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Pangeos The Terayacht: World's Largest Floating City

By Heather Collier

Double the size of the Roman Colosseum, Pierpaolo Lazzarini returns with a new, monumental £6.8 billion terayacht concept. The turtle-shaped vessel known as 'Pangeos' is expected to be 550m long and 610m at its widest point. If achieved, this terayacht would become the largest floating structure ever built.

At its peak, Pangeos would be capable of hosting up to 60,000 guests; a floating city for ultra-high-net-worths.

Guests can unwind by staying in one of the many hotels, exploring its plethora of shopping centres, parks, beach clubs, resorts, as well as ship and aircraft ports, according to Italian design studio Lazzarini.

In recent years, Lazzarini has made a name for itself for conjuring up some of the industry's most daring, out-of-this-world concepts, including vessels that can fly, ginormous on-board garages and futuristic ships that push the boundaries of imagination.

They hope the ambitious scheme dating back to 2009 will soon become a reality following an NFT-related crowdfunding initiative to sell virtual spaces on the watercraft. If achieved, the project is said to take a jaw-dropping eight years to build.

Lazzarini have hinted that the vessel would have its very own shipyard built specifically for its creation, and would be launched out of Saudi Arabia.

" A Terayacht needs a Terashipyard ," the designers said. " The conception of a similar-sized vessel, involves the realisation of a specific shipyard/dam infrastructure that floods to levitate the terayacht when it will be launched."

" The imagined Terashipyard infrastructure is 650 metres wide and 600 metres long, providing direct access to the sea. "

With 30 metres of draft, the ship's enormous hull is made up of nine different bows and subdivided into several blocks. The structure also boasts a giant gate aft that allows vessels to enter this floating metropolis.

It would be powered by nine high-temperature superconductor (HTS) engines, each fully electric motor capable of a mind-blowing 16,800hp and powered by various onboard energy sources.

The design team also claim it would be able to use "wings" to cruise without expending too much energy, making this super-structure highly eco-conscious.

" Pushed from a jet drive transmission, the tera-structure will be able to cruise at a speed of five knots ," Lazzarini said.

" While sailing, the large wings will gain energy from the breaking of the waves and Pangeos will cruise perpetually without emissions around the planet Earth's seas.   Further, the rooftop area is lined with solar panels, which provide part of the necessary clean energy to power the terayacht ."

In terms of accommodation, guests will be able to stay in a wide variety of luxury residences, from apartments and houses to "super villas" and royal palaces.

" The virtual spaces of the watercraft can also be purchased under an NFT collection, and users will be able to collect certain content and access the virtual properties with their credentials ," Lazzarini said.

Similar credentials will also be used as a property deposit in case of real construction.

" The terayacht proposal takes its name from Pangea, the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras ," Lazzarini adds.

"The virtual spaces of the watercraft can also be purchased under an NFT collection, and users will be able to collect certain content and access the virtual properties with their credentials" Pierpaolo Lazzarini, Lazzarini Design Studio

"The virtual spaces of the watercraft can also be purchased under an NFT collection, and users will be able to collect certain content and access the virtual properties with their credentials"

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$8 billion turtle-shaped luxury yacht could become the largest floating structure ever built

Nathaniel Bahadursingh

The latest luxury boat to hit the market is Pangeos -- named after Pangea, a supercontinent that existed from 200 million to 335 million years ago. And if those seem like big numbers, wait until you hear how many dollars it'll take to construct it: $8 billion, according to designers Lazzarini. — CNN

If funded and built, the sea turtle-shaped "terayacht" would be the largest floating structure ever built, spanning 1,800 feet long and 2,000 feet wide. Dubbed a “floating city,” the boat would feature hotels, shopping malls, parks, and ports for smaller vessels and aircraft to connect. 

Due to its size, the yacht would require the construction of a special dam that would flood to levitate it before being launched. The designers have noted Saudi Arabia ’s King Abdullah Port as a potential building location. The shipyard would stretch approximately 2,133 feet wide and 1,969 feet long. 

