First founded in 1875, German shipyard Lürssen has grown to become one of the world’s leading builders of luxury superyachts. The yard has launched some of the world’s most iconic superyachts, including the 127 metre Octopus, 138 metre Rising Sun and the longest yacht in the world, the 180.61 metre Azzam. In fact, Lürssen currently holds a near-monopoly in the construction of supersized superyachts, having delivered 13 of the world’s top 25. BOAT rounds up the 10 largest superyachts ever built by Lürssen.
Azzam
Length: 180.61m
Launched in 2013, Lürssen’s 180 metre superyacht Azzam remains the largest yacht in the world. The flagship of the German yard’s fleet, Azzam features exterior design penned by Nauta Design. Azzam’s impressive propulsion package consists of two gas turbine engines and 2 x MTU diesel engines driving two Wartsila axial flow Modular waterjets and two boosters. Altogether they produce 97,000hp, resulting in a top speed of 33 knots. This means that Azzam is not only the largest yacht in the world but one of the fastest too.
Dilbar
Length: 156m
The 156 metre Dilbar is the largest Lürssen superyacht by volume, with a massive 15,917GT spread across seven decks. Following Dilbar’s delivery in 2016, the yard revealed the yacht claimed two other records – a 180 cubic metre swimming pool believed to be the largest on any yacht, and a 30,000kw diesel-electric power plant. The propulsion package is thought to be the most powerful ever fitted to a superyacht and results in a cruising speed of 22.5 knots. Dilbar features exterior design by Espen Øino with interiors by Winch Design and is currently the fourth longest yacht in the world.
Read More/10 facts about Lürssen's 156m superyacht DilbarAl Said
Length: 155m
The 155 metre Al Said, which was delivered in 2008, holds the record as the fifth largest yacht in the world and also includes a cavernous 15,850GT traditionally styled interior designed by RWD. Inside, Al Said offers huge entertaining spaces and accommodation for a total of 65 guests, but the yacht’s standout feature must be its on board concert hall large enough to hold a 50-person orchestra. First delivered in 2008, Al Said’s exterior comes from the boards of Espen Øino.
A+
Length: 147.25m
Previously known as Topaz, the Tim Heywood designed A+ was first delivered in 2012 and is understood to have been previously owned by Middle Eastern royal and politician Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Listed among the largest superyachts in the world, A+ features a helicopter landing pad at its bow and interiors penned by Terence Disdale.
Nord
Length: 141.6m
Delivered in 2021, the 141.6 metre Lürssen superyacht Nord was a new entry into the top 25 largest yachts in the world this year. Designed by Nuvolari Lenard, Nord was known as Opus and Project Redwood while in-build and boasts a number of premium superyacht features including a sports and diving centre on the lower deck, a large swimming pool and two superyacht helipads. Nord is accompanied by a fleet of tenders measuring up to 15 metres on its worldwide adventures and features accommodation for 36 guests in 20 staterooms.
Scheherazade
Length: 140m
Lürssen’s 140 metre superyacht Scheherazade is another new entry to the list following delivery in 2020. Previously known as Project Lightning, Scheherazade features an Espen Øino-designed exterior and four-deck aluminium superstructure. Key exterior features include two large helipads – one at the bow and one on the upper deck – and a prominent beach club aft. Reportedly owned by a Middle Eastern billionaire, this yacht is designed with warmer climates in mind.
Al Salamah
Length: 139.29m
Launched in 1999 as the largest yacht in the world, Al Salamah once belonged to Saudi royalty, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Designed inside and out by Terence Disdale, Al Salamah features a 12,234GT interior large enough to accommodate a total of 40 guests in 21 staterooms and a further 96 crew members.
Rising Sun
Length: 138.01m
Delivered in 2004, Lürssen’s 138 metre Rising Sun was the last yacht to ever come from designer Jon Bannenberg’s drawing board. Originally built for former Oracle CEO Larry Eliison, Rising Sun experimented with extensive use of structural glass, resulting in a clean profile. Now owned by media mogul David Geffen, Rising Sun boasts 8,000 square meters of living space and can accommodate 16 guests and 45 crew members. Other features include a wine cellar and basketball court.
Read More/Iconic yachts: Inside the design journey of the 138m Lürssen superyacht Rising SunFlying Fox
Length: 136m
Famous for being the most expensive charter yacht in the world with a price tag of €3m a week, the 136-metre, six-deck Lürssen yacht Flying Fox features a curving exterior designed by Espen Øino with interiors from Mark Berryman. Among Flying Fox’s premium features are a total of five fireplaces, an in-built irrigation system for the yacht’s array of greenery and the first cryosauna ever installed on a yacht. Elsewhere, Flying Fox is fitted with two galleys – one for crew and one for guests – run by a total of four permanent chefs.
Read More/10 facts about Lürssen's 136m superyacht Flying FoxCrescent
Length: 135.5m
The 135.5 metre Crescent is the tenth biggest Lürssen superyacht in the world and like many on this list boasts the exterior design signature of Espen Øino. Delivered in 2018, Crescent has a 21 metre beam and 9194GT interior volume with styling penned by Francois Zuretti. Other features include a striking black hull with a bulbous bow with a five-deck superstructure.