Project ELF: The Saved 114m German Naval Yards Yacht
Project ELF is a 114.1-metre superyacht that German Naval Yards is building for a 2028 delivery. She is also one of the most compelling stories in yachting right now. Builders originally put her on hold mid-construction. Now she is up and running again, with a new name and a new yard. At 4,950 GT, she fits snugly within the 100-metre-plus category.
From Project Arwen to Project ELF
ELF’s tale began in early 2022. An American tech entrepreneur commissioned her as Project Arwen from Germany’s Dörries Yachts. However, the yard eventually placed construction on hold. For a time, her future looked completely uncertain. Then, in October 2025, German Naval Yards signed a contract to complete the 114-metre hull. As a result, she now moves forward as Project ELF, back on track for 2028. In effect, she is a flagship that nearly never happened.
Project ELF: Design and Volume
The 114.1-metre superyacht has a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. Moreover, her 15.8-metre beam gives her significant volume for her length. She measures 114.1 metres overall, with a shallow 3.85-metre draught. Lloyd’s Register classes her, and she carries an impressive 4,950 GT across her many levels.
Her design pedigree runs deep. Pindaros Champeau & Wilde designed her interior, and Andy Waugh shaped her exterior. Azure Yacht Design, meanwhile, handled the naval architecture. Notably, one feature stands out: “the Nest,” an elevated lookout deck built for spotting.
Accommodation and Layout
On board, she accommodates 18 guests across seven cabins. In addition, a large crew of 39 lives aboard in 19 cabins to run and service her. Consequently, she suits long-range, fully-staffed cruising at the highest level.
Project ELF: Performance and Propulsion
A diesel-electric hybrid system powers her. Specifically, it combines two Caterpillar 3512C engines and two C18 generators, driving twin Veth azimuth thrusters. Together, they give her a 12-knot cruise and a 15-knot top speed.
Her range matches her size, too. With 245,000 litres of fuel, she covers 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. As a result, she is equipped for genuine ocean passages rather than short hops.
What Project ELF Means for German Naval Yards
Completing a stalled 114.1-metre vessel is a real statement. It puts German Naval Yards among the elite group of yards able to deliver superyachts of this calibre. The yard also recently delivered a 100-metre-plus Abeking & Rasmussen hull. As a result, the ELF contract adds another hugely impressive large yacht to its CV. We can’t wait to see her on the water in 2028.
FAQ
What is Project ELF?
She is a 114.1-metre superyacht in build at German Naval Yards, with delivery set for 2028. Originally known as Project Arwen, she offers 4,950 GT and accommodates 18 guests.
Why was Project ELF renamed?
She started as Project Arwen at Dörries Yachts in 2022, but the build stalled. In October 2025, German Naval Yards signed a contract to complete her, and she continued as Project ELF.
Who designed her?
Azure Yacht Design handled naval architecture, Andy Waugh and Pindaros shaped the exterior, and Pindaros Champeau & Wilde created the interior.
What is her range?
She covers 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, powered by a diesel-electric system with Caterpillar engines and Veth azimuth thrusters, reaching a 15-knot top speed.
When will Project ELF be delivered?
German Naval Yards has her in build now, with delivery scheduled for 2028.
