Biggest Yacht in the World 2026: Azzam, REV Ocean & New Records

What is the biggest yacht in the world in 2026? It is a question that captures the imagination of millions of people worldwide — and in 2026, the answer is both clear in terms of current record holders and genuinely dramatic in terms of what’s coming. The title of biggest yacht in the world currently belongs to Azzam — a 180-meter (590-foot) Lürssen-built megayacht delivered in 2013 that remains, in 2026, the longest private motorized vessel ever constructed. But for how much longer Azzam holds that distinction remains one of the most fascinating questions in global yachting — because the remarkable REV Ocean is in final outfitting stages, with delivery targeting late 2026 or 2027, and at an anticipated 183 meters (600 feet), it will take the crown.

This guide is the definitive 2026 overview of the world’s biggest yachts — from current record holders to the vessels approaching completion that will rewrite the record books, with full specifications, ownership details, and what charter clients inspired by these magnificent leviathans can experience through yachtandcoast.com.

In 2026, the world’s biggest yachts represent more than mere size competitions. They represent the engineering limits of what private capital can accomplish, the ambition of their extraordinary owners, and a category of ocean-going vessel that is accelerating into new territory — in scale, sustainability, technology, and design ambition — at a rate that even keenly engaged superyacht watchers can barely keep pace with.

Background and History: The Race to Build the World’s Biggest Yacht

The competition for the title of “biggest yacht in the world” has been ongoing since the modern superyacht era began in earnest in the 1980s. For decades, the record changed hands among vessels commissioned by Saudi royalty, Russian oligarchs, and American tech billionaires — each new build pushing the boundary of what was thought structurally and technically achievable.

Key milestones in the “biggest yacht” record progression:

• 1980s: Saudi royal yachts (Abdul Aziz, Prince Abdulaziz) held the record at ~74m
• 1990: Lady Moura (105m, Blohm+Voss) entered the top tier
• 2003: Octopus (Paul Allen, 126m) briefly held a record
• 2004: Rising Sun (138m, Lürssen) — one of the largest motor yachts
• 2008: Eclipse (164m, Blohm+Voss) set a new record under Roman Abramovich
• 2010: Eclipse was confirmed at ~162m; still extraordinary
• 2013: Azzam (180m, Lürssen) delivered — seizing the undisputed record
• 2026+: REV Ocean (~183m) anticipated to take the crown

The record-breaking game is essentially a byproduct of ambition, engineering capability, and the financial resources of an ever-expanding global super-wealthy class. Each new “biggest yacht in the world” pushes shipyards, designers, and marine engineers to solve problems that have never been solved before.

Key Features & Current Record Holders 2026

Azzam — The Current Biggest Yacht in the World

Azzam’s Records (As of 2026):

• Longest private motor yacht in the world
• Fastest yacht of her size – diesel-electric gas turbine hybrid propulsion generating exceptional speed
• Most expensive yacht in the world at time of delivery (~$600M)
• Largest Lürssen build ever delivered

Azzam was built for the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan — President of the UAE until his passing in May 2022. The vessel remains in the UAE royal family’s possession and is not available for charter under any circumstances.

REV Ocean — The Future Biggest Yacht in the World

REV Ocean is genuinely unique among “biggest yacht” contenders because it is being built with a dual purpose: scientific ocean research AND luxury travel. Røkke’s vision — backed by a substantial foundation endowment — is for REV Ocean to operate as a state-of-the-art research vessel for marine biologists, climate scientists, and ocean conservationists, while also offering luxury charter experiences that fund the ongoing research mission.

This makes REV Ocean, when delivered, not just the biggest yacht in the world but also potentially the most purposeful — a vessel that uses its extraordinary scale in service of understanding and protecting the very ocean it sails.

2026 Latest Updates: REV Ocean Progress & Azzam Status

REV Ocean (March 2026 Update): As of March 2026, REV Ocean is in advanced outfitting stages at VARD’s Norwegian construction facilities. Key systems — propulsion, navigation, scientific laboratory facilities, and guest accommodation — are being completed. The delivery timeline has experienced several delays from its original 2024 target date, with current best estimates pointing to late 2026 at earliest, with 2027 remaining more likely for full operational commissioning.

