Take a look at the world’s biggest superyachts

| 5 min read

Does size really matter? When it comes to superyachts, it seems the answer is most certainly “yes.”

The title for the world’s biggest yacht was once held by the same vessel, El Mahrousa, for over a century.

But it’s changed hands far more frequently in the years since then as more and more supersized yachts come onto the scene.

While demand for large yachts has steadily grown over the past few decades, sales have shot up considerably since 2019 due to the increasing number of billionaires emerging, as well as the impact of the pandemic.

“The market is telling us that yards are building bigger and bigger sheds to build bigger and bigger yachts. And with increasing high net worth individual wealth, the demand for large yachts is going to always increase, The pandemic has also illustrated that commercial cruise ships may or may not be desirable for holidays, vacation or leisure destinations,” explained yacht designer Oliver Stirling from Stirling & Co.

Many of the largest yachts on the water were built by German shipyard Lurssen, which has eight shipyards across northern Germany

“Over the years we’ve been in the fortunate position of being able to accommodate, because of the infrastructural abilities that we have, that occasional demand that has arisen for a rather large yacht. “Every large yacht that you see that comes from our shipyard is the result of a very careful and painstaking discussion with designers, owners, and advisers in order to ensure that it reflects the wishes of the individual [owner],” Michael Breman, sales director at Lurssen said. 

The current world’s biggest yacht measures 180 metres, and a 183-metre vessel is due for delivery in 2024, but a number of gigayacht concepts have been floated about over the years, with some in the very early stages of development.

While Stirling stresses that there will come a point in which superyachts “can’t grow any further,” he believes its only a matter of time before we’ll see a superyacht over 200 metres long become a reality.

“Someone’s going to want to build the first 200 metres plus motor yacht and I’m sure that that will just carry on the trend,” he added.

From privately-owned mega yachts to those available to charter, and even vessels that are still under construction, we take a look at 10 of the biggest superyachts in the world.

Azzam

It’s held the record for world’s largest privately owned superyacht since 2013, but this 180-meter vessel was originally meant to be 35 metres shorter. Built by Lurssen with guidance from engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi, Azzam, which cost an estimated $600 million to construct, grew longer and longer during the optimization process.

With room to accommodate up to 36 guests and at least 80 crew members, it’s equipped with an onboard gym as well as a golf training room. The superyacht’s exterior lines are the work of Nauta Design, and the studio’s founder Mario Pedol has previously told how onlookers often remark that it looks much smaller from a distance.

Unlike vessels of a similar size, Azzam is just as fast as it is large, hitting speeds of up to 31.5 knots.

Eclipse

When Eclipse was launched at the Blohm + Voss Hamburg shipyard back in 2010, it was the world’s largest private yacht. But the 162.5-meter vessel was eclipsed by Azzam a few years later, while the delivery of the 164-meter Fulk Al Salamah in 2016 saw it fall even further down the ranking of biggest yachts. Nonetheless, Eclipse remains one of the largest and most impressive superyachts ever to hit the waters. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Eclipse is powered by four MTU diesel engines and has a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots. Fitted with 18 guest cabins and two helipads, the vessel can accommodate up to 36 guests and 66 crew members at a time. Its stand-out features include a 16-meter swimming pool that transforms into a dance floor and a wood-burning fire pit.

Dilbar

The 156-meter long Dilbar is the largest yacht in the world by volume, with a gross tonnage of about 16,000. Dilbar may not be the longest yacht in the world, but it’s certainly the largest by interior volume, with a gross tonnage of just under 16,000. Named after the late mother of the owner, Uzbekistan-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the 156-meter vessel was designed by naval architect Espen Oino and delivered by Lurssen in 2016. Made with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, Dilbar can reach a top speed of around 22.5 knots and happens to be equipped with a 25-meter swimming pool, the largest ever installed on a superyacht.

With space for up to 24 guests and about 100 crew members, there’s also an expansive garden on board, along with two helipads.

The superyacht is fitted with an electric-diesel hybrid power, which helps to reduce its emissions while providing a top speed of 22.5 knots.

“One of the things that we have seen happening, and the clients are very sensitive to the issue, is to look for further ways of how we can improve the sustainability of the product we’re making. Not only in the process of manufacturing, and the things you use for the boat, but also in the way the boat operates. We are hopeful that in the next 10 to 15 years we’ll be able to deliver a yacht that will be emission-free. We see that as a positive step,” said Breman.

El Mahrousa

Measuring 145.72 metres, the Egyptian presidential yacht was launched in 1865 by the Samuda Brothers shipyard. Although it lost its world’s largest yacht title to the 147-meter Prince Abdulaziz in the 1980s and has dropped further and further down the list in the years since then, El Mahrousa is still a significant vessel in the yachting world due to its rich history. Designed by British naval architect Oliver Lang, who also devised Queen Victoria’s steam yacht Victoria & Albert II, El Mahrousa was originally built for Khedive Ismail, the Ottoman governor of Egypt. The five-floor yacht became the first ship to cross the Suez Canal back in 1869 and would later become a naval training ship for the Egyptian government. Powered by three Parsons steam turbines, it’s the oldest active superyacht in the world and can achieve a top speed of 16 knots.

Flying Fox

Another Lurssen-built vessel, Flying Fox measures 136 metres and happens to be the largest charter vessel in the world.

While that means you don’t have to be invited by the owner to experience what it’s like onboard, those keen to hire the luxurious superyacht for the week have to stump up at a minimum of €3 million (AED 12 m) for the privilege.

However, the price tag doesn’t seem to be putting off any of its admirers.

In fact, a spokesperson for Imperial Yachts, the yacht brokerage who manages Flying Fox and also oversaw the build that interest has intensified in the last year, which has seen the minimum charter period extended beyond seven days.

Made up of six decks, Flying Fox can accommodate up to 36 day and 25 overnight guests who’ll be able to take advantage of its state-of-the-art diving center, as well as its 400-square-meter spa, which is fitted with a cryotherapy sauna.

“Over the last 10 to 15 years we’ve seen development in areas like spas and fitness that have carried over from domestic or urban lifestyle into the boating lifestyle. Some of the spas we have put on boats have been exceptional,” said Breman.

Celebrity couple Beyonce and Jay Z were spotted onboard the superyacht, which has a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, earlier this year.

Source: Agencies