The yacht’s hull would be comprised of 30,000 "cells," and its draft would stretch 98 feet. It would be capable of moving at a speed of five knots. The boat’s “arms” would draw energy from the drag and waves that break against it. Rooftop solar panels would also provide power. Unlike cruise ships or other commercial sea voyages, Pangeos wouldn’t operate out of a port or have a set itinerary, "it would simply cruise around, making the journey the destination." Lazzarini's team hopes for construction on this massive undertaking in 2033, with an estimated eight-year build period.

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Bjarke Ingels presents utopian plan for sustainable floating cities to UN

11 Comments

...and yet, not as fucking ridiculous as that giant bar-building in the desert from a few weeks ago.

archanonymous

Mitchell Joachim

Truly shell-arious! It’s NOT going to cost 8 billion, more like 800 billion. The environmental cost is only two; that is the resources of two whole planets. What’s their next trick concept? A ginormous shrimp?

Here for the ginormous shrimp, lemme know when it launches so I can shell out some money to high-tail it there.

this is so fucking stupid. i should have thought of it

Nam Henderson

h2osuperfly

humanity is not long for this world

$8B? No chance. We regularly work on +$1B projects, there is no way the math checks out on this.

Don't undervalue the savings you get when using slaves for construction.

"Contractors love this one simple trick..."

Non Sequitur

"rich oil heir cunts love this one simple trick"

It's a turtle, so at least there's that.

Not sure if it can be added to the "Duck Central" thread though.

scheduling my euthanasia rn

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Brand new superyacht marina: Saudi Arabia’s Neom announces development of Jaumur – a cosmopolitan marina community.

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Written by Rachel Kelly

A brand-new luxury superyacht marina will be built as part of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city development on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. The marina will be the focal point of a larger community which will include residential property, hotels and entertainment venues.

Superyacht marina at Jaumur - rendered image

Superyacht marina at Jaumur – rendered image

The marina has been designed with a 1.5 kilometre aerofoil covering the largest berths and providing year round protection for superyachts and a haven for residents and guests. The structure includes a cantilevered landmark entrance for all the marina attractions which include leisure and cultural experiences, year-round arts and performance events plus premiere retail stores and high-end dining options.

Jaumur will also showcase a commitment to innovation and learning with the inclusion of a state-of-the-art deep-sea research centre and top-tier international school. The research institute will invite established experts and pioneers to work together, making NEOM a world-renowned hub for oceanography research, deep-sea exploration and marine conservation.

Marina front apartments with private docks

Marina front apartments with private docks

Jaumur is part of the larger NEOM development which has already announced a number of tourism projects and destinations committed to sustainability.

The marina is expected to have capacity for up to 300 superyachts measuring up to 150 m (492 ft) in length so all but the most extravagant mega-yachts can find a home here.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Brand new superyacht marina: Saudi Arabia’s Neom announces development of Jaumur – a cosmopolitan marina community.".

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Inside Pangeos: Saudi Arabia's $8 Billion Floating City

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A mind blowing tera yacht concept by the lazzarini design studio, aspirations of being a fully self sustaining city, where does the pangeos get their $8 billion funding.

Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini is back with yet another incredible yacht design and concept. Pierpaolo Lazzarini of the Lazzarini Design Studio is widely known for creating one of  the largest superyachts in the world . The designer has taken things to a whole new level with his latest yacht design.

Lazzarini is set to create the biggest and most extravagant floating city in the world. After the designer's swan shaped superyacht, he is set to create another animal shaped yacht, a sea turtle shaped terayacht that the world is yet to see. The itinerant yacht will cater to the multiple commercial and entertainment of those who will be living in the floating city. Take a look at the $8 billion terayacht idea of the Italian designer.

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The $8 Billion mega vessel floating city will be called Pangeos, named after the supercontinent that existed over 200 million years, during the late Paleozoic and early

Mesozoic eras, ago called Pangaea. The project will be built in Saudi Arabia and if realized, it will be the biggest marine vessel ever built as a vast floating city.

If funded and approved, the project is set to begin the construction in 2033 at the King

Abdullah Port. It is estimated that the project will take up to 8 years to complete with the completion budget of $8 billion. The gigantic hull contains nine different bows that is subdivided into several blocks.

The project will be designed and handled by the Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini of the Lazzarini Design Studio that is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The studio used a 3D technology to create the design and concept of the floating home life in city. It will be like an enormous floating metropolis that will have an adequate space for normal city places such as parks, retail malls, public transport and even hotels.

