Lurssen
Lürssen is a 150-year-old, family-owned German shipbuilder that designs and constructs bespoke superyachts from approximately 55m to 180m+ for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, alongside integrated refit and lifetime support services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1875
- HeadquartersBremen-vegesack, Germany
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Lurssen does
Lürssen is a privately held, family-owned German shipbuilder headquartered in Bremen-Vegesack, operating continuously since 1875 across more than 150 years. The company designs and constructs bespoke motor superyachts ranging from approximately 55m to 180m+, with recent deliveries including the 142m DRAGONFLY (2024), 122m KISMET (2024), and 78.20m ODISEA (2026). Operations span multiple German shipyards (Bremen, Hamburg, Rendsburg), an R&D and design presence in Croatia (Rijeka Innovation Hub plus MARBLE-affiliated research in Zagreb and Šibenik), and a sales office in Fort Lauderdale, USA. The workforce numbers over 2,000 and the company operates one of the largest dry docks in Northern Europe, enabling simultaneous execution of multiple large-scale newbuild and refit programs.
The product portfolio comprises three streams: New Build Yachts (one-off bespoke construction, multi-year contracts, individually quoted pricing), Refit & Restoration Services (project-based, including hull extensions, engine upgrades, and conversions), and Lifetime Support Services (recurring contracts with 24/7 rapid response, spare parts, port documentation, and concierge). The go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals under strict confidentiality, supplemented by annual presence at the Monaco Yacht Show and active social profiles (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Weibo/Weixin). Technical differentiation includes the first fuel cell installed on a yacht (2021), ongoing Rolls-Royce collaboration on methanol propulsion, a patented compact SCR exhaust system for NOx reduction, and in-house engineering of large complex glass structures.
Commercial mechanics are anchored in confidentiality, project-based one-time payments for newbuilds, and project-based plus recurring service revenue for refit and support. Strategic partnerships include Rolls-Royce (sustainable propulsion and refits), RWD (exterior and interior design), the Lürssen Foundation and Centre of Excellence MARBLE (R&D and talent pipeline), the University of Connecticut (scholarship programme), and the Water Revolution Foundation (industry sustainability). The company is privately held by the Lürssen family, operates through Lürssen Werft Bremen GmbH & Co. KG, and reports no public listing or institutional external investment.
Lurssen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lurssen
- Legal name
- Lürssen Werft Bremen GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://lurssen.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1875
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Lürssen is a 150-year-old, family-owned German shipbuilder that designs and constructs bespoke superyachts from approximately 55m to 180m+ for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, alongside integrated refit and lifetime support services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lurssen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Custom Superyacht Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Ship and Boat Building (3366), Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Ship and Boat Building (33661)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Full-Custom Superyacht & Megayacht Manufacturing (IMAJAMAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Superyacht & Megayacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAD), Luxury Motor Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAMAD), Luxury Yacht Refit, Rebuild & Lifecycle Upgrades (MRO) (IMAJAMAJ), Yacht & Recreational Boat Service & Refit (TLAKAKAD)
Keywords
Where Lurssen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bremen-vegesack
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices8 records
Markets served
Lurssen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Custom Yacht Construction: Bespoke superyacht construction from design through delivery. Projects range from 55m to 156m+ motor yachts. Revenue generated as one-time payments per vessel with multi-year construction timelines.
- Yacht Refit & Modernization: Complete refit services including hull extensions, engine upgrades, multimedia systems, stabilizers, generators, and cosmetic renovations. Revenue generated from project-based refit contracts.
- Lifetime Support Services: Ongoing support throughout yacht lifecycle including rapid response team, spare parts, service partnerships, port documentation, crew support, and concierge services. Revenue from service contracts and à la carte services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Bespoke Superyachts |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Refit Services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
Lurssen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lürssen designs, engineers, and builds fully bespoke custom motor superyachts ranging from approximately 55m to 180m+, alongside comprehensive yacht refit and modernization services and lifetime operational support including 24/7 rapid response, spare parts, and concierge services. The company also manufactures gigayachts and serves as a complete turnkey yard from concept through delivery and beyond.
Product overview
Lürssen is a German luxury yacht builder offering bespoke custom motor yachts ranging from approximately 55m to 180m+, alongside comprehensive refit and lifetime support services. The portfolio includes New Build Yachts (custom construction), Refit & Restoration Services, and Lifetime Support Services. The company also operates the Lürssen Foundation, which offers educational programmes including a Scholarship Programme (six-month R&D programme spanning Croatia, Germany, and the United States) and a Fellowship Programme (InterAction - local residential programme at the Innovation Hub in Rijeka, Croatia focused on maritime innovation). The product line is characterized by advanced engineering capabilities including fuel cell technology, methanol propulsion research, and glass structure development, with notable designs from studios such as RWD, Espen Øino, and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- New Build Yachts Bespoke custom motor yacht construction for individual owners. Vessels range from approximately 55m to 180m+, encompassing large motor yachts and gigayachts. Each yacht is engineered and built to the owner's specifications with advanced design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities integrated under one roof.
