The Biggest Yacht in the World: A Complete Guide to Ocean Giants

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When it comes to maritime luxury and engineering marvels, nothing quite captures the imagination like the world’s biggest yachts. These floating palaces represent the pinnacle of human craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled luxury. Currently, Azzam holds the title as the longest yacht in the world at 180.65 meters (593 feet), while Dilbar claims the crown as the largest yacht by volume with an impressive 15,917 gross tonnage. However, the future belongs to the extraordinary REV Ocean, which will become the world’s largest yacht when completed in 2027 at 194.9 meters (639 feet).[1][2][3][4][5]

Current Record Holders: The Titans of the Seas

Azzam: The Longest Private Yacht

Azzam, built by German shipyard Lürssen in 2013, stands as the world’s longest privately-owned superyacht. This magnificent vessel was commissioned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the late President of the United Arab Emirates, and represents a masterpiece of naval engineering and luxury design.[1][3]

Key Specifications:

  • Length: 180.65 meters (593 feet)[6]
  • Beam: 20.8 meters (68.3 feet)[6]
  • Top Speed: Over 30 knots (37 mph)[3][6]
  • Power: 47,000 horsepower from gas turbines and diesel engines[7][3]
  • Guest Capacity: 36 guests in 18 suites[6]
  • Crew: 80 professional staff members[6]

What makes Azzam truly exceptional is not just its length but its remarkable speed. Despite its massive size, Azzam can reach speeds over 30 knots, making it one of the fastest superyachts ever built. The yacht features an open-plan main salon measuring 29 meters long by 18 meters wide with no structural pillars, creating an unobstructed space that rivals luxury hotels.[8][9][3]

Dilbar: The Volume Champion

Luxury indoor swimming pool area inside a superyacht with panoramic ocean views at sunset
Luxury indoor swimming pool area inside a superyacht with panoramic ocean views at sunset

While Azzam takes the length crown, Dilbar dominates in terms of interior space and luxury amenities. Built by Lürssen in 2016 for Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, Dilbar boasts an astounding 15,917 gross tonnage, making it the largest yacht by volume.[2][10]

Standout Features:

  • Length: 156 meters (512 feet)[10]
  • Gross Tonnage: 15,917 GT[2][10]
  • Swimming Pool: 25-meter indoor pool holding 180 cubic meters of water[11][10]
  • Guest Accommodation: 24 guests in 12 staterooms[10]
  • Crew: Up to 96 crew members for special occasions[10]
  • Range: Over 6,000 nautical miles[10]

Dilbar’s indoor swimming pool is reportedly the largest ever installed on a superyacht, serving as the centerpiece of the yacht’s recreation facilities. The yacht also features two helipads, a spa, gym, movie theater, and even an onboard garden with specially cultivated grass that can withstand marine environments.[11][10]

The Future Giant: REV Ocean

Set to redefine what it means to be the world’s biggest yacht, REV Ocean will officially launch in 2027 as the largest yacht ever built at 194.9 meters (639 feet). Unlike traditional luxury yachts, REV Ocean serves a dual purpose as both a research vessel and luxury expedition yacht.[4][5]

Revolutionary Specifications:

  • Length: 194.9 meters (639 feet)[12][4]
  • Gross Tonnage: 19,235 GT[13][4]
  • Mission Split: 75% scientific research, 25% private expeditions[5][13]
  • Guest Capacity: 18 luxury cabins plus facilities for 34 scientists[13]
  • Advanced Equipment: Submarines, ROVs, and state-of-the-art research facilities[13]

REV Ocean represents a new era in yachting, where luxury meets purpose. The vessel will contribute to vital research on climate change, plastic pollution, and sustainable fishing while offering guests unprecedented access to scientific discoveries.[5][13]

Other Notable Giants

Somnio: The Yacht-Liner Concept

Currently under construction, Somnio promises to become the world’s largest “yacht-liner” at 222 meters (728 feet). This innovative concept combines superyacht luxury with residential living, featuring 30 private residences starting at $11 million each.[14]

Eclipse: The Former Record Holder

At 162.5 meters (533 feet), Eclipse was once the world’s longest yacht before being surpassed by Azzam. Owned by Roman Abramovich, Eclipse remains one of the most technologically advanced yachts, featuring anti-paparazzi systems and military-grade security features.[2][15]

The True Cost of Owning the World’s Biggest Yachts

Owning one of these maritime giants comes with extraordinary costs that extend far beyond the initial purchase price. Industry experts estimate that annual operating costs typically range from 10-20% of the yacht’s original value.[16][17]

Annual Operating Expenses

For a yacht valued at $500 million, owners can expect annual costs of $50-100 million, covering:[16][18]

Crew Salaries: $2-10 million annually

  • Captain: $150,000-$300,000[19]
  • Engineers: $70,000-$150,000[19]
  • Interior staff and deckhands: $30,000-$80,000 each[19]

Fuel Costs: $5-25 million annually

  • Superyachts can consume over 500 liters per hour[18]
  • Annual fuel bills for the largest yachts easily reach millions[17]

