Ulysses - 116m Kleven Explorer Yacht Completes Sea Trials

Recommendation: Choose Ulysses for serious, long-range exploration; at 116 meters in length, the Kleven Explorer demonstrates dynamic handling and predictable response in demanding seas.

The inverted hull lines work with a deep ballast system to keep roll minimal as waves rise, and their presence on deck signals readiness for tender operations and guest transfers.

The project sits in the amadea lineage, backed by blavatnik interests, and their shackletons presence on deck signals heritage. Ulysses was launched after a targeted testing phase to verify durability and legacy in a true expedition role.

Positioning for the market centers on autonomy, comfort, and operational efficiency; whether Ulysses can sustain high uptime in remote theaters remains a key metric for owners and charterers alike. The hull design and system redundancies contribute to a credible durability story and straightforward maintenance load for crews.

In sum, the 116m yacht solidifies a legacy for Kleven and adds a durable, capable giant to the explorer segment, with a confident presence that aligns with the amadea and blavatnik ecosystems while delivering a practical platform for scientific cruises and luxury expeditions.

Ulysses and OPUS Megayacht Deliveries: Sea Trials Highlights and Market Implications

Assess propulsion options, notably fuel-cell and hybrid concepts, to forecast offshore performance and owner appeal.

Ulysses and OPUS trials reveal how a renowned builder and an influential owner collaborate to push durability, system integration, and secrecy into a new performance envelope, with look and launch strategy shaping market expectations. The trials captured investor attention and highlighted every element of the offshore system.

• Fuel-cell performance and running endurance: tests show stable power, quiet operation, and reduced emissions during offshore legs.
• Tonnage and hull integration: trial data corroborates ballast behavior and dynamic response for long-range passages.
• System integration: power, propulsion, energy storage, and tender support operate as a cohesive network with built-in redundancy.
• Durability and materials: rugged fittings, corrosion resistance, and maintenance regimes meet blue-water demand and heavy-use cycles, ensuring durability in every sea state.
• Secrecy and ownership: secrecy around launches and the involvement of the blavatniks influence information control and exclusivity in the market; access remains exclusively reserved for a select client base.
• Look and concept: the exclusive look of both vessels reinforces a premium concept and aligns with owner expectations.
• Research line and areas: ongoing testing across offshore, safety, and energy areas shows a design philosophy that feeds future concepts.
• Defence interfaces: integration of defence-grade sensors and rugged hardware expands the appeal to buyers with dual-use or security-focused requirements.
• Tender operations: reliable tender deployment enhances offshore cruising capabilities and rescue or support options during long runs.

Market implications

1. The fuel-cell emphasis combined with large tonnage signals a shift toward cleaner, longer-range performance in offshore itineraries.
2. sanlorenzo's builder strengths in chassis and hull lines support higher resale value and sustained desirability in the upper end of the market.
3. the blavatniks' involvement underscores capital backing for exclusivity and controlled information flow around launches and deliveries.
4. OPUS's concept and release strategy influence how the kingdom of luxury yachts perceives bespoke builds, with an emphasis on confidentiality and targeted look requirements.
5. Exclusively targeted partnerships and a refined information governance framework will shape the buyer landscape and supplier negotiations, affecting the broader supply chain for energy, propulsion, and tender systems.

For owners evaluating a new megayacht, prioritize energy architecture readiness, offshore range, and a robust durability profile; prefer builders who demonstrate clear information governance, a credible research line, and a proven track record in delivering exclusivity without compromising safety.

Ulysses Build Specs: Hull, Propulsion, Stabilization, and Range

Opt for a damen-built hull combined with german-engineered propulsion to maximize endurance and reliability on transoceanic journeys. Damen guarantees hull integrity and a robust support network, while the steel hull paired with a thoughtful superstructure keeps weight balanced and the yacht well maintained for long crossings. This approach aligns with Ulysses’ mission profile and supports a strong resale stance in sale markets.

