Top 12 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

Dive into the world of ultra-luxury at sea with this guide to the top 12 most expensive yachts in the world. Explore their jaw-dropping designs, high-tech features, and the billionaires behind them.

Why the World’s Most Expensive Yachts Matter

Yachts have long symbolised wealth, freedom, and mastery of the sea. But today’s ultra-luxury yachts—some costing over half a billion dollars—are more than floating mansions. They’re also showcases of cutting-edge naval architecture, engineering excellence, sustainability innovations, and sometimes even international politics.

For maritime professionals, naval architects, and maritime business analysts, these vessels offer a window into advanced shipbuilding materials, propulsion systems, crew logistics, and class compliance (often DNV, Lloyd’s Register, or ABS). For others, they’re aspirational symbols of adventure or technological marvels.

From helipads and submarines to bulletproof windows and hybrid engines, these yachts represent the highest form of ocean-going exclusivity.

In-Depth Look at the Top 12 Most Expensive Yachts

1. History Supreme – Estimated $4.8 Billion

Believed to be owned by a Malaysian billionaire, this controversial yacht is said to feature real gold and platinum—about 100,000 kg used in everything from its base to the dining area. Rumoured to have statues made of T-Rex bones and meteorite rock walls, it’s the most expensive yacht ever claimed to exist.

Note: Many maritime experts consider this vessel speculative, yet it still captures the public imagination.

2. Eclipse – Estimated $1.5 Billion

Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Eclipse is a 162.5-metre marvel built by Blohm+Voss. It boasts two helipads, a missile defence system, bulletproof glass, and a mini-submarine.

Technical features: Diesel-electric propulsion, hybrid power, and advanced onboard security systems.

Classification: Lloyd’s Register

Source: MarineTraffic & Lloyd’s List Intelligence

3. Azzam – Estimated $600 Million

Delivered by Lürssen Yachts in 2013, Azzam held the record as the longest private yacht at 180 metres. Owned by a member of the UAE royal family, its sheer size and speed (over 30 knots) are astonishing for a superyacht.

Propulsion: Gas turbine and two diesel engines (combined 94,000 HP).

Notable Design: Interior by Christophe Leoni, featuring French Empire style.

Registry and Class: Lloyd’s Register, UAE Flag State.

4. Dilbar – Estimated $600 Million

Owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, Dilbar is one of the world’s largest by gross tonnage (15,917 GT). Delivered by Lürssen in 2016, it features a 25-meter swimming pool and a 30,000 kWh battery bank—making it one of the greenest.

Power: Diesel-electric hybrid system, Classed by Lloyd’s Register.

Flag State: Cayman Islands

5. Al Said – Estimated $600 Million

Owned by the Sultan of Oman, this Lürssen-built yacht has space for a 50-piece orchestra. At 155 metres, it combines regal interiors with military-grade performance.

Speed: 22+ knots

Classification Society: Lloyd’s Register

Onboard capacity: Crew of 140, guest capacity of 70

6. Dubai – Estimated $400 Million

Initially a joint project between Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and Blohm+Voss, it was later finished by Platinum Yachts for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai. It spans 162 metres.

Highlights: Mosaic swimming pool, helipad, and guest suites with submersible viewing rooms.

Features: GE gas turbines, SOLAS compliance

7. Radiant – Estimated $320 Million

Built by Lürssen and owned by UAE royalty, Radiant measures 110 metres and has advanced security features, including sonic guns and water cannons.

Performance: 21 knots max speed; twin diesel MTU engines.

Navigation suite: ECDIS-integrated bridge with redundancy.

8. Serene – Estimated $300 Million

Built by Fincantieri for a Russian vodka tycoon, Serene was later chartered by Bill Gates. It features multiple swimming pools, submarine bays, and a snow room.

Technical design: Integrated by Espen Øino, Classed by Lloyd’s Register

Sustainability edge: Uses advanced ballast water treatment systems.

9. Pelorus – Estimated $300 Million

Another Lürssen creation, Pelorus has changed hands several times—from Roman Abramovich to a Saudi businessman. Built for long-range cruising with high efficiency.

Powerplant: Dual Wärtsilä engines, endurance of 5,000 nautical miles

Flag: Bermuda

10. Lady Moura – Estimated $250 Million

Built by Blohm+Voss for Saudi businessman Nasser Al-Rashid. Famous for its gold-plated nameplate and opulent interiors.

Capacity: 60 crew, 30 guests

Noteworthy: One of the first yachts to feature a retractable roof pool.

11. Rising Sun – Estimated $200 Million

Co-built by Lürssen and designed by Jon Bannenberg, originally commissioned for Larry Ellison (Oracle co-founder). Currently owned by David Geffen.

Specs: 138 metres, five decks, cinema, basketball court that doubles as a helipad.

Classification: ABS

12. Octopus – Estimated $200 Million

Owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. A full exploration yacht with a submarine, ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), and dive centres.

Use Case: Supported oceanographic missions and search-and-recovery expeditions.

Class: Lloyd’s Register

Case Study: Dilbar and the Shift Toward Green Luxury

In 2020, Lürssen released a sustainability white paper outlining its hybrid propulsion projects. Dilbar was a flagship example—its battery system allows for zero-emission operation during port stays, reducing GHG emissions by up to 47% compared to diesel-only yachts.

This aligns with IMO’s 2030 GHG reduction goals under MEPC 76 and demonstrates how even ultra-luxury vessels are aligning with MARPOL Annex VI.

FAQs

Why are these yachts so expensive?
Costs reflect not just luxury materials but also engineering complexity, compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations, advanced security systems, and customization.

Do they follow the same regulations as commercial vessels?
Yes. Yachts over 500 GT must comply with SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISM Code requirements. Most are classed by IACS members.

Who designs these yachts?
Naval architects like Espen Øino, Terence Disdale, and shipyards like Lürssen, Blohm+Voss, and Fincantieri are frequent collaborators.

Can they go anywhere in the world?
Mostly yes—subject to flag state rules, port state control inspections, and compliance with the STCW Convention for crew.

Do they use satellite navigation?
Absolutely. They use ECDIS, Inmarsat, GPS, and increasingly, AI-based voyage planning tools.

How are they crewed?
Typical crews range from 30 to 100+. All must have STCW certifications, and many are trained in hospitality as well.

Conclusion

From hybrid propulsion systems to submarine hangars, the world’s most expensive yachts aren’t just floating palaces—they are cutting-edge maritime achievements. They showcase what’s possible when luxury meets technology, and their innovations often ripple down to influence commercial vessel design.

For seafarers and maritime professionals, these yachts are more than symbols of wealth—they’re previews of the future of naval engineering, sustainability, and human-centered vessel design.

Whether you dream of captaining one or designing the next, understanding these masterpieces offers valuable insight into the future of high-end shipbuilding.

References

 

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