Norwegian yacht company launches first residential super yacht

Construction of the largest yacht in the world is under way – but to live on it you will have to fork out well over $15 million.

The largest yacht the world has ever seen is currently being built in Norway, but you’ll need a serious wad of cash – and an invitation – to buy one of the residences on-board.

At 221m long and 33,500 tonnes, the “yacht liner” Somnio will contain a collection of 39 luxury apartments.

The ship has been designed by Vard Søviknes, with Tillberg Design of Sweden and Winch Design from the UK creating the residences and amenity spaces.

An artist’s impression of the luxury yacht. Picture: Winch

The name of the ship, Somnio, means ‘to dream’. Picture: Winch

“Somnio, meaning ‘to dream’ in Latin, will be the largest yacht in the world by length and volume, and offer apartment owners the finest quality available at sea,” Captain Erik Bredhe, co-founder of Somnio, said in a statement. “We are really looking forward to seeing this beautiful yacht liner sail in 2024.”

The incredible yacht will be the largest in the world. Picture: Winch

Residences can be customised and sales are by invitation only. Picture: Winch

Residences will be spread over six decks and are fully customisable, with options like private outdoor space, libraries, chef’s kitchens and dressing rooms. Prices start at $15 million and sales are by invitation only, but serious buyers know how to get in touch, according to a spokesman for the project. Some units have already sold, he added, but declined to give additional details.

Sales are by invitation only. Picture: Winch

The yacht will offer “seven-star” service to its residents, as well as access to some of the world’s finest ports. That includes sailing through the Mediterranean, New York, the South Pacific and expeditions in Antarctica, according to the launch brochure.

“Owners will share a truly unique lifestyle at sea, with a hand-picked crew and a never-ending global itinerary of carefully selected destinations and experiences befitting a yacht of this nature,” Captain Bredhe said in a separate statement released by Winch Design.

Amenities will include a 10,000-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, several restaurants and bars, an on-board beach club with water-sports facilities, several pools and a lounge in the ship’s bow to give people a “spectacular” vantage point when entering and leaving ports around the world, according to Winch Design.

Amenities include swimming pools and a 10,000 bottle wine cellar. Picture: Winch

But luxury living isn’t the only aim of the vessel. Sustainability and ocean research will also be key to Somnio, which will employ the latest clean engine technology and on-board equipment to aid marine scientists in their research, according to Winch.

Jim Dixon, director of yachts and aviation at Winch Design called the project a “revolutionary landmark for the industry”.

The project, which will be delivered from Vard Søviknes in Norway, is expected to take about three years.

“We are really looking forward to seeing this beautiful yacht liner sail in 2024,” Captain Bredhe said.

This article originally appeared on The Sun has been republished with permission