largest yacht in the world azzam

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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 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.

Azzam Yacht Docking in Gibraltar

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M/Y Azzam, the largest Superyacht in the world at 180 metres, was launched by Lurssen, the world's leading shipyard for large luxury yacht building.

A world-class team was personally assembled and directed in all areas of development of this sophisticated project by Eng. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi. Under his instruction and leadership Azzam was developed from her original concept with the overall requirements in regard to general layout, performance, size and exterior style.

The brief was to build a luxurious large yacht which featured a timeless and innovative design that could travel at high speed even in warm and shallow waters while still providing sophisticated and luxurious accommodation for its guests.

Under Eng. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi's guidance, Azzam's technical engineering was developed by Lurssen, her exterior design by Nauta Yachts and her interior styling by Christophe Leoni, creating what is, undoubtedly, the most challenging and complex yacht ever built.

Azzam breaks new ground in many ways, in terms of her technology, dimensions and performance. As well as being the largest yacht in the world at an unprecedented 180 metres and still being able to reach top speeds of over 30 knots, she also adds another record in regards to building time having spent a mere three years in build following one year of engineering.

Azzam truly represents a milestone in not only Lurssen's history but yachting history as well.

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World’s Biggest Yacht 2024: Azzam 

In this article, we cover facts and information about the world’s biggest yacht in 2024 – Azzam!

A Record-Breaking Superyacht

Launched in 2013 by the renowned German shipbuilder Lürssen Yachts, Azzam continues to hold the title of the world’s largest yacht in 2024. Measuring an extraordinary 180.61 metres in length, this superyacht represents the pinnacle of marine engineering and luxury design. With construction spanning four years, Azzam stands as a marvel of craftsmanship.

A Vision Realised

The creation of Azzam was driven by the vision of its owner, Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi, who led a team of designers and engineers from the bare concept to the final product. This collaboration resulted in an exceptionally complex vessel, featuring cutting-edge technology and unparalleled luxury. The yacht’s exterior, designed by Nauta Yachts , is distinguished by its sleek, elongated profile and elegantly tiered decks leading up to the skydeck.

Luxurious Interiors & Accommodations

Inside, Azzam is equally impressive. The interior, designed by Christophe Leoni, showcases a stunning 95-foot-long main salon, inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century. This grand space is just one example of the yacht’s opulent features, which are designed to provide the utmost comfort for up to 36 guests.

Unmatched Performance & Engineering

Beyond its luxury, Azzam is a powerhouse of engineering. With a beam of 20.8 metres and a draught of 4.5 metres, the yacht accommodates a crew of 80. It’s also powered by two MTU engines and two General Electric gas turbines. This setup enables Azzam to reach an impressive top speed of 31.5 knots. Remarkably, the yacht can maintain high speeds even in shallow waters, thanks to its advanced water jet propulsion system.

A Legacy of Privacy & Prestige

Despite its monumental size and capabilities, Azzam has remained shrouded in privacy, with few details ever released by Lürssen. However, its status as the largest and one of the most advanced yachts ever built is undisputed, a testament to the vision and ambition that went into its creation.

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Florida Has Been De-Throned As The Best Retirement State For A Surprising Alternative

7 beautiful fall train trips that aren't amtrak, why visit the "boulder of oregon", quick links, the azzam: the largest superyacht in the world, the azzam's many features, mystery of ownership and buying a superyacht.

Ever wanted to have one's very own superyacht? While the vast majority of people will never be able to afford a superyacht, a few may be able to rent one for very special occasions. Groups can charter superyachts for a few hundred thousand dollars for a week. But how big can they get? The largest private motorized yacht in the world is thought to be the massive Azzam yacht - she is as big as this opulent part of the market gets.

It is many people's dream to travel around the world by superyacht . But while that may be the exclusive domain of the super-rich, it is still possible for many people to travel around the world by cruise ship or by sailing around the world. There is something magical about the freedom of being on a ship on the high seas or exploring the stunning islands of the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

The largest superyacht in this world is really big. The Azzam is a whopping 180 meters or 590 feet long with a beam of 20.8 meters or 68 feet. To put that in perspective, no one agrees on how big a yacht needs to be until it's considered a superyacht, but it's generally about 40 meters or 130 feet in length.

