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Luna: The story of the 115m explorer's €50m refit

After several years in the Port of Dubai, the 115 metre Luna has been spotted on the move, according to BOAT Pro's Global Fleet Tracker . As she sets sail for the Mediterranean, we look back at the multi-million dollar refit in 2014 that saw the transformation of this world cruiser.

Originally envisioned as a more elegant version of 113 metre Le Grand Bleu , Luna , when launched, made headlines for two reasons: the celebrity of her first owner, Roman Abramovich, and in more specialist press for that long, low aft deck that sacrificed interior volume for sun worship. That famous pool, the biggest ever seen on a superyacht at the time, is still jaw-dropping, especially when empty and its full scale is revealed.

As one of the world’s most famous explorer yachts, she had done remarkably little exploring since her debut in 2010, but that was set to change when Luna was purchased by new owners in 2014. They spent a season on board in the Med before releasing the yacht in October that year for an extensive refit that would wrap in her five-year survey. 

Almost two years later, in 2016, BOAT International steps on board. The yacht's swimming pool is netted, the crew are busy washing the decks and superstructure, and canvas hides all the sunloungers, but the huge spaces that make Luna so special are impossible to cover up.

And even on a grey, overcast day, her hull absolutely pings: flawless, faired and painted a special new colour christened “Luna Blue”. It’s a marked difference. The yacht’s first owner wanted to reinforce her rugged aesthetic by making a show of her plate seams and welds, but giving her a shiny new coat was the biggest item on the to-do list when Luna was laid up at German Dry Docks in Bremerhaven, northern Germany, in late 2014. “The previous paint wasn’t very attractive,” says the owner’s representative. “Just a top coat over bare hull. Luna now has the most high-quality paint job to date on such a vessel. It’s a complete mirror finish.”

The work was done by local firm Thraki Yacht Painting and constitutes the biggest single change to the boat in its six-year life. It took 70-80 painters eight months to fill and fair more than 2,000 square metres of hull, while also refinishing Luna ’s superstructure. But first the hull was sandblasted to remove any remnants of the old paint.

“We then applied more than 20 tonnes of filler,” says Thraki’s MD Ritvan Metso. “This was followed by two epoxy primers, a show coat and top coat.” The result is an uninterrupted shine as you look down the hull, with no blemishes or movement in the finish. “This is what Luna was missing,” adds the owner’s rep with clear pride.

Frank Neubelt led the design team from German studio Newcruise in defining Luna ’s exterior lines. He calls it a “boy cool” look — tough but elegant. It was the first major motor yacht project worked on by the German designer and remains the biggest.

Outdoor life, obviously, was key to the design and, of all the proposals put in front of Luna ’s first owner, he was “most amazed by the idea to create a very open outer deck”, says the designer. “So we quit all the earlier concepts with lots of toys on board and I was free to create her style.”

The deck below might not be rammed with superyacht water toys but there is still plenty of room — in fact, more than you’d think. To port, two tender garages sit opposite a gym and behind all of this is Luna’s expansive beach club wrapping round a spa, with steam bath, plunge pool and sauna.

This whole area was changed extensively in the refit. Updated equipment from Technogym has been installed in Luna ’s superyacht gym , alongside new mirrored panels lining the length of the space. “Gym equipment keeps changing — and we only like the best,” says the owner’s rep. The glass means you can fold down the huge 12-metre shell door and look out over the water without anyone seeing you sweating inside.

Conversely, the platform means it’s possible to do morning routines outside, with the water lapping almost at your feet. A further shell door opens behind and Luna ’s transom door folds up, to create the feeling of a single, open, water-level space.

The teak throughout this area has been replaced, alongside a host of other cosmetic changes: new mosaic on the walls in the steam room, upgraded AV and a new pantry area to ease service. The sofa in the rearmost section of the beach club now faces backwards — with a view of the sea instead of a TV on the bulkhead, in place of which is now a beautiful fish-eye sculpture discovered in Greece on one of the yacht’s travels. “Who wants to see a huge TV in a beach club?” asks the rep. “ Luna is a boat to relax on! There are 80 other TVs on board.”

Included in the new sofa design are drawers for storing shoes, the idea being that you board via the bathing platform, sit on the sofa, put your shoes in the drawer… “and relax”, he adds. Luna ’s boarding steps have been modified, too: they’ve been opened up to allow guests to walk directly up from the tender, instead of being forced sideways, making it much safer, and easier for crew to assist guests.

