sheikh khalifa yacht

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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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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Azzam Superyacht

Azzam Superyacht, delivered in October 2013, replaced the Eclipse Superyacht as the largest superyacht in the world.

Constructor

Fr. Lurssen Werft

Exterior Designer

Nauta Design

Interior Designer

Christophe Leoni

Length of Azzam

October 2013

Two diesel engines rated at 23,000HP

Azzam was launched at Lurssen Shipyard in Bremen, Germany, in April 2013. Upon delivery to its owner in October 2013, the yacht created a significant landmark in yacht building, involving less than three years of construction and one year of engineering activities.

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The owner of the yacht is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The yacht’s construction cost more than $600m. The name of the yacht, Azzam, means determination in Arabic.

The exterior design of the yacht was provided by Nauta Design, while interior design was by Christophe Leoni. Fr. Lurssen Werft was responsible for the engineering and construction of the Azzam superyacht. Technical engineering activities were carried out under the leadership of Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi.

Development of the world’s largest superyacht

The yacht was transferred from her original dock at Lurssen Shipyard, measuring 170m, to a larger dock, measuring 220m, in May 2012. Steel cutting for the yacht was held in late 2009.

The yacht successfully completed sea trials in June 2013, prior to its commissioning.

Dimensions of the superyacht

The Azzam measures 180m long, and has a beam of 20.8m and a maximum draft of 4.3m. The hull of the world’s larget yacht is made of steel.

The yacht is larger than the Eclipse by 17.2m. The Eclipse, which was commissioned in 2010, is owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Azzam superyacht has a gross tonnage capacity of approximately 14,000t and features a fuel tank with a capacity of one million litres.

Its main salon measures 29m in length, with its beam measuring 18m. The salon on-board the yacht has an open space featuring no support pillars. The yacht features approximately 50 suites with no large open spaces on the deck, with the interior design of the vessel incorporating the Empire Style.

Azzam superyacht layout and facilities

The interior design of the yacht is highly confidential, but initial photo releases suggest that it features six decks. The rear view of the vessel also suggests that it is powered by jets.

The yacht is capable of providing accommodation facilities for at least 50 professional crew members. Similar to other yachts constructed by Lurssen, Azzam is environment-friendly with decreased carbon dioxide, noise and soot emissions, as well as enhanced fuel-efficiency.

Azzam is also believed to include facilities to use waste heat from the engine to operate the yacht’s desalination system for drinking water. Lurssen has been lauded for being the first yacht-builder to implement this system.

Engine details

The yacht features two gas turbines and two diesel engines with a rated power output of 23,500hp. The yacht can sail at a maximum speed of 30k.

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World’s Largest Yacht ‘AZZAM’ To Change Ownership

On the 13th May UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away. Born in 1948, he was aged 73 at the time of his death. No cause of death has been shared according to the Emirates News Agency.

As UAE president he was responsible for controlling 97.8 billion barrels of reserves as well as assets in excess of $830 billion according to forbes .

With an estimated net worth of $18 billion he was the owner of real estate all across the world including over 100 properties throughout London alone. In addition to this he was the owner of the world’s biggest yacht, Azzam .

With an estimated value of US $600 Million and a length of approximately 180 meters for now it is unknown who will become the new owner of this gorgeous vessel.

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Cruising in Style: A Look at the World’s Most Luxurious Yachts and Their Owners

Embarking on a journey of unparalleled luxury, the world of opulent yachting beckons with unique allure. Magnificent vessels, known as the world’s most luxurious yachts, become exclusive playgrounds for the elite. From azure waters to lavish interiors, they epitomize high-end maritime experiences. “Cruising in Style: A Look at the World’s Most Luxurious Yachts and Their Owners” delves into this nautical realm, offering a glimpse into their lives.

Here’s a list of some of the Most Luxurious Yachts and their owners:

• Azzam – Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (President of UAE)
• Eclipse – Owner: Roman Abramovich (Russian billionaire)
• Sailing Yacht A – Owner: Andrey Melnichenko (Russian billionaire)
• Dubai – Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE)
• Al Said – Owner: Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (Oman)
• Yas – Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE)
• Radiant – Owner: Dmitry Rybolovlev (Russian billionaire)
• Dilbar – Owner: Alisher Usmanov (Russian billionaire)
• Al Shaqab – Owner: Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (Qatar)
• Topaz – Owner: Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Deputy Prime Minister of UAE)

A short description of each yacht and its owner from the list:

• Azzam – The Azzam is the largest private yacht in the world, measuring around 180 meters. It was built by Lurssen Yachts and was delivered to its owner, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2013. Sheikh Khalifa is the current President of the United Arab Emirates and has a net worth estimated at over $15 billion.
• Eclipse – The Eclipse is a 162.5 meter yacht built by Blohm + Voss. It is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and is known for its extensive security features, including bulletproof windows and a missile defense system.
• Sailing Yacht A – The Sailing Yacht A is a 142.8 meter yacht built by Nobiskrug. It is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko and is one of the largest sailing yachts in the world. It has an interior designed by Philippe Starck and features a helicopter landing pad, swimming pool, and a submarine.
• Dubai – The Dubai is a 162 meter yacht built by Platinum Yachts. It is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai. The yacht features a cinema, conference center, and a helicopter landing pad.
• Al Said – The Al Said is a 155 meter yacht built by Lurssen Yachts. It is owned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman and is capable of carrying a 50-piece orchestra in its onboard concert hall.
• Yas – The Yas is a 147 meter yacht built by ADM Shipyard. It is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and is known for its high-tech features, including a touch-screen control system and an extensive entertainment system.
• Radiant – The Radiant is a 141.2 meter yacht built by Lürssen Yachts. It is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev and features a helipad, swimming pool, and a cinema.
• Dilbar – The Dilbar is a 156 meter yacht built by Lurssen Yachts. It is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and is one of the largest yachts in the world by gross tonnage. It features a large swimming pool and a helipad.
• Al Shaqab – The Al Shaqab is a 142.8 meter yacht built by Lurssen Yachts. It is owned by Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar and features an indoor swimming pool and a helicopter landing pad.
• Topaz – The Topaz is a 147 meter yacht built by Lurssen Yachts. It is owned by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and has a net worth estimated at over $30 billion. The yacht features a cinema, a spa, and a helicopter landing pad.

Who is the richest owner from the list?

Based on available information that we have about owners of Most Luxurious Yachts, the richest owner from the list is Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a net worth estimated at over $30 billion.

Who is Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan?

Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and a prominent businessman. He is the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Affairs. He is also the owner of the luxury yacht Topaz, which was built by Lurssen Yachts. In addition to his political and business roles, he is known for his philanthropic work, including the creation of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has a net worth estimated at over $30 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world.

Which Yacht Construction Firm Specializes in Crafting the Most Luxurious Yachts?

Lürssen Yachts is one of the leading yacht construction companies that is known for building some of the largest and Most Luxurious Yachts in the world. Founded in 1875, Lürssen has a long history of creating custom-made yachts for high-end clients, including many of the world’s wealthiest individuals and royal families. Some of the largest and most notable yachts built by Lürssen include Azzam, Al Said, Radiant, Dilbar , Al Shaqab, and Topaz, which are all owned by billionaires or royalty. In addition to its custom-made yachts, Lürssen also offers maintenance and repair services, making it a one-stop-shop for all of its clients’ yacht-related needs.

What Constitutes the Procedure for Crafting Custom Luxury Yachts Catering to High-End Clientele?

The process for creating custom-made yachts for high-end clients typically involves several steps:

• Initial Consultation: The yacht construction company will meet with the client to understand their requirements, preferences, and budget for the yacht. This may involve discussions about the yacht’s intended use, size, features, and design.
• Design and Conceptualization: Based on the client’s requirements, the yacht construction company will create a preliminary design and conceptualize the yacht. This may include 3D renderings and mockups of the yacht’s interior and exterior. The client will have the opportunity to provide feedback and make changes to the design.
• Contractual Agreement: Once the design and conceptualization are finalized, the yacht construction company and the client will enter into a contractual agreement that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and budget for the yacht’s construction.
• Construction: The actual construction of the yacht begins, with the yacht construction company managing the entire process from start to finish. This may involve the fabrication of custom components and the installation of the yacht’s systems and features. The client may be kept informed of the progress through regular updates and site visits.
• Delivery and Commissioning: Once the yacht is completed, it will be delivered to the client and commissioned, which involves testing and fine-tuning of all systems and features. The client will have the opportunity to inspect the yacht and ensure that it meets their requirements and expectations.
• Maintenance and Support: The yacht construction company will provide ongoing maintenance and support for the yacht, ensuring that it operates smoothly and efficiently. This may include regular check-ups, repairs, and upgrades as required.

Note that the exact process may vary depending on the yacht construction company and the client’s specific requirements, but these are the general steps involved in creating Most Luxurious Yachts for high-end clients.

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Attacks in Russia’s Belgorod: What we know so far

Ukraine has denied any involvement in a daring cross-border assault that threatens to further escalate the war.

Fifteen months after Moscow’s troops invaded Ukraine, one of the largest and most daring cross-border attacks since the war began has been carried out in Russia.

On Monday, two anti-Kremlin groups – the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and Freedom of Russia Legion – claimed responsibility for the incursion in the Belgorod region.

Fighting continued for a second day early on Tuesday. A dozen people are reportedly wounded and some residents have been evacuated.

Later on Tuesday, Russia’s Defence Ministry said that the units it blamed had been forced back into Ukrainian territory. More than 70 attackers have been killed, the ministry said, a figure that was not possible to verify.

After accusing Ukraine, Russia opened a “terrorism” investigation. Officials in Kyiv say they had nothing to do with the attacks.