- Refit & Restoration Services Complete yacht refit, reconstruction, and modernization services delivered at the Bremen shipyard. Capabilities include hull extensions, custom solutions, commercial-to-luxury conversions, engine modernization, multimedia and IT systems, stabilizers, generators, and certified quality restoration for yachts regardless of original builder. Backed by 2,000+ workforce and one of the largest dry docks in Northern Europe.
- Lifetime Support Services Comprehensive support delivered throughout a yacht's operational lifetime, regardless of original builder. Includes a 24/7 global rapid response team for emergency repairs, spare parts supply, service partnerships, shore support, port documentation, visa and immigration assistance, medical support, crew housing, customs clearance, and concierge services.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20+ sub-80m yachts delivered since 2000 (roughly one-third of all Lürssens built during this period)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Lurssen
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Lurssen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Lurssen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Centre of Excellence MARBLEcoreStrategic partnership between Lürssen Foundation and Centre of Excellence MARBLE for the Innovation Hub in Rijeka. Focuses on maritime robotics, autonomous systems, and sustainable maritime technology research.
- Rolls-RoycecoreStrategic collaboration on methanol propulsion systems for large yachts, advancing sustainable maritime technology. Also agreed to collaborate on yacht refits, combining Lürssen's shipbuilding expertise with Rolls-Royce's propulsion technology.
- University of ConnecticutcoreAcademic partnership for the Lürssen Foundation scholarship programme. Hosts month-long summer school for scholars at University of Connecticut to develop R&D projects.
- Water Revolution FoundationminorSustainability partnership focused on making sustainability practices standard in the yachting industry rather than optional.
- RWD (RWD Ltd)coreMulti-award-winning British design studio collaborating on both exterior and interior design of yachts. First partnership with Lürssen for both exterior and interior on ODISEA (78m).
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Lurssen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nobiskrug: German shipyard specializing in large custom superyachts and sailing yachts. Direct competitor in the European gigayacht market with similar UHNW clientele.
- CRN (Ferretti Group): Italian megayacht builder within Ferretti Group constructing fully custom steel/aluminum motor yachts up to 90m+. Competes for large custom commissions in the Mediterranean market.
- Amels (Damen): Dutch builder of custom superyachts (Limited Editions and full custom) up to ~80m under the Damen umbrella. Direct competitor with comparable product range and refit capability at Damen Vlissingen.
- Feadship: Dutch builder of fully custom superyachts typically 50m-100m+. Direct competitor for the same UHNW buyer pool with comparable bespoke design, engineering, and refit capabilities. Operates multiple yards in the Netherlands.
- Oceanco: Dutch builder of large custom superyachts (often 80m+). Direct competitor in the gigayacht segment with comparable sustainability initiatives (e.g., NEXUS hybrid platform).
- Heesen Yachts: Dutch builder of all-aluminum superyachts in the 50m-80m+ range. Direct competitor in the sub-80m custom segment where Lürssen has been expanding its presence.
- Benetti: Italian superyacht builder (part of Azimut-Benetti Group) producing fully custom and semi-custom motor yachts up to gigayacht size. Directly competes for large custom yacht commissions and shares the Monaco Yacht Show sales channel.
Broad incumbents
- Sunseeker: British volume luxury motor yacht builder (16m-50m). Overlaps with Lürssen in the luxury motor yacht category but serves a mass-luxury segment rather than the bespoke megayacht niche.
Others
- Rolls-Royce Power Systems (MTU): Strategic supplier and partner for marine propulsion (MTU engines) and methanol co-development. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor, but its technology roadmap directly shapes Lürssen's product capabilities.
Regional players
- Westport Yachts: U.S.-based builder of semi-custom motor yachts (typically 30m-50m). Comparable business model in series-built luxury yachts but focused on the North American market and a smaller size class.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Lurssen social profiles
Digital presenceLurssen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lurssen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Lurssen subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Lurssen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lurssen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lurssen
What does Lurssen do?
Lürssen designs, engineers, and builds fully bespoke custom motor superyachts ranging from approximately 55m to 180m+, alongside comprehensive yacht refit and modernization services and lifetime operational support including 24/7 rapid response, spare parts, and concierge services. The company also manufactures gigayachts and serves as a complete turnkey yard from concept through delivery and beyond.
Is Lurssen a public or private company?
Lurssen is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Lurssen founded?
Lurssen was founded in 1875. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Lurssen based?
Lurssen is headquartered in Bremen-vegesack, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Lurssen make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Custom Yacht Construction is the primary driver. The others are yacht Refit & Modernization and lifetime Support Services.
Who are Lurssen's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nobiskrug, CRN (Ferretti Group), Amels (Damen), Feadship, Oceanco, Heesen Yachts and Benetti. Sunseeker is listed as a broad incumbent. Rolls-Royce Power Systems (MTU) is listed as an others. Westport Yachts is listed as a regional player.
Does Lurssen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lurssen.
What industry is Lurssen in?
Lurssen's product category is Custom Superyacht Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAMAB, Full-Custom Superyacht & Megayacht Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAJAEAD, Superyacht & Megayacht Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 3366.