Project Shackleton (O3) by Lürssen: What We Know About the 110m Explorer Yacht Launching in 2026

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Project Shackleton (also known as O3) is a 110-meter expedition-style superyacht under construction at Lürssen, with delivery expected in 2026. Originally referred to as Project Icecap, this vessel has progressed through a complex build timeline that includes design changes, ownership transitions, and rebranding during development.

Built for long-range cruising and capable of polar exploration, Project Shackleton blends large-yacht luxury with rugged expedition capability. Here’s what’s currently known.

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Who’s Building Project Shackleton?

Project Shackleton superyacht photographed from above in a shipyard basin, showing its full white hull, multi-deck expedition-style superstructure, and radar domes during construction and outfitting.

Project Shackleton is being built by Lürssen, one of the world’s leading superyacht builders known for large custom projects. The yacht began construction under the working name Project Icecap and was later sold and renamed during its build phase.

Builder: Lürssen (Germany)
Design Evolution: Initial work by Salt Ship Design, with later refinements from Espen Øino International
Development Timeline: Construction began in the late 2010s, with the yacht entering sea trials in 2025
Project Name: Now publicly identified as O3 during trials

The project has moved through Lürssen’s multiple facilities, including hull work at Peene-Werft and outfitting in Hamburg.

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Project Shackleton: Key Specs & Features

Bow-on aerial view of Project Shackleton moving through calm harbor waters, highlighting its sharp vertical bow, layered decks, satellite domes, and large-scale expedition yacht proportions.

Though full technical details remain limited, key figures and capabilities have been reported through industry sources and sea trial observations.

Specification	Details
Length	~110 meters
Gross Tonnage	~6,300 GT
Beam	~17.5 meters
Draft	~4.5 meters
Hull Type	Steel (ice-class rated)
Superstructure	Aluminium
Propulsion	Diesel-electric with multiple engines
Top Speed	~24 knots (reported)
Guest Capacity	~20 guests
Crew Capacity	~30–40
Helipad	Yes (aft deck)

This configuration supports extended offshore operations in remote regions while maintaining the comfort and scale expected of a Lürssen build.

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Design & Capability Highlights

Project Shackleton is built for serious expedition use, with design choices that prioritize stability, range, and operational flexibility.

Expedition Profile: The steel hull is expected to be ice-class certified, enabling travel to high-latitude regions.
Diesel-Electric Propulsion: Offers improved efficiency and reduced onboard noise and vibration — suitable for long-range cruising.
Helicopter Operations: The aft helideck expands access to remote areas and serves dual use for tender or gear loading.
Refined Exterior Styling: Espen Øino’s involvement suggests the final profile balances function with clean, modern lines.

While interior details remain undisclosed, the vessel is expected to include standard large-yacht amenities tailored for long-term use.

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