Once completed, the sea turtle shaped terayacht will set the record for the largest floating super structure ever built. The floating city would have an area of about 550 meters or 1,800 ft and measures 610 meters or about 2,000 ft at its widest point . It will be three times larger than the largest yacht in the world, Azzam, which only has about 590 ft area.

Lazzarini claims that the project is technically just a a yacht, but the main idea is to turn it into a fully functioning and self sustaining city. It has the ability to cover great distances by floating on the water but can be anchored to the pier side. It can transport the guests at the speed of five knots.

The enormous ship is estimated to hold a total of 60,000 people exclusive of the undefined number of crew and personnel in the middle of the sea. There will be enough apartments and villas in the city to cater everyone who wanted to try living in the area.

It will have 69 apartments and 19 extravagant and luxurious overwater villas on each wing of the Pangeos. Some of these apartments offers the stunning overview of the central port area of the ship, while other will have the sea views. There will also be hotels, shopping centers and clubs for those who want to party.

The itinerant floating city Pangeos will be powered by nine HTS electric engines that has the capacity of 16,800 horsepower each. Aside from these power source, there will be solar panel lined up in the area that will provide the necessary energy to power the turtle shaped terayacht. The large wings of the yacht will also gain energy from the braking of the waves, giving Pangeos the ability to cruise perpetually without the unnecessary emissions.

The body of the ship starts from the entrance of the port area up to the main square, extending into the massive terraced villa. it will then lead to the private houses, rooftop terraces, buildings and the upper shell zone which offers a landing area for the flying vehicles.

The lower space of the city can house over 30,000 cells and cluster compartments that will provide an unsinkable floating solution for the basement. The materials for these will mainly consists of steel.

Although this is just a prototype, both Lazzarini Design Studio and Saudi Arabia are taking it seriously. Both parties wanted it to materialize and build the dream like floating city. With the objective of raising the necessary funds for the project, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign that will allow anyone to buy a virtual ticket for only $16.

The fundraising can also be funded by buying NFT will give the owner an access to own a virtual apartment in the turtle yacht. They will also launch a tera yacht experience for those interested through a launch in Metaverse this year. They have yet to announce the date of their Metaverse launch date this year.

No details were given how much money they've gotten so far or how many people have participated in their NFT initiatives.

READ NEXT:  Inside Tsugaru Strait Tunnel: The $7 Billion Construction Project In Japan

Sources: Pangeos Yacht , My Modern Met , Marine Insight  

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Mega Marina: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Jewel Yacht Club Revealed

Mega Marina: Saudi Arabia's Crown Jewel Yacht Club Revealed

Rising with the swaying waves along the northwestern shore of the famed Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, AMAALA is being built as an exclusive upscale travelers’ destination that will facilitate life-changing experiences.

Scheduled to be completed by 2024, AMAALA’S innovative Triple Bay Yacht Club encompasses a holistic framework to wellness and is focused on three main cornerstones: health and activities, arts and entertainment; and the sun and beach-marine lifestyle.

mega yacht saudi arabia

Grandeur and imagination are often linked with places like Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and this Saudi backed Yacht Club is no different, seamlessly following the natural slope of the exotic sea and surrounding landscape. The ultra-luxurious development and design will rank among the top yacht facilities in the world, on par those in Monaco and the Caribbean. The project is set within the Triple Bay Marina of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve.

Designed by renowned global architects HKS, the 7,900 square meter yacht club is set to become a comprehensive full-service concierge-style marina with a total of 120 berths for superyachts up to 130m in length, as well as a broad range of amenities for their captains, and entire boat crew. Furthermore, there will be eight magnificent resorts with over 1,300 hotel rooms.

mega yacht saudi arabia

Upon entering the yacht club, maritime guests can take a transport-lift out from the water’s edge to a private sky deck complete with bar and lounge area. In addition to the opulent sky club, Saudi Arabia’s marine masterpiece will feature numerous dedicated rooms for parties, high-end shopping, world class dining, live music and entertainment, and a massive theater. As a tribute to the yachts that will anchor there, HKS also created the clubhouse with a state-of-the-art infinity pool resembling an aft deck. This landmark structure will connect the divide separating the land and sea, allowing modern seafarers to experience the pleasures of both land and sea under one roof.

