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AZZAM Yacht – The World’s Biggest Superyacht is 180m Long

AZZAM yacht is the largest superyacht in the world, with an impressive length of 179.7 metres (590 ft), making her more than 15 metres longer than FULK AL SALAMAH, which is in second place on the list.

AZZAM yacht interior

The interior design of the AZZAM yacht is attributed to the French designer Christophe Leoni who is surprisingly not incredibly experienced in designing superyachts.

While exact details on the interior layout of the massive yacht have not been released to the public, it is known that Sheikh Khalifa requested a lot of wood furniture as well as intricate mother-of-pearl elements to be incorporated into all parts of the yacht.

More than a year’s worth of production of pearls was used in the interior design of AZZAM.

The interior has been described as being inspired by the Empire style reminiscent of the 19th century and incorporates numerous valuable artworks which are on display onboard AZZAM.

She can welcome an estimated 36 guests and over 80 crew members, which is one of the highest numbers in her size category.

The AZZAM yacht reportedly has 18 guest cabins with a massive owner’s suite that spans across several rooms.

According to rumors, the suite was constructed to be bulletproof, and there is a designated missile defense system installed onboard the AZZAM yacht although it is unclear whether this is accurate.

One of her most notable features is her custom-designed golf room which allows guests to practice their swings without even having to step foot outside.

She also has a large gym, a spa, several pools, jacuzzis, and a beauty salon on board.

Her main saloon is supposed to be one of a kind and one of the largest ever constructed on a private yacht. At 29 meters (95 ft) by 18 meters (59 ft), it is larger than a tennis court and offers unobstructed views of the outside due to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are no pillars to support the saloon, which gives it an open feel but requires additional ceiling beams and 7-centimeter thick custom-made windows.

A large and fast yacht-like AZZAM is bound to generate a lot of noise when underway.

To ensure a comfortable experience for guests onboard, engineers installed special software which keeps vibrations and engine sounds to a minimum.

This means that the large chandelier in the main saloon doesn’t rattle even when the yacht is underway.

Specifications

The AZZAM yacht might be the longest yacht in the world, but she is technically not the largest. DILBAR actually has a higher displacement and weight even though she is more than 23 meters (75 ft) shorter than AZZAM.

This impressive yacht was built by Luerssen in Bremen, Germany, and officially launched in November of 2013.

In March 2014, she briefly returned to Germany for some additional work. She has a 20.8-meter (68.3 ft) beam, a 4.5-meter (14.9 ft) draft, and a total weight of 13,136 tons.

AZZAM is powered by twin gas turbine engines and two additional diesel MTU engines and can carry more than 1 million liters of fuel onboard.

Despite her size, she can reach impressive top speeds of 30 knots which can be attributed to her relatively low draft, although her average cruising speed only lies at 12 knots.

The yacht has several cruising modes, including a sprint setting as well as a long-distance mode.

The exterior of the AZZAM yacht was developed by Nauta Yachts, which specializes in combining practical functions design with aesthetics and sleek yacht design. AZZAM is their largest and probably most well-known project. 

The AZZAM yacht took more than four years, and 4,000 people collectively worked for 6 million hours to complete it.

The exterior is all-white with a streamlined design that is meant to make AZZAM appear smaller than she actually is when seen from further away.

On the bow, a large helipad is available for guests to arrive and depart in style and the yacht carries at least one helicopter at all times.

The aft is reserved for a spacious swimming platform, although AZZAM does not have a beach club in this location like many other vessels of her size category.

As is to be expected for such a high-profile superyacht, AZZAM does not have a lot of open-air deck space and is designed to protect the privacy of its owners.

There are no visible pools or much seating, which suggests that the spacious interior of AZZAM is reserved for entertainment and common spaces.

Total price of US $600 million for the luxury AZZAM yacht.

Her annual running costs of US $50 to 75 million are not surprising, considering she is the largest private yacht in the world.

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The Ultimate Guide to Azzam Yacht: Specs, Design, and More

The Azzam was launched in 2013. She quickly became world famous for her incredible design and unheard of size. Even years later the Azzam remains the biggest yacht in the world. The designer has surpassed calling it a superyacht or even a mega yacht and has settled on the term gigayacht. 

Who is the Azzam Yacht Owner?

Azzam was owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was the second president of the United Arab Emirates until his death in 2022. He had a family fortune of $150 billion and was one of the richest people in the world. His assets were estimated by Forbes to be in the range of $830 billion which is almost unbelievable. 

Since his death it is unclear who the current owner of Azzam might be since he had eight children and a wife. The yacht may still be in the family or they may have sold it. 

How Much Did Yacht Azzam Cost?

It’s believed that the yacht came with an initial price tag, back in 2013, of $605 million. Though obviously reflecting the size of the yacht, the price is also believed to be elevated due to how it was built. After the initial design, the yacht was built in just three years which is an exceptionally short building time for a project of this size. Rumor has it that 4,000 people worked on the speed build and so some of that money went into ensuring it was built not just to standard but quickly as well. 

For a truly mind-blowing bit of trivia, someone took the time to determine the number of man hours that went into the building and did the math on how long it would have took one person by themselves to build the yacht. For it to have been delivered to the owner at the same time in 2013, the builder would have had to start making the yacht back in the year 1737 BC. That’s 3,750 years.