The hull configuration uses a heavy-displacement steel base with a pronounced forward flare and a rounded bilge, delivering predictable seakeeping for boats of this size. The reinforced superstructure sits atop a rigid deckhouse, ensuring staterooms stay quiet and berthing areas remain spacious even in heavy seas. Previously refined through research that began in Cannes, the hull progresses from amadea-like benchmarking while keeping a distinct Ulysses identity. Radiant shots of the first lines guided refinements, yielding a silhouette that balances offshore capability with guest comfort.

Propulsion centers on a diesel-electric package delivering high efficiency and flexible power distribution. Two azimuth thrusters provide agile maneuvering in ports, assisted by a bow thruster for precision at close quarters, while a dedicated electric plant sustains hotel load without compromising performance. The system targets a service speed in the mid-teens and a cruising pace optimized for long-range legs, with eco-friendly design elements such as energy recovery, efficient heat exchangers, and optimized generator sequencing to reduce fuel burn.

Stabilization relies on advanced active fin stabilizers paired with zero-speed technology, maintaining comfort when guests are aboard at anchor or during rough passages. The controls integrate seamlessly with the helm and salon interfaces, allowing fluid transitions between dynamic positioning during weathered passages and tranquil shoreside stays. This setup keeps staterooms and common areas free from motion-induced discomfort, enabling productive research or relaxed leisure in any conditions.

Range and endurance stem from a large, efficiently managed fuel system and water supply. With a fuel capacity in the vicinity of 2.4 million liters and onboard power matched to range-dedicated generators, Ulysses achieves approximately 16,500 nautical miles at 12 knots, enabling globe-spanning itineraries without frequent resupply. The vessel also carries ample water production and waste-treatment capacity to support extended voyages, reflecting eco-friendly priorities without compromising guest comfort or operational timelines.

Layout and berthing emphasize guest privacy and crew efficiency. The vessel features multiple staterooms for guests and generous berthing for crew, all arranged to maximize onboard living space while preserving deck efficiency. Careful hewing to a balanced ratio between public lounges, dining areas, and private cabins ensures comfort during long passages and smooth operations during port calls. In practice, this translates to a seamless experience for owners and guests alike, with a clear emphasis on accessibility and routine maintenance–matched to the expectations of a German-engineered, high-caliber yacht.

Ownership considerations color the build narrative, with ongoing maintenance programs and a solid aftercare ecosystem supporting resale value. The project began as a collaboration among the shipyard, design studios, and fleet managers, with ongoing updates guided by market feedback and buyer inquiries in Cannes and beyond. This strategy positions Ulysses favorably in both private ownership and professional-sale contexts, where the combination of performance data, stabilized systems, and a proven hull pedigree resonates with potential buyers and charter partners alike.

Sea Trial Metrics: Speed, Endurance, Maneuverability, and Seakeeping

Take precise control of propulsion during trials by targeting a steady 12–14 knots for cruise and tuning trim to maximize efficiency across the full load spectrum.

Speed: taking data from the open-water runs, Ulysses achieves a top speed of 17.5 knots with three engines delivering power alongside a stable trim, supported by a refined hull form and active stabilization.

Endurance: At 12 knots, range sits in the 8,000–9,000 nautical miles bracket, with fuel consumption kept within expected limits by efficient engines and careful weight management; the amount of reserve fuel is designed to support long pacific passages alongside routine refuels.

Maneuverability: In open areas near the bow and alongside, the inverted profile and multiple thrusters deliver precise control for docking and tight turns; the turning circle hovers around 230 meters at 12 knots, while dynamic positioning keeps stations in variable currents without added risk.

Seakeeping: pacific swell tests show comfortable motion with accelerations kept within comfortable bands; motion data from a series of shots across different wave heights confirms low roll and pitch, even in moderate sea states, a sign of strong stability and guest comfort.

Context and comparison: Among vessels from builder lurssens and feadship, Ulysses delivers a gourmet interior and a secret layout that raise guest experience, while the project, backed by the blavatniks, earned three awards for engineering and design, and it shows strong efficiency alongside open docking and open-water capability. At 116 m length, hull geometry supports confident tracking in head seas and reduces pitch angles during mid-speed runs, while technology-enabled systems enhance stability and handling.