• Length: 180 Meters or 590 Feet
• Beam: 20.8 Meters or 68 Feet
• Longest: Private Motor Yacht In The World
• Built: In 2013 By German Shipyard Lürssen Yachts
• Name: Means Resolute In English

She was delivered by Lürssen Yachts in Bremen in Germany in 2013. It is also known she was refitted in 2021.

The Azzam has a shallow draft and the ability to travel at high speed in shallow waters. She has a top speed of over 32 knots (37 mph) and carries 1 million liters of fuel. Her range is not known, but it is likely thousands of nautical miles.

It is believed to have cost over $600 million - around $100 million more than the famous superyacht - the Eclipse.

• Cost: Over $600 Million
• Tonnage: 13,136 Gross Tons
• Number of Decks: 5 Decks
• Cabins: 18 Guest Cabins

One thing is for sure, she is large enough for any sized party one would like to have.

Related: Everything You Need To Know Before Sailing From Greece To Croatia

Just as the Azzam is exceptional on the outside, so too is it on the inside. Its main salon has a length of 29 meters or 95 feet with an open plan and no pillars.

Her exteriors were designed by Nauta Yachts S.r.l. and her interiors by Creation Line Decoration.

While many superyachts only have accommodation for up to 12 guests (besides crew), the Azzam has accommodation for up to 36 guests - besides her 60 crew members.

Accommodation:

• Guests: 36 Guests
• Crew: 60 Crew Members

Undoubtedly she will have all the comforts and features of other superyachts. In general, superyachts come with a gym, swimming pool, theater, disco, ballroom, massage room, treatment rooms, sauna, a helicopter landing pad, and other features. They also normally have a full range of water toys including jet skis, scuba diving gear, tenders, kayaks, wakeboards, waterskis, and more.

Related: 25 Things We'd Rather Not Know About Taking A Cruise In The Bermuda Triangle

The owner of the Azzam is a bit of a mystery and a little complicated (as it often is in the superyacht world). Her ower is shown in SYT iQ but that information is exclusively available to subscribers. But it seems she was sold in 2009 - according to Superyachttimes.com she was one of the 295 yachts sold in that year.

• Sold: She Was Sold In 2009

If one would like to buy her, as of the time of writing (June 2022) she is not for sale. However, there are over 2000 other yachts for sale around the world with some costing as much as $180 million. There are also older and smaller yachts for "only" the low millions of dollars.

Anyone with enough money can buy a superyacht - although buying the yacht is only the first expense. The next is paying for the enormous upkeep costs.

Go to renowned ports in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and one will see plenty of the world's superyachts in the ports - especially in the microstate of Monaco.

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Azzam Superyacht – The Largest Superyacht in the World

Owned by an unknown Arabic multi-millionaire and jet-setter, Azzam is set to be the world’s newest and largest superyacht wonder. Poised to sail the seas in the autumn of 2013, the superyacht is currently being built by the revered German shipbuilder Lurssen at their shipbuilding yard at Bremen. A never-seen before ultra-opulent designing further separates the Azzam as a majestic superyacht to roam on the magnificent oceanic waters. Azzam will replace Superyacht Eclipse, presently the world’s largest superyacht.

Although the identity of Azzam’s owner remains a closely held secret, there’s nothing hidden about the superyacht’s engineering features and amenities. The yacht’s construction is based on the engineering model provided by the Italian ship architectural company, Nauta with technical specifications detailed by reputed maritime engineering expert, Mubarak Saad al-Ahbabi. Azzam’s technical dimensions put it right at the top of the world’s biggest superyacht marvels evensurpassing Eclipse, the world’s largest yacht presently.

An overview of Azzam’s constructional superiorities can be enumerated as follows:

• Constructional cost of over US$ 600 million

•  A length of around 180 metres, over 17 metres longer than Eclipse with a beam of almost 21 metres and a draft of nearly 4.5 metres
• A GRT of around 14,000 tonnes
• Accommodation provided by way of 50 luxurious cabin suites with an entourage of about 50 crewing personnel

• State-of-the-art manoeuvring systems accounting for high speeds touching up to 30 knots
• First vessel to be equipped with heatrecycling systems to operate the equipment aiding in the water desalinisation processes
• Unique construction allowing for substantial reduction in the emanating of noxious gasesand enhanced operational efficiency

Azzam’s builderLurssen also holds the distinction of constructing Topaz, presently the world’s fourth largest superyacht. Alongside Topaz and Eclipse, the list of the world’s largest super yachts also includes the likes of Pelorus , owned by the noted Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

With a name that translates to ‘determination’ in English, Azzamtruly presents a strongly determined picture of yachting splendour before the whole wide world to behold.