Can You Charter the Azzam

Interestingly enough you can probably find charter listings for the Azzam on the internet. If you can, you’ll also see that there are no available dates. The Azzam seems to have been listed as a charter yacht as something of a trick to avoid certain taxes. In Europe, charter yachts are exempt from a number of taxes so as long as it’s listed as a charter it’s cheaper to operate, even if no one is ever really allowed to charter it. 

How Big is the Azzam Yacht?

Azzam holds the title of the longest yacht in the world as of 2023, a title it has held since it was launched back in 2013. In fact, it was only surpassed in length in 2019 by a research and exploration vessel called REV Ocean which straddles the line between a yacht and something else and isn’t, strictly speaking, classified as a private yacht. 

Azzam clocks in at 180 meters in length which works out to an astounding 590 feet. The displacement is 13,136 gross tons. The beam is 68 feet but it only has a 14 feet draft. For a yacht its size, the Azzam was able to navigate some relatively shallow waters. 

How Fast is Azzam and What Engines Does it Use

The Azzam superyacht has a top speed listed at an impressive 32 knots, something you might not expect from such a large vessel. It’s powered by 2 Diesel 17,524 kW (23,500 hp) engines and 2 Gas Turbine engines with an output of 17,524 kW (23,500 hp).That’s a total of about 47,000 horsepower that was forced out through two Wartsila axial flow Modular waterjets and two boosters. It’s designed to easily travel warm and shallow waters

One source says it’s actually pulling 97,000 hp and that, at top speed, she can burn through 13 tonnes of fuel per hour. In any event, she’s able to cross an entire ocean without worrying about needing to refuel.

Inside the Azzam: Design and Features

Azzam was built by German shipyard Lurssen, builders of many of the world’s biggest superyachts. The bold and elegant exterior design is courtesy of Nauta Yachts while the interior, described as an innovative and timeless design, was handled by Christopher Leoni. It’s said he focused on luxurious décor inspired by the Empire style.

There’s a 95 footlong main salon in the yacht that has a totally open design and no pillars. This room also features a chandelier that was designed such that, even at full speed, it won’t rattle. The furniture on board features marquetry in mother of pearl. Word is it used an entire year’s production worth of it. 

There is room for 36 guests on board plus an owner’s suite. A crew of 60 maintain the yacht while it’s underway.

You have to assume a yacht of this size has a lot going for it. The sheer size of the Azzam ensured it had room for a lot of features, including stuff you’d not see on many yachts. Some of the known features of the Azzam include:

• An on-board submarine
• An on-board golf training room
• Fully equipped gym
• A large tender garage
• Swimming pool
• An entire missile defense system that can be deployed if the yacht is attacked
• An entirely bulletproof master suite

These are just a few of the known features. As you can imagine, a motor yacht with a bulletproof master suite and a missile defense system is one that was also built with privacy and security in mind. As such there are only limited details about what is available inside and very few photos of it as well. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as Azzam was owned by the president of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan until his death in 2022. It is currently unknown who has possession of the vessel. Despite being built in 2013, the yacht remains the longest yacht in the world at an astounding 590 feet.

It was never built to be the largest on purpose and, in fact, designers had to add considerable length in the production process to make sure everything fit and functioned properly which boosted it to the size it is now. 

At a price of over $600 million, it’s also one of the most expensive yachts ever build. The details of the interior are limited but it’s known to have remarkable defensive capabilities including a missile defense system.

One of the most remarkable features of the interior layout is a 95 foot long lounge area that has no support pillars as part of a visionary modern design. The beams in the ceiling are a meter thick as a result and the large, glass windows/walls were built to handle extreme stress with 7 cm thick glass.

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A Closer Look at the $600 Million Superyacht Azzam

It's the longest yacht in the world and one of the world's biggest superyachts. The Azzam is a sight to behold. It's sleek and slender. Traveling up to 32 knots, it's fast. The Azzam was commissioned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world. It took three years to build and was launched in 2013. It's veiled in secrecy. No one knows quite for sure what the interior looks like except for what we've heard from French interior designer Christophe Leoni. We do know that the Azzam superyacht has a heliport, a submarine, and a missile defense system. It can travel at fast speeds in warm shallow water. It has a large capacity for guests and crew members. The Azzam is certainly one of the most luxurious yachts of all time. Here is a closer look at the $600 million Superyacht Azzam.

Who owns it?

It took one year to be engineered and three years to build the Azzan superyacht. Built in a Bremman, Germany Shipyard by Lüssen Yachts, the Azzam was launched in April 2013 and delivered to its owner in September of that year. The Azzam was commissioned by Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. The expensive superyacht was commissioned as a charter to avoid higher European taxes but will not likely be used as a charter. Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan is said to be worth $15 billion. His family is believed to be worth $150 billion. Khalifa was born in 1948 and was heir to the Abu Dhabi throne. He took on many political responsibilities during his father's reign. Khalifa succeeded his father as Emir of Abu Dhabi in 2004 and was named the President of United Arab Emirates the following day. He is married to Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei and they have several children. They reside in the presidential palace and have a private jet. It's really no surprise that the fourth wealthiest monarch in the world commissioned the Azzam superyacht.

While technically not the largest yacht in the world, the Azzam is certainly the longest. The Eclipse, owned by Russian Roman Abramovich, is larger but falls 57 feet shorter than the Azzam. The Azzam is 590 feet long. Its beam is 68 feet. The Azzam features an unusually short draft that is just 14.1 feet. This helps the yacht gain its speed. Its maximum speed is 32 knots. The Azzam is powered by two gas and two diesel engines and features four pump jets. The Azzam's interior features an open floor plan with no pillars. The main salon is 29 meters long with an 18-meter beam. There are 18 staterooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests. The Azzam accommodates up to 60 crew members in 30 cabins.

