A privileged yard, one of the leading builders of custom superyachts, Lürssen has constructed 5 out of 10 world’s largest vessels. The yard also holds all the records for the largest yachts in terms of LOA with the 180.6-metre Azzam, and in terms of interior volume with the 156-metre Dilbar.
With a few attempts to overdo the giant manufacturer in recent years (for instance, Project REV will exceed Azzam by 1.6 metres once launched), its domination in the field doesn’t seem to be hindered. Today, Yacht Harbour recalls the largest 10 mammoth vessels presented by the German yard so far.
#10. Octopus
LOA: 126.2m
Year: 2003
Until the explorer superyacht REV launches in 2020, Octopus holds the title of the largest expedition yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She had belonged to Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, who had also owned NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and NFL’s Seattle Seahawks teams till he passed away in late 2018. His fortune was estimated at $20,3 billion by Forbes.
Octopus is capable to accommodate 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Amenities found on-board include a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
She has two helicopter pads and an internal dock that extends through the hull, holding two submarines and a 18-metre tender. The yacht has been involved in multiple exploration discoveries, including a Japanese battleship and the bell from HMS Hood, a World War II battlecruiser.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s top-rate celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
#9. Crescent
LOA: 135m
Year: 2018
Built as project Thunder, motor yacht Crescent features exteriors by Espen Oeino and interiors by Zuretti Interior Design. She encompasses a total volume of 9,194 GT with a beam of 22 metres.
One of the most significant features of Crescent is her huge glared atrium with three-deck-high windows, allowing for plenty of natural light to penetrate the elegant interiors. In addition, the yacht has been constructed with two helicopter pads instead of one, including the retractable helicopter hangar on the upper deck.
Crescent represents a full-displacement steel hull and aluminium superstructure yacht, built to Lloyds Register classifications. She was fitted with zero speed stabilisers for increased comfort on board, while she is also air-conditioned.
The yacht offers accommodations for 18 guests across nine staterooms. Little is known about the interior, though if it lives up to Crescent’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design.
#8. Flying Fox
LOA: 136.0m
Year: 2019
Stretching across a beam of 20.5-meters, the yacht with estimated 9,100 GT of interior volume currently ranks as the 14th largest yacht in the world. Her dove grey sleek hull lines were conceived by Espen Oeino, complemented with interiors by UK designer Mark Berryman. The latter reportedly focus on neutral tones and a calm appearance.
Recently made available for charter, Flying Fox boasts two helipads, large sea terraces, wide swim platforms for watersports, a panoramic exterior saloon on the roof deck and a generous 12-metre swimming pool crossways the main deck, the first one for a superyacht of that size. She can accommodate up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms, along with a crew of 54.
Meanwhile, the vessel’s main interior area, the large two-floor saloon, lies on the bridge deck, fitted with wood fireplace, dining table for 22 guests and a cinema. Flying Fox is also trademarked with a unique in its size 400 square-metre two-floor spa, offering guests a hammam, sauna, massage area, gym and cryo sauna. On the lower deck, the spa area is connected to the sea lounge which comes with a large Jacuzzi, and access to the sea through the dive centre and sea platforms.
Speedwise, the vessel features a cruising speed of 15 knots.
#7. Rising Sun
LOA: 138m
Year: 2004
Rising Sun was built by Lürssen in 2004, with the design of Jon Bannenberg. David Geffen, a billionaire with a net worth of $6 billion, had co-owned Rising Sun along with Larry Ellison from 2004, before he bought it in 2010. Being one of the largest yachts in the world, it costed $200,000,000 to build Rising Sun, according to some reports.
With exterior design by Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. The yacht takes advatage of 8,000 square metres of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Laura Seccombe includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar. One of the most destinctive hallmarks of the yacht, the rear cockpit deck, was designed as a basketball court.
#6. Al Salamah
LOA: 139.3m
Year: 1999
At the time of her launch in 1999, Al Salamah was not only the largest yacht by Lürssen, but also the third largest vessel in the world. Previously existing under the codename Mipos (Mission Possible), Al Salamah's owner was Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia (Crown Prince). Since then, rumours have been circulating that the yacht had been offered for sale in 2012 at nearly $300,000,000, but that remained unconfirmed.
