Lateral & Partners Transform Yacht Design with 'Outlier'; Albania Leverages Resources for Superyacht Expansion

Meet Outlier, the revolutionary brainchild of Lateral Naval Architects in collaboration with the renowned British architecture firm, Foster + Partners. This innovative 88.5 metre platform promises to shatter existing paradigms in the 2,000 GT yacht segment. Ollie Cooper, senior naval architect at Lateral Naval Architects, described Outlier not merely as a platform but an opportunity, encouraging designers and owners to explore the untraveled terrains of yacht design.
Most yachts within this size range use up valuable space and compromise lower deck configurations. Outlier offers an enticing alternative. Built on Lateral’s Ultra-Efficient Hull series, the new platform provides a significant increase in length within the 85-metre load line limit while achieving remarkable power and fuel efficiency. By repositioning the machinery forward, the electric hybrid system unlocks seamless lower decks while ensuring a calmer guest experience by mitigating noise from the machinery.
Design freedom, a key aspect of Outlier’s ethos, is realized in the longer hull and machinery redistribution, offering up to 40% more exterior space with flexible options for the yacht’s profile. The concept, conceived for the 2,000 GT market, could meet the requirements of the 1,500 GT and even 950 GT brackets without compromising on technical prowess. Lateral plans to push the boundaries and stir debate over traditional definitions of yacht architecture.
In conjunction with the revolution in yacht design, Albania is gearing up for a substantial growth in the yachting sector. Luca Dini Design & Architecture recently joined forces with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania to boost the nation’s maritime strategy. Apostrophized as the Maritime Ecosystem, the project is centered on a resourceful network of interlinked marinas designed for cooperation instead of competition. By sharing resources and infrastructure, the Albanian market aims to streamline logistics, reduce environmental impact, and avoid diluting value through fragmented initiatives. The future looks promising for both the burgeoning industry’s potential and Albania’s ambitious endeavors in positioning itself as a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean yachting sector.