Special Features

The Azzam superyacht has many special features. Some of these features are truly unique. While there is a heliport, there are some other amazing features that come with the Azzam. This superyacht has its own submarine. It also features a missile defense system. It's believed that the master suite of the Azzam is completely bulletproof.

Engineered by

The Azzam superyacht was engineered by Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi. He was commissioned to design a yacht that was innovative and could travel at high speeds in warm shallow waters. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi took a year to design the Azzam along with the Italian yacht builders, Nauta Yachts. The end result is a sleek, slender and long yacht with the ability to sail fast. The Azzam is a modern yet timeless boat. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi certainly created the yacht of its owner's dreams.

Built by Nauta Yachts

World renown Italian yacht designers, Nauta Yachts helped make the Azzam superyacht a reality. Nauta Yachts worked with engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi to design and build the amazing superyacht Azzam. The company works diligently to create some of the greatest yachts in the world. From the original design through its building, Nauta Yachts designs yachts to be majestic, sleek, powerful and structurally sound. The company also pays attention to detail, honoring the requests of the person who commissions the yachts to be built. In building the Azzam, Nauta Yachts paid adherence to the owner's instructions to create a long, slender yacht with major security measures as well as a yacht that could travel at high speeds through even warm, shallow waters, according to Boats International.

Interior Design by Christophe Leoni

The interior design of Azzam is complements of French Yacht interior designer Christophe Leoni. While little is know about the interior of the Azzam, its interior design can be concluded through interior designer Christophe Leoni. The actual interior has been kept secret with no known photographs made public. We do know that the main salon has an open floor plan with no pillars to break it up. We do know that Christophe Leoni, through his own style and through the owner's request, decorated the interior of the Azzam in early nineteenth century French Empire style yet in a relaxed fashion. There are 18 large guest staterooms as well as 30 cabins for crew members. The master suite, we can only imagine, is a luxurious retreat for the President Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan and his wife. The master suite is also said to be completely bulletproof. We can only imagine how enchanting gatherings are on this magnificent yacht in this magnificent atmosphere. The world's longest superyacht, the Azzam, is an amazing feat of yacht engineering. It's one of the largest yachts in the world and certainly one of the most luxurious and accommodating. The Azzam is luxurious, sleek and fast. It is certainly a wonderful way for the United Arab Emirate's President and his family and friends to relax on the sea.

Written by  Dana Hanson

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The world's largest private yacht cost $600 million to build and has held the record for more than 5 years — but it might soon be dethroned

• The largest motor yacht in the world is a staggering 590 feet long and cost $600 million to build.
• At its launch in 2013, the Azzam beat out Eclipse, the  superyacht that previously held the title of world's largest, by a full 57 feet.
• Azzam still holds its record more than five years later — but that might be about to change.

At 590 feet long, the Azzam is known to be the largest superyacht in the world.

Although there is no strict definition, a superyacht is generally understood to be a yacht that is at least 78 feet long , according to Warsash Superyacht Academy.

When it was launched in 2013, the yacht broke the record previously held by the Eclipse, a 533-foot yacht owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

"[The Azzam] truly represents another milestone in not only our history, but yachting history as well," Lürssen Yachts managing partner, Peter Lürssen, said in a press release when the Azzam was launched .

Here's a look at the massive yacht.

The 590-foot yacht was finished in April 2013 and belongs to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates.

Source: CNBC

It dethroned Eclipse, the 533-foot superyacht owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, which previously held the record for largest yacht in the world.

Source: Business Insider

The Azzam cost an estimated $600 million to build and was constructed over the course of four years.

It was built by Lürssen Yachts with exterior design by Nauta Yachts and interior design by French designer Christophe Leoni.

Source: Lürssen Yachts

A representative for Lürssen Yachts said the boat was "without a doubt the most challenging yacht that has ever been built."

Source: International Business Times

The Azzam can move quickly for its size. With its 94,000 horsepower, the boat has hit a speed of 31.5 knots, or about 37 miles per hour, which is believed to the fastest speed for a yacht longer than 300 feet.

Although no interior photos have been made available, the boat is rumored to have a 6,000-square-foot lounge, up to 50 suites, and a 95-foot salon.

But the Azzam might not hold its record for much longer. In 2017, a Norwegian billionaire ordered the construction of a high-tech yacht called the REV that is supposed to be 597 feet long, which would be longer than the Azzam by seven feet.

Source: Business Insider Nordic

REV Ocean announced in August 2018 that REV had just gotten its four main generators installed, which will power the main propulsion motors. It's expected to be finished in 2020.

Source: REV Ocean

Liz O'Connor contributed to an earlier version of this article. 

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Nautical Marvel: Exploring the Creation of Azzam, the Definitive Luxury Superyacht

Luxury Superyacht Azzam  holds the title of largest privately owned superyacht, a position it has maintained since it was completed at a cost of $600 million by Lürssen Yachts in Lemwerder, Germany, ten years ago.

It is considered one of the largest and most advanced yachts in the world, with an interior design by Christophe Leoni and exterior styling by Nauta Yachts .

It’s important to note that the construction of super yachts is a constantly evolving industry.

