The 3D printed superyacht concept designed to be “virtually invisible”

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It’s usually relatively hard not to notice a superyacht, but this new concept from Jozeph Forakis Design was actually designed to fade into the background.

Described as “virtually invisible” in both design and environmental impact, the 88-meter Pegasus concept will be the world’s first 3D-printed superyacht, according to the designer.

The huge ship will feature “wings” with mirrored glass that will reflect its surroundings to try and allow it to blend in.

The superyacht’s superstructure is to be fitted with solar panels that power electrolysers that extract hydrogen from seawater.

The hydrogen will then be converted into electricity, which will be stored in banks of lithium-ion batteries that can be used to power operating systems and equipment.

The Pegasus concept will produce zero emissions and have an almost endless reach, according to Forakis, who says he came up with the design while visiting a beach in Greece.

“I was inspired to create a yacht as close to the sea and nature as possible, made of clouds floating above the waterline,” he explains in a press release. “I wanted to honor nature by blending into it, becoming virtually invisible.”

Forakis goes on to explain that the superyacht will be built using robotic 3D printing “to create a lattice frame integrating both the hull and the superstructure”, which will require “less energy, materials, waste, space and time” than a more traditional ship.

As for the interior, Pegasus will be outfitted with various amenities, including an onboard pool club with an aquarium-style pool that can function as a helipad when covered. There’s also a beach club with a huge hot tub and fold-out balconies.

The most notable feature of the interior is the ‘tree of life’, which spans all four decks, connected by a sculptural spiral staircase, and serves as the nucleus of a hydroponic garden providing fresh food and purification air.

So what are the chances of the Pegasus concept becoming a reality in the not too distant future?

According to the team at Jozeph Forakis Design, the project was developed with a philosophy of “scientific fact, not fiction”, and the key technologies needed to bring it to life will require “further evolution” in order to build it.

Forkais estimates the concept will take five to seven years to build and hopes it will be introduced by 2030.

“Now is the time to take courageous steps towards our collective sustainable future,” adds Forakis. “Pegasus is a bold but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature rather than competing or compromising it.”

While the design studio has apparently already received “several” serious requests from buyers, Pegasus is only a concept for now.

The innovative concept is one of a number of exciting new superyacht designs that have been unveiled in recent months.

Earlier this year, Italian studio Lazzarini Design Studio unveiled Plectrum, a 74-meter-long “flying” ship that can soar above the surface of the water.

Meanwhile, Spanish studio Rodriguez Design recently unveiled Catalina, an eye-catching five-deck superyacht concept with a giant infinity hot tub.