thinking ahead in functional terms—including with a pioneering drive mix. The yacht concept is to be powered by an innovative hybrid drive system consisting of methanol reformer fuel cells and dual-fuel engines (methanol/diesel), with separate tanks for each fuel type.
Project LAYRA – Allstars Design
The Project LAYRA concept, presented by Finnish studio Allstars Design, is scalable between 70 and 90 meters in length and, according to its developers, is aimed at »visionary shipyards and discerning owners«. Project LAYRA‘s unusual profile catches the eye at first glance: The silhouette appears to be made up of horizontal layers, which is actually the program—the stacked deck segments reveal the ship’s tween deck structure and become the defining design element. This structured »layering« not only gives the yacht a high recognition value, but also follows a clear design logic: the horizontally emphasized lines of the hull with a slightly protruding bow and the integrated, ribbon-like structural elements are intended to convey constructive clarity and calm. Allstars Design describes the concept as »visual intelligence«—the modularity and functionality of the architecture should go hand in hand with an appealing aesthetic.
In terms of color, Project LAYRA relies on a clear white exterior for the hull, tinted glazing and accents in light blue, while cool stone tones, light oak, stainless steel and black details create a modern, understated ambience inside. One of the many special features of the superyacht is the beach club on the lower deck, which is positioned centrally in the hull and offers direct contact with the sea via fold-out terraces on both sides of the boat.
Sustainability is also considered right from the design phase: the yacht can optionally be equipped with solar panels as a shade roof and a hull prepared for hydrogen propulsion. »The initial idea behind Project LAYRA was to design a vessel with engineering clarity, modularity, and layered build logic to attract shipyard interest, intended more for ownership than for charter. Conceived exclusively for MTB Superyacht 2025, it reflects Allstars Design’s drive to challenge convention and craft new benchmarks for beauty and purpose on the water,« the responsible designer Nicola Olivieri, Head of Allstars Design, explains to Chapter.
Project Velor – Nauta Design
With Project Velor, the Italian design studio Nauta Design presents a 75-meter concept that challenges conventional room layouts. At the heart of Project Velor is an innovative architectural concept: the engine room has been removed from the usual stern area and relocated to a lower technical deck. This gives the yacht considerably more volume on the upper four decks—Nauta talks about accommodating the comfort and functions of a five-deck yacht in a four-deck design.
On the outside, Project Velor has an elegant openness. Clear, long lines and gently curved shapes define the side view, while sharp-edged chamfers and overhanging louvre panels characterize the design in detail. Large areas of glazing and open atrium staircases attempt to visually interlock the floor boundaries as well as the interior and exterior spaces. The stern is particularly characteristic: here, an open-air water patio opens directly onto the sea: a partly covered but laterally open terrace area on the lower deck, flanked by fold-down platforms.
In terms of propulsion, the concept relies on an economical diesel-electric hybrid with four generators to ensure efficiency and range. Project Velor thus embodies a modern interpretation of the superyacht theme: with great flexibility, functionality and livability—openly designed and strongly focused on the connection with the marine environment.
Dragonfly – Lürssen & Germán Frers
Unlike the others on this list, the 142-metre Dragonfly is not actually a pure concept, but a yacht actually built by Lürssen. Nevertheless, it deserves a place here among the most exciting design projects of the moment, as its concept is visionary in many respects. The Argentinian designer Germán Frers is responsible for the exterior appearance and has translated his style, which is characterized by sailing yachts and classics, into a large motor yacht format. Dragonfly impresses with a powerful, almost military-looking profile with a sharply cut, steeply rising bow and clear, straight-lined deck superstructures. According to Frers, his declared aim was to create a balanced design with timeless appeal.
However, the formal straightforwardness conceals numerous technical refinements, as a focus on sustainability was also a central factor in the planning of the Dragonfly. With this in mind, the superyacht is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, an electric azimuth pod drive and PTI/PTO units integrated into the gearboxes, which enable either electric propulsion or power generation to operate the vessel.
A highlight of Dragonfly can be found at the stern: here, Lürssen’s engineers have developed a two-stage, folding platform system that allows parts of the aft deck to be lowered, creating a spacious beach club directly at water level. The spacious, luxuriously designed decks are also spacious – including a main deck pool with a glass floor, a spa, a cinema, a multifunctional sports center and a complete business deck as a floating office including a conference room and helicopter hangar. The Italian studio Nauta Design is again responsible for the design of all interior and exterior areas.
Haven – CS Yacht Design (Felix Chapman-Sheath)
The Haven concept, created by young design student Felix Chapman-Sheath (CS Yacht Design), offers a completely different perspective on the future. With a length of 85 meters, Haven defines itself as a »state-of-the-art sustainable superyacht«. Instead of primarily impressing with its external size or opulence, Haven focuses on content: emission-free technology, new spatial concepts and a harmonious integration of natural elements.
The exterior of the yacht is characterized by extensive deck terraces that are almost reminiscent of modernist architecture in their staggered arrangement. Transparent balustrades and open transitions between the levels create the impression of a floating atrium palace. A particular highlight of the concept is the Zen garden that inspired the name—a reminiscence of Japanese design that is intended to promote calm and contemplation on board.
When it comes to propulsion, Haven is to rely consistently on alternative energies. According to the designer, a combination of fuel cells, battery technology and solar panels are conceivable in order to achieve genuine zero emissions. However, sustainability is not just a technical priority for Haven; the yacht is also intended to communicate this aesthetically: The interior design appears bright, open and close to nature. Curved shapes characterize the entire appearance; you will look in vain for strict structures.
As a concept, Haven is already fulfilling its purpose: it is dedicated to the question of how luxury and ecology can be combined on a superyacht in the future. In any case, Haven is a design that, like all the concepts presented here, shows that progress comes from the courage to leave established paths and think completely new in many areas. [CS]