Luna ’s owner and his family sometimes take breakfast at the beach club dinette to port, a space they’re already planning to change in the next big yard period by adding a large new shell door on the port side — bringing the number of major openings in this space to six — and 18 portholes in the transom, to give a view and let in light even underway.

Beyond the superyacht's beach club , the entire lower deck is dedicated to Luna ’s crew, who are well served with spacious cabins forward, all of which were upgraded with new upholstery, curtains and AV/IT. Further crew quarters are found on the deck below, but the main attraction here are the machinery spaces.

Big yachts such as Luna have large, impressive engine rooms, but this one stands apart, not just in the volume dedicated to housing the engines and electric motors, but in the polish applied to it. “It’s the most spotless engine room I’ve ever worked in,” reports chief engineer James Burden — the result of a fastidious owner who regularly visits the crew areas.

As a result, the chequerplate floor is polished once a week and you could shave in the cylinder heads. “We even painted the toolboxes the same colour as the engine to keep things neat,” he adds.

Luna ’s seven generators output a total of 15,000hp and they power electric motors coupled to each shaft. “Diesel electric, in terms of operating a ship, is great,” says the chief. “It’s less real estate taken up, it’s less vibration, it’s more economical, it’s more flexible for the owner and it’s more flexible for us to operate.”

She’s got massive power — designed to nudge Luna through shallow ice — and can run at her full speed of 21 knots and still have one generator offline. With all generators engaged and running at full revs, Luna could power a town of 25,000 people. In the yard, the shafts were taken out for survey and maintenance, and seals and bearings were replaced, while air-con was added in a number of the working areas to improve conditions, among a host of other jobs.

The main hot work happened in the living spaces decks above. The lounge fronting Luna ’s observation deck has always been a superb place to be when coming into a new port or anchorage, but it’s been made even better by an extended deck cut-out, creating an entirely new exterior seating area.

“You can now walk to both sides, relax or sleep on the sofa and use it for dining,” reveals the owner’s rep, who has spent considerable time on board Luna . “It was incredible being up there when coming into Cuba. The new exterior observation lounge was very useful.”

Other changes have been made to the rear of the bridge deck, with new extendable wind breaks installed to protect this main outdoor dining space when it’s blowing. The teak has been perfectly re-caulked all over the boat and the two helidecks are now clad in Future Teak from Bolidt, embellished with Luna ’s name and logo.

Donald Starkey was the original interior designer for Luna but joined the project when the yacht, which is managed by Y.CO , was only about 70 per cent complete at its build yard of Lloyd Werft . He worked hard to impose himself on a boat mostly built and won some concessions — extending headroom throughout the living spaces and adding a dining room, which wasn’t on the original GA.

“I did this by subdividing the upper deck lounge on the starboard side,” he says. “I separated the lounge and dining room by a wall incorporating a fireplace, which can be appreciated from both sides.” The stone-panelled finish to this unit is contextual in an interior that leans heavily to the natural.

“My intention was to try and create an elegant but calm feeling, away from the hard-edged traditional glossy interiors,” he says. This extended to sourcing oak panels in Germany cut from large logs that could be sliced into 70cm veneers, to avoid too many joints. The panels were then wire-brushed to expose the deeper grain and stained pale.

Starkey’s original intention had been to lay the oak floor using antique 17th century beams, but was dissuaded by concerns about splintering and combustibility. Modern oak was used instead and “aged” to create the same effect, which extends throughout Luna and grounds the entire design.

The floor, it should be noted, is also an absolute pleasure to walk on. One of the quirkier design flourishes involves the main deck guest corridor on Luna , with its arched separations, which not only add visual interest to an otherwise straight corridor but also serve to hide watertight bulkhead divisions.

Six years on and Starkey’s interior is still pristine, thanks to an owner with a meticulous eye for imperfections and a crew dedicated to making sure there aren’t any. Some updating was done in Luna ’s refit period, including the addition of new fabrics in the corridors and updates to all cabins, but the soul of Starkey’s design is very much intact.

And while the owner gets the pick of those cabins, with its huge views and access to a private terrace forward, it’s the guests that get the easiest access to Luna ’s headline feature, through the guest corridor on the main deck that leads straight out on to the aft deck. It’s a proper playground and perfect for the family’s children to run around, in complete safety.

