When the German shipyard Lürssen marked its 150th anniversary this summer, the celebration came with a spectacular launch. Rising from the slipway in Bremen was Project Deep Blue, a 400-feet-long (134.2-metre) creation that is now undergoing sea trials ahead of delivery later in 2025. Industry sources link the project to Richard Liu, the founder and chairman of JD.com, often described as China’s Amazon. Forbes pegs his current net worth at $6.1 billion, though his influence extends far beyond personal wealth.
At roughly 440 feet in length and with an estimated volume of 9,000 gross tons, it is the largest superyacht scheduled for handover this year, an engineering and design statement that has already stirred intrigue across the global yachting community.
Fresh footage captured this August shows the yacht gliding down the Weser River toward the North Sea, achieving trial speeds of 16 to 16.6 knots, which translates to about 18 to 19 miles per hour. Though the pace seems modest on paper, the scale makes the impression clear: a vessel longer than 1.2 NFL football fields moving with the grace of a private liner. Its distinct blue-and-white palette, sloping mast, and tiered superstructure ensure that it is instantly recognizable in photographs and video, a deliberate sculptural profile designed to leave a lasting mark.
The visual cues suggest a floating resort. A large aft pool sits just above the waterline, while the stern’s full-beam beach club design invites comparisons to luxury hotels. The foredeck is heli-capable, underscoring the point that this yacht is built for owners and guests who see time as their most precious asset. Expansive lounges and wraparound glazing promise long stretches of open-air living, where the exterior spaces carry as much weight as the interiors that remain completely undisclosed.
Technical reports point to a modern diesel-electric system. Eight MTU gensets are said to power four electric motors, which in turn drive azimuth thrusters. The choice of propulsion is in line with the yard’s push toward greater efficiency, though the absence of an official technical brochure keeps enthusiasts speculating. Lürssen has embraced secrecy around Deep Blue, adding an aura of mystery that heightens curiosity with every leaked snapshot and every AIS ping.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be defined by this delivery. Multiple trackers cite Deep Blue as the most significant launch by both length and tonnage. In a market where incremental size gains often define headlines, this yacht stands apart not just for its physical presence but also for the wider narrative of who is believed to own it.
Richard Liu, China’s Jeff Bezos
Raised in rural Jiangsu, Liu built JD from a single electronics counter into the country’s second largest e-commerce group and a Fortune Global 500 retailer. His story carries hallmarks that resonate with global business audiences: grit, scale, and relentless focus on logistics.
Unlike many peers who relied on third-party carriers, JD built its own warehouses, courier fleets, and even a cargo airline. JD Airlines, under the group’s logistics arm, now operates Boeing 737 freighters across China and Asia, ensuring next-day delivery that became the brand’s signature. Liu was also early to drones and automation, flying parcels to remote villages years before similar experiments reached mainstream use in the United States. In 2024, JD unveiled an AI avatar of Liu to host livestreams, an unusual move for a founder who otherwise maintains a reserved public profile.
There is symbolism in how he has managed his personal pay as well. For a decade, Liu accepted a token one-yuan salary, or about sixteen cents a year, preferring to tie his wealth to the long-term value of his company. The strategy echoes the founder-skin-in-the-game approach admired by investors worldwide. It also underscores why his ownership of a $450 million yacht does not simply read as excess but as the reward of an entrepreneurial journey.
In the coming months, Deep Blue will likely move from sea trials to formal handover, cementing its place as the most high-profile superyacht of the year. Whether seen as a private resort, a technological marvel, or the ultimate emblem of China’s e-commerce titan, it will carry both Lürssen’s heritage and Richard Liu’s vision into international waters.
