Current Largest Yacht in the World
The largest yacht in the world is currently Azzam, a 180-meter superyacht owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the United Arab Emirates. The vessel was delivered in 2013 and remains the largest privately owned yacht ever built, with a gross tonnage exceeding 13,000 GT and a top speed of over 30 knots.
While Azzam is the largest by length, other yachts compete in volume and interior space. The vessel was constructed at Lürssen Yachts in Germany and is known for its minimalist exterior and massive displacement, making it the benchmark for ultra-large superyachts globally.
Owner Details and Background
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the President of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi until his passing in 2022. The yacht Azzam is believed to have cost over 600 million USD and was built to serve as a private flagship, with its ownership structure tied to the Abu Dhabi royal court rather than a public company.
The yacht flies the flag of the UAE and is managed through a private family office rather than a publicly traded entity. For more details on the owner's broader investments and assets, see the official Abu Dhabi Government portal.
Largest Yacht Rankings and Comparisons
The top three largest yachts by length are Azzam, Eclipse, and Dubai. Azzam leads at 180 meters, followed by Eclipse at 162 meters owned by Roman Abramovich, and Dubai at 162 meters linked to the UAE ruling family. These vessels are often tracked by superyacht databases and industry analysts.
Rankings change when new builds are delivered or existing yachts are sold. The Boat International superyacht database provides updated measurements, builders, and owner information for the current global fleet.