The Norwegian shipyard Vard will build the “biggest yacht in the world.” This is how the Norwegian subsidiary of Fincantieri describes its new “floating building” design.

The yacht, named Somnio (meaning “dream” in Latin) will be a residential yacht, the only one of its kind and “recognisable – say Vard – as a new trailblazer in super yacht design.” The gigayacht will have a gross tonnage of 33,500 tonnes and a length of 222 metres, a width of 27 metres, to house 39 luxurious apartments, and will travel around the entire world, depending on the needs of its resident-owners.

THE COST? HALF A BILLION EUROS

The ship, which will respect the highest standards and safety, environmental and operational rules, is the result of a close partnership between Somnio, Fincantieri and Vard. Somnio chose for its project two of the most important architecture and design studios in the world, Tillberg Design in Sweden and Winch Design in the United Kingdom. Delivery is planned in Norway for the spring of 2024 and, according to rumour, the cost will be around 500 million euros.

“We are happy to have chosen a team with so much experience like Vard – said  Erik Bredhe co-founder of Somnio – for this unique project. Somnio, which in Latin means “dream”, will be the biggest yacht in the world for length and volume and will offer its owners apartments of the best quality available at sea. We can’t wait to see this beautiful transatlantic ship launch in 2024.”

SOMNIO, THE BIGGEST SHIP IN HISTORY (FOR NOW)

The yacht will be delivered by Vard Søviknes in Norway. The hull and first phase of decorating will instead be done in Vard Tulcea, in Romania. Other key players in this project are Vard’s mother company, Fincantieri, Vard Design and Vard Electro. The project will also include a number of suppliers and bidders working in the Norwegian maritime industry.

“This ship will be the biggest ever built so far in the history of Vard – said the general manager for the Business Unit Cruise in Vard, Attilio Dapelo – and will involve a large number of designers and ship builders in our specialised international network.”

Fincantieri and Vard are not new to innovative projects made for the future. Like the contract won by Vard last year to build 8 robotic ships, controlled from land.

“Yet again – said Daniele Fanara, general manager for the Newbuilding Business Unit Cruise of Fincantieri – the Fincantieri Group, providing clients with their experience gained through the development of the largest and most diverse maritime portfolio in the world, is the first to develop innovative projects for new market segments and niches. Our team has worked closely with Somnio and their architects. The result is truly exceptional and will establish the standard for a new niche of super yacht owners, for those wanting companionship for sharing the experience offered by Somnio.”