When REV Ocean is delivered, it will:

• Become the longest private vessel ever built at ~183m
• Hold the world record for the largest scientific research yacht
• Offer charter experiences for a limited number of guests annually at rates that contribute to the Foundation’s conservation mission

Azzam (2026 Status): Following the death of Sheikh Khalifa in 2022, Azzam remains in UAE royal family ownership and continues to be maintained at the highest level. The vessel was sighted in Abu Dhabi waters in late 2025, consistent with continued private operation by the UAE royal household.

Charter Options: Experience Big Yacht Scale in 2026

Both Azzam and REV Ocean are, to varying degrees, outside the conventional charter market. However, for clients who want the experience of a genuinely enormous superyacht:

Charter Options for Maximum Scale in 2026:

Flying Fox — at 136 meters — is the closest available charter experience to the scale of Azzam or REV Ocean. While 44 meters shorter than Azzam, Flying Fox offers something Azzam never will: the opportunity to actually charter it.

Explore maximum-scale superyacht charters at yachtandcoast.com — from 100-meter megayachts to the world’s largest charter vessel.

Best Destinations for the World’s Biggest Superyachts

The world’s biggest yachts are inevitably drawn to destinations that can accommodate their extraordinary draft and need for deep-water anchorages:

Monaco & French Riviera: The classic destination where scale is celebrated. Monaco’s harbor, crowded with mega and superyachts during Grand Prix weekend, is the global stage for the biggest vessels.

Greek Islands (Ionian & Dodecanese): Deep harbors at Corfu, Rhodes, and the Ionian group accommodate large vessels superbly. These islands also offer extraordinary historical and cultural riches.

Turkey (Göcek, Marmaris): Turkey’s yacht charter infrastructure has expanded specifically to accommodate large vessels — with deep-water berths and well-provisioned marinas throughout the Turquoise Coast.

UAE & Abu Dhabi: Home waters for Azzam — the UAE has developed marina infrastructure across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah specifically capable of handling the world’s largest yachts.

Norwegian Fjords: The fjords’ extraordinary depth (many over 300 meters) means even the world’s biggest yachts can navigate and anchor safely — offering Alaska-like wilderness drama with European accessibility.

Why the World’s Biggest Yacht Captivates Everyone

• Scale Beyond Comprehension: 180 meters is nearly twice the length of a football field. Until you see Azzam at anchor, even the most detailed photographs give no real impression of her size.
• Engineering Achievement: Building Azzam required solving propulsion engineering problems that had never been addressed before — her gas-turbine/diesel-electric hybrid generates 94,000 horsepower, making her faster than many naval vessels.
• Financial Statement: At an estimated $600M build cost (2013) and running costs estimated at $60–80M annually, Azzam represents the kind of commitment to maritime excellence that only the world’s most extraordinary wealth enables.
• The Coming Record: REV Ocean’s imminent delivery promises the first breaking of the Azzam length record in over a decade — an event the yachting world is genuinely eagerly anticipating.
• Purpose Evolution: REV Ocean’s research-focused mission suggests a fascinating new model for mega-yachts — vessels whose scale and cost are justified not just by personal luxury but by substantial contribution to ocean science.

Insider Tips for Enthusiasts & Charter Guests

Track REV Ocean’s delivery news. When REV Ocean is officially delivered and operational, it will become the world’s most significant charter opportunity in the “biggest yacht” category. Stay updated through yachtandcoast.com’s news feed.

Visit boat shows to see mega-scale up close. Several yachts exceeding 100 meters attend the Palm Beach International Boat Show, Dubai International Boat Show, and Monaco Yacht Show each year. Seeing them live is an entirely different experience from photographs.

Book Flying Fox for the closest “biggest yacht” charter. At 136 meters, Flying Fox is the largest charter yacht in the world and represents the accessible end of Azzam-scale luxury. Contact yachtandcoast.com for 2026 Flying Fox availability.

Plan any charter itinerary around deep-water ports. If your chartered superyacht is over 80 meters, draft becomes relevant in destination planning. Ask your broker specifically about port capabilities along your preferred itinerary.

