The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: revealing the technology for new LNG superyachts

Environmental focus  

Indeed, the environmental performance of the vessels is a major focus for the shipyard. Mr le Joncour expands, “We have a very strong team at the shipyard – 15 people dedicated to the environment and they are involved in the earliest phase of the design process.”  

The shipyard gives itself internal emissions and environmental targets, and its environmental team takes everything into account. “The speed profile, the hydrodynamics, every energy consumer, energy recovery systems and fuel deployed,” elaborates Mr le Joncour.  

“IMO has given the target for the future, and we try to be below the curve and remain below the curve. We have records about the performance of our ships and that of the competition, and our ships are the best. We are very proud of this and will continue.” 

Aside from the use of LNG, the yachts will include advanced water treatment systems, an efficient heat recovery loop and LED lighting to minimise their environmental impact. The ships will also be equipped to plug into shore power in port. 

Mr le Joncour adds, “The air conditioning will use multi-stage compressors which are more efficient than the usual compressors. It is a systematic approach – we analyse, we take care of every component on the ship and improve the systems so they work together in an energy efficient way.” 

An important part of this is the service the shipyard will offer – and indeed offers all its newbuilds – after the vessel has been completed and delivered to the owner. A virtual twin of the cruise ship will be built by the shipyard to measure its performance in service.  

Mr le Joncour explains, “The idea is that we monitor operations and measure the ship performance against the twin, enabling us to provide advice if the operator is not meeting energy targets, for example, by providing training. We aim to help owners reach targets collaboratively.” 

Elsewhere, a major consideration was the exterior design of the ship. “The dimensions of the ships are driven by the exterior design, the upper part is a key driver, it has a very characteristic profile,” Mr Le Joncour comments.  

Finland-based yacht stylist Aivan developed the exterior design of the newbuilds, taking inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design. 

Mr le Joncour says, “The cruise vessels are to be yacht-like, so this work has been done with full direction between shipyard and owner. We have our have own expert at the yard and the owner worked with Aivan. It has worked very well and together we have adapted the ship to the design that met expectations. For this owner, the exterior design is very important, it is part of the marketing message. Passengers will feel like they are on a private yacht. 

“At the yard, we took care of the design and take care of production to make it very yacht-like.” 

The superyachts feature the highest space ratios at sea, with 228 suites, each with its own private terrace, and will offer a high percentage of larger suites, with two new, spacious upper suite categories measuring about 100 m2 in size. Both vessels will showcase modern craftsmanship and interior finishes imagined by London-based architect and design firm AD Associates, and award-winning lighting designer DPA.  

Having the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruising category, Ilma and Luminara will provide nearly one staff member for every guest. The superyachts will include five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces found on Evrima such as an expanded marina with a new mezzanine feature, a Ritz-Carlton spa, and Ritz Kids programming. For special events, groups can enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception on the yacht’s expanded bow. 

Mr le Joncour highlights how the space per passenger sets a “new standard” for “ultra-luxury space”. 

Steel cutting will take place in Q3 this year, and the shipyard is currently developing a mock-up of the cabins.

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