Vast and futuristic, this Red Sea compound will provide guests with an elegant home away from home in which they can choose to rest, party, or participate in a calendar of yachting and other nautical events. Surrounded by the natural elements, Arabic heritage, and supported by a supreme dedication to sustainability, AMAALA strives to become a center for luxury yachting on a global scale.

mega yacht saudi arabia

AMAALA is indeed one of the crown jewels of the “Saudi Vision 2030” infrastructure project and is essential to the Saudi Kingdom’s goal of becoming a worldwide tourism powerhouse. Once fully operational, AMAALA will provide over 50,000 local employment opportunities and an estimated $3 billion in GDP to the Saudi Arabian economy.

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superyacht Sunrays in Saudi Arabia

Sailing through Saudi Arabia on board 85m superyacht Sunrays

Looking for an off-the-beaten track cruising destination? Saudi Arabia could be an emerging winter sun location for superyachts, as the owner and captain of 85-metre Sunrays tell Sophia Wilson following their season in the Middle East...

The superyacht winter migration is almost comforting in its regularity. As the horns blow for the end of the Monaco Yacht Show in September, a steady stream of yachts start to head west to the warmer climes of the Caribbean for winter. At the same time, a handful of more adventurous yachts opt to go east and you can watch on the AIS tracker as they make their way to the sandy atolls of the Maldives or even further afield .

But what if there was another option? Close to the Med but still offering temperate weather, undiscovered sandy coves and warm waters filled with abundant marine life? The owner of 85-metre Oceanco Sunrays believes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides exactly this opportunity.

“We have always gone to the Maldives or Thailand but it’s a long journey, and with the security and piracy issues it is a bit of a headache every time,” he explains. “We have been going past Saudi Arabia for the past 10 years, but we hadn’t considered it a destination.” All that changed, however, when Sunrays visited the country as part of Red Sea Week (a superyacht rendezvous) in 2019. “I started to understand that it’s an amazing location for superyachts of all sizes for the wintertime. You go through the Suez Canal and you are there. The water is 27 degrees and it’s just fantastic,” he says.

As a result of the experience, the owner took the bold decision for Sunrays to spend most of the 2020/21 winter season in Saudi Arabia, joining for four separate trips. His excursions explored the 450-nautical-mile stretch of coastline between Jeddah and Sindalah Island, the latter of which is now part of the futuristic new city of Neom. Dan Hughes, the boat’s captain, has been pleasantly surprised by what Saudi Arabia has to offer. “It is a unique destination, unlike any other I’ve been to before,” he says. “We have cruised the east coast of Oman , which is the closest I could compare it to. You have a low-lying flat coastline with lots of reefs and sandy islands, and then you have the backdrop of the hazy mountains behind.”

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the yacht’s itinerary had to be primarily based around onboard activities and exploration, but they found the destination still had plenty to offer. “As you cruise the entire environment changes,” says the owner. “The water stays nice and warm but the colour of the sand changes and what you are looking at changes with every place you visit.” Highlights of the trips have included helicoptering into the city of AlUla and visiting the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, with its 111 preserved tombs in the desert landscape, and spending time on Sindalah Island.

The sandy beaches and deserted islands further north have also proved to be perfect for beach set-ups. Numan island, just south of Duba, is one of Captain Hughes’s new favourite stop-offs. “It is a very dramatic sandy island with a deep bay, which is well protected from the prevailing north-westerly winds,” he explains. “We have done some of our best beach set-ups there and the coral in the bay is great for diving.”

The Red Sea is renowned for its diving opportunities and Saudi Arabia benefits from being undiscovered as a tourist destination. “There are so many reefs along the coast that almost anywhere you decide to go is likely to be great,” says Captain Hughes. “Due to the lack of dive tourism, it’s pretty unspoiled everywhere.” 

The flexibility and accessibility that a yacht offers means the owner has been able to take full advantage. “My wife and I have been diving every day,” he says. “We have dived a lot in the Maldives, Thailand, Asia and the Caribbean and I would say it is some of the best diving in the world. The beauty is that the coral is not bleached, so it is really vibrant and alive.”

