inside azzam superyacht

• Impressions

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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Inside Azzam: The Incredible Superyacht

A yacht is arguably one of man’s most beautiful creations to grace the ocean and seas. They are not only gigantic but luxurious, durable, timeless, and innovative in design. One yacht stands out and embodies both luxury and class; Azzam Superyacht. 

Not only do superyachts provide individuals with an ability to experience the world’s oceans unlike any other vessel, they are also a reflection of what’s possible when innovation meets design. From engineering to construction, it’s no wonder superyachts are revered for their beauty and immense capabilities. Yachts which are as long as 78 feet are said to be superyachts, and Azzam fits perfectly in such a class. 

Azzam Superyacht is currently the largest yacht in the world . Its size is gigantic to the point that the paint used to cover its exterior can be used on 38,000 cars. It was launched in April 2013 by Lürssen Yachts, thereby displacing the previous record-holder Eclipse (which is owned by the Russian billionaire and Chelsea football club owner, Roman Abramovich) as the largest yacht in the world. 

Specifications of Azzam Superyacht

This phenomenal Superyacht took a whopping four years to build , involving the efforts and professionalism of the world’s most experienced. Azzam’s yacht design is considered a massive achievement as it was both complex and challenging to execute, with such finesse and excellence. 

The strenuous construction and humongous human resources needed to build this 590-feet-long superyacht has resulted in the creation of one of the world’s finest superyacht. 

However, the goal wasn’t to build the biggest yacht in the world but rather to combine luxury, comfort, balance, elegance, and functionality in one masterpiece.

Luxury & Interior

While the exterior of a yacht may appeal to some, the most elegant features lie in its interior. Christophe Leoni designed Azzam’s interior and modelled it after a relaxed French Empire style. With this masterpiece, Azzam “eclipsed the Eclipse” in style, luxury, and prowess.

This incredible Superyacht boasts approximately 50 suites, can accommodate 36 guests, and needs a crew of 60 people. Its exquisite complexity and class are unique and astonishing. Each cabin is laden with a certain feel of royalty, style, and comfort.

Engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbadi supervised Azzam’s technical engineering. What’s more, the superyacht was developed by Lürssen and had its exterior completed by Nauta Yacht. What’s more, Azzam boasts a top speed of 31.5knots, which is achieved thanks to her innovative water-jet propulsion system. This yacht also has a missile defense system! 

In conclusion

The Azzam sits at an estimated US $600M in value, which is about $100million more than Eclipse. This isn’t surprising when you consider its ground breaking technology and the immense value it offers. Indeed, three years of building and one year of engineering didn’t go to waste. Azzam is unparalleled, and its elegance is unlike anything else!

For more information about the range of superyachts, visit our website or get in touch .

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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: Behind the design of the world's largest superyacht

In October 2013, Lürssen shipyard delivered the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, 180 metre Azzam . With a staggering 13,000GT (approx), the all-white yacht has held its title unchallenged for nearly seven years. Although this reign will come to an end with the delivery of 183 metre REV , it is a project that has captured the attention and imagination of those who have laid eyes on her.

Designed by Italian studio Nauta Design , the focus for the team was to create a design with a strong character while also being able to endure the test of time. Using a combination of elements from contemporary, modern architecture, Azzam was designed to mark a milestone in the global superyacht fleet for decades to come.

“ Azzam features balanced, modern architecture composed of straight lines and proportional volumes, which are some of the main design principles of Nauta Design,” explained Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design.

“When we were called to participate in pitching for the exterior styling of this yacht we knew it would be the most demanding work of our career, defined by the strictest and most challenging requests in term of dimensions, performances and technology. What made us confident to be able to deal with such a challenge was the interpretation of the client’s brief. The best technology was required in order to obtain the highest performance possible.”

Inspired by the studio’s earlier concepts Light 80 and Light 90, 82 and 90 metres respectively, Azzam was a giant leap in scale and presented both creative and technical challenges, with pressure added to the project by a tight deadline for delivery.

"We all made a huge effort to comply with an incredibly short, thus very challenging, design and production schedule which Lürssen actually succeeded in achieving — even a month ahead of time,” said Pedol in an interview with BOAT International in 2014.

Azzam ’s record-breaking build time was under three years from steel cutting, following one year of engineering according to the German shipyard. This is much owed to Burgess who acted as the owner's technical consultant and project manager throughout the entire build.

Azzam has an official top speed of 30 knots thanks to two diesel engines combined with two gas turbines that produce 70,095 kW (94,000hp) and are connected to waterjets. This is an incredible achievement for a vessel of this size, made all the more significant when considering the speed in which the project took to deliver.

“We’ve had a lot of compliments for Azzam ,” Pedol revealed to BOAT International during a candid interview in early 2015. “They all talk about elegance and balance, that she doesn’t look as big as she is, and I think this is a good achievement.”