The Super Yacht Azzam: A Masterpiece of Design and Engineering

The super yacht Azzam is a marvel of naval architecture and engineering, renowned for its incredible size, speed, and luxury features. Launched in 2013, the Azzam measures an impressive 590 feet (180 meters) in length and is widely considered one of the largest and most advanced yachts in the world.

Phase 1: Design

The Azzam was designed with the goal of creating a yacht that would set new standards in terms of size, speed, and luxury. The project was led by the German shipbuilder Lurssen Yachts, with exterior styling by Nauta Yachts and interior design by Christophe Leoni. The design team worked closely with the owner to ensure that the yacht met his specific requirements and expectations.

The design of the Azzam is characterized by its sleek, streamlined shape, with a long, slender bow and a distinctive hull form that provides excellent stability and performance. The yacht is equipped with two gas turbine engines and two diesel engines, which give it a top speed of over 30 knots (55.5 km/h), making it one of the fastest super yachts in the world.

Phase 2: Construction

Construction of the Azzam was a complex and challenging process, due to the yacht’s large size and advanced features. The hull was built using high-strength steel, while the superstructure was made from lightweight aluminum, which helps to reduce weight and improve performance.

The interior of the Azzam was designed to be both spacious and luxurious, with a range of amenities that rival those found in the finest five-star hotels. The yacht features a grand entrance hall, multiple lounges and dining areas, a large swimming pool, a cinema, a spa, and a fully-equipped gym, among many other features.

List of Amenities:

• Grand entrance hall
• Multiple lounges and dining areas
• Large swimming pool
• Fully-equipped gym
• State-of-the-art sound and entertainment systems
• Multiple staterooms and suites
• Private balconies
• Tender garages
• Helicopter landing pad

Information About the Owner of Luxury Superyacht

The identity of the owner of the Azzam is not publicly known, as is common for many super yacht owners who value their privacy. However, it is widely speculated that the yacht was built for a member of a wealthy Middle Eastern family, who used it for a range of personal and business purposes.

In terms of business, the owner is known for their involvement in a number of successful companies in a range of industries, including real estate, finance, and technology. The owner has a long history of entrepreneurship and business success, and is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential individuals in their region.

Additional information about the construction process of the Luxury Superyacht Azzam:

The creation of the super yacht Azzam was a complicated and time-consuming process that involved a team of talented engineers, designers, and craftsmen. Lurssen Yachts, a well-known German shipbuilder, led the construction of this magnificent vessel.

The construction of Azzam was divided into two key phases: the hull construction and the outfitting. During the hull construction phase, high-strength steel was used to build the hull and lightweight aluminum was used for the superstructure. This combination of materials gave the yacht both the stability and strength it needed, while also reducing its weight for improved performance.

The outfitting phase involved the installation of all the yacht’s internal systems and luxurious amenities, such as its electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and furniture, fixtures, and fittings. The interior was designed to be both grand and comfortable, offering amenities that rival those found in the best five-star hotels.

Azzam’s construction was noteworthy for its use of cutting-edge technologies and materials, including composite materials, advanced propulsion systems, and top-of-the-line navigation and communication systems. These advancements helped make Azzam one of the largest, fastest, and most luxurious yachts in the world.

In conclusion, the construction of Azzam was an incredible accomplishment that showcased the exceptional skills and expertise of Lurssen Yachts and its team of craftsmen and engineers. It’s no wonder that Azzam is considered a masterpiece of naval architecture and engineering, setting the bar for excellence in the world of super yachts.

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The world´s longest yacht, at 180.65 meters, with a top speed of over 30 knots, Azzam is a truly extraordinary luxury gigayacht. Her outstanding characteristics even include her exceptionally short building time of less than three years from keel laying to delivery, in 2013. Engineer and principal designer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi set out to build a large yacht with an innovative and timeless design that would be able to travel at high speed in warm and shallow waters. The bold and elegant exterior by Nauta Yachts incorporates many elements of visionary modern design. Renowned French designer Christophe Leoni conceived a sophisticated interior with luxurious décor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.

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Azzam: The World’s Largest Superyacht

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: April 5, 2016

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Azzam Specifications

• Model Custom
• Hull Colour -
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts
• Exterior Designer Nauta Design
• Interior Designer Christophe Leoni
• Length Overall 180.6m
• Length at Waterline -
• Draft (min) -
• Draft (max) 4.3m
• Gross Tonnage -
• Cabins Total -
• Hull Configuration -
• Hull Material Steel
• Superstructure -
• Deck Material -
• Fuel Type Diesel / Gas Turbine
• Manufacturer -
• Power 47000 hp
• Total Power 47000 hp
• Propulsion -
• Max Speed 30 Kn
• Cruising Speed -
• Fuel Capacity -
• Water Capacity -
• Generator -
• Stabilizers -
• Thrusters -
• Amenities -
• Yacht Builder Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Exterior Designer Nauta Design View profile
• Interior Designer Christophe Leoni No profile available

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Iconic yachts: Inside the design journey of Lürssen's record-breaking 180m superyacht Azzam

At the time of her launch in 2013 , 180m Azzam was both the longest and biggest yacht in the world – a crown she was to wear for six years. It was only the launch of expedition vessel REV Ocean in late 2019 that pushed Azzam into second place, while her huge volume of 13,136GT is only eclipsed by Dilbar (2016).

In her livery of pure white paint, Azzam remains one of the world’s most impressive yachts. She was built by Lürssen for the Emir of Abu Dhabi to an initial concept from Emirati engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi. Astonishingly, given her size and extreme complexity, she took just three years to build.