Maintenance and Repairs: $10-50 million annually

  • Routine maintenance starts at 2% of yacht value[18]
  • Major refits every 5-10 years can cost $10-100 million[20]

Insurance: $2-10 million annually[16][18]

Docking Fees: $1-5 million annually

  • Premium marinas charge $20-100 per foot per day[21][20]

Charter Options: Experiencing Luxury Without Ownership

For those seeking to experience these floating palaces without the commitment of ownership, charter options are available, though at premium prices:

Charter Pricing Structure

Weekly Charter Rates:

  • 100-150ft yachts: $100,000-$300,000 per week[22]
  • 200ft+ megayachts: $300,000-$1,000,000+ per week[22]
  • Ultra-luxury giants: $1,000,000+ per week[22]

Additional Costs:

  • Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): 20-30% of base charter fee[22]
  • VAT/Taxes: 20-24% in European waters[22]
  • Crew Gratuity: 10-20% of charter fee[22]

Engineering Marvels Behind These Giants

The construction of the world’s biggest yachts represents incredible feats of engineering and craftsmanship:

Construction Timeline and Costs

Building a custom superyacht costs approximately £1.5 million per square meter and takes 3-4 years to complete. The process involves:[17]

  1. Design Phase: Exterior and interior design selection[17]
  2. Shipyard Selection: Choosing specialized facilities[17]
  3. Hull Construction: The foundation of the vessel[17]
  4. Systems Installation: Engines, navigation, and luxury amenities[17]
  5. Interior Fit-out: Custom furnishings and finishes[17]
  6. Sea Trials: Testing all systems and performance[17]

Advanced Technology Features

Modern superyachts incorporate cutting-edge technology:

Propulsion Systems:

  • Hybrid diesel-electric systems for efficiency[4][14]
  • Advanced stabilization systems for comfort[6][10]
  • Pump jet propulsion for shallow water navigation[6]

Environmental Features:

  • Ballast water treatment systems[14]
  • Heat recovery systems[14]
  • Advanced waste management[14]

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the biggest yacht in the world currently?

    Currently, Azzam is the longest yacht at 180.65 meters (593 feet), while Dilbar is the largest by volume with 15,917 gross tonnage. However, REV Ocean will become the biggest overall when completed in 2027 at 194.9 meters.

  2. Who owns the biggest yacht in the world?

    Azzam is owned by the estate of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, while Dilbar belongs to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. REV Ocean is owned by Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke.

  3. How much does the biggest yacht cost?

    The largest yachts cost between $400-800 million to build. Azzam cost approximately $605 million, while Dilbar’s estimated value is around $600 million.

  4. Can you charter the world’s biggest yachts?

    Most of the world’s largest yachts are private and not available for charter. However, REV Ocean will offer limited charter opportunities starting in 2027, with 25% of its time dedicated to private expeditions.

  5. How fast can the biggest yacht go?

    Despite their massive size, these yachts can achieve impressive speeds. Azzam can reach over 30 knots (37 mph), while Dilbar achieves 22.5 knots. REV Ocean is designed for efficient long-range cruising rather than speed.

  6. How many crew members work on the biggest yachts?

    The largest yachts require substantial crews. Azzam carries 80 crew members, Dilbar can accommodate up to 96 crew for special occasions, and REV Ocean will have facilities for both yacht crew and scientific personnel.

  7. What luxury amenities do the biggest yachts have?

    These floating palaces feature unprecedented luxury amenities including indoor swimming pools, helipads, spas, movie theaters, gyms, beach clubs, and even golf training rooms. Dilbar boasts the largest indoor pool ever installed on a yacht.

  8. How much does it cost to maintain the biggest yacht?

    Annual maintenance costs typically range from 10-20% of the yacht’s value. For a $500 million yacht, this translates to $50-100 million per year covering crew, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and docking fees.

The Future of Superyacht Giants

The superyacht industry continues to push boundaries with innovative designs and sustainable technologies. Future giants like Somnio are reimagining what these vessels can be, while REV Ocean demonstrates how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist.[5][14]

As we look ahead, the definition of the “biggest yacht in the world” will likely continue to evolve, encompassing not just size and luxury, but also technological advancement and environmental stewardship. These maritime marvels represent humanity’s endless pursuit of engineering excellence and luxury, creating floating cities that traverse the world’s oceans in unprecedented style and comfort.

The world’s biggest yachts stand as testaments to human ingenuity, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled luxury to create vessels that are truly in a class of their own. Whether measured by length, volume, or sheer magnificence, these ocean giants continue to captivate and inspire, setting new standards for what’s possible on the high seas.

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  4. https://www.yachtbuyer.com/en/intelligence/top100/worlds-biggest-yachts       
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  16. https://www.yachtbuyer.com/en/fleet/azzam-592-lurssen   
  17. https://www.yachtbuyer.com/en/fleet/dilbar-511-lurssen         
  18. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REV_Ocean    
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