Al Salamah was designed by Terence Disdale. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 94 crew and has a top speed of 21 knots. Al Salamah underwent a refit by Lürssen in 2007.
#5. Redwood
LOA: 142m
Year: 2020
The 142-metre superyacht Redwood has been recently moved into final construction stage at Lürssen’ Vegesack facility in Bremen, with her delivery scheduled to 2020.
This vessel has already become history as the largest yacht ever sold and built by a brokerage company, Moran Yacht & Ship. Designed by the team at Nuvolari & Lenard, Project Redwood is being built to a Moran Yacht & Ship specification, overseeing her construction.
The sale of Project Redwood was announced In September 2015, as a 139-metre project. She was later extended at 3 metres, boasting six decks, with sports and diving centre, a generous partially-covered swimming pool, two helipads and a whole bunch of large tenders (15 metres).
Venive-based design studio Nuvolari & Lenard created the yacht’s interior design, which will be able to accommodate up to 36 guests in 20 staterooms. Redwood will also be able for long-range and efficient global explorations.
#4. A+
LOA: 147.3m
Year: 2012
Formerly known as Topaz, the yacht has been recently renamed A+, with no record of changing owners or being earlier listed for sale, though.
Built in 2012, A+ belongs on the list of the largest vessels owned by sports teams owners. According to media, she is owned by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with an estimated personal net worth of $4.9 billion. Sheikh Mansour also owns ADUG investment company that takes the ownership of Manchester City F.C.
With her gross tonnage of 12,532 GT, A+ is also one of the world’s largest superyachts in terms of volume. Topaz features sleek exteriors by Tim Heywood and the interiors conceived by UK-based studio Terence Disdale Design.
The eight-deck vessel has been built to steel displacement hull and aluminium superstructure. All the decks are connected with a lift, giving access provides access to two helipads and swimming platforms. A+ is also highlighted with a fully equipped gym, two Jacuzzi, movie theatre and a conference room. Heк large tender garage offers space for a wide choice of water toys, including jet skis, inflatable boats, catamaran and a mini-submarine.
The yacht can accommodate up to 62 guests within 26 cabins on-board, along with 79 crew members. Powered by specially designed Pielstick diesel engines of 7,990 HP each, A+ achieves her maximum speed at 25.5 knots and cruises at 22.9 knots. At anchor, particularly in rough water, her stabilisers ensure passengers’ comfort on-board.
#3. Al Said
LOA: 155m
Year: 2008
Originally referred to as Project Sunflower, steel and aluminium yacht Al Saïd gained her official name following her launch in 2008. Her exterior design by Espen Oeino resembles a classic cruise liner in many ways, complete with the twin exhaust stacks in the centre of the superstructure.
Owned by the Sultan Qaboos Al Said of Oman, fhe yacht flies the Oman flag. She can house a crew of 150 and, according to some sources, 65 guests. Lürssen reports, Al Saïd has a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed her interiors, which include a concert hall that can hold a 50-person orchestra.
Within her interior volume of 15,850 tones, Al Said features a cinema room for 50 people, as well as plenty of entertaining space dispatched amongst 6 decks, and a helipad.
#2. Dilbar
LOA: 156m
Year: 2016
Known during her highly secretive build as Project Omar, the 156-meter yacht was launched at Lürssen facility in 2015. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name Dilbar, after the businessman’s mother.
With her gross tonnage of 15,917 tons, she has officially become the world's largest yacht by volume. Dilbar boasts exterior design by Espen Oeino and interior styling by Andrew Winch. Dilbar features a combined 3,800 square meters of living space, being able to host up to 40 guests and a crew of 80.
Following her delivery in June 2016, Lürssen also claimed two other records for Dilbar — her 180 cubic metre on-board swimming pool is believed to be the largest on any yacht, while the 30,000 kw diesel electric power plant is thought to be the most powerful ever fitted to a superyacht, giving her a cruising speed of 22.5 knots.
Lürssen added that the world’s largest motor yacht was one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, because of its dimensions and technology. Despite Dilbar’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte, with no obvious bulges along the hull.
#1. Azzam
LOA: 180.6m
Year: 2013
Designed by Nauta and launched in 2013, Azzam is the flagship of the German builder’s fleet. Powered by twin diesel engines and two gas turbines, Azzam blasts off at 30 knots, which is extremely impressive for a yacht of her size. She is able to operate at high speed even in shallow waters.