Here is what we know so far:

Where is Belgorod?

Russia’s Belgorod province borders Ukraine’s Luhansk, Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

It is about 600km (373 miles) from the Russian capital, Moscow, and has been a front-line region, serving as a vital base for the Kremlin’s armed forces to launch attacks towards Ukraine.

But Belgorod has also exposed Russian vulnerabilities.

Moscow accidentally bombed Belgorod city last month, while f uel and ammunition stores in the region have been rocked by explosions since the start of the war.

What happened in Belgorod?

Early on Monday, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov raised an alarm with the Kremlin, saying a Ukrainian “sabotage group” had entered Russian territory in the Grayvoron district.

According to Russia, the raiders opened fire with mortars and artillery on residential and administrative buildings and civilian infrastructure. Russian air-defence forces reportedly shot down drones over the region.

Moscow later said it was carrying out a counterterrorism operation.

Gladkov said one elderly lady had died while being evacuated, but that no civilians were killed in the clashes.

He described the situation as “extremely tense”.

Social media users said air raid sirens rang out and that checkpoints had been targeted.

Fighting continued for a second day. At midday on Tuesday, Russia said it had pushed back the attackers and that 70 had been killed.

On Tuesday, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington, DC-based based think-tank, said that two “all-Russian pro-Ukrainian” groups had crossed the border with tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other weaponised vehicles, citing Russian sources.

Who was behind the attacks?

Russia accused Ukraine of launching the attacks, but Kyiv has denied involvement.

Throughout the war, Ukraine has not taken responsibility for any attacks against Russia, saying its fight is purely defensive.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as quoted by Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti, said the purpose of the alleged Ukrainian mission in Belgorod was “to divert attention from the direction of Bakhmut”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Twitter that Kyiv had “nothing to do with it” and suggested that an “armed guerrilla movement” had emerged to oppose “a totalitarian country”.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused the United States, European Union and United Kingdom, which he referred to as “the sponsors of the Kyiv regime”, of being responsible for “sabotage”. Kyiv’s denial was “an absolute lie”, he said.

Ukrainian news broadcaster Hromadske, citing Ukrainian military intelligence sources, said that two armed Russian opposition groups, the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), consisting of Russian citizens, were responsible for the attack on the Belgorod region.

Asked about reports that the attackers were ethnic Russians, Peskov said: “They are Ukrainian fighters from Ukraine. There are many ethnic Russians living in Ukraine. But they are still Ukrainian militants.”

What do we know about the anti-Kremlin militias?

The RVC was founded by a far-right Russian national last August and is comprised of Russians who have been fighting in and for Ukraine against their own country.

The group has also been active over the border in Russian territory, and claimed responsibility for a raid there in March.

The Ukrainian military intelligence agency says the RVC is an independent underground group inside Russia that also has a unit in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. The Foreign Legion says it has nothing to do with the RVC.

Late Monday, the RVC published video footage on its Telegram feed appearing to show fighters operating an armoured vehicle on a country road inside Russia. The Reuters news agency was able to identify one of the men as Ilya Bogdanov, a Russian national who received Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 after fighting for Kyiv against Russian-backed forces in Ukraine’s east.

The Legion and the RVC completely liberated n/a Kozinka, Belgorod Oblast. Forward units have entered Graivoron. Moving on. Russia will be free! — "Liberty of Russia" Legion (@legion_svoboda) May 22, 2023

The Freedom of Russia Legion – also known as the Liberty of Russia Legion – says it was formed in spring 2022 “out of the wish of Russians to fight in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against Putin’s armed gang”.

It says it cooperates with the Ukrainian armed forces and operates under Ukrainian command. It has claimed responsibility for the attack in Belgorod and says it has been fighting in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military intelligence agency’s spokesperson said on Monday that the attacks in Belgorod only involved Russian citizens and that they were creating a “security zone” to protect Ukrainian civilians. He did not confirm or deny that the forces operating there are a Ukrainian unit.

The Freedom of Russia Legion said on Twitter that it had “completely liberated” the border town of Kozinka in the Belgorod region and its forward units had reached the district centre of Grayvoron, further east.

“Moving on. Russia will be free!” the group wrote.

What’s next?

The attack on Russia has upped the ante and comes just as Moscow announced the capture of Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city levelled by months of fighting.

Kremlin spokesman Peskov cast the attack as an “invasion” of “serious concern”, promising “great efforts in response”.

On Monday, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti, Peskov also said that work was under way to “squeeze out Ukrainian saboteurs from Russian territory”.

According to the UK, the attacks highlight Moscow’s struggles in the war.

“Russia is facing an increasingly serious multi-domain security threat in its border regions with losses of combat aircraft, improvised explosive device attacks on rail lines, and now direct partisan action,” the British defence ministry said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Podolyak has said that Kyiv is continuing to monitor reports “with interest” and is “studying the situation.”