A new giant of the seas is taking shape in Kiel. Its name is Project ELF, and with its 114 meters in length, it’s set to once again redefine the boundaries of German excellence in superyacht construction. Behind this ambitious project is German Naval Yards, a historic shipyard with over 185 years of experience in the maritime industry.
Part of the European group CMN NAVAL, the shipyard is renowned for creating icons such as the Sailing Yacht A, the futuristic 143-meter sailing yacht launched in 2017. With Project ELF, German Naval Yards returns to center stage in the world of superyachts.
The numbers speak for themselves: 114 meters in length, 15.8 meters beam, 3.85 meters draft, and a gross tonnage of 4,950 GT. Onboard, there’s accommodation for 18 guests and 39 crew members, all within spaces where technology, comfort, and elegance meet seamlessly. The sleek and dynamic exterior lines are designed by Pindaros LLC in collaboration with Andy Waugh Yacht Design, while the interiors — still partly under wraps — are developed by Pindaros LLC with the expertise of Laurent Champeau.
Among the details already revealed are a 20-meter pool, monumental deck spaces, and a series of custom features designed to impress even the most discerning owners.
“Our shipyard has always been recognized for its excellence and its ability to innovate in the superyacht world,” says Rino Brugge, CEO of German Naval Yards. “With Project ELF, we want to once again show the world what German quality and craftsmanship mean on a truly uncompromising scale.”
This vision is echoed by Roger Friedrich of Junonia Yacht Consultants Ltd., representing the owner: “We have complete trust in German Naval Yards and their ability to bring our vision to life. Their technical mastery and obsessive attention to detail make them the ideal partner for a project of this magnitude.”
The delivery of Project ELF is scheduled for 2028, but its name is already destined to make waves in the world of full-custom superyachts. Today, German Naval Yards stands as a key player in the global shipbuilding industry. Its production site in Kiel spans 250,000 square meters and houses one of Europe’s largest dry docks, measuring 426 meters in length and 88 meters in width. A second covered dock, 240 meters long and 44 meters wide, further strengthens the facility’s capabilities.