Very little information is known on the vessel after her 2013 launch, because of the penchant for privacy of her owner, who is according to media sources Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi.
Nauta Design’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. Lürssen describes the interior by Christophe Leoni as ‘sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century’.
Italian builder Extra Yachts has launched the first 28-meter X90 Fast motor yacht, with plans to display the vessel at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The GRP-built yacht, sold through broker Kristina Falkone of Aberton Yachts, features exterior and interior design by Hot Lab with naval engineering by the shipyard.The X90 Fast offers 86 square meters of exterior deck space across three cockpit levels - a dining area for 8-10 guests, lounge seating, and a waterside sunbathing platform. Interior spaces include four guest cabins with the master suite positioned amidships to utilize the 7.1-meter beam. Crew accommodations consist of two cabins forward.Powered by triple Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines (1,000hp each), the yacht reaches a top speed of 30 knots with a cruising speed of 24 knots. At 12 knots, the range extends to 1,000 nautical miles. Design features include concealed hull windows, an open galley with retractable windows separating the salon from the aft deck, and dedicated crew passageways to minimize guest area disruptions.The X90 Fast will be shown alongside other Extra Yachts models at Cannes from September 9-14, 2025. The launch marks the shipyard's continued expansion of its performance-oriented X Series, which currently ranges from 76 to 130 feet. Extra Yachts specializes in the development of yachts with a strong personality. Its distinctive lines are combined in a variety of motor yacht models ranging from 76' to 130' and a 30-meter motor catamaran. Developed thanks to the advanced technical experience of ISA Yachts, Extra offers customers all the advantages of being part of the Palumbo Superyachts network.Credits: Extra Yachts
July 15, 2025
Wally has completed construction of the second wallywind110 sailing yacht, scheduled for its world premiere in late August in Costa Smeralda. The 33.5-meter vessel shares the same judel/vrolijk & co-designed performance hull and carbon construction as its sistership Galma, while introducing several custom modifications.Key updates include a sand-grey hull color scheme, lighter interior finishes, and a reconfigured lower salon with a multifunctional workspace replacing the bar area. The VIP cabin now features a sliding bed system converting between single and double configurations. Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi maintained the exterior and interior design continuity with the first unit, preserving the wallywind series' signature elements: dedicated helm stations, integrated swim platform, and expansive guest areas.Performance features include a telescopic keel (adjustable from 4.5 to 6.95 meters), twin rudders, and a carbon rigging system from Hall Spars with North Sails. The yacht's construction benefited from lessons learned during the first hull's production, allowing Wally to optimize the build process.No charter or ownership details have been disclosed for the new vessel, which joins Wally's growing fleet of performance sailing yachts. The Monaco-based brand, now part of Ferretti Group, continues production of its wallywind series alongside motoryacht projects at its facilities in Forlì, Italy.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 15, 2025
The 70-meter full-custom superyacht Project Thunderball is progressing through construction at CRN's Ancona facility, with delivery scheduled for 2026. Designed by Vripack with naval architecture focused on sailing yacht-inspired efficiency, the aluminum and steel vessel will serve as both a luxury yacht and support vessel for the owner's existing sailing yacht.With an 11-meter beam and 1,100 gross tonnage, Project Thunderball features five decks accommodating 12 guests and 15 crew. The design departs from conventional motor yacht aesthetics, incorporating a sharp bow entry and curved bilges reminiscent of sailing yachts - a direct request from the owner, an experienced regatta competitor. Vripack's co-creative director Marnix Hoekstra noted the hull's efficiency eliminated the need for a bulbous bow, with tank testing confirming unusually low resistance.The exterior design centers on a continuous shear line creating streamlined proportions, complemented by a top-deck winter garden enclosure. Custom elements include an oversized swim platform and vertically aligned window mullions influencing interior layouts. Project management firm Y.CO reports the build has progressed efficiently through collaboration between Vripack, CRN, and Nauta Design, the latter responsible for interior and exterior furniture."Seeing the project advance through key milestones demonstrates the effectiveness of this technical partnership," stated Donna Green, Y.CO's Head of New Build Projects. The yacht's construction began following the owner's 2018 commission, with Vripack describing the design process as an intensive collaboration with the highly involved client.Upon completion, Project Thunderball will join CRN's portfolio of 70-90 meter custom superyachts. The Ancona shipyard currently has four additional projects in construction, ranging from 60 to 85 meters. No exact delivery date or projected cruising itinerary has been disclosed for the Thunderball project.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Vripack