You may also like to read:- The Awe-Inspiring Adastra Superyacht

References: nydailynews, boatinternational, worldrecordacademy

Image Credits: swide, charterworld, resources0

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In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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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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• What Life Might Look Like on the World’s Biggest Yacht

On a Tuesday morning in September, a six-foot-long plastic model of a boat sat on the second floor of the Explorers Club, looking a little like a beached Orca, sleek and out of place in the tweedy boardroom. The tiny yacht had traveled to East 70th Street from Los Angeles and, before that, made stops in Monaco and Zurich, Cannes, and West Palm Beach — a prop to entice buyers who can spend $10 million on a cabin in the world’s biggest yacht. If it gets made. The boat will be called the Ulyssia and it’s the passion project of Frank Binder, a billionaire from the Merck clan with a thing for boats (he once owned a shipyard in Monaco). Lenny Kravitz, his friend, is onboard to help design interiors. (“He’s a genius.”)

Binder has been doing a world tour to find other buyers — who might be hard to meet. Maintenance hovers around 3 percent a year, or $300,000 for that $10 million one-bedroom. It’s a big ask, especially for a boat that, if he does get recruits, won’t launch until 2028. To help, Binder brought on two former executives from the World , the luxury liner that was the first — and only — to prove rich people want to live … at sea, all year. (It launched in 2002, is still sold out, and has yet to snag on an iceberg or go bankrupt.)

Renato Chizzola , a senior vice-president for the Ulyssia who worked as the general manager of the World for five years, spoke to Curbed about the terrors of elephant seals and why he once hired Israeli snipers to come onboard.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

What did your job on the World look like?? 

I was in charge of lifestyle, expedition, everything — even the kitchen. You have a captain who’s the master of the vessel, and he ultimately will have the last word on safety, security, where we go, where we can’t go. But then you also need to have somebody who has grown up in a galley carrying luggage. I’m 60 in October. When I was 27, I said, “Okay, how can I see the world without having money?” So in 1993, I was hired on the Queen Elizabeth II , then went to hotels, cruises, and in 46 years I traveled to 186 countries. I was allowed to live onboard and basically extend any service, any dream that a resident had.

What’s the difference between this superyacht and the World ? 

The World is now 23 years old. She was created in the late ’80s. She looks like a cruise ship. And the  Ulyssia is a yacht — the designer says this is his masterpiece.

We never had many amenities on the World . Here, we have a deli. We have a library with a card and games room. We have a table-tennis room. We have two paddle-tennis courts all inside, a multipurpose sports deck up there where the helicopters are, two hangers, two submarines to go down to the ocean, seven restaurants.

Then, we have this inflatable marina off the back of the boat. Imagine we’re near Bermuda. It’s a beautiful day. The sea is calm. We stop and we inflate this — it takes an hour — and we have tenders. You can go diving right there off the ship. The sea is yours. This marina is something the World could never ever have done, because there’s no space in the boat to keep that. The World was more elderly, a bit elderly retired. This is way younger. Why? Because we have so many amenities and offer adventure. Here, we are offering fewer apartments with more space. The balconies are huge. Luxury, for them, means space, time and getting whatever they wish, whenever, wherever. Freedom.

Freedom , in a contained location — 

Yes, and in a safe environment, completely protected against any danger. If a resident says, “I want to bring my family there, I want to be safe, I want to have no worries,” safety needs to be core to us. They want the freedom to do what they do at home — to run around with suits, jewelry. And if they are smart enough to say, “I want to go and see real scenarios, not luxury hotels,” they can go places where there’s no luxury and see how the world really works. That’s what this community wants.

Sounds like a security nightmare. 