“She truly represents another milestone in not only our history, but yachting history as well," said Lürssen managing partner Peter Lürssen proudly, just before she hit the water.

And yet, despite her extraordinary dimensions, this was a yacht initially designed to measure “just” 145m overall. Designer Mario Pedol of Nauta Yachts says that the boat grew as the brief progressed. He was responsible for her sleek exterior styling, maintaining elegant proportions, and takes it as a compliment when people say that Azzam doesn’t look her full 180m.

The exterior lines look just as modern today as they did when she was built. Naturally enough, the owner wanted a “timeless” design – something Pedol has certainly delivered. “ Azzam  features balanced, modern architecture composed of straight lines and proportional volumes, which are some of the main design principles of Nauta Design,” Pedol told Boat International. At the time of commission, the studio’s biggest design was the 90m Light 90, whose design is said to have inspired Azzam .

Interior design work was commissioned from renowned French designer Christophe Leoni, to a brief that called for a turn-of-the-century Empire style. He is better known for his architectural work, and had already worked on some of the Emir’s homes. Back in 2013, he admitted: “Though yachting is not my main area of business, I thoroughly enjoyed the cooperation with Nauta and Lürssen.”

Detail of the yacht’s interior is still a closely guarded secret, although it is believed to mirror the Emir’s homes. Wooden furniture is very much in evidence, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and intricate marquetry. Amongst many other features, the yacht’s interior boasts a vast main salon measuring 29m long and running the full 18m beam of the boat. It is an entirely open-plan space engineered such that there are no pillars. It also offers a “golf practice room” among its fitness facilities.

Engineering was a big part of this project and tested the Lürssen team to the maximum. The yacht had to remain comfortable in the warm waters and high temperatures of the Gulf region. She also required an unusually shallow draft of 4.3m for ease of manoeuvring. That meant the use of pump jets instead of propellers. But the brief also called for speed, and so Azzam is specced with twin gas turbines and twin diesels for a combined output of 94,000hp. It’s enough to get this huge vessel up to more than 30 knots!

Azzam in numbers

Beam : 20.80m

Draft : 4.30m

Guests : 36

Crew : 70-80

Engines : 2x 26MW gas turbines, 2x 9MW MTU diesel engines

Top speed : 33 knots

Builder : Lürssen

Designer (ext): Nauta Yachts

Designer (int): Christophe Leoni

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The Most Expensive Yachts In The World (And Why They Cost So Much)

Quick links, motor yacht a, motor yacht a+ (topaz).

Luxury yachts have introduced a glittery (and technologically advanced) era of seafaring, and the most expensive yachts in the world are their epitome.

The ultra-wealthy owners of "megayachts" and "superyachts" do not just own floating palaces that help them navigate the oceans, they possess massive, floating symbols of prestige and decadence.

Every superyacht on this list is a work of art with a unique design, cutting-edge technology, and of course, ultimate luxury.

These vessels range from the glittering History Supreme adorned in gold, to the advanced motor yacht A , symbolizing abundance and class in the shipping world.

Value: $300 Million

As a representative example of maritime luxury and engineering, there is the Pelorus , valued at approximately $300 million.

This yacht measures over 115 meters and has an elegant design with current technology.

Related: Gwen Stefani's Wealth-Building Secrets: Her $160 Million Fortune Unveiled

It was constructed by the German shipyard Lürssen and designed by Tim Heywood, with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure.

Pelorus is a luxurious yacht that provides myriad services, like different swimming pools, helipads, and a lavishly appointed category of guest suites.

She has a high-tech stabilization system for a smooth sail.

Over the years, the yacht has been owned by eminent personalities and serves as a sign of wealth in the realm of luxurious yachts.

Price: $320 Million

The Radiant , valued at an estimated $320 million , is a fantastic example of marine lavishness in secure vessel.

Built in 2009 by Lürssen, this super yacht comes with a sophisticated design created by Tim Heywood and an exquisite interior by Glen Pushelburg.

In addition to the luxury-focused features expected on a yacht of her pedigree, she has up-to-date security attributes – like a missile defense shield for maximum security:

Boat International shared that she is also equipped with an arsenal of sonic guns that fire low-frequency sound waves that can burst the eardrums of approaching assailants and a military water cannon capable of sinking an approaching boat at more than 100 yards.

The Radiant boasts luxurious facilities such as a swimming pool, beach club, a theater room, and a well-equipped gym.

She offers the finest in luxury, technology, and safety, earning her a spot among elite nautical craft and providing an exceptionally safe experience at sea.

Price: $400 Million

The Dubai yacht, valued at $400 million, is another example of extreme maritime luxury.

Spanning an impressive 162 meters, she is among the largest yachts traversing the seas today.

Commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and later acquired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, this floating masterpiece was crafted by Platinum Yachts.

Her lavish features include a mosaic swimming pool, a helipad, and a striking circular staircase.

Her interior, adorned with opulent fabrics and handcrafted materials, offers a sumptuous visual experience rivaling the extraordinary comfort and luxury she boasts.

Dubai is not just a vessel but a symbol of regal luxury and architectural grandeur on the seas.

Price: $440 Million

Motor Yacht A , valued at $440 million, is a striking example of maritime luxury and architectural innovation ... with a highly unassuming moniker.

Designed by Philippe Starck and engineered by Blohm + Voss, this 119-meter vessel stands out with her futuristic, submarine-inspired silhouette.

