- The record-breaking length of 180 meters has long been an unchallenged champion among the globe's largest yachts.
For the 15th time, the high-end boating publication "Boote Exklusiv" has recognized the 200 biggest yachts globally. Predominantly among the showstoppers of the list, fresh challengers to the throne are rare. The "Azzam," maintaining its title as the world's largest yacht, stretching 180 meters long, is expected to retain its crown until 2026. The yacht's launch a decade ago set benchmarks no other vessel has managed to match since. To manage the well-being of around 36 individuals onboard, an 80-strong crew is necessary on "Azzam." A rough estimate of the construction costs puts the figure at a staggering 600 million USD, with annual maintenance expenses approximated to be at least 50 million USD, according to "Superyachtfan."
In comparison to "Azzam," the Sultan of Oman's "Fulk Al Salamah" comes second, despite being only 164 meters long. However, its 20,361 gross tons places it as the "most capacious" yacht. At first glance, the "Fulk Al Salamah" seems more like a mini-cruise ship than a personal aquatic residence.
Breaking into the top 5 only two years back is the "Blue," a masterpiece that Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired from the German Lürssen shipyard. At 160 meters long, "Blue" meets every luxury standard one could expect from a boat this size. Two helicopter landing pads allow flexible transportation to land, and the diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system aims to reduce the environmental impact, considering its nature as a colossal vessel.
Rounding off this year's top 10 is the newly-inducted "Opera," measuring 146.35 meters long. Reportedly owned by Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brother of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the titans are both sons of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder and first president.
To be included in the list of the 200 largest yachts globally, a boat of 75 meters is now required, as per "Boote Exklusiv." The criteria for the first 100 ships is 90 meters.
Just shy of 200 meters: Change is brewing at the top
Experts forecast a shift at the top for the upcoming ranking. Currently under construction at the Norwegian Vard shipyard is the "REV Ocean," a pet project of Norwegian tycoon Kjell Inge Røkke. The vessel is expected to eclipse the "Azzam" at 194.9 meters long and has been designed for research expeditions. Consequently, the "REV Ocean" will house scientific equipment opposite its opulent accommodations.
A peek at this year's ranking is available in the above gallery. The comprehensive ranking list can be found in the latest issue of "Boote Exklusiv" (12.90 euros).
The "REV Ocean," currently under construction, is anticipated to disrupt the ranking, surpassing the "Azzam" as the world's largest yacht due to its length of 194.9 meters. Despite its primary focus on research expeditions and scientific equipment, the "REV Ocean" will still cater to luxury accommodations.
The upcoming ranking by "Boote Exklusiv" is predicted to witness a shift at the top, as numerous newcomers aim to challenge the current ranking, with the "REV Ocean" being one of the key contenders.
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