Lürssen was founded by Friedrich Lürßen in 1875 after his father, Lüder Lürssen, advised him to start his own shipyard. Initially building racing rowboats, Friedrich’s reputation for craftsmanship and innovation spread across Germany. His most notable achievement was collaborating with Gottlieb Daimler to build the world’s first motorboat, REMS. The company rapidly expanded, including new facilities with direct water access.

Friedrich’s son, Otto, joined as a partner and significantly advanced the company’s technical expertise. Lürssen achieved several world speed records and produced cutting-edge yachts, such as the record-setting LÜRSSEN-DAIMLER and the SAURER-LÜRSSEN. By its 50th anniversary, the yard had built over 10,000 vessels, including luxury yachts and speedboats.

After Otto’s sudden death, his wife Frieda took over, later passing the leadership to their sons, Gert and Fritz-Otto. Lürssen weathered the post-war era, resumed yacht production, and gained international recognition with designs like the CARINTHIA VI, which set new standards in yacht aesthetics.

As Friedrich and Peter Lürßen took on leadership, the company diversified into naval production and expanded through acquisitions, including Kröger Werft and Blohm+Voss. Lürssen became a leader in megayacht construction, delivering record-breaking yachts like AZZAM (the world’s longest) and DILBAR (the largest by gross tonnage).

Today, Lürssen remains a family-owned shipyard, renowned for both naval and luxury yacht projects.