July 15, 2025
Columbus Yachts has delivered the 47-meter Atlantique series superyacht M/Y Acqua Chiara, now available for charter through Fraser Yachts. The steel-hulled vessel with aluminum superstructure measures 9.1 meters in beam with a 2.4-meter draft and 499 gross tonnage. Designed by Hot Lab with naval architecture by Columbus Yachts, the yacht features twin 1,350hp engines delivering a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and transatlantic range of 3,400 nautical miles at 12 knots.The exterior profile showcases Columbus' signature explorer styling with three-tiered stern areas including a covered dining space, pool lounge with fold-out balconies, and swim platform positioned just 50cm above water level. Interior spaces blend classic and contemporary elements with white parquet flooring, natural oak ceilings, and specialized finishes including Vetrite glass panels and geometric Sicis mosaics. The main salon features custom white upholstered sofas with blue accents, Fendi armchairs, and a 75-inch TV integrated into Stopsol glass.Owner accommodations on the main deck include a full-beam suite with Galaxy blue glass walls, leather-clad furnishings, and Bonaldo lighting. The en-suite bathroom combines white marble with silver mosaic detailing and includes both a tub and hammam shower system. Four additional guest cabins comprise two king-size and two twin cabins, all with private marble bathrooms featuring Sicis mosaic work. Crew quarters accommodate eight staff in four cabins forward, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Upper deck spaces include a swimming pool area convertible to an open-air cinema, formal dining for twelve with Viabizzuno chandelier, and a forward lounge with full-height windows creating terrace-like sea views. The sundeck offers a central relaxation area with console seating aft and sunpad with bar forward. Storage solutions include a starboard garage for the 5-meter tender and portside garage housing a rescue tender and two jet skis.M/Y Acqua Chiara represents the third delivery in Columbus' Atlantique series, following previous 40m and 43m models. The yacht is currently available for Mediterranean charters through Fraser Yachts, though specific rates remain undisclosed. Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
July 14, 2025
Monaco-based Dynamiq presented five new superyacht concepts ranging from 41 to 55 meters during a private event at Maison Moghadam on July 3, 2025. The showcase, titled "Five Senses. Five Superyachts," featured designs from three studios: Mark Berryman Design, H2 Yacht Design, and Sturge & Toth.Global 550Mark Berryman Design introduced three interior concepts:GTT 135 (41m): A Mediterranean/Bahamas cruiser with natural oak, stone flooring, and seagrass panelingGlobal 450 (45m): An explorer yacht featuring light oak joinery and transformable furnitureGlobal 550 (55m): A long-range explorer with smoked oak, marble finishes, and bronze accentsGlobal 450H2 Yacht Design previewed interiors for the GTT 180 Heritage, a 55-meter aluminum neo-classic superyacht scheduled for full debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. The design incorporates calacatta gold marble, shagreen leather, and custom bronze detailing, with furnishings from American brands Baker and Holly Hunt.GTT 180 HeritageSturge & Toth presented a new 45-meter exterior concept under Dynamiq's GST line, featuring a double-balcony master suite and convertible pool area. The design evolves Dynamiq's existing platform with what the designers describe as "timeless elegance."Sturge & Toth delivered a compelling presentation that invited guests into their creative processConstruction will occur at Dynamiq's Antalya facility, which features a 2,000-ton syncrolift and collaborates with European subcontractors. The yard specializes in builds up to 65 meters with hybrid propulsion options.Event attendees received a private tour of Maison Moghadam's material collections, highlighting Dynamiq's partnership with Monaco-based luxury suppliers. No construction timelines or pricing were disclosed for the new concepts.Mark Berryman, Ben-Julian Toth, Gianluca Sist, Toby Sturge and Dynamiq Founder Sergey DobroserdovDynamiq CEO Sergei Dobroserdov noted the presentations demonstrate the shipyard's "expanding design capabilities across multiple yachting segments." The company currently has four superyachts under construction at its Turkish facility.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Dynamiq
July 14, 2025