Launched in 2008, she boasts an opulent interior, including a 2,500-square-foot master bedroom and disco, alongside six guest suites that can be converted into four larger staterooms.

Her unique features include three swimming pools (one glass-bottomed) and a helipad.

Emphasizing luxury and privacy, Motor Yacht A is a floating masterpiece , blending avant-garde design with state-of-the-art technology.

Price: $455 Million

The Flying Fox , valued at $455 million, is a textbook example of maritime luxury and engineering.

Built by the renowned German shipyard Lürssen in 2019, this yacht stands out for her sheer size and opulent features.

She spans an impressive length, offering ample space for a vast array of amenities and to accommodate a number of guests.

Her interior design is a blend of elegance and modernity, providing unparalleled comfort and luxury.

Related: The Richest U.S. Politicians Are Billionaires, Here's How Much They're Each Worth

The Flying Fox is not just a vessel; she is a floating sanctuary which offers a unique and indulgent experience, making her one of the most prestigious yachts in the world today.

Price: $527 Million

Motor Yacht A+ , previously christened Topaz and valued at $527 million, is a stunning vessel whose reputation precedes her.

Launched in 2012 by Lürssen Yachts, this impressive vessel spans 147 meters, making her one of the largest yachts in the world.

Designed by Tim Heywood with an interior by Terence Disdale, the Topaz is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.

She features multiple decks, a large jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a spacious conference room, a cinema, and a fully equipped gym.

This yacht is a floating estate and mansion, fusing elegance, luxury, and high-end technology, reflecting the pinnacle of affluent living and nautical craftsmanship.

Price: $600 Million

The Azzam , priced at $600 million, is a remarkable feat in yacht engineering and luxury.

Launched in 2013 by Lürssen Yachts and designed by Nauta Yachts, she stretches an impressive 180 meters, making her one of the largest private yachts ever built.

Notable for both her speed and elegance, the Azzam boasts a sleek, sophisticated design and can reach speeds over 30 knots, thanks to her powerful jet engines.

Her interior, designed by Christophe Leoni, exudes luxury with intricate, bespoke designs.

This yacht represents a harmonious blend of size, performance, and opulence, setting a new standard in luxury yachting.

Price: $1.5 Billion

The Eclipse is one of the world's most expensive yachts, towing a hefty price tag of $1.5 billion; her valuation has increased since she first launched .

This luxurious vessel is renowned for her extraordinary size and opulent amenities. She features a sleek and modern design, offering her privileged occupants the utmost in comfort and extravagance at sea.

The Eclipse set new standards for oceanic luxury with multiple decks, spacious cabins, a swimming pool, a helipad, and a mini-submarine on board.

Owned by prominent Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, this yacht once held the record for being the longest privately owned yacht, until the Azzam sailed away with her crown.

A Note About The History Supreme 'Superyacht'

"price": $5 billion.

Across the internet, the History Supreme is routinely touted as the most expensive yacht to ever exist, purportedly fashioned entirely from solid gold and platinum, and even inlaid with precious gems.

If ever a vessel was made to be on a list like this, it's the History Supreme . But precious little information seems to exist about the yacht, and it is particularly scarce with respect to basic details like her home port and supposed owner.

Yet searches for the History Supreme lead to link after link ranking it as the most expensive yacht ever made, sidestepping obvious questions – such as ones about whether precious metals are compatible with prolonged exposure to corrosive seawater, or whether a vessel of her description could be seaworthy at all.

Thankfully, the maritime information hub BoatSafe.com has the scoop on this mysterious vessel , first pointing out that every site listing "uses the same four images" – often a sign that a concept or CGI object has been mistaken for or falsely held out as real.

Almost all the other yachts on this list have left undeniable traces of their existence – registration information, dedicated Wikipedia entries, and details about their movements and ports of call.

As for the "four images" in total, that's uncommon for notable vessels, which are often photographed by boating enthusiasts and beachgoers when yachts are docked, boarded, or when they're seen near the shoreline while at sea.

In this particular instance, it's difficult to imagine a solid gold yacht criss-crossing the planet for well over a decade (after her supposed commission in 2011) and not appearing in at least one Instagram post.

The History Supreme is described as the most unusual and lavish yacht in history, but no verifiable evidence of her seems to exist anywhere; she is brag-worthy, but never bragged about.

As BoatSafe.com explains, the History Supreme has all the hallmarks of an internet hoax:

You may have heard that the most expensive yacht in history is called the History Supreme. As near as I’ve been able to figure out, that’s not true. Not because the alleged $4.8 billion yacht wouldn’t be the most expensive – that’s far more than the next most expensive yacht.

Instead, it’s not true because the History Supreme is not a real yacht. It doesn’t exist. But you wouldn’t know that from how the internet works.

BoatSafe.com raised questions about her rumored owner (an unnamed, wealthy man from Malaysia), pointing out that her supposed cost of $5 billion amounted to over a third of the richest man in Malaysia's net worth:

People have assumed that the owner would be a man named Robert Kuok, the richest man in Malaysia. His fortune is around $14.5 billion. If he was indeed the man who purchased this boat, it means he spent one third of all of his money on it. That’s a lot of money to invest in a single boat.

Even if an individual with $15 billion decided to spend $5 billion on the History Supreme , Boat Safe uncovered what looked to be firm evidence of a hoax, pointing out the four images "looked a lot like the Baia One Hundred , a yacht made by Italian yacht makers Baia in 2008."

