Somnio, Bygg nr. ? ved Vard Søviknes, Yatch "Somnio"

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VARD to build largest yacht in the world – Somnio

VARD, one of the world’s major designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, is pleased to announce that it has secured the contract for the construction of Somnio, the world’s first residential “yacht liner”, finished to the highest possible standards.

VARD, one of the world’s major designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, is pleased to announce that it has secured the contract for the construction of Somnio, the world’s first residential “yacht liner”, finished to the highest possible standards.

Somnio will be one of a kind and recognizable as the new standard bearer of superyacht design. The yacht liner will have a gross tonnage of 33,500 GRT, a length of 222 meters, and a beam of 27 meters.

Somnio has just 39 luxurious apartments onboard and will sail the world according to owners’ wishes.

The yacht liner, which will comply with the highest safety, environmental and operational standards and rules, is the result of a close cooperation among Somnio, Fincantieri and VARD.

Somnio has selected two of the world’s foremost architectural and design studios for the project, Tillberg Design of Sweden and Winch Design from the United Kingdom.

Delivery is due in Norway in Spring 2024.

Captain Erik Bredhe, co-founder of Somnio, said: “We are delighted to have chosen the highly-experienced team at VARD for this unique project. 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. We are really looking forward to seeing this beautiful yacht liner sail in 2024.”
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 vessel so far in VARD’s history and will engage a high number of designers and shipbuilders in VARD’s network of specialized international facilities.”

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 and will set the standard for a new niche of top luxury vacations.”

The yacht liner is to be delivered from Vard Søviknes in Norway. The hull, and the first phase of outfitting, will be performed at Vard Tulcea in Romania. Other key players in the project are VARD’s parent company Fincantieri, Vard Design, and Vard Electro. A broad range of suppliers and contractors in the Norwegian Maritime Cluster will also be involved in the project.

Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing in VARD, Rune Rødset commented:
"During my 37 years in VARD, I have had many dreams. However, the satisfaction of bringing home the contract of Somnio, clearly exceeds all of what I was hoping for.”
Picture-of-Somnio-1399-19-09-12-Fwd.jpg

Illustrasjon: via Vard
 
Did construction ever start on this one? I doubt it. For sure, they will not be able to make 2024 anymore...
 
Well said. I contacted VARD and https://somniosuperyachts.com/ but no surprise really, no response. Same with Brodosplit where a while back all relevant websites reported a deal to build Storylines NARATIVE a value of 1,5 Billion US$! Was signed. BUT!!! The yard is in voluntary insolvency, did not pay salaries to workers since April, can not complete two Coastal patrol Vessels, and 400 suppliers have filed for outstanding payments.
Another dead duck " Meyer Werft order from NJORD. Meyer did respond to our inquiry and stated " as mentioned in our press Release, subject pending to financing. Mail send to info@oceanresidences.com was returned (https://oceanresidences.com/).
So here we have it. Much Ado about Nothing
Locarno
 
Quelle Surprise! (not). Thanks a lot for your inquiries!
For what it is worth: I just did a quick check in the register of IHS Maritme and none of the above three ships are in there. No IMO, no yard number, nothing.
 
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Back in November, I spoke to someone closely involved in the project and they told me it was still "on pause", so I'm not entirely surprised by this. Economy is starting to slow downn, superyacht charter market is not so overheated anymore either, so I think some of the potential clients for this ship may opt to charter a superyacht instead. More flexibility, way cooler and you get to decide where you go.
 
Well said Sir rd77!
Not surprising, though, as all recent similar announcement are "on pause", some for several years.
A success however is the recent announcement of the Turkish company https://www.lifeatseacruises.com/ - who claimed that several day (hours) after introducing a three-year cruise with their mv Gemini, it was nearly sold out. Said Gemini was also offered a few years back as a Resident come Wellness. Ship.
 
Agree Oddgeir, now let's see if we hear anything more about NJORD and the Storylines boat.
@Locarno : why on earth would people go for three years on a small old ship without balcony cabins? Don't get me wrong, I love classic old liners and cruise ships but this one is just old by now.
 
Well, it depends on what one wants, needs. In this case I guess deciding factors: no purchase, no up front fees, cheap, starting at 22+ per person. Extended stay in ports.
I worked with major cruise lines and saw the tremendous changes from 1972 to 2010. From a selling and advertisement, balconies seem to be the ultimate issue. However, during the cruise in warm regions and port stay, air-condition, bugs entering the suite just a few problems coming to mind. And if you see a vessel pulling into port, how many guests actually are seen on the balconies? For that matter, on any high-rise apartment building? A survey with OTAs hast, not surprisingly, shown that the price is number one followed by itinerary when choosing a cruise. In this particular case, it was the price. Age? If she well maintained technically and appearance wise? Do we really need 28 eateries, bars, waterslides, zip line, and robo-mixer?
 
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