Interior and Exterior Highlights: Layouts for Long-Range Voyages

Opt for an owner’s deck layout with a full-beam, main-deck stateroom and direct access to a shaded exterior deck; this basis maximizes comfort on long-range passages and reduces fatigue during extended operations. This ideal arrangement is like a steady anchor for long voyages, keeping routines simple and minimizing stairs.

Exterior highlights include a broad aft terrace, a swim platform, and a dedicated tenders garage; a storage locker system behind the tender bay keeps equipment secure while running long-distance itineraries. A state-of-the-art crane and loading system delivers the tenders and gear with precision, minimizing delays at icecap crossings.

The interior concept includes a full galley, pantry, and separate crew area, all arranged to maximize flow. Measuring volumes yield generous storage and flexible spaces that adapt to guests and crew; the deck saloon flows to the aft terrace, creating a seamless presence between indoor and outdoor living. The design relies on a high-end equipment suite and a layout that minimizes clutter, with the voyage-focused atmosphere reinforced by an exclusive, calm ambience.

From a brand perspective, the design echoes practices from Damen and Lurssen concepts, translating their engineering rigor into a practical layout that began with initial concept testing and meticulous measuring of spaces. lurssen provides a benchmark for hull and equipment integration, aligning the design with proven naval standards. damen echoes in the disciplined approach to space and storage.

Deliveries are planned in phases, the first set beginning after sea trials; the stated budget remains in the multi-million range, signaling a premium presence in yachting. The plan rely on a robust equipment suite, a tender fleet, and careful maintenance to keep performance running across icecap routes and remote anchorages.

Operator Transition: From Ex-OPUS to GIGA YACHT NORD Ownership

Assign a transition manager and finalize a 14‑day handover plan that covers crewing, maintenance, and voyage schedules to ensure a clean transfer and clear communication with the captain and crew.

On a solid basis, verify licenses, flag-state clearance, and contracts for current voyages, then confirm property records and ensure the new owner is listed in the registry while licenses reflect the change of operator.

The appearance of systems and interiors benefits from a complete inventory of custom designs, with checks on hull, electrical, and mooring configurations. Inspect the huisman equipment, power management, and safety gear, and ensure spare parts are contained to match the length and load expectations of the yachtbuyer.

Use artemis service logs to verify maintenance intervals and align with shackleton reliability benchmarks. Balance the pace of transition with thorough checks to avoid rushed steps that could compromise safety or performance, especially during early voyages.

In governance terms, secure licenses and property transfers, confirm the ranking and registry status, and formalize the over-all control in a written agreement that protects the interests of the yachtbuyer while ensuring continuity for crew and operations.

Industry Impact: Market Demand, Charter Potential, and Yard Capacity

Recommendation: focus on December charter demand and Cannes visibility, taking a platform-led approach that features fully crewed, five-deck layouts with deep accommodation for gourmet experiences; the model responds exclusively to yachtbuyer interest and will need measuring through research to refine terms on tonnage and accommodation packages across the market pipeline.

Market insight reveals rising demand for expedition yachts in the 100–120m range, with charter potential following long-range reliability and privacy as top criteria; the ULYSSES-class example highlights the attraction of a deep-tonnage platform that can deliver guest experience at sea; only a handful of yards can absorb this scale in the current cycle, notably lürssen and damen, which means lead times follow a tight cadence and require early negotiations to lock slots until the 12th order cycle opens.

To unlock value, yachtbuyers should pursue exclusive charter programs that emphasize gourmet provisioning, dedicated accommodation, and flexible itineraries through Cannes and partner ports; yards can improve capacity planning by aligning model plans and platform configurations early, with research indicating that taking LOIs now helps secure 12–18 month delivery slots; December offers premium pricing due to limited availability, so focused outreach should run through Q4 to convert interest into signed deals.