BoatSafe.com contacted Baia, which confirmed the images were theirs, and introduced another excellent question – how could a solid gold yacht be buoyant?

Baia’s sales manager said those photos were stolen from their website and doctored. So they were not new photos of an altered boat, but altered photos of an old boat. Moreover, and this is crucial, he also pointed out what should have been obvious to anyone working in boating news. If Hughes added 110 tons of gold to the boat, how the heck was it staying afloat?

If anything, the History Supreme is a good reminder that not everything that glitters turns out to be gold, that not everything flashy or exciting on the internet turns out to be true, and that the world's most expensive yacht would generate photographic evidence of its existence.

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AZZAM yacht NOT for charter*

180.65m  /  592'8 | lurssen | 2013.

Owner & Guests

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Elevator for convenient access
• Premium beauty and wellness amenities, including spa and beauty salon
• Eighteen cabins
• Germanischer Lloyd ✠ 100 A5 Motor yacht ERS, ✠ MC AUT classification
• Up to 80 crew

The 180.65m/592'8" motor yacht 'Azzam' was built by Lurssen in Germany at their Bremen shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Christophe Leoni and she was delivered to her owner in November 2013. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Nauta Yachts.

Guest Accommodation

Azzam has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 36 guests in 18 suites. Additionally, there are 30 staff cabins aboard. She is also capable of carrying up to 80 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include a beauty salon, spa, elevator, gym and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Azzam is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin gas turbine General Electric (LM2500 +G4) 40,200hp engines, she comfortably cruises at 12 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 34 knots. Azzam features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. Her water tanks store around 100,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to Germanischer Lloyd ✠ 100 A5 Motor yacht ERS, ✠ MC AUT classification society rules.

*Charter Azzam Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Azzam is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Azzam Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Azzam Photos

Azzam Awards & Nominations

• Asia Boating Award 2014 Best Worldwide Custom Built Yacht Finalist

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Azzam

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Here's How Much It Cost To Build The World's Most Expensive Luxury Yacht Azzam

On average, a 100-meter superyacht can fall between $100-200 million. The Azzam is nearly six times this size.

Size does matter, even in yachts, especially when it comes to the money that goes into building them. Which is why the world’s most expensive yacht has to be one of a kind.

With the launch of the gleaming new Azzam, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich could no longer lay claim to being the owner of the world's largest superyacht , Eclipse, though it remains a mighty contender on the high seas. Interestingly, the Eclipse has been home to many a partying celebrity as well .

But let’s talk about the world's most expensive and once the largest yacht,  the Azzam, that belongs to Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE . It stands 590-feet long, a full 57-feet longer than the Eclipse. This means it's far bigger than a football field and even larger than the US Navy destroyers. Anything this big and fully geared with luxury cannot come cheap, can it? And the Azzam is super-duper expensive, costing hundreds of millions.

Here’s what we know about the Azzam and the kind of money that went into building it. Plus, a little about the vessel that dethroned the Azzam from it's largest yacht title.

How Expensive Are Yachts?

Let’s begin from the bottom up to get a better estimate of the Azzam. On average, a 100-meter superyacht can fall between $100-200 million. The Azzam is nearly six times this size. That’s hint number one.

Then there is the annual upkeep, usually standing at about 10% of the yacht’s, value, easily running into thousands of dollars, sometimes also touching millions. Being Middle East royalty helps in one living the good life. Of course, this is also the country where you get to see the craziest cars on the road, especially in Dubai .

Maintaining a yacht is no cakewalk. When you calculate dockage fees, annual maintenance and repairs, staff salaries, insurance premiums, and gas charges, one realizes that a yacht is much like a white elephant. Of not much use, but a lot of expense. Most yachts, therefore, can only be owned by the super-rich as a means to show off their wealth and also reap its harvests .

And we talk of the President of the UAE, the fact that money is no issue to him, is brought home, even more, when you get to know of the monies that went into making this gorgeous yacht that most of us can only dream of even being on, let alone owning.

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This Is The Azzam

For a while, the Azzam was the world’s largest yacht at 590-feet or 180-meters long. Now, it has been pushed back into the second position when it comes to size.

But if you talk about the amount of money that has gone into making the Azzam a haven on water, it still stands at number one and is far ahead of its competitors. Built at a whopping cost of $605 million, we are sure the Azzam comes loaded with luxury and all the world's finest that money can offer. Considering it belongs to the president of the UAE, the details of what went inside are confidential for obvious security purposes.

That said; Azzam employs a staff of 50. The construction of the interior was by Germany’s Lürssen Yachts while for the exterior design, Italian firm Nauta Yachts were hired.

Unlike some boats that should be banned because they are too ugly , the Azzam is tastefully designed and looks gorgeous on the water. The top speed of the Azzam can cross 32 knots, pretty fast for a yacht this size, on two gas turbines and two diesel engines, combining for 47,000 horsepower. It cost about $10 million more than the previous largest-yacht titleholder, the Eclipse.

And yet, its triumph of being the largest has been shortlived for there's another yacht in the world now that may not be as expensive to build, but overshadows the Azzam in size, and well, intention.

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The REV Ocean Helps Save The Ocean

The world’s largest yacht is now the REV Ocean and stands at 600-feet in length. While she is a luxury yacht, what sets her apart is the fact that it is the world’s biggest research vessel as well, and will help fix overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution in the water.

