Somnio, the world’s largest private residence superyacht

Hailed as the world’s first “Yacht Liner”, Somnio will be delivered by specialist Norwegian shipyard, VARD, in mid-2024.

Establishing a new niche in superyacht ownership, Somnio will have just 39 privately-owned exquisitely high-end, luxuriously spacious apartments onboard. Owners will enjoy the perfect combination of the superyacht lifestyle and 7-star hotel service. 

She will sail with an intimate community on an ever-changing global itinerary.

Amenities on board will include a spectacular 10 000-bottle capacity wine cellar and tasting room; a choice of restaurants and bars; as well as an onboard beach club featuring water-sports facilities. A lounge in the ship’s bow will also provide spectacular views when sailing in scenic areas or when entering port.

The highest standards of security and medical care will also be available onboard. This will enable owners and their guests to sail in safety despite pandemics and other global risks.

With a focus on slow-paced travel, Somnio will explore the four corners of the globe. From exploring the Mediterranean to a week in New York. From sailing the South Pacific to undertaking expeditions in Antarctica.

Owners will access unimaginable experiences while enjoying the true intimacy of private yacht ownership. They will also have the ability to explore the world with like-minded owners and friends.

Of course, environmental sustainability is a key focus for Somnio. Built with the latest clean engine technology and advanced onboard equipment, Somnio will allow scientists and marine experts to research ocean environments. Internationally recognised experts will join Somnio’s itinerary from time to time. These experts will update owners on the latest global challenges and solutions on key environmental and philanthropic issues.

The Somnio Project Lead

Somnio will be 222 metres long and will have a gross tonnage of 33,500 GRT.

Somnio Lead, Captain Erik Bredhe, is overseeing the project. Bredhe was previously Master of “The World”, to date the only residential vessel at sea.

Announcing the launch of Somnio, Captain Erik Bredhe said: “Somnio will be the only residential superyacht in the world. She has been designed to exacting standards that are commensurate with a life of opportunity. 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.”

Somnio Designers

When it came down to assembling the team to make this yacht a reality, Erik Bredhe had to rely on the best designers of luxury yachts across the globe. Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) and Winch Design are collaborating on designing the luxury yacht.

Tillberg Design of Sweden

Daniel Nerhagen, TDoS Partner and Yacht Director, says: “Somnio can be seen as an evolution of two industries coming together. In this project, we merge the best of these worlds. The commercial build process for efficiency in combination with design, quality and craftsmanship from the superyacht industry. Yachts have grown bigger and bigger, and I see shared knowledge and hybrid projects as a natural step for the industry in the coming years. All of this gives the owners the best value for their investment.”

During the development process, several different apartments, sizes and layouts have been developed for Somnio. A wide array of warm and tactile materials have been used in order to create a true yacht ambience onboard, including crafted wood, supple leather, and uniquely designed textiles.

Fredrik Johansson, TDoS Partner and Executive Director, adds: “It really is a unique project, and the level of ambition from the stakeholders is truly exceptional. We are applying all the combined experience we have from our work within private yachts, effective master planning of large vessels, as well as our deep understanding of residential life at sea. The outcome will be like nothing else that exists today; it will be dream-like. The way the yacht is planned and equipped, and the interior and exterior design, together with the standard of outfitting, will make it as close to living on a private yacht that you can get without buying one of your own.”

Winch Design

“Embarking on such a spectacular and pioneering project brings a huge amount of pride and excitement for the Winch Design team and follows an enormous amount of hard work already achieved. It’s a privilege to be working with Tillberg Design and VARD shipyard on what will be a revolutionary landmark for the industry. We look forward to working closely with all those involved and can’t wait to see her develop!” says Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts & Aviation at Winch Design.

Somnio Builders

General Manager for Business Unit Cruise in VARD, Attilio Dapelo, says: “We are proud of having been selected to build this amazing yacht liner for Somnio. The vessel will be the largest so far in VARD’s history. The project will engage a high number of designers and shipbuilders in VARD’s network of specialized international facilities.”

The project has also enjoyed the support of VARD’s parent company, Fincantieri. Italy’s Fincantieri is certainly one of the world’s most renowned builders of specialised vessels.

Newbuilding General Manager for Business Unit Cruise in Fincantieri, Daniele Fanara, says: “Once again Fincantieri group, offering to owners the expertise achieved with the development of the widest and most diversified portfolio of maritime products worldwide, is the first to develop groundbreaking designs for new market segments and niches. Our teams have strictly cooperated with Somnio and with their architects. The result is really outstanding. It will set the standard for a new niche of superyacht ownership for those who desire companionship to share the experiences offered by Somnio.”

The name Somnio derives from Latin, meaning “to dream”.  Being an owner of this Yacht Liner is certainly a dream.  The 39 apartments are already for sale, and acquisition of these apartments is strictly by invitation or referral. Obviously, the names of the Somnio owners will remain a tightly guarded secret.

For more information, visit www.somniosuperyachts.com.

Renders were created by Winch Design.