A new raised section of this deck, just aft of the pool, was added in Luna’s refit and helps create distinction on the massive platform. The area can be tented and is a great spot for “tea and fruit in the afternoon”, says the rep.

Throughout Luna ’s 14-month refit, around 130 jobs were completed, ranging from the tiny (the installation of new wine fridges) to the tricky (the separation of the ballast tank system) but, taken as a whole, they have managed to improve on a classic. Until now few people have ever seen inside Luna and, as for being featured in a magazine, forget it. But finally here’s proof of her pedigree — Luna has risen. 

First published in the November 2016 edition of BOAT International

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M/Y Luna: The 115m Superyacht Has Finally Left Dubai

After a gruelling few years of legal battles, the 115m superyacht ‘Luna’ has finally left Dubai. In 2017, the vessel was at the centre of a prolific divorce settlement between Farkhad Akhmedov and his ex-wife Tatiana Akhmedova which would continue over the following years. Luna is now free, and has been heading up the Suez Canal to explore the Mediterranean. SEO

Luna’s Rocky History

Farkhad Akhmedov came into possession of Luna in 2014, after purchasing it from Roman Abramovich for US$360. In 2017, Akhmedov and his wife Tatiana entered into a legal dispute concerning their divorce. At this time, Luna was in Port Rashid, Dubai, for maintenance work. The superyacht was then under court order to remain in its current location whilst resolving the dispute. After many setbacks and obstacles, she is now back where she belongs, on the open water.

Luna’s Design

Luna is an explorer superyacht built by Lloyd Werft at their German shipyard. Her interior features a design by Donald Starkey Designs, whilst Newcruise provided their expertise to create her striking exterior. The vessel has room to accommodate up to 50 guests and 18 crew members over her five decks. Luna’s luxurious facilities include two helipads, an expansive beach club, and a spa with a steam bath, plunge pool and sauna.

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Superyacht Luna - World's Largest Expedition Yacht

By B. Roberts

Luna, the world’s largest exploration yacht has been undergoing sea-trials, outfitting and major paint works in preparation for delivery to her owner, rumoured to be a prolific superyacht owner. Luna has been kept so top secret, there is even less information about her than the Eclipse.

The 115m long range expedition yacht Luna was built in Germany by Lloyd Werft and Stahlbau Nord Shipyards. The superyacht was launched last October, becoming the second largest yacht to be launched in 2009, after Eclipse. Luna was recently painted to give her hull a stylish navy blue finish with waterline stripes instead of her initial white, giving the awe-inspiring sea-giant a new look.

Number 19 in our Top 100 forecast, Luna's interior was designed by celebrated designer Donald Starkey with the exterior designer still being kept under wraps. The design of the second largest yacht in 2009 somewhat resembles the exterior styling of the groundbreaking Eclipse , featuring similar forward designs on the above decks. Even the names can be said to be of a similar origin.

Superyachts.com have captured images and footage of the stunning expedition superyacht Luna as she undergoes trials and sports her new paint job at the shipyard where she is currently undergoing outfitting. 

Video of the Superyacht Luna For exclusive footage of the luxury expedition yacht Luna undergoing sea trials click here >>

Video of the Superyacht Eclipse Footage of the largest superyacht in the world has rarely been captured, however, for the new video click here >>

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LUNA Yacht – Glamorous $300M Superyacht

LUNA yacht has had an incredible journey over the years and has had a few facelifts as well.

Until now, LUNA is famous for being the world’s largest expedition yacht. Despite its large size, it is also known for having many family-friendly amenities that create a homey feel to it.

LUNA yacht interior

The interior of LUNA is chic but calming, which differs from the intensity of its exterior’s hard lines.

The designer, Lloyd Werft wanted to make sure each room of this vessel was appreciated appropriately.

The lounge and dining room are split by a wall and fireplace, so guests can enjoy different experiences in each room.

Guests can also enjoy a moment of serenity in the low aft deck’s sun worship room.

After some deep breathing exercises here, guests can also take a swim in the large pool that was once the largest pool on a superyacht.

Some other amenities on the LUNA superyacht are two tender garages, a gym, a beach club, a steam bath, a plunge pool, and a sauna.

It has a variety of activities for people to enjoy regardless of age.

Though LUNA has gone through many changes in her short lifetime, she continues to be a classic superyacht.

She is not only incredible to look at, but has everything needed for a good time out on the ocean.