Kjell Inge Røkke is the proud owner of the REV Ocean, having made his fortune from fishing (the irony!) and offshore oil drilling . His idea was to give back, and the Rev Ocean is a hybrid vessel that has a yacht interior with luxury facilities for paying guests, with an ice-class hull and laboratories better at home in a polar research vehicle.

The best part of the REV Ocean is that money for the research and salaries of the scientists will come from the paying guests. The owner has leased it at just $1 per year to the eponymous non-profit he owns and the idea to save the world's oceans with an oceanic vessel is winning hearts.

That said, when it comes to price, the Azzam still holds on to its title. The REV Ocean, despite being the world's largest yacht, was built it an estimated cost of $350-500 million. The good thing is that getting on to the REV Ocean as a passenger is a lot easier than being invited to the Azzam. Plus, being on the REV Ocean means you do a little bit to save the oceans.

Sources: CNN, Forbes. TheTimes

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Built by more than 4,000 people in 4 years, Azzam is the largest superyacht in the world. The $600 million vessel is as fast as a navy frigate and burns 13 tons of fuel every 60 mins. Owned by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi it is so massive you can practice golf inside it.

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How Much Does a Yacht Cost to Build?

The cost to build the world's largest superyachts is a closely guarded secret.

By Kim Ayling

The freedom that comes with owning your own yacht is unrivaled and, if you have the funds to do so, the joy of building your own is even better. However, with prices easily creeping up into the hundreds of millions, and even billions, we ask the all-important question: how much does a yacht cost to build?

Unsurprisingly, the total cost to build the world’s most famous yachts is a closely guarded secret, but there are a few fairly reliable estimations sailing around the industry. One standard way to work out how much a yacht will cost to build is price per gross weight. However, while this can be a helpful guide in valuing yachts, it doesn’t always correlate.

For example, it is thought that Lurssen’s 590-ft Azzam , which features a bulletproof owner’s cabin, an onboard golf practice suite and a submarine, cost in the region of $600m to build. At approximately 13,136 gross tons (GT), that would have made her around $45,676 per GT.

REV , on the other hand, which while still in construction is set to surpass Azzam as the largest yacht in the world at an impressive 602ft, is estimated to be costing around $350m to build. Her weight is thought to be around 17,440 GT, putting her at $20,069 per GT. Clearly, biggest doesn’t always mean most expensive. So what does affect the cost of a yacht build?

[See also: How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

REV is thought to be costing around $350m / ©REV Ocean

Custom vs pre-designed yachts

Firstly, you need to decide the kind of yacht you want: custom or pre-design. Naturally, a custom yacht build will be more expensive. But, for that extra cost, you will get full control over the design, the finish and everything in between.

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A pre-designed yacht on the other hand will save you both money and time. This category of yacht is built based on an existing model, with finishing touches such as interiors, tenders and layout completed when she’s bought. Obviously, this leaves owners with a lot less freedom over their yacht, but it is considerably cheaper and can be delivered in a matter of months instead of years.

Choosing a yacht builder

The world of shipbuilding is dominated by a few key players. For a fully custom build, the likes of Lurssen, Feadship, Oceanco and Royal Huisman (among several others) rule the roost. With builders like this, you can expect to pay a higher price, but for that, you’ll receive years of experience, industry prestige, and cutting-edge technology and techniques.

The most prestigious shipyards will also inevitably have the most skilled team. The team involved in building a yacht is, to put it simply, vast. From start to finish, hundreds of pairs of hands will be involved in the process, with the key players including a yacht designer (interior and exterior), a naval architect and an engineer, as well as a huge team of skilled laborers. There will also be an owner representative working closely with the shipbuilder to ensure the project is delivered in time and to the buyer’s exacting standards.

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The cost of your yacht build will of course include the wages of each of the experienced people involved in making it, so if you want the best, expect to pay for it.

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Viva by Dutch shipyard Feadship / ©Feadship

What affects the cost of building a yacht?

Naturally, a huge variety of factors will impact the total cost of building a yacht. Size is of course one of the main considerations, but materials are another key factor that will dramatically impact cost. Aluminum, for example, is favored for being an impressively lightweight hull material but ton for ton, it is far more expensive than steel.

Onboard technology will also see the final cost creep up rapidly. Demand for smart yacht technology, for example, is continuing to grow, with more owners wanting to replicate the ease of voice control tools that they enjoy in their home, onboard their yacht.

And things that we might take for granted on land such as high-speed WiFi become more complicated – and more expensive – on the water. Kitting your yacht out with a satellite dish can set you back anywhere up to $50,000 which while doesn’t sound much in the grand scheme of a multi-million-dollar ship build, is just one of many hidden costs.

How much do yacht toys and tenders cost?

The yacht itself is just the start of the story when it comes to working out costs. On top of the build, potential owners will need to kit out their boat with all the latest toys and tenders – from submarines to helicopters – which can add a serious amount to your total.

For example, a self-drive submersible by Triton Submarines , which will allow owners to see the underwater world in a completely new way, will start at around $15m. Similarly, while you can pick up a low-grade, second-hand tender for a few thousand dollars, a top-of-the-range option will easily creep into the millions.

Ultimately, the only way to work out exactly how much a yacht will cost to build is to make a serious inquiry with a broker, who will be able to connect you with a yacht builder. From here, you can collaboratively work together to ascertain your budget and exactly how much your perfect yacht will cost.

[See also: The Most Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Oceanco, who made the sleek Esquel, is one of the best yacht builders in the world / ©Oceanco

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