We will hire ex-Mossad physically, to be on the ship. On the World , we partnered with Marine Guard, one of the world’s best safety and security companies . It provides technical and physical support. And whenever we went to critical places — for example, when we went through the Gulf of Aden, I brought in Israeli snipers to come on the boat. Nobody, no pirate on earth can come in past them. Then on shore excursions, we have every form of security that you can imagine. Satellite images. Images underwater, over water. When we went to Antarctica, to the Northwest Passage — meeting with the Inuits, the Aborigines — you need people who know them. You need people who safeguard you. In the Antarctic, you are only allowed to go with Zodiacs to the beaches. You need people who know that, who know the sea lions, the penguins. We bring them onboard — 20 or 25 people who know everything about every area. And when we do expeditions, we bring on EYOS, one of the greatest expedition leaders in the world, which goes to places like the Titanic .

Is this, like the Titanic , experimental in any way?

No, there are similar yachts. But in four years, when she will hopefully leave port, she will be the greenest yacht of this size ever built. And at that time, we may build for whatever is available in terms of fuel, whether it’s methanol or nuclear. There are vessels already going nuclear, military vessels.

But isn’t this all risky? 

It’s the opposite. You will see more and more environments like this at sea. Why? Because you can escape anything! If there’s an outbreak in New York, a big virus, you just won’t go there. If there’s a war there, you just don’t go there. If there’s a storm, you don’t go there.

So this will be a way for the global elite, basically, to pay to avoid any problem.

Is it going to be a one percent community? Yes, obviously, but they need to do good around the world, otherwise they cannot come to the community.

Imagine the following. We will have a medical center onboard. We have MRI machines. We have a dentistry. Our doctors, when we go to the west coast of Africa, to Senegal, we can have our doctors go out and help. And as we go around the world, we will help to map the ocean floor. We’ll have tools available to measure and send these to oceanic institutions that then take this data. So we are helping to make the world a better place. And that’s the legacy.

How are you going to gauge whether the people who want to live here also want to do good? 

There’s a very tough background check before being allowed to buy. So can it be that a Colombian drug lord or a Russian weapons dealer comes and says, “Oh, I’m going to take ten?” No, that can’t happen. We’re not a community for people from mainland China who don’t speak English and want to spit around. Or aggressive Russians. We are not a community for sheikhs from any Arab countries. And I have nothing against the Chinese and Russians. I love everybody. I’ve been everywhere. But they just don’t fit here, and they won’t come. We want like-minded golf players, tennis players, joggers, bikers, F1 drivers.

We will have roughly 30 to 35 percent Europeans, 30 to 35 percent North Americans, including from Canada, possibly a few from Mexico City, a few from São Paulo. Then we have about 20 percent from Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan. Then we expect to have about 10 percent of people from all over, we don’t know where. It could be anywhere.

They’ll need a certain amount of money to get into this boat and I assume, therefore, that you can’t be that picky. 

No, we can’t. But we try to be. It’s a balance. We meet them three, four, five, six times. We invite them, show them something, then they say, “Oh, I trust these people. I believe in them.” It’s a slow process.

Can a buyer get kicked off?

Oh, absolutely.

What’s the justice system?

There’s a board that’s voted in and we have our chairman on the board. Almost all of the members are people who have either been on yachts, have their own yacht, or have led organizations.

If people have their own yachts, why would they sign up for this? 

They might have a beautiful yacht of a hundred meters, but they can’t hire all these education guides, explorers all the time. We have 22 guest suites. Imagine we’re coming to Japan. Blossom season. We bring an ex Japanese prime minister onboard, maybe a three-star Michelin chef. We bring them on, let’s say, three weeks before. And they lecture. We can have experts speak about anything. Volcanoes, health and wellness, food and beverage, politics, archeology.

And they have you, who’s been to 186 countries. 

Exactly. So when I do speak to people who want to buy and invite them for lunch or a coffee, they listen because they know, Oh, this guy has been there. You don’t need to tell them something that you think can happen. You can actually tell them a story. When I went to Antarctica the last time, in 2009, on the way back to the Zodiac, I am walking and these big elephant seals — those are the big guys, like three tons and ten feet long — and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, there’s a big sound like MWUGHOWUGH and a big one came up, out of the sand. I stood there frozen. These are moments when you think, Is this really happening to me? How fortunate, how lucky am I to be able to experience moments like this? And all the wealthy people say the same.

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