Jan Koum is all set to take delivery of his brand-new, ultra-quiet superyacht Moonrise, a 101-meter marvel currently undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, this $350 million vessel is more than just a display of wealth—it’s a floating sanctuary of silence. As the co-founder of WhatsApp, a platform celebrated for its simplicity and minimalism, Koum brings the same philosophy to Moonrise, crafting a vessel where serenity, precision engineering, and restrained elegance converge.
At the heart of Moonrise’s innovation is its groundbreaking noise-reduction technology, setting it apart as one of the quietest yachts ever built. Feadship has fitted the yacht with specially engineered propellers and hydrodynamic appendages designed to drastically minimize underwater noise and onboard vibrations.
This allows Moonrise to glide through the water in near silence, preserving not only the comfort of its guests but also reducing acoustic disruption to marine environments. The technology represents a monumental leap in eco-conscious yachting, combining luxury with responsibility.
Even more impressive is the yacht’s anchor winch system, a world-first for a vessel of this scale. The system features a fully resilient-mounted anchor winch foundation, a complex mechanism that absorbs vibrations and dampens sound during anchoring. Combined with optimized chain routing, this eliminates the usual rumbling and mechanical clatter associated with anchoring large yachts. The result is a process so quiet it’s barely noticeable—a stark contrast to the thunderous procedures found on typical vessels.
Beyond its technical achievements, Moonrise offers a host of luxurious amenities designed to enhance relaxation and well-being. The expansive sundeck includes a massage area, a fully equipped gym, and a private hair salon—all spaces designed for use without intrusive mechanical noise. A private cinema on the bridge deck adds another layer of immersive entertainment, while the generous owner’s deck ensures complete privacy and tranquility.
Aesthetic choices also reflect Koum’s obsession with minimalism and clarity. The yacht forgoes traditional VSAT domes, instead integrating Starlink satellite receivers directly into the superstructure, preserving a sleek silhouette and reducing wind-generated noise. Interiors by famed designer Rémi Tessier are expected to embody the ethos of quiet luxury, featuring refined materials, subdued tones, and strategic acoustic insulation to preserve the peaceful ambiance throughout.
Set for delivery in July, Moonrise marks a new era in superyacht design—one where silence is not just a byproduct of good engineering, but the ultimate expression of sophistication. For Jan Koum, it’s the culmination of a vision: a place where the only sound that matters is the absence of it.
