Delivered in 2020, Artefact is widely considered one of the most cutting-edge super yachts in the world, thanks to its eye-catching design and environmentally-conscious technology. Jenny Southan reports
On a recent visit to the Monaco Yacht Show, Artefact was the the talk of the town. The 80-metre super yacht has caused a splash with its stunning exteriors and interior design by Reymond Langton Design.
Built by German naval architects Nobiskrug, the boat also endeavours to “set new standards for engineering-driven stewardship” with low-impact innovations such as a diesel-electric Azipod propulsion system, combined with “dynamic positioning” that means the boat can stay in place without dropping anchor to protect sensitive sea floors.
There are also custom six-bladed propellers to minimise noise and vibration, solar panels and a large battery storage system that allows the vessel to operate for a limited time with no use of internal combustion engines.
Nobiskrug says that Artefact is one of the world’s first superyachts to meet IMO Tier III emissions regulations.
Other features include wastewater recycling system for re-use as technical water; unprecedented floor-to-ceiling glass central section complimenting 740 sqm of curved and expressive glasswork weighing almost 60 tons.
Fadi Pataq, sales and marketing director at Nobiskrug, was quoted on Super Yacht News as saying: “From the moment Nobiskrug received the owner’s brief to develop a yacht that pushes the boundaries of technology and eco-friendliness, we knew that Artefact would set new standards for the industry in terms of performance and design.”
Captain Aaron Clark adds: “Various parts of the world are now Emission Control Areas, and compliance with Tier III certification means that the owner can travel to every corner of the globe.
“Artefact has been designed to operate efficiently while pushing the boundaries of technology, and Tier III compliance is an obvious continuation of this ethos. The benefits of a cleaner exhaust treatment system are very noticeable on board during vessel operations and also carries the added value of future proofing the vessel.”
Five years in the making and weighing a whopping 2.999 gigatons, Artefact is also the biggest-volume 80-metre super yacht in the world. In spite of its scale, it also manages to be incredibly homely, something that was a deliberate decision by the wealthy businessman (Mike Lazaridis, the founder of Blackberry) and his family who commissioned it.Features include an owner’s deck with a panoramic office, a fully equipped crafts room (just like they have at home), and a bedroom with Su embroidered silk panels. 
There is also a screening room with Atmos surround-sound (pictured above), an al fresco whirlpool bath, tai chi area, and stunning dining and relaxation lounges.