LUNA was created to be a space for both adults and children to play in and have an unforgettable experience.

With the hard work of many workers and designers, LUNA has come to achieve that goal.

Specifications

The impressive LUNA yacht measures 115 meters and can reach top speeds of 22.5 knots.

It holds 9 staterooms that can house up to 18 guests and 49 crew members. The engine room of LUNA is different from most superyachts.

Not only is it large in volume, but it has a special polish that keeps the engine room squeaky clean.

Some staff members have described it as the cleanest engine room they have ever worked in.

There are seven generators that power the electric motors that take up less space on the ship, decrease vibrations, and make for a more economical ride.

Many have said that the original paint job was not the best, to put it lightly. One of its 130 jobs was to repaint the whole hull of the LUNA yacht.

It now has a mirror finish from end to end on its 2,000+ square meters of hull.

It took over 70 painters and eight months to finish this massive undertaking.

Now LUNA has a continuous shine along its hull with not a blemish in sight.

The interior of the LUNA yacht is chic but calming, which differs from the intensity of its exterior’s hard lines.

The LUNA yacht was created to be a space for both adults and children to play in and have an unforgettable experience.

LUNA yacht background

Originally built by Llod Werft Roman Abramovich, it was sold to Akhmedov in 2014.

With its change in owners, it also changed in appearance. LUNA had a 14-month-long process with around 130 jobs.

These changes included adding wine fridges and separating the ballast tank system. It took a lot of work, but it definitely improved on a classic superyacht.

Yacht Seizure

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in May 2022, the yacht was seized in a German port due to its owner being tied to the Russian oligarch.

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Border Force holds suspected asylum seeker group for over two weeks before sending back to Indonesia, authorities say

A group of 44 men attempting to reach Australia by boat in June were intercepted by Australian Border Force officials after three days at sea, according to Indonesian officials. 

The men say they were held for 18 days before being sent back to the southern Indonesian island of Rote. 

What's next? 

The Department of Home Affairs is yet to respond to the claims reported by Indonesian authorities to the ABC.

A group of 44 men attempting to reach Australia from Java in June were intercepted by an Australian Border Force (ABF) vessel and sent back on two boats after being held onboard for up to 18 days, according to Indonesian authorities.

The men are mostly from Bangladesh, but also include eight ethnic Rohingyas. They were discovered on Indonesia's southernmost island of Rote by local police on Monday.

Rote's Police Chief Mardiono told the ABC the group flew to Jakarta from Malaysia in mid-June before boarding wooden fishing boats with Indonesian crew and departing from Java's southern coast.

They spent three days at sea attempting to reach Australian waters, after which they were intercepted by and held on the ABF vessel, according to police.

The men claim ABF officers then provided them with two aluminium boats equipped with supplies and sent them back to Indonesia near Rote island.

The ABC has not been able to independently verify the claims.

Second interception in one week

The group of men are now being processed by Indonesian immigration authorities.

In a video shared by police, one of the men, Muhammad Rohman, said the group was initially moved from their wooden boats to a large ABF vessel.

Mr Rohman told police he was part of a larger group of more than 70 people who paid up to $15,000 to agents who flew them from Malaysia to Jakarta in mid-June, and then organised wooden fishing boats crewed by Indonesians to take them to Australian waters.

"They gave us food and held us onboard for 19 days," the video shows him telling police.

"Then they woke us up and loaded us on to a small boat. Initially two men among us were called and taught how to operate the boat, and after 10 to 15 minutes of practising, the rest of us were called to board.

"The Australian government does not want us."

Their arrival in Rote island comes just over a week after another group of 28 suspected asylum seekers were found stranded on a boat in West Java.

According to Indonesia's Maritime Coordination Centre, the 23 Bangladeshis, four Chinese and one Indian citizen claim they were intercepted by an ABF crew near Christmas Island and detained onboard for 11 days before being provided with a speedboat to return to Indonesian waters.

Indonesian authorities have detained at least five separate groups of people this year seeking to go through the country to get to Australia by boat.

Another four boats have made it to Australia, including one in May that arrived on Christmas Island, two that arrived on the Western Australian coast and another in the Torres Strait.

A spokesperson for the Australian Border Force told ABC it did not confirm or comment on operational matters.

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LUNA Interior & Exterior Photos

114.2m  /  374'8 | lloyd werft | 2010 / 2016.

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