Conclusion

In 2026, the biggest yacht in the world title belongs to Azzam — a 180-meter Lürssen masterpiece of UAE royal provenance that has held the record since 2013. But the crown is about to change: REV Ocean, at ~183 meters, is in final outfitting and will rewrite the record books when it arrives — and in doing so, will also introduce a new model for what the world’s biggest yacht can mean beyond personal luxury.

For those inspired by the world’s biggest yachts to experience comparable scale and excellence themselves, the charter market — led by Flying Fox, Amadea, and the extraordinary Lürssen and Feadship fleet — offers truly remarkable options.

Ready to charter a world-class megayacht in 2026? Visit yachtandcoast.com today to explore the largest charter yachts and secure your place among the biggest yacht experiences on earth!

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Image Sourcing & Placement Guide

Image 1

• Position: After Introduction
• Search phrase: “Azzam yacht 180m biggest yacht world Lürssen 2013 aerial profile superyacht”
• Source: Lürssen official Azzam press photography / Boat International Azzam delivery feature
• Caption: Azzam — the 180-meter Lürssen superyacht that has been the biggest yacht in the world since 2013
• Alt text: Azzam biggest yacht world 2026 Lürssen 180m aerial profile UAE royal superyacht

Image 2

• Position: Under ## Background and History
• Search phrase: “biggest yacht record history Eclipse superyacht Blohm Voss 2008 progression”
• Source: Boat International record progression feature / SuperYacht Times biggest yacht history
• Caption: The progression of the “biggest yacht” record — each decade brings a new engineering leap
• Alt text: Biggest yacht world record history progression 2026 Eclipse Azzam comparison chart

Image 3

• Position: Under ## Azzam Specifications
• Search phrase: “Azzam yacht aerial beam profile 180m Abu Dhabi anchor UAE royal 2015 2016 2017”
• Source: Boat International Azzam full profile / SuperYacht Times Azzam technical feature
• Caption: Azzam’s extraordinary width and length — the proportions of the world’s biggest yacht
• Alt text: Azzam yacht aerial 180m biggest yacht profile Abu Dhabi anchor UAE 2026 specifications

Image 4

• Position: Under ## REV Ocean Updates
• Search phrase: “REV Ocean VARD Norway construction 2023 2024 2025 biggest yacht research vessel”
• Source: REV Ocean Foundation official press releases / VARD shipyard construction photography
• Caption: REV Ocean in construction at VARD — the future world’s biggest yacht and ocean research vessel
• Alt text: REV Ocean VARD Norway biggest yacht world 2026 research vessel construction progress

Image 5

• Position: Under ## Charter Options
• Search phrase: “Flying Fox yacht Lürssen 136m charter largest aerial Mediterranean 2020 2021”
• Source: Lürssen / Imperial Yachts Flying Fox charter press photography
• Caption: Flying Fox — the world’s largest charter yacht at 136m and the closest you can get to Azzam’s scale
• Alt text: Flying Fox Lürssen 136m largest charter yacht world 2026 biggest superyacht alternative

Image 6

• Position: Under ## Best Destinations (Monaco)
• Search phrase: “Monaco harbour largest superyachts aerial Grand Prix lineup biggest yachts 2025”
• Source: Getty Images Monaco harbour aerial / Boat International Monaco Yacht Show biggest vessels
• Caption: Monaco harbour during the Grand Prix — the world’s most famous gathering of biggest yachts
• Alt text: Monaco harbour biggest superyachts Grand Prix aerial 2026 largest yachts world

Image 7

• Position: Under ## Why Big Yachts Captivate
• Search phrase: “Azzam yacht speed 31 knots underway water wake engineering fastest megayacht”
• Source: Boat International Azzam speed feature / Lürssen engineering documentation photography
• Caption: Azzam at speed — 31 knots from a 180-meter vessel is an engineering achievement unlike any other
• Alt text: Azzam yacht speed 31 knots biggest yacht world 2026 engineering fastest megayacht

Image 8

• Position: Before Conclusion
• Search phrase: “REV Ocean rendering OR biggest yacht future world survey research 2026 2027”
• Source: REV Ocean Foundation official renderings / VARD designs / Boat International renderings feature
• Caption: REV Ocean — the future biggest yacht in the world, combining extreme scale with ocean science
• Alt text: REV Ocean future biggest yacht world 2026 2027 research vessel luxury delivery