These dive sites won’t stay undiscovered for long, with Saudi Arabia set for an influx of tourists once pandemic restrictions ease. As part of its Vision 2030 mission the country is shifting its economic model away from a reliance on traditional industries such as oil, and tourism is seen as a vital new revenue stream. In 2019, it launched its tourist visa programme, making it possible for the first time for visitors from 49 countries to apply for e-visas. At the same time, billions of dollars are also being invested in tourism infrastructure, including three giga-projects; the futuristic city of Neom, the entertainment focused Qiddiya and The Red Sea Project. The latter will encompass an archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands incorporating island getaways, mountain retreats and desert adventure opportunities. One development in the Red Sea will be Amaala, a luxury tourism project incorporating hotels and real estate. Amaala is aiming to become a new hub for the superyacht community, with a state-of-the-art marina due to be completed by 2028.

Saudi Arabia becoming the “Riviera of the Middle East” may seem at odds with its traditionally conservative culture. However, the owner of Sunrays has found the country to be “extremely welcoming”. “There is a lot of news around Saudi and what is allowed and not allowed but we have never had any issues. People have been extremely hospitable and when you are on your boat, they let you be,” he says. Despite limited time on shore, Captain Hughes has shared this experience. “Similarly to when we visited the UAE or Oman, dressing conservatively when travelling on land is the norm. But we haven’t had any negative experiences and there is a very apparent wish to find a way to develop tourism here. There is an understanding as part of that development that it is inevitable that local and western cultures will meet.”

As part of Saudi Arabia’s development vision, the traditionally shuttered society is also welcoming a host of events to its shores, including the inaugural Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah this December. This new events calendar is something that Sunrays ’ owner has already been able to take advantage of, timing trips to coincide with the Saudi International golf tournament, held in the King Abdullah Economic City, and the first-ever Extreme E rally (a new international off-road racing series using electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world). “They had organised the PGA golf event and we had the boat right next to the golf course,” says the owner. “It is one of the few places where they are integrating golf with yachting.” In order to make the most of some of these opportunities, Hughes has found Sunrays’ onboard helicopter a key component. “It allows some real flexibility and of course offers a quick way of accessing shoreside events,” he says. “We’ve used it frequently during our time here, including to attend the Extreme E rally in AlUla.”

Securing permission to use the helicopter was just one piece of red tape that Captain Hughes had to overcome as Sunrays explored the region. “There have been some understandable logistical challenges with being one of the first international yachts to cruise the coast,” Hughes says. When the owner has not been on board, the yacht has been using Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt as a logistical hub. “Covid-19 has added some extra challenges, as Saudi Arabia’s rules meant that we were not able to do crew changes in the country. As a result, we used Sharm El-Sheikh to get crew in and out and also to fly in provisions. It’s a great pit stop for doing what you need to do,” Hughes says.

The captain has worked with four different agents over the winter season to help find the best way to comply with Saudi Arabian regulations, which currently require a significant amount of advanced planning. “An itinerary will be requested by the agent prior to arriving in Saudi Arabia, with waypoints and timings for any planned moves, which the coastguard then has to approve,” he explains. “Our operation is usually pretty spontaneous, but we’ve managed.”

Captain Hughes has generally found things “more fluid” to the north, with a more commercial mindset towards vessels apparent in the south near Jeddah. “Using Duba as our point of entry has proven the best option for us, partly due to its incredibly helpful harbour master Captain Ahmed,” he adds. “I have found the Saudi Arabian people to be unfailingly polite, which has really helped when our plans have to evolve. The Saudi government is also keen to get feedback so that it can improve things for the yachts that come here in the future.”

Saudi Arabia may have big plans for the future, but at the moment it remains an off-the-beaten-track destination. “For now, visiting still requires quite a bit of planning. It is a destination for spending time on board and for those looking for a bit of an adventure,” says the owner. “But unless you go there you don’t really understand how much it has to offer.”

Time will tell whether Saudi Arabia will take its place as a major winter destination for the superyacht set. But for the owner of Sunrays it is already a clear winner. “The hospitality and experience in Saudi Arabia has been second to none,” he concludes. “While we love the Indian Ocean, the Saudi Arabian coastline has a lot more to offer and is so much closer to the Med. It’s the obvious choice for us.”

Sunrays is available for charter with Edmiston from €1,000,000 per week, edmiston.com .

This feature is taken from the July 2021 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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