Groundbreaking expedition superyacht ‘Project Icecap’ set for launch in 2021

By Oliver Pearson 28 March 2018

The latest in a series of exciting go-anywhere superyachts, the 110m/361ft custom expedition yacht ‘Project Icecap’ is due to be built by Lurssen and launched inside of three years.

Confirmed to be entering her build phase at Lurssen, superyacht Project Icecap will boast go-anywhere seafaring capabilities as well as spacious accommodation for 20 guests across 10 well-appointed cabins. What’s more, with an interior volume exceeding 6500GT, there’s bound to be many exciting social areas for the owner and his guests to return to following a day of adventure.

Shrouded in secrecy, a great deal of the details pertaining to the expedition yacht remain a mystery. However, an exciting graphic rendering reveals that Project Icecap will feature a helipad and infinity pool on the aft and inverted bow to allow her to effortlessly cruise in extreme terrains.

The latest in a growing trend, Project Icecap shares many similarities with new expedition yachts like the 74m/240ft expedition yacht ‘Planet Nine’. Indeed, the ability to travel to far-flung destinations in comfort is clearly becoming something of a high priority amongst elite travelers and superyacht owners.

A graphic rendering showing expedition yacht 'Planet Nine'

Expedition yacht CLOUDBREAK surrounded by icebergs

What are the benefits of an expedition yacht?

Capable of cruising in arctic conditions and reaching more remote destinations, expedition yachts are able to treat guests to altogether new experiences whilst offering the comfort they expect from modern superyachts.

Often equipped with additional tenders which can be used to reach otherwise inaccessible points of interest, expedition yachts also frequently come with certified helipads to make getting to and from the vessel even more convenient.

Ultimately, by owning or chartering an expedition yacht it is possible to:

Discover faraway destinations in comfort
Experience totally isolated cruising grounds
Be amongst the first to explore fascinating parts of the globe

Allowing owners and guests to enjoy the world’s most far-flung and fascinating destinations in complete comfort, expedition yachts unlock a range of unique experiences

Can you charter expedition yachts?

Just like motor yachts and sailing yachts, it is possible to charter an expedition yacht with your friends and family in order to enjoy an unforgettable getaway.

Popular destinations for expedition yachts include the colder climes of Antarctica and Alaska as well as the more mild and rural cruising grounds of Norway and Greenland. To get some inspiration, be sure to check out our piece on 6 of the best destinations to visit by expedition yacht.

Some examples of expedition yachts for charter include the award-winning 73m/238ft expedition yacht CLOUDBREAK and fellow award-winning 71m/234ft expedition yacht ‘Enigma XK’.

Set to be the world’s largest superyacht when delivered in 2020, the 182m/596ft expedition yacht REV will also be open for charter when she’s not carrying out scientific research.

Whilst M/Y Project Icecap is not expected to be made available for private yacht charter vacations, be sure to take a look at all of the expedition yachts for charter.