The world’s largest boat: a floating city for 60,000 passengers
A Floating Turtle Larger Than the Eiffel Tower
With its 550 meters long and 610 meters wide, Pangeos shatters all records. Its shape is directly inspired by a sea turtle, with a central carapace and large lateral fins. A surprising choice, since most boats adopt a V-shaped structure to limit drag. Here, the fins will have a dual role: stabilizing the structure and capturing wave energy to power the propulsion.
The ship’s name is a nod to Pangaea, the supercontinent that brought together all the emerged lands 200 million years ago. The project also envisions a form of planetary gathering… on the seas. On board: hotels, apartments, shopping centers, parks, restaurants, artificial beaches, and even integrated ports. No predefined cruise: Pangeos would sail around the world, with access possible by boat or plane.
Designed to be completely autonomous, the terayacht will be equipped with nine electric motors of 16,800 horsepower each, powered by wave energy captured by the fins and solar panels installed on the roof. This choice would allow continuous navigation without carbon emissions. The whole thing is part of a reflection on the environmental impact of giant ships.
© Lazzarini Design Studio
A Shipyard That Doesn’t Exist Yet
Before it can see the light of day, this giant will have to overcome a major obstacle: no shipyard in the world is currently capable of building such a monster. According to the designers, it would require a space of 600 m x 650 m, dredging 1 km2 of sea, and building a temporary circular dam. Once the ship is completed, the area would be flooded to launch it. Saudi Arabia is expected to host this unprecedented construction site. Total estimated cost: $8 billion, for at least eight years of work. The launch could not begin before 2025.
© Lazzarini Design Studio
A Hybrid Funding Between Real and Virtual
While waiting for the construction site, a digital version of the ship has been developed in the metaverse. Thanks to NFTs, it is possible to buy virtual tickets, hotel rooms, or even floating houses today. An original way to test the experience online and raise funds for the real project.
Behind this ambition: a designer born in Rome in 1982. After a stint in the automotive industry, the Lazzarini Design Studio was founded, specializing in futuristic yacht concepts. Notably responsible for the Shape, a luxury superyacht recognizable by its customizable central “void.” With Pangeos, it marks the most disproportionate project, at the crossroads of technology, design, and imagination.
Enjoyed this post by Thibault Helle? Subscribe for more insights and updates straight from the source.