More stories

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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Azzam Specifications

• Model Custom
• Hull Colour -
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts
• Exterior Designer Nauta Design
• Interior Designer Christophe Leoni
• Length Overall 180.6m
• Length at Waterline -
• Draft (min) -
• Draft (max) 4.3m
• Gross Tonnage -
• Cabins Total -
• Hull Configuration -
• Hull Material Steel
• Superstructure -
• Deck Material -
• Fuel Type Diesel / Gas Turbine
• Manufacturer -
• Power 47000 hp
• Total Power 47000 hp
• Propulsion -
• Max Speed 30 Kn
• Cruising Speed -
• Fuel Capacity -
• Water Capacity -
• Generator -
• Stabilizers -
• Thrusters -
• Amenities -
• Yacht Builder Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Exterior Designer Nauta Design View profile
• Interior Designer Christophe Leoni No profile available

Yacht Specs

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• What It’s Like to Watch an America’s Cup Race Right From the Water

We enjoyed a bucket-list day watching AC75 raceboats in Barcelona, courtesy of a charter sailboat loaded with gourmet food and Dom Pérignon.

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Taihoro , which will be defending the America’s Cup for New Zealand, is a vessel of singular beauty: The sails are 87 feet high, it has a sci-fi-looking carbon-fiber hull, with slots where the sailors sit low during high-speed racing, and spindly, insect-looking foils that emerge as it maneuvers down the racecourse.

To watch these futuristic, technological marvels at home is one thing. But seeing them in real life makes me realize why America’s Cup is called F1 of the Seas. These racers—and the hydrogen-powered chase boats that shadow them—are unlike anything on the water, and we’ll get to spend a day watching them race, while enjoying Michelin-caliber meals, Champagne, and craft cocktails, courtesy of the Barcelona-based boutique hotel Almanac.

“You could watch from the beach, but here you have the opportunity to be in the thick of the action,” says the sailboat’s captain, David Mocholi, voicing my thoughts. It’s a blue-sky afternoon on the Mediterranean Sea, with temperatures of 81 degrees and winds between 8 to 10 knots. Perfect racing conditions. Even from the water, I can make out the crowds at the Fanzone Plaça del Mar looking out towards us. Onboard, there’s just 10 of us, with a fully stocked bar and a steady flow of haute cuisine.

As Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and NYYC American Magic jockey for position at the start of the first race, an excited buzz sweeps across the spectator boats. You can feel the electric anticipation in the air. Some of the bigger sightseeing boats are standing room only, with fans crowding the best vantage points. Other vessels are testing their horns at full volume for the finish-line celebrations.

As part of the Almanac on Board package, the 45-foot Jeanneau will bring up to 10 guests to the races every Saturday until the final weekend, October 26, when the America’s Cup winner is crowned. The vessel is one of an assortment of possible charter boats that spectate during the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup racing in Barcelona.

The first race between the Italians and Americans is good, but not close. Luna Rossa crosses the finish line with a 40-second win. I note that our boat’s vibe, which is full of journalists, is more laid back than our neighbors, who are cheering at full volume and blasting their horns. Our group is more interested in the cuisine.

Not me. Having been a fan of sailboat racing for years, I’m determined to take full advantage of this opportunity. Our sailboat is slated to be in the preferred charter boat zone, but Mocholi has eased us into the AC Teams and Partner Boats zone, effectively sneaking into the VIP area for a much better view. But like every spectator boat, we’re still a fair distance from the course. The Guardia Civil and customs officers in rigid-hulled inflatables patrol the spectator zones, ensuring all boats stay behind the line.

Sailing tends to be considered a dull, slow sport by some. But foiling boats have changed the game by making racing fast, thrilling and won not just by speed, but also by tactics and risk. I follow the action live when the racers are closest, moving between the bow and cockpit for the best view. When the two boats disappear to the course’s far end, I watch in real-time on the boat’s iPad. All spectator boats have viewing systems rigged up.

As part of the charter, Almanac has five-star touches from its Barcelona property on board: The cushions and bespoke toiletries are nice, but even more so the large beach towels, sunscreen, and baseball caps we are gifted. Most welcome, however, is the tasting menu from the hotel’s restaurant, Virens, and craft cocktails from its rooftop bar, Azimuth. We enjoy appetizers at first and then a tapas-style feast, creatively prepared by the hotel’s chefs using local ingredients and served by their wait staff.

During the event, the Dom Pérignon, is flowing and everyone is having a good time, even if they’re not as enamored as I am with the racing. As we slip back into Port Veil, the cool cranberry, vodka, and lime cocktail we sip is perfect after a day at sea.

The range of vessels around us shows how easy it is to be a waterborne spectator for the America’s Cup. And that’s exactly as it should be, especially now that the initial round robin is complete and the semi-finals will start on Saturday. 

Almanac on Board packages start at $2,940 for two people for two nights accommodation in a suite, complimentary breakfast and private transfers to and from the port to watch